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.

  • What We Need to Remember as Lady Gaga Starts Touring After Her Fibro Flare

    In the past few months, we have seen Lady Gaga open up more than ever about her journey with chronic pain, with her Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two” offering us a look behind the curtain at how difficult it can be to find treatments that work and face the uncertainty and unpredictability of life with chronic illness.

    But after confirming her fibromyalgia diagnosis in September and canceling several performances and tour dates due to chronic pain, Lady Gaga is back in action.

    As a long-time fan of Gaga, it has been so exciting to see her almost-daily updates on Instagram and Twitter. Not only is she back on the road for her Joanne World Tour, but in the past few weeks, she has also managed to join all five former living presidents for a hurricane relief concert, partner with former Vice President Joe Biden to advocate for sexual assault survivors, become a brand ambassador for Tudor, oh – and get engaged to CAA talent agent Christian Carino. All of which she does wearing high fashion and a smile on her face.

    There’s no doubt Lady Gaga is a captivating performer. Even just looking at photos of her, I am in such awe of her style, beauty, and poise.

    And yet, simply watching her jet around the country to attend various events with important people and put on high-energy, kickass performances makes me tired.

    As someone with an autoimmune disease, my energy tanks are constantly low, even after a restful weekend or long vacation. I don’t think I could make it through a single day in Gaga’s shoes. Her schedule seems like it would be hectic, exhausting, and stressful for someone in peak health, let alone someone with a chronic illness.

    While I love following Gaga on social media to see what she’ll pull out of her sleeve next, it can also be difficult to watch someone with a similarly taxing health condition accomplish so much more than I believe I ever could.

    Lady Gaga puts on incredible performances every other night, and I barely have enough energy after work to heat up leftovers for dinner.

    Lady Gaga travels all over the country to meet and work with some of the most important people alive right now, and I’m in too much pain to walk my dog around the block.

    So the thoughts go. It’s all too easy to look at snapshots of a celebrity’s life and think, wow, I must be really lazy or unmotivated because I could never achieve that.

    This comparison game is dangerous, but it becomes especially tricky with celebrities like Lady Gaga or Selena Gomez who have been open about their chronic illness battles. I generally don’t lose sleep comparing myself to celebrities; I know they lead very different lives with access to far more money and resources than I have. But then, when they are open and vulnerable about health difficulties, it creates common ground between us. Watching Gaga’s documentary, I felt like I was connecting with another human being over similar struggles.

    It’s those moments of relatability and understanding that make it hard to see Gaga go back to being a performer and superstar. In my experience, a bad flare-up usually isn’t followed by such a demanding and intensive schedule.

    But, while those of us with chronic illness know the end of a flare-up doesn’t equate to being “healthy” or “back to normal,” for those who aren’t familiar with fibromyalgia or chronic pain, Gaga’s dynamic return may give the impression that her health issues have been totally resolved and that it’s possible for anyone to simply “bounce back” after devoting some time to their health.

    Whether you’re a chronic warrior struggling with Lady Gaga’s return or a fan being introduced to the “chronic life” for the first time through Gaga, here are a few things to keep in mind:

    1. Gaga is likely not “cured.” If Lady Gaga is feeling better and has found treatments that work for her, that is fantastic and I am thrilled for her. I sincerely wish she wouldn’t have to ever deal with chronic pain again, but unfortunately, that is just not a common reality of fibromyalgia. As those with chronic illness know, these conditions are lifelong and unpredictable.

    2. Celebrities tend to have far more access to money and resources than most chronic warriors do. It is likely that Gaga has been able to find enough relief to continue performing in part because of her fame and access to the best doctors. She is probably able to afford treatment options or medical equipment that many of us cannot, and she may also have access to luxuries such as a private chef, personal trainers, massage therapists, etc. that help keep up with her health as well as her busy schedule.

