10 Things About Fibromyalgia

Don’t over-do yourself

Some days you feel great, like you’re on top of the world. You tend to do some things you know you shouldn’t; mow the yard, then clean the house, then go for a walk, work in the garden. Yes, you feel great today, but tomorrow, you will pay for it. You will hurt, and have a fibro-flair. Always keep in mind, the things you do today affect the way you feel tomorrow.

Walking helps

Going for a stroll around the block. I’m not talking about taking a 5 mile walk with a friend. Any movement will help the stiffness. Even a small stroll around the neighborhood. Gradually build up to longer walks.

Get some help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask your spouse, or significant other, to help you out if you’re having a bad flair-day. Communicate, let your spouse, or significant other know you’re having a bad flair-day, and you’re going to need some help around the house, or with shopping.

Find the information

Find a book about fibromyalgia, look up information online. It’s all out there for you to find. From latest research to holistic help, there is information. Google is a wonderful tool, use it!

Share the information

When my mother was diagnosed, I didn’t know anything about what fibromyalgia was, but we learned about it together. When I was diagnosed, my husband didn’t know anything about it besides my mother also had fibromyalgia. We sat down together, and I shared the information that I knew. We spent hours on the internet, reading information. He understands now, and it is easier for me and him when I’m having a bad flair day.

Don’t just lay in bed

 But don’t over-do yourself! You will learn your limits; it’s a process of trial and error. When you’re having a bad flair day, you will be tempted to do nothing at all. Don’t follow this feeling. Get up and do a few simple things like laundry or dishes, go for a small stroll even if it’s to the end of the block. The more you sit around, the stiffer you will become.

Join a support group

Whether it is on-line or a small local group, being able to talk with people that know what you’re going through helps. Share tips and ideas; get to know someone that understands your situation. Even meet someone that you can vent to when you’re starting to feel like your losing the battle.

Keep your doctor informed

Keep your doctor in the loop; let him know how you are feeling. If your medication is helping. There are some great websites that you can use to track your fibromyalgia on a daily basis. Share this information with your doctor, don’t hide things because you feel like your complaining or whining, your doctor needs to know what is going on, so that he can help you better

 Keep yourself informed

There are online trackers that you can chart your medication, your pain levels, and your triggers amongst other things. One of my personal favorite is: http://www.paitentslikeme.com  it helps you track your stress triggers, how your medication(s) are working. Your weight. It’s very helpful.

Don’t let your fibro define you

Always remember, you have fibromyalgia, fibromyalgia does not have you. There are ways to manage your pain. There are other people with fibro, whom are ready and willing to talk and lend a helping hand.

Managing fibro, is a daily routine, eat healthy, be healthy, you’ll feel better. When you feel like you are down, and your fibro is starting to take a toll on you, take a deep breath, scream, yell, and even cry. Write a blog about it, call a friend. Relax, and remember, you are in control.