Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Awareness

Raise awareness about Fibromyalgia by understanding its symptoms, impact, and the importance of support for those living with this chronic condition.

  • My Own 6 Ways That I am Living Well With Fibromyalgia

    As we talked about in a previous post, getting treatment for your fibromyalgia is always important. Putting off your treatment can allow symptoms to worsen, and when you do finally seek treatment, it may be more difficult to get symptoms under control. However, not all your fibromyalgia management has to come from physicians and specialists. While medical treatment should definitely be part of your treatment plan, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your fibromyalgia, too.

    1. Know your limits and pace yourself

    Plan ahead a little. If you know you’ve got a dozen errands to run this week, spread them out over several days instead of doing them all at once. Better yet, ask a friend or spouse to handle a few of those errands. You might even consider services like home grocery delivery, dry cleaning pick-up, or mobile pet groomers that come to your front door. If it makes your life more manageable, go for it.

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    Also, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance at stores. Request that the bagger at the grocery store keep your bags on the light side, or ask if someone can help you load your heavy new TV or bag of cat litter into your car. Once you get home, ask a neighbor to give you a hand carrying anything heavy or awkward.

    2. Take the time to get enough rest

    This includes both during the day and at night. Avoid taking long naps late in the day, since they may interfere with your ability to sleep at night. However, it’s completely okay to lie down for ten minutes and just relax if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.

    When bedtime rolls around, try to find ways to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. Avoiding long naps in the evening will help. You can also try any or all of these tips. If nothing’s working, talk to your physician. Sleep may seem like a very small thing compared to pain, but it can impact every aspect of your day. Another easy way to help yourself sleep better is to get some exercise throughout the day.

    3. Exercise regularly

    This doesn’t mean doing something extreme like running a 10K. It means working some moderate physical activity into your daily routine. Low-intensity exercises like walking, stretching, or light weightlifting can all be beneficial. Even your normal daily activities, like gardening, sweeping, or vacuuming, can count toward your exercise for the day.

    Yoga is a very popular form of exercise for people with fibromyalgia. It’s a very low-impact, easy-to-modify form of exercise, so you don’t have to push yourself past your capabilities. Additionally, the breathing techniques, meditation, and emphasis on stress reduction in most yoga classes can go a long way toward helping you control stress-related pain.

    4. Control your stress

    Stress tends to make everything worse. If you’re already hurting, a stressful day will amplify your pain. Therefore, controlling your stress levels can really make a difference in your pain management. Meditation and breathing techniques, like the ones taught in yoga classes, are a great way to manage stress. Exercise can also reduce stress. The simplest way to lower your stress, though, is to take some time to do something you enjoy.

    Sit down with a good book. Take an afternoon tea break. Go for a mani/pedi (guys can go for clear polish to get the benefits without the fancy colors!). Splurge on a massage – which can help relieve painful muscle tension and swelling, in addition to helping you lose the stress.

    Finding a creative outlet can also make a big difference. Creative therapies, which include music, art, dance, or drama therapies, have been shown to help manage mood disorders like depression. Since depression commonly goes hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia (and can even worsen pain symptoms), taking the time to find a creative hobby may help you reduce your stress and feel happier and healthier.

    You don’t necessarily have to find a formal creative therapy class. Take up a creative hobby you’ve always been interested in. Just be careful to modify your new hobby for your pain condition. If you’re looking into dance, be careful it’s not so intense that it worsens your pain. If you’re considering taking up painting, set up a comfortable work station so you don’t get sore after hours of sitting on a hard stool. If you’re going to start writing, make sure you have an ergonomic desk setup.

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    5. Find ways to stay comfortable all day

    This may seem pretty straightforward, but it’s a biggie. Make sure the chair you sit in all day is as comfortable as possible. If you’re reading, prop your arms up with pillows; consider getting an e-reader if you find yourself drawn to the really big, heavy books. As you go about your day, take note of times when you’re uncomfortable and try to find simple solutions like these to ease your pain.

    Keeping warm can also contribute to your pain relief. Cold drafts should be avoided, so close your windows or call a handyman if your house is chilly. A warm shower can also head off some pain if you’re chilled.

    Also, simple as it may seem, buy comfortable clothes. Go for pants with wide waistbands or drawstrings. Avoid very tight or constricting clothing. Try on clothes before buying, and make sure you stand, sit, bend, and walk while trying them on. Pay attention to fabrics that are more comfortable for you. Cotton, satin, or fleece tend to work well. Also, consider looking for clothes with printed tags, rather than sewn-in tags.