    3. Even within the chronic illness community, we are all different and have varying abilities. Just because one person with fibromyalgia is able to do X, Y, Z doesn’t mean another person with fibromyalgia can also do X, Y, Z. (Maybe they can do A, B, C instead!) Just because Lady Gaga performed at the Super Bowl doesn’t mean everyone with fibro can leap off the roof of a football stadium (or have a job, go to school, or any other activity society thinks they “should” be able to do) if they just “put their mind to it.” People are unique, and so are their conditions and abilities.

    4. Your accomplishments are just as amazing as Lady Gaga’s. Maybe you were able to take a shower today, or talk on the phone with a loved one, or keep yourself hydrated. Comparing yourself with someone else – healthy or sick – is silly, because they are a totally different person with totally different life experiences. There’s no good that can come from thinking about what you can’t do. Focus on what you can do, no matter how small it may seem, and celebrate that. If you’re doing the best you can, I’m proud of you – and I think Gaga would be too.

    Although Lady Gaga seems to have recovered from her recent flare-up, I hope she continues to be honest about her chronic pain journey and serves as a voice and an advocate for the community. And I hope people recognize that Gaga is just one person with fibromyalgia, and what’s possible for her may not be possible for someone else. For now, I will try to resist the comparison trap and continue to cheer her on, one chronic warrior to another.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
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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

  • Finally Morgan Freeman Opens up his ‘Struggle’ about Fibromyalgia

    Every so often he grabs his left shoulder and winces. It hurts when he walks when he sits still when he rises from his couch, and when he missteps in a damp meadow. More than hurts. It seems a kind of agony, though he never mentions it. There are times when he cannot help but show this, the fallout from a car accident four years ago, in which the car he was driving flipped and rolled, leaving Freeman and a friend to be pulled from the car using the Jaws of Life.

    Despite surgery to repair nerve damage, he was stuck with a useless left hand. It is stiffly gripped by a compression glove most of the time to ensure that blood doesn’t pool there. It is a clamp, his pain, an icy shot up a relatively useless limb. He doesn’t like to show it, but there are times when he cannot help but lose himself to a world-ending grimace. It’s such a large gesture, so outside the general demeanor of the man, that it feels as if he’s acting.

    “It’s the fibromyalgia,” he says when asked. “Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”

    This means Morgan Freeman can’t pilot jets the way he used to, a hobby he took up at sixty-five. He can no longer sail as well. There was a time when he would sail by himself to the Caribbean and hide out for two, three weeks at a time. “It was complete isolation,” he says. “It was the best way for me to find quiet, how I found time to read.” No more. He can’t trust himself on one arm. He can’t drive, not a stick anyway, not the way he used to — which is to say fast, wide open, dedicated to what the car can do.

    And he can’t ride horses as much, though once he rode every day.
    He never mentions any of it as a loss, though how could it be anything else? He never hints around about the unfairness of it. “There is a point to changes like these. I have to move on to other things, to other conceptions of myself. I play golf. I still work. And I can be pretty happy just walking the land.”

    Wait. How can he play golf with a clipped wing like that? How can you swing a club when you can’t lift one of your arms?

    “I play one-handed,” he tells me. “I swing with my right arm.”
    How does that work out for you?
    “See for yourself,” he says. “I’m playing at 3:00 today.”

    Freeman’s revelation that he has fibromyalgia spread like wildfire through the FM community.  Finally, here was an A-list celebrity acknowledging he had been diagnosed with FM.  A handful of other celebrities have had the courage to speak up about their FM, for which we are extremely grateful, but as yet none have had the super-star power of Morgan Freeman.

    Almost immediately FM patients and advocates began calling on Freeman to speak out on behalf of others with fibromyalgia.  It’s even been rumored that a large national FM organization has approached him about being their spokesperson.  While most in the FM community seem to strongly support that idea, a few have questioned the wisdom of Freeman being an FM spokesman.

