This question was asked though FIBRO CONNECT the Fibro Blogger Directory newsletter - What Works to Help Your Fibromyalgia? and this is my answer. You can view this on video or read the transcript below the video.
Transcript of video:
On a day to day level the things that help me cope with fibro and all of it's myriad symptoms are:
1. Pacing myself - I can usually do any activity for about 15 minutes - e.g. sweep, or tidy things away or clean, - and if the pain increases I change activities. I use to try and push on through but have realised it does not help in the long run. Pacing has really been a breakthrough for me. The house may suffer but I try and keep the main areas clean and clear so that I can have less pain and fatigue.
2. Gentle stretches - like sitting on the floor and trying to touch toes and holding for 2 minutes. My worst pain is in the stiff ol' hips, so this helps. I also do a few exercises and stretches lying in the bed, usually before I go to sleep.
3. Hot spa of bubbling water or a hot bath or hot shower. It does not last long but it is the only thing that works for me when I am at my wits end and have already taken pain killers and they are not working.
4. Connecting with others who have fibromyalgia on facebook and twitter and through their blogs is a great source of distraction. When I am on the computer I tend to be in my brain and not in my body which means I am not focusing on pain.
5. Taking a constant minimum painkiller helps reduce the pain levels a little.
6. Distracting myself with a book or a TV show, a movie or the computer or suduko takes my mind off my symptoms, as long as I can find a comfy position (which is sometimes difficult).
7. Keeping dairy and wheat out of my diet, as much as possible, helps to reduce my joint pain so, hey, any less pain is good don't you think?
I hope these suggestions of mine help you. Everybody is different. Why not add your suggestions or a link to a blog post about the same topic. What works for you when coping with Fibromyalgia?
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good advice
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda thanks for joining in. Hope you are having a good week.
DeleteStretching is something that I feel I really should try. Although my balance is awful when we have finished out decluttering and have a bit more space I am am hoping to begin some very basic Yoga. Passing yourself is top of my list too although occasionally it is worth blowing the spoon budget (for instance when I decorated the Christmas Tree).
ReplyDeleteDon't worry too much about your balance - lots of yoga can be done lying down. We are decluttering too - must be that time of the year. So much stuff - so many unused things. I am taking some to the local shops giving tree today where you can leave unused unopened gifts. I'm glad you are enjoying your Christmas decorations. The spoon thing seems like second nature to us in that we understand it. I explained it to my daughter and it really helped her understand my energy levels. When we were Christmas shopping she asked "How many spoons do you have left now?" It's great to have another family member that gets it. Good luck with your decluttering Susan. x
DeleteLow back agony is one of the most punctual side effects of arthritis. For individuals beyond 60 years old, arthritis is the most incessant reason for low back agony. What’s The Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Fibromyalgia
ReplyDeleteHi Charles, back pain may be exereienced with fibromyalgia but it is not a hallmark symptom. Yes, many of the symptoms of RA and fibromyalgia are similar but the main difference is that RA has inflammation of the joints and fibro does not.
DeleteGreat advice. I stretch every day as well. Also In the last few months I found a magnesium cream and it's amazing. I put it all over my body and my muscles are going down not rock hard anymore. I also swim and hot baths works wonders. I have learnt to rest for an hour or two when I aren't working and sleep if I need too. Compared to a year ago I am so much better. There is hope even when some days are crap
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your great advice and I'm so pleased these things are working to reduce your fibromyalgia symptoms.
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