    6. Watch what you eat and drink

    Basically, try to eat a healthy diet. Get food from all five food groups (proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables). Choose fresh and natural over processed and preserved, when possible. Some foods have a tendency to make fibromyalgia pain worse, so if you can, try to avoid these foods:

    • Foods high in saturated fats
    • Foods high in calories
    • Refined sugars
    • Aspartame (an artificial sweetener)
    • Monosodium glutamate (MSG, a flavoring used often in Chinese foods)
    • Tobacco products
    • Caffeine
    • Alcohol

    When in doubt, you can always try the “elimination diet.” Limit your food to the basics from each food group, and slowly add in one food at a time, paying attention to see how it affects you. This way, you’ll be able to see if pizza or Frappuccinos are to blame for the extra pain you’ve been experiencing.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Exercising with a disability

    As anyone with a disability knows, a disability can definitely complicate life at times—but it certainly doesn’t make life impossible. The same is true of exercising with a disability. Exercise can seriously boost moods, decrease pain, and increase flexibility and balance. In addition, using remaining abilities can help prevent the future loss of those abilities.

    Exercise is just as important for people with disabilities as for those without.

    To get an idea of the potential positive effects of exercise on a disabled person, the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) relayed the story of a young man who was wheelchair bound. He suffered from persistent pressure sores, which forced him to stay in bed while the sores healed. While in his chair, the young man was supposed to do pressure reliefs regularly to prevent more sores, but he never did. Because of this, the young man was unable to attend school regularly, and he participated very little in life.

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    According to the NCHPAD website, this changed when the young man, Bobby, became interested in a very specific type of exercise:

    “He began to focus upon how strong his upper body could be. He worked out and got stronger and bigger. Pressure reliefs, previously performed by leaning over on alternating elbows for 10 seconds, were now performed as full pushups from the armrests for a full minute, as Bobby would look over his shoulders to admire the development of his deltoid and tricep muscles. School attendance became regular. Bobby joined a swimming program and spent two winters participating in a downhill skiing program.”

    Becoming interested in exercise not only improved his physical health, but it improved his mood, mental health, and social life. In fact, a recent study even found that physical activity could improve mental function in elderly individuals with cognitive impairments or dementia.

    A professional can help figure out how to modify exercises to allow for disabilities.

    Before starting any new exercise, talk to a physician. He or she may be able to give suggestions for length of workouts, positions or activities to avoid, and perhaps even exercise ideas. A personal trainer or physical therapist can also be helpful. A physician should be able to provide a referral for a therapist. To find a personal trainer, call or visit gyms and ask if anyone there has experience working with disabled people. A quick Google search can also turn up options for personal trainers.

    Keep an eye out for exercise locations that offer disability-modified activities, too. For example, some yoga studios have classes in adaptive yoga. Indoor therapy pools, which are often heated and equipped with a wheelchair ramp, are sometimes open to the public.

    Exercising from a chair is a good option for anyone with a disability.

    For those with a disability affecting the lower limbs, arm exercises from a chair or wheelchair can get the blood moving. Something as simple as air-punching can help strengthen the arms. A resistance band can also be put to good use. Loop the resistance band under the chair, and stretch the arms forward and back, up and down, while holding the resistance band. Small weights are easy to use for chair exercises.

    Additionally, a great piece of equipment for anyone who wants to exercise the legs is a portable pedal exerciser, like these. However, this can be useful for arm exercises, too. Firmly attach the pedal exerciser to a table, and it can be used to get a great upper-body workout.

    To exercise the legs from a chair, simply straighten and lower the legs. Holding the leg out for a few seconds can increase the challenge, as can adding a Velcro-attached ankle weight.

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    If the traditional types of exercise are boring or uninteresting, play some video games.

    Video games no longer constitute sitting on the couch for hours on end, moving nothing but the fingers and thumbs. Now, games encourage players to move around. Lots of these games can be done from a chair or wheelchair, and several are safer versions of real-life games.

    For example, boxing is a very intense (and dangerous) sport, but playing Wii boxing can be done sitting down and carries no risk of suffering a knockout. In fact, using video games for exercise is so effective that some school districts use these games, sometimes called “exergames,” to provide special needs children with a way to do physical education classes.

    Each gaming system is a little different, just as each game is different. Some systems, like the Kinect for XBOX 360, encourage players to stand and move, so that playing a soccer game is almost as intense as participating in a real-life soccer game. Other systems, like the Wii, focus mainly on arm-movements, with extra equipment, like dance pads or balance boards, that focuses on the lower body. When thinking of purchasing a gaming system or game for exercise, go to a game-focused store like Game Stop and ask the employees questions. This will ensure that the system or games are a good fit for each person and his or her disability.

    However, be warned: The greatest benefit of video games is also its greatest challenge. When exercise feels like a game instead of exercise, it’s all too easy to accidentally spend hours playing, which leads to seriously sore muscles the next day. It might be a good idea to set a timer while playing video games that include exercise.

    There are many resources available to help people with a disability find ways to exercise.

    Medical professionals are often the first source for information, so be sure to ask lots of questions. Physicians, nurses, and therapists are often aware of small, local programs and opportunities that are nearly impossible to find without help. Talk to friends and coworkers, too. Nearly everyone has a friend or family member with a disability, and some might have great ideas for exercise.

    Also, check out the NCHPAD’s directory. Programs and organizations for people with disabilities are listed by state. Additionally, there’s a state-by-state list of equipment suppliers with equipment that can be useful for anyone with a disability.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Fibromyalgia and Bruxism symptoms

    You may suffer from bruxism if you have an aching jaw, pounding headaches, and episodes of TMJ. It is easy to fix it but you need to understand the having bruxism symptoms and fibromyalgia together, as it will help you in having a better life.