    From what I have read, those who are hesitant about Freeman representing the FM community appear to have three concerns:

    Does he really have fibromyalgia since he only mentioned pain in his left shoulder and arm?
    He is still very active and therefore would present an inaccurate picture of how debilitating FM can be.
    Since most people with FM are women, as a man he would not be representative of the majority of patients.
    Let’s take a closer look at each of these concerns.

    Does he really have fibromyalgia? – I have to admit the first time I read the article I, too, wondered whether he had been diagnosed correctly.  But when I reread it, I noticed that he said, “Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”  His statement, “That’s where it gets so bad” sounds like he probably has other pain but it’s the pain in his arm that is the worst.  For many years, I could have made a similar statement about my left hip.  Although I had body-wide pain almost all the time, it was the pain in my hip that was usually the worst.

    We also have to remember that the purpose of this interview was not to discuss Freeman’s fibromyalgia.  The author simply noticed Freeman grimacing several times and asked him about it.  It’s logical that Freeman would only mention the pain he was experiencing at the time.  Or perhaps he did go into more detail but when composing the article, Chiarella chose to include only what he felt was most important.

    So is whether or not Freeman really has fibromyalgia a valid concern? Absolutely.  When we’re talking about someone being a spokesperson for a disease, it’s legitimate to want to be sure they actually have the disease.  We just shouldn’t jump to any conclusions based on one isolated statement.

    Morgan Freeman opens up his ‘struggle’ about fibromyalgia

    His activity level doesn’t paint an accurate picture of FM.–  People with FM fall into a wide range of functioning abilities.  Freeman appears to be fairly high-functioning since he continues to work and play golf.  The article did note, however, that he has had to give up several activities that he loved.  On the other hand, some people with FM are completely disabled, unable to handle even basic self-care tasks.  The rest of us fall somewhere in between.  While Freeman’s activity level should not preclude him from representing people with FM, I would hope that part of his message would be to describe just how debilitating FM can be and to explain that different patients have different levels of disability.

    As a man, he is not representative of the average FM patient.– Frankly, I think the fact that he is a man with FM is a positive thing.  Whether we like it or not, when it comes to health issues, men are still given more credibility than women.  Studies have shown that health care professionals are more likely to take a man’s symptoms seriously, but attribute a woman’s symptoms to emotional causes.  Although the acceptance of FM has come a long way in recent years, there are still some people, including some medical professionals, who don’t believe it is real.  Therefore, having a well-known and highly respected man like Morgan Freeman speak out about FM might help improve our credibility among the doubters.

    Given the repeated urgings to step up and be a spokesperson for fibromyalgia, I sometimes wonder if Freeman wishes he had never mentioned it.  He probably never dreamed uttering that one word in the middle of a multi-hour interview would ever garner so much attention.

    In our enthusiasm to have a prominent celebrity like Morgan Freeman speak out on our behalf, I think we need to keep in mind how doing so could impact his life.  Years ago celebrities did everything in their power to keep any health problems secret because revealing an illness could ruin their careers. 

    Although Hollywood seems to be a little more accepting these days, I suspect there is still some hesitation about casting an actor who has a known health issue.  And even if his career is not a major concern, Freeman strikes me as the kind of man who prefers not to dwell on his pain and what he can’t do but rather to push ahead and focus on what he can do.

    Yes, it would be wonderful if Morgan Freeman would decide to become an advocate for fibromyalgia.  The entire FM community would welcome him with open arms.  His support could do wonders for increasing awareness and raising money for research.  But ultimately it’s a personal decision – each of us has to decide what is best for our lives at any given point in time.  While I hope he’ll choose to use his celebrity to help others with FM, I’ll respect his decision either way.

    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

  • Heartbreaking letter from a Bristol woman who suffers from debilitating disease fibromyalgia

    What happens when your life starts to unravel?

    For 23-year-old Peyton Connor, that happened last May when she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

    The long-term chronic condition can cause increased sensitivity to pain, extreme fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and memory loss.

    After collapsing at work at the end of 2015, several tests revealed she had the condition, which has changed her life completely.