    What bruxism is?

    It is a clinical term for gnashing and grinding of teeth. Usually, it occurs while you are sleeping at night, although there are some people who experience it in the day as well as habitual behavior. Bruxism is most common in adults and children. Tooth or jaw pain, TMJ, degraded teeth, and headaches are the symptoms of Bruxism. It can be determined whether you have bruxism or not by going to a dentist.

    How does bruxism relate to Fibromyalgia symptoms bunch?

    Usually, fibromyalgia and bruxism symptoms function together in two separate ways. In one way, bruxism may be the cause of headaches and jaw pain, instead of fibromyalgia. So, it has to be wiped out from the process of diagnosis. Bruxism may occur due to stress and chronic pain if you are having fibromyalgia.

    A better understanding of Fibromyalgia

    Science is moving forward and quickly getting more understanding of fibromyalgia. Still, no known cure or cause has been discovered yet. But there are some risk factors that have been identified as well as more treatments are available. If you are being educated about the numerous symptoms of fibromyalgia, it can help you in solving this mystery, as it will also help you in improving your quality of life.

    Why fibromyalgia occurs in people?

    The causes are still unknown. Many risk factors have been identified that can develop fibromyalgia. After the age of 18, men and women are likely to develop it, but according to the studies, women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia as compared to men. It is also considered that hormone levels have some role in this condition, as the symptoms tend to decrease but not disappear after menopause. You may also have higher chances of developing fibromyalgia if you have a family history of fibromyalgia. Having arthritis, traumatic brain injury, or immune disorders may also increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.

    What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?

    It is not complicated to treat fibromyalgia. A lot of medications are there that help you in reducing pain and inflammation. Using pain medication for enabling you and then focusing on diet and changes in lifestyle is usually the recommended course of action. A lot of alternative treatments like acupuncture are also available that are considered to be effective for relieving the symptoms. When you get to know how to manage the pain, you are able to track those changes. So, until you know how to manage the symptoms without the medications, in the long run, it is recommended to use pain medication in the short run.

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    What is the treatment for bruxism?

    It is rare that bruxism gets treated with medication or surgery. You have often prescribed some muscle relaxant if your symptoms get severe, while you implement some other changes in life. You will be given the chance for using all the resources that you have to identify the cause of your bruxism. Even if fibromyalgia is the cause of bruxism, a course of action is preferred that doesn’t involve more medications. A night guard may be prescribed to you for protecting your teeth, while you are engaged in different waking positions for changing stress levels.

    Utilizing all resources that you have

    You have to take care of all your emotional needs while avoiding fibromyalgia flare-ups. Stress and stress reactions are induced in these needs. These can worsen your fibromyalgia and due to which the flare-ups of bruxism can be caused too. Living with chronic pain is very much stressful as well as the fibromyalgia flare-ups that cause stress, as they increase pressure on your personal and work relationships. You need to look for ways to reduce your stress and its effect on your health and life if you have a life with a lot of responsibilities. Keep in mind that not only pain and the bad things cause stress, the stress also arises when you start a new relationship, a new job, or a new project, and this stress is named “eustress”. Eustress usually indicates that this is positive stress and the stress that arises from negative things is named “distress”. Both forms of the stress produce a negative effect from the physical reaction to any form of stress.

    In simple words, the reaction towards stress doesn’t change and your body creates the same reaction, as it can’t tell the difference either you are being asked out by your crush or have to cancel your work due to flare up. Usually, bruxism is related to the high levels of stress in anyone’s life. Stress can be reduced by some changes in diet, with more exercise and seeking support.

    New treatment options

    Open yourself to new treatments and changes in lifestyle, as this is another way to keep your stress under control, so you can reduce the occurrence of bruxism and fibromyalgia. Every day, more and more research has been made in this field. Try new things to find which one suits you the best.

    Focusing on getting the lead

    Your lead is to prevent fibromyalgia from affecting life negatively. Preventing bruxism is the thing that you may control. Don’t think that things will get even worse if you suffer from both fibromyalgia and bruxism. Consult your doctor and find more ways and check which way suits you in a better way.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia by Walking

    Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes a lot of symptoms, but the major symptom is widespread pain. Some other symptoms include:

    No doubt, you are unable to perform any kind of physical activity due to pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may even find it difficult to walk. However, if you do exercise properly without any overexertion, it is a very effective treatment to manage fibromyalgia symptoms.

    Treatments to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia

    There are various things for managing signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may be recommended for one or several treatments of the following:

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    Exercise

    Exercise is considered to be a very effective treatment for managing the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. It also includes pain and sleeps problems. Various other benefits are also offered by exercise like:

    • Decreasing muscle stiffness
    • Boosting the energy
    • Increasing deep and soothing sleep
    • Muscle strengthening
    • Improvements in mood
    • Support of healthy immune system
    • Maintaining the healthy weight

    How to start an exercise plan for treating fibromyalgia symptoms

    If you participate in a low-intensity and regular exercise program, it is one of the best ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms and signs. You will have to talk to your physician, therapist, or certified trainer for other fibromyalgia treatments. He will guide you through an exercise plan that is made just for you. It will be according to your needs and abilities to do such things. It will be the one on which you can stick in the long run.

    It is important to start your exercise plan slowly. You can increase the level of physical activities over time. Don’t try to rush into anything. If you haven’t participated in any physical activity haven’t been physically active for a while, it will give you benefit then. You need some time to build up your stamina and strength.

    When you start doing your exercise program for treating fibromyalgia, keep in mind that at first, you will experience more pain and soreness. This is a normal thing. As time passes, all the exercise-related pain starts to diminish.

    Over time, you will get to know that the exercise plan for treating fibromyalgia is very much effective and have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. The level of endorphins in the brain which helps in reducing pain and depression will start to boost up due to the exercise program.

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    Managing fibromyalgia symptoms by doing some exercises

    It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that adults should get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week such as you can do walking or swimming.  Moreover, muscle strengthening exercises should also be done for 2 or more days every week like light weight lifting or push-ups. In addition to this, some exercises that promote flexibility should be done such as gentle yoga, Pilates, or stretching.

    Of course, you have to pay more focus on your body keeping in mind the CDC goals. It is completely fine if you can’t do 150 minutes of exercise every week. Exercise is something that you can try and build up stamina.

    If you are participating in a new exercise program in treating signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should try doing a mix of three: aerobic, strengthening exercises, and flexibility.

    Exercising for helping to succeed with fibromyalgia

    It is really not necessary to spend hours in the gym for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Just keep in mind that getting into more exercise will give you more benefits.

    Your physician may also suggest you some other things along with the exercise to manage the symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia. However, it is like regular exercise. Yes, there may be some side effects of exercise as well as you will feel tired but of course, you will get to sleep. Keep this thing in mind that just listen to your body and then do whatever you want to. If your body says to stop the exercise, just stop it. Don’t burden yourself and get a fibromyalgia flare-up. It will be useless then.

    Consult your physician to start an exercise program in your personal fibromyalgia treatment plan.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Can I Get a Tattoo Even Though I Have Fibromyalgia?

    Question: I really want to get a tattoo, but I’m worried that it’d be a really bad idea because I have fibromyalgia. That makes me really afraid of how painful it might be. I’ve never had one before. Is this a really stupid idea or can I have the tattoo I really want in spite of my condition? Will it make me worse for a long time?

    Answer: It’s smart to think about this before just going in and having some ink done.

    The first thing you should know is that, yes, fibromyalgia will make the tattooing process more painful. Our bodies don’t respond to pain signals as other people’s do; our brains and our nerves overreact and amplify the signals so that we feel more pain than we should. That’s called hyperalgesia, and it’s one of the central features of this illness.

    Beyond the pain, though, is the question of aggravation. Some people say the vibration and noise of a tattoo machine, combined with the pain, can really set their nerves on edge. If you get anxiety attacks and have problems with sensory overload because of your fibromyalgia, you need to be aware that tattooing may trigger those symptoms as well.

    Then again, you can find plenty of people with fibromyalgia who get tattoos. Some even say that it’s soothing to them and distracts them from their typical pains. In fact, a Google search turns up a lot of fibromyalgia-themed tattoos.

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    So, really, it’s a very individual thing.

    You can also find reports that our skin takes longer to heal.

    It might be a good idea to talk to a reputable tattoo artist about your concerns. Also talk to him or her about the placement, because where you get the work done has a lot to do with how much it hurts.

    Ask about body position, as well. You’ll have to hold still for a long time, and if it’s a painful position for you, it’ll be a lot harder.

    Keep in mind that a small, simple design will be a lot easier on you than a large and/or complex one. Be sure to ask if your condition(s) require a doctor’s note. Some do.

    As you research artists, try to ask around about which ones have an especially light or heavy touch. Some artists cause more pain than others! You want to find someone who is empathetic and patient, as well, since you may need to take extra breaks.

    Also, consider the timing. The average person can have a tattoo and go to work just fine the next day, but we are not average people! You might want to make sure you have a few low-key days afterward in case you need some recovery time.

    If you do decide to go through with it, you might need to schedule shorter sessions than other people and make sure you’ve got plenty of pain medication. Ask your artist about the cancellation policy as well, in case you’re having a flare and can’t make a session.

    Be sure you have a ride home, too, in case you have a symptom flare or need pain meds and it’s not safe for you to drive.

    Tattoo artists recommend certain things for anyone getting a tattoo, such as:

    • stay hydrated, before and after
    • don’t drink alcohol for two days ahead of time
    • be well rested
    • don’t come in sick
    • eat a meal before going in
    • don’t take aspirin or consume a lot of caffeine before going in (it can thin the blood)
    • communicate about how you’re feeling throughout the process, and before it becomes a problem
    • plan to get extra rest afterward

    Make sure you follow the artist’s instructions for preparation and recovery and that you get prompt treatment for any problems, such as infection, that may come up afterward.