    The condition can cripple, can cause people to fall into isolation. Some sufferers lose their social life altogether.

    Here, Peyton pens a heartbreaking letter to those closest to her.

    A Letter to my Loved Ones (What I Wish You Knew)

    Dear family, dear friends,

    First of all, please know how much I love you. I am so grateful that you’ve stuck around and put up with me and all the craziness that has surrounded me since I got poorly.

    I couldn’t have gotten through the grueling diagnosis stage, and through all the disbelief from the ones that didn’t think I was sick without your support.

    While I proved them wrong, you’ve no idea how much I wish they were right – that there was nothing wrong, and it was all make-believe.

    I wish that I could put into words how genuinely heartbroken I am.

    Unless you’ve been in my shoes, you cannot understand how painful it is to see so many opportunities snatched away from you, so many dreams gone, before you even had the chance to grasp at them.

    It’s a pain that is both mental and physical – an ache in my head and in my heart.

    Life throws these things at us for a reason, and we have to find a way to survive it, but that doesn’t make it an easy thing to do.

    We adapt to the situation we’re in because we have to. It’s the only choice we have, to keep going.

    Not only am I heartbroken, but I am also angry. Who wouldn’t be?

    We ask ourselves why us, why me, but there are no answers to those questions.

    Think about them for too long and you’ll go crazy. It doesn’t start out as a bright fiery kind of anger, but instead, it smolders.

    Enough that you don’t feel it at first. But then it adds a layer. And another. And another. Until everything is mired in hatred.

    This illness is like a thief, but it’s a clever thief. This thief knows better than to come in and steal everything in one fell swoop.

    That would be too easy, too noticeable, and it would be over too soon.

    Instead, this particular thief is cautious. He hides in the shadows, taking things one at a time so that at first you don’t even notice.

    You brush it off with a shrug when you notice the shaking starting up randomly. You ignore that creak of pain that’s always in the same place and doesn’t seem to shift.

    You laugh off the memory loss, and you cover up the fact that you’re having accidents – jokes about keeping your legs crossed when you cough in the future. You keep going.

    And because you keep going, you push through all the demons pulling at you, people think you’re fine. You reaffirm this belief by telling them again, yes indeed, you are fine.

    When they express their concerns you tell them convincingly that it’s just a cold, a touch of flu, that time of the month. You lie for it. Because in life we are taught only how to keep moving forward.

    And when you find yourself believing the lie, then and only then is when the thief will strike.

    He will gather up all of his collection, along with a few new things he’s found lying around your body, and he will leave. He will be sure to disconnect a few wires, and short fuse a few sockets in your mind before he goes.

    And that is when reality hits you. All at once, you are not the person you used to be, and who you are now is a stranger to you.

    Coming face to face with an impostor in your brain, after 23 years of solitude, of control… is terrifying.

    It is ingrained in you to fight this impostor. We don’t like to let strangers take control. But they’re much stronger than we are.

    We try to fight the impostor, to medicate them into submission, to talk them out of their position. We try to think positive, exercise, and diet, and change parts of ourselves in the hopes of driving the impostor out of our minds… but the joke is on us.

    These changes are just his subtle way of getting an even firmer hold on us. We played into his hands.

    So, what is left for us to do, except adjust, accept the rules this impostor, this thief, has made necessary, and adapt to those conditions.

    We change our entire lives, we change all our habits, and we kiss goodbye to dreams we’ve had since childhood. We accept that it wasn’t meant to be.

    So, all that is left is to ask of you, my loved ones, my friends… to accept this too. Accept that what we do is not out of choice, but more because we had no choices left to make.

    Accept that we are not weak, but simply used up all of our strength.

    Accept that we are not lazy, but tired.

    And accept that we do not like these changes anymore than you do.

    But as history shows, we are built to adapt. So we did.