    You know your symptoms best, so in the end, you’re the only one who can decide whether a tattoo is worth the possible consequences.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • My mom has fibromyalgia. Reading this made me cry for her

    Chronic pain is increasingly rampant today.
    However, chronic pain and chronic diseases are often invisible. In many cases, there are no plasters, visible rashes, or nasal discharge involved.
    Those who suffer from chronic pain often appear “normal”, perhaps a little more fragile or sad than average.
    I suffered from chronic headaches for four and a half years and chronic hip pain for two and a half years.
    He often seemed depressed, disinterested and angry, when I was simply in pain.
    There were many days that I could not get out of bed. After a conversation, it became difficult at times.
    I lost a job because of my pain. I canceled plans and ignored friends.
    I felt misunderstood and alone. I was suffering. I know the answer was there and finally, I cured myself.
    However, at the moment I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs all the things that all chronic pain sufferers want me to know:
    1. Just because you can not see it, does not mean that I am not in pain.
    2. It’s not all in my head.
    3. It’s not just the flu. It will not disappear in a week.
    4. Please, never say, “Just do not think about it.” Being in constant pain is impossible.
    5. Hugs can do magic. So they are good messages. I need to know you’re here for me.
    6. Thank you for sharing the “magic cure” you have read online. Trust me, I’ve heard about it, and if it was relevant, I’ve tried it.

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    7. I am trying very hard to live a normal life.
    8. I try my damned best not to cancel plans and never cancel plans if I had a choice.
    9. I can not get out of it.
    10. Some days are better, some days are worse. Some days I can even feel close to normal, other days I can not even get out of bed.
    11. I worry about you. I want to know about your life and dreams. I want you to be happy and healthy.
    12. My chronic pain is different from other people’s chronic pain. All diseases and pain symptoms are unique. Our experiences may differ, but we are all in pain and can relate to each other.
    13. Please do not try to convince me to drink and “live a little”. All I want is to live a little, in fact, live a lot. A drink, however, is the last thing on my mind.
    14. If I look depressed or bored, it means that I am really in tremendous pain and doing everything possible to look happy and normal.
    15. I can not explain how chronic pain feels. However, I can not say, “You will know once you have it” because I would never want someone to feel so much suffering.
    16. I need a lot of sleep. But sleep can be difficult with so much pain and often it still leaves me exhausted.
    17. Just because I have chronic pain does not mean that I know how to handle it or live with it.
    18. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a prison, living someone else’s life.
    19. I still have interests, passions, goals, and dreams.
    20. I do not want you to forget me. I do not want you to give up on me.
    21. I have not given up on healing yet. Deep down I know there is (or will be) an answer out there.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Fighting Through Another Morning With Fibromyalgia

    Everyone has had a tough morning, there’s no question about that. Sometimes, it’s difficult to get out of bed. Occasionally, we all toss and turn and don’t get a refreshing rest. We wake up exhausted, grumpy, and feeling generally awful.

    Now imagine waking up every morning feeling like you didn’t sleep even though you know you got your eight hours of sleep. You feel like absolute garbage, but if you’re like me, you work two jobs that are both very physically demanding. There aren’t enough coffees or energy drinks to make you feel like you’re actually awake.

    This exhaustion is one you feel throughout your whole body, and you simply can’t shake it. Your muscles ache, occasionally you wake up with a headache that nags all day, and the pain meds simply won’t make it go away, and if they do work, it isn’t for long. The headache comes back, tenfold. But, you have to keep on pushing through. You have a job to do so you can continue to take care of yourself.

    Sometimes, people will tell you, “You’re always tired!” which isn’t something you want or need to hear. You’re aware you’re always tired. But, it’s a part of your life with fibro. If you went out the night before because you were having a good day with your symptoms in check, that makes the exhaustion worse.

    People will recommend supplements and other forms of treatment to help you rest, but it feels like you have tried it all. There isn’t enough sleep in the world to share this type of tiredness. I know for me, when I take melatonin supplements, they only make me feel worse in the morning. If I’ve taken melatonin for sleep, the next day I know I’m going to have to push harder to get through my day.

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    Mornings with fibro are rough. My body is constantly fighting this pain that won’t ease up. The pain can be incredibly consuming, and the pain owns my mornings. It takes me longer to get ready in the morning because not only am I waking up feeling like I just ran a marathon, but I’m fighting the brain fog, the pain, and the horrible overall fatigue.

    Sometimes I’ll take a nap, but that doesn’t do much besides make me feel worse than I did when I got off work or left the gym. Most mornings, breakfast consists of some fruit and oatmeal, because I’m too fatigued to stand over a stove to make a full breakfast. Other mornings, I might be able to stick a frozen breakfast sandwich in the microwave and take it to go because getting ready took a little extra time and I can’t sit to have my oatmeal.

    Mornings with fibro have taught me a lot about managing my time and keeping a set pace. I have learned (and am still learning) to ask for help when I need to, to slow down when I need to, and to never overdo anything. Mornings mean pain for me most days.

    Mornings mean exhaustion that simply won’t leave, exhaustion that lingers in the background no matter what I do or where I am. But, mornings also mean a new day to continue to fight for myself and for people like me. Mornings might be tough with fibro, but I am stronger than fibromyalgia and bigger than fatigue.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Anger

    The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Anger

    Anger is a very common emotion, particularly for people suffering from fibromyalgia. It is a natural, human reaction and yet it doesn’t get an awful lot of attention as a side effect to chronic pain.

    It’s one thing to accept our anger, but it’s another to let that anger consume us and let it impact our lives and the lives of others. It can be difficult to draw that line when you feel enraged by what you have lost and what has emerged in its place; you’ve been given a life that you didn’t plan and wouldn’t choose.

    But, there are things you can do to keep your anger at bay and prevent it from encroaching on your life.

    Ranting vs. Anger

    A friend of mine once told me I was the angriest person he knew. It became a bit of a running joke – we would meet up for drinks and before long I was ranting and he was mocking my anger. It was just the way it was.

    A year later I was talking to a psychiatrist after yet another unsuccessful referral following a fibro flare–up, and I told him about my anger. He asked me to give him some examples of what made me angry.

    As I went through the list he quietly listened, then asked: “What makes you think this is anger? You sound like an intelligent girl who’s ranting about the things that are important to her. What’s wrong with that?”

    I suddenly felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I wasn’t weird and angry, I was normal and healthy. I’m sharing this story because there is a big difference between feeling angry and being an angry person. Don’t let the label consume you; recognize that you’re allowed a good rant from time to time. It’s necessary.

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    Understand Why You’re Angry

    This might seem quite simple at first, but I think it’s important to get a good understanding of what makes you angry in the first place so that you can look at ways to control or avoid it in the future.

    I’m not a doctor, but experience has taught me that there are often small triggers that can cause you to feel more angry than usual, and identifying these triggers can be a key step to overcoming negative emotions.

    You can start by making notes or lists whenever you feel your anger developing, which will help you find patterns in your behavior. For example, you might think your anger stems from something broad, like having fibromyalgia, but as you start to take notes you will start to see the smaller triggers.

    Perhaps it’s the patronizing way your partner talks to you when what you really need is strength and support, or perhaps it’s the fact telemarketers call you three times a day and you just can’t cope with another phone call. These small occurrences are part of a bigger issue, but they’re still a valid contributor to the anger you feel.

    Making Changes

    I’m a firm believer that if you don’t like something the way it is, you should make a change. Obviously, this has restrictions; I don’t like the fact I have fibromyalgia but I can’t change it. However, what I can change is the way I think about it and the way I choose to cope with it.

    Having made notes and identified the things that trigger your anger, it’s time to start finding ways to address and avoid it. Taking the examples from above, if your partner’s behavior is causing your anger then you should tell them how you prefer to feel supported.

    Taking control over your triggers can be a way of reducing the amount of anger you feel or the frequency with which you feel it.

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    Find Your Inner Calm

    As a person who is prone to ranting and raving, I don’t find it easy to connect to my inner calm. However, I know that it’s an essential coping strategy for fibromyalgia patients because it doesn’t just ease anger; it eases anxiety and depression and often reduces the frequency of flare-ups too.

    The trick here is to make sure you find YOUR inner calm, not the calm that works for someone else. Annoyingly, this takes time and it means you have to put in some work, but it’s totally worth it. I spent a long time thinking that my inner calm could be found at the back of a meditation class or in the depths of a yoga retreat.

    After three yoga classes and two attempts at meditation, I realized they were frustratingly slow and making me angry. Oh, the irony! I am sarcastic and impatient so meditation – try as I might – was just not for me. Some find their calm in a bath with relaxing candles, but I’m really more a shower girl so that didn’t work for me either.

    It takes time to work out where to find your inner calm, but it’s a journey well worth taking because when you start to recognize the signs of anger you need to know there is somewhere you can go.

    Ask for Help

    This is yet another common coping strategy for fibromyalgia sufferers in general, but it’s really important when it comes to managing your anger.

    Often, when we get angry, we shout and become aggressive and intimidating. People stop listening to the words and just see the rage, so you need to make sure that you explain what makes you angry and what you’re doing to overcome it. This could be as easy as talking to your family, but if you really struggle to control your emotions then it may be helpful for you to seek professional help.

    This could mean talking to your doctor or attending anger management classes, but there are also a number of mental health support groups and online forums that might give you the outlet you need to talk about your anger.

    The important thing is to address your anger. Don’t push it away; the rage monster will lurk in the background and come back twice as angry.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • How Dare You Judge my Handicap Sticker

    Having to go to appointments with my doctor here in Rhode Island, so we can again fill out the form for the state to confirm that I still qualify for a handicap sticker for me, causes a humiliating and heartbreaking feeling to have to be reminded that I have two incurable conditions. And yet, I have to get that signature to confirm that I am still dealing with this future.

    And then, when I am not in a wheelchair, thus appearing normal, I also have to deal with those of you out there who feel so free to judge people like me, despite possessing no knowledge of conditions that require the need for this. So many jump to the conclusion that I probably do not deserve any special compensation.