    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

  • Music Therapy can Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain

    In fibromyalgia patients, music therapy can reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and improve sleep. The findings come from researchers at the University of Granada who found that music therapy combined with relaxation techniques can help improve many areas in the lives of fibromyalgia patients. With improved depression, anxiety, sleep, and reduced pain, a patient’s quality of life can greatly improve.

    Study participants were fibromyalgia patients from Spain who underwent a basal test prior to treatment, a post-basal test four weeks after the treatment, and another one eight weeks after the treatment.

    The researchers applied a relaxation technique based on guided imagery and music therapy led by a researcher. Patients were also given a CD to listen to at home. Researchers measured variables associated with the main symptoms of fibromyalgia and then the patients were given an opportunity to participate in their own treatment.

    The researchers suggest that guided imagery and music therapy is a cost-effective, easily implemented, and overall effective treatment for fibromyalgia patients. The researchers noted, “Further empirical research studies are needed to address other physiological variables associated with the well-being generated by these two techniques, and that analyzes patients’ self-efficiency and personal power to get involved in their own treatment.”

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    Manage fibromyalgia pain through music therapy

    Music therapy is an effective mode of treatment for fibromyalgia patients. It is carried out by a music therapist who assesses the patient’s needs in order to create an individualized treatment plan that can involve singing, listening, composing, and moving to music.

    Music therapy has been around for many years and isn’t just effective for fibromyalgia. In fact, music therapy can be utilized for many ailments in order to improve patients’ quality of life by helping to reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.

    A patient does not need to be musically inclined in order to benefit from musical therapy and there isn’t a specific type of music that needs to be used. A music therapist works closely with the patient to understand their own unique needs and picks music based on those needs. Although working with a therapist is recommended, there is also the so-called prescriptive music that consists of 50 to 60 beats per minute. This recorded version of music therapy also has been found to help lower blood pressure and reduce pain.

    If you have been struggling with the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and want to try an alternative mode of treatment, speak to your doctor about a referral for music therapy as it could very well offer you benefits.

    Music can be beneficial to the management of chronic pain, as it can cause physiological changes within the brain in the regions associated with language, memory, and attention. These changes also affect the way the brain processes pain, which can lead to an overall change in the way a patient experiences pain.

    Music therapy benefits in fibromyalgia treatment

    Music therapy is especially effective for those with fibromyalgia, as it is something that can be done in the comfort of their own home. Fibromyalgia patients are sometimes too fatigued or in too much pain to make the journey to a doctor’s office, meaning therapy that can take place with minimal or no travel is especially favored. It can be completed in your own time, on your own schedule, and is cost-effective, meaning that it is easily accessible for all.

    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

  • Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia Patients

    A low-quality sleep is a major issue cited by people with fibromyalgia. And, unfortunately, there are many factors that could be contributing to this, including your bed itself.

    Sleep is hugely important for everyone, but especially for those with fibro. Sleep is the time when your body relaxes and regenerates — that is if you’re actually able to sleep.

    Whatever causes your inability to get a good night’s sleep with fibromyalgia, choosing a good mattress may allow you to finally get comfortable. And with the support of a good mattress, you’ll be better equipped to deal with fibro fatigue during the day.

    The Importance of Proper Sleep

    Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. Getting adequate sleep is essential to limiting this frustrating symptom.

    Sleep apnea, insomnia, frequent awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and restless legs syndrome are common sleep problems that lead to fatigue the next day — and the days that follow.

    Anxiety, pain, being too hot or cold, being uncomfortable, and flare-ups can also cause you to lose much-needed deep sleep. And, a lot of the time, a hard, uncomfortable mattress just makes it worse.

    It’s much harder to manage your fibro symptoms without proper sleep; in fact, symptoms can actually worsen without the restorative power of a good snooze.

    So, aside from practicing good sleep hygiene, what can be done about getting the shut-eye you need?

    Choosing the Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia

    Yes, investing in a new mattress could be just the thing you need to sleep better. It’s so simple, isn’t it? Just ensure you choose the right kind for fibro.