    So what has brought this judgment by others towards those of us with the handicap placard? It reminds me of the unpleasant memories back in elementary school where one classmate would do something stupid, the teacher would ask who was responsible, not one would rat on that person nor would the person give themselves up.

    The result would be the entire class had to face the punishment. It always stuck with me that punishing the many for the sins of a few as being overly punitive and unfair, and here we are now as grown-ups still facing that type of attitude. Thanks to those few out there, that have abused a handicap placard, you have given the green light for other people to assume that if we look normal, then we must have no need for these limited privileges.

    I think most of the abuse comes from individuals somehow obtaining a family member’s card and using it like their own. I agree that is wrong but it should not reflect on the legitimacy of those of us who need this capacity to park close to stores or businesses in which walking a significant distance presents an obstacle. It doesn’t delete the majority of us that truly need this ability to park close to be able to enter a store. 

    Also, some states make it much easier to abuse the placard. Talking with people from other states, I realize that each state has different requirements to obtain a handicap placard. For instance in California, all you need is a note from your doctor and when it expires,  you just reapply.

    So we clearly need to make the process of obtaining the placard more uniform across the country and also seriously consider two types – one that doesn’t expire for those of us with permanent incurable conditions and another type that would be a temporary situation for need. And both should require a visit to the doctor confirming either situation.

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    So, let me share just a few stories of disabled people that have been approached with judgment and what they are facing daily with their conditions:

    • A person living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a painful incurable connective tissue defect you are born with. This individual endured over twenty surgeries, many on the legs, to only be judged as they walked into a store, for the first time, instead of using the wheelchair they lived in for four years thanks to numerous surgical leg repairs and long hours of physical therapy. Instead of the joy of this hard earned accomplishment, this person was judged from using a placard by a person that didn’t see a wheelchair so therefore there must be no need for a sticker?
    • An MS patient returning to their car, walking proudly but with tremendous strength and caution to then being reamed for taking the space away from a “real person” needing this help. Would someone like to walk in their shoes to the terror and horror this condition can cause to their lives and body?
    • The cancer patient that comes to the car to a note on the windshield that they are being rude for taking up a space. This person is terminal, lost their hair and facing frequent chemo treatments leaving them weak. And someone else gets to judge their need instead of their doctor?
    • Then there is the woman with Turner’s syndrome gets approached in a parking lot of a mall for “abusing her placard” – this woman faces daily issues with hearing loss, fatigue and the threat of an aortic dissection and then gets judged like this?
    • Or how about a woman not able to walk far due to her medical issues that wrote to me: “Truly, I have put off getting my plaque because i don’t have the patience to be nice when a complete stranger comes up to me to berate me. And, i just don’t want that experience.” How sad is that that judgement being done by others is going far enough to prevent this person, who deserves this help, to not want to go through the process for fear of the possible judgement. You may say, why would she do that to herself, but trust me, when you live with a life altering disability, you don’t always have the determination and strength to keep fighting the injustices you face. It can take all the starch you have in your body to just get through your day.
    • And just reported today, a young college woman, upon arriving to campus parking, was interrogated by a security guard. He asked her whether she was using a placard that “belonged to someone else, or it’s not your grandmother’s, right? And if I look up your information, I’m going to find YOUR name?” She responded “yes, it’s my placard. I have chronic illnesses” Walking away from this insult, she was almost late for class and on the verge of unnecessary stress overload. This young woman lives with a life in an out of a wheelchair, tubes, pump bags, copes with not only chronic pain and fatigue from CRPS, joint hypermobility syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysautonomia. And here that one day she was able to attend without the wheelchair, she had to face and be confronted by this cruel judgement!

    Tips for Those that Tend to Judge Others:

    • You should never judge a book by its cover, ever!
    • Don’t approach someone with rude comments – you are most likely attacking the person that truly needs this card. It is threatening and emotionally hurtful. You have no idea what they have been through and am going to continue to go through. Believe me, you don’t dream of having this card hanging on your car to look cool!
    • Just because someone doesn’t look handicapped, does not mean they are not dealing with a difficult condition. The words Invisible are used for a reason – you and I can’t see inside someone to truly understand what they are facing.
    • Your lack of understanding makes you a discriminating person who needs to learn to have an open mind when it comes to people living with disabilities. Just because you can’t see what is wrong doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
    • Do you realize all you do in life is being observed by your children or even grandchildren. We should be teaching our children to never judge others and be accepting of others, no matter their race, religion or disability! Where do you fit in?

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    Tips for those that need to use a handicap sticker:

    • Although it is terribly hurtful to be approach, try hard to be the bigger person and try to see if you can use this uncomfortable moment to educate them, although you owe them nothing.
    • Consider putting a small list of some of the things you face with your condition on the windshield to be read while you are not there to educate them.
    • Consider having in the car a small card about your condition you can hand to them and then walk away if talking is not in order
    • Do not get into it with them and if need be, report them either to the store staff or even the police if you feel you are not safe.
    • Remember, as much as it hurts and angers you, try to remember they are the people with problems – they are hurtful, discriminating and setting a terrible example of humanity and I bet you would rather deal with what you are facing then live in their shoes and be that person.
    • If you get lucky with your health and no longer need the placard, then be the better person and return it to help keep the need appropriate and not abused!

    The intent of this article is to inform and educate in an effort to attempt to begin a process of examining our collective attitudes toward the handicapped with the goal of increased public understanding of the challenges faced by the truly handicapped. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Many people live with invisible illnesses. Why not turn this around and believe what a person tells you, trust first, instead of jumping to judgment. With my condition Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I can be walking a short distance one day and then be back to a wheelchair for some days, depending on sub luxing of the hips, tibia, and fibula. It is heartbreaking when things slip backward, and then to have to add your judgment too?

    Let’s try to be kinder, more tolerant, and work towards becoming an understanding society.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Daith Piercing & Fibromyalgia – Does it Help Migraine Pain?

    If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance you experience migraines too. They can be quite debilitating. Mine sent me to the ER once, but not because of pain. It’s because the migraine effects were mimicking a seizure in many ways. And migraines can hit you whether you have fibromyalgia or not. So what can you do about them? Well, there are medications, of course. You can also just ride them out. Or you can try alternative methods like acupuncture which has proved highly effective at relieving migraines. Many people are turning to a seemingly related alternative called a Daith piercing.

    A daith (pronounced “doth,” but apparently “daith” like “faith” is acceptable too) piercing goes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold. It’s kind of close to a tragus piercing.  Many people swear by them for alleviating migraines. Others say they are useless. Most seem to think to pierce that location on the ear is related to acupuncture’s use of pressure points. So what exactly is the deal? And does it really work or not? More importantly, should you get one?

    Daith Piercing: Is it Like Acupuncture?

    When we talk about acupuncture and pressure points, we are essentially talking about what is usually referred to as Chinese Medicine. There are traditional forms, classical forms, and many others. I am not an expert in this field. But I have studied a number of books, documentaries, and other resources about or related to Chinese medicine. I’ve even written about it in academic settings. I also have a spouse who has completed nearly half the training required just to understand Chinese medicine, not even to practice yet. Thus, I can tell you with absolute certainty: it is based on a highly complex system that is literally thousands of years old. And it’s definitely effective, no question there!

    Chinese medicine (sometimes called Eastern medicine) is rooted in a much different understanding of the body than Western medicine. Here in the West, we tend to focus on alleviating symptoms, rather than looking at the system as a whole. Chinese medicine looks not just at the main organs, but their delivery systems, energy channels that run all throughout, and much more. Acupuncture uses very specific points on the body that target highly specified organ systems and functions, all of which are connected. Have you been to an acupuncturist or at least seen the needles they use? They are ultra-fine and bend easily. But they are just the right size because the targets are so small.

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    About that Earring….

    Think about how thick a traditional earring is compared to one of those needles. Now, an acupuncturist is trained to hit the exact spot on your ear to relieve migraine pain. Thus, if a piercer who has never been trained in Chinese medicine pierces your ear in that innermost cartilage fold, what are the odds that they will hit the very spot to relieve migraines? Pretty slim, don’t you think? I mean, it’s hit or misses, right?

    Does that help you understand a possible (and highly likely!) reason why some people say that Daith piercings work great to relieve their migraines, but others say it does nothing?

    Is Daith Piercing Safe?

    A Daith piercing is just that: a piercing. It’s as safe as most piercings are, which means it still has the same risk factors as other piercings too. Most notably, infection. Other than that, there’s one other risk factor that is noteworthy but based entirely on the individual: pain threshold. While the ear cartilage is not necessarily dangerous for piercing, it can definitely hurt. And if you suffer from fibromyalgia, then you are already abnormally sensitive to pain.

    So the ultimate question is: should I do it? If you want to relieve migraines through a Daith piercing, the chances of it being effective are about 50/50 according to anecdotal reports. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that there is not a lot of research on migraines. But there are a lot of people out there who have gotten a Daith piercing in an attempt to relieve their migraines. Check out their stories before making your decision.

    A Few Words of Caution

    Let’s reiterate: it may or may not work. If you have fibromyalgia or a heightened sensitivity to pain, then I would advise against this piercing. Because even those folks with several piercings and a high threshold for pain tend to agree – this is a particularly painful spot. But if you want to do it regardless, just because it looks good, then go for it. Note that it can get infected and often hurts for a while during the healing process. Also, be cautious because some people have adverse reactions or allergies to certain metals. This could be related to an excess of- or some sort of- toxicity in your body. At any rate, it is something to keep in mind.

    If you are looking for ways to relieve your migraines, I highly recommend finding a quality acupuncturist before trying the Daith piercing. And if you have fibromyalgia too, tell the practitioner. They need to know about pain sensitivities because they can modify their plans according to what they can handle. Talk with them about getting a Daith piercing to treat your migraines. You might find that they choose other points on the body to treat your migraines much more effectively than that one spot on your ear.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store