    When choosing a mattress for fibromyalgia, it’s important to keep in mind how much support the mattress will offer. Memory foam tends to be a good option for someone with fibromyalgia because it can mold to the natural curvature of the body, allowing it to provide support where needed.

    However, many types of memory foam can cause you to feel hot throughout the night because it changes shape through heat. A way to combat this is to try a gel memory foam mattress; these provide the same support as regular memory foam but have a cooler surface (about five degrees cooler!) to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout the night.

    Let’s look a little closer at some of the best fibromyalgia mattress options for you.

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    Memory Foam

    As previously mentioned, memory foam is a great choice due to its support and comfort. And while memory foam cushions your body, it’s not too soft on your joints. Choosing a softer mattress is not a great idea, as it won’t actually offer the support your joints need.

    Some great memory foam options out there are:

    • Tempur-Pedic. These mattresses are available in all kinds of densities, from soft to firm. You can really customize your mattress to what works best for you.
    • Fibro-Pedic. Constructed from memory foam and latex foam, the Fibro-Pedic mattress was designed by a doctor (who is also the husband of a fibro sufferer) to help her, and his patients, sleep better.
    • Sleep Number. The Sleep Number mattress is similar to the Tempur-Pedic, but you’re able to adjust each side of the bed to different angles, and even temperatures (depending on the model). There’s even an app you can use to track your sleep!

    If you’re on a budget, a memory foam topper is a good option as well. They’ll conform to your body and take pressure off tender points, without you having to shell out the money for a new mattress.

    Just remember, if your mattress is old and needs replacing, there’s only so much a topper can do to ease the pain — you may just need to bite the bullet and invest in a new one.

    Innerspring Mattresses

    Innerspring mattresses are the most common mattresses out there; the ones filled with coil springs and other foam materials.

    These are of course an option for people with fibromyalgia, but they may not be a great one. The springs provide firmer support than memory foam or gel foam, but they can also cause lumps in the mattress, making it uncomfortable. They may also have too few coils, which could lead to more pain.

    To prevent this, memory foam or some other kind of material can be placed atop the mattress to make it more comfortable. As long as it maintains its support in addition to comfort, it will help fibromyalgia patients get a good night’s sleep.

    Regardless of the type of mattress chosen for fibromyalgia patients, it is important to remember the balance between softness and support. Having a mattress that is too soft can actually be detrimental to your pain management because it can cause uneven sleeping positions and put more pressure on muscles and joints.

    The bottom line is this: if you’re not sleeping well and your mattress is to blame, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Do your research and invest in a really good one — trust us, your body will thank you!

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    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

  • Why Fibromyalgia Makes Bras Painful to Wear

    Anyone with chronic pain knows that there are certain things that will make the pain flare-up. Those who have fibromyalgia are particularly vulnerable to this, as there are a lot of things they can’t do.

    Sleeping becomes increasingly difficult, as it is painful to lay down and sleep. Going out and tending to the garden becomes out of the question, as leaning over is too painful.

    The same thing goes for the clothing you wear. Likely, the looser the clothing is, the better. Therefore, bras become out of the question.

    It doesn’t matter if they are soft, sports bras or ones with a wire in the front, they will hurt. They press in some of the most painful spots for those with fibromyalgia.

    Many people who have fibromyalgia have had a very difficult time finding the right bra for them. They have likely spent a lot of money trying to find the perfect bras for their needs, but have been unable to. It takes a lot of time and effort to find the perfect bra.

    There are a few things you should always keep in mind when you are going to look for a new bra. These are all essentials for those who have fibromyalgia and can no longer wear the bras they love.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    If you are a sufferer of fibromyalgia, you might find it hard to pick out the right bras. Some of them might seem to work, but then don’t. Others you know will never work.

    However, it’s always good to have a list of things to remember when you are out shopping for that new bra.

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    No Synthetic Material

    It’s true that synthetic bras are not only cheaper but extremely easy to find. However, they are not good when you sweat.

    They don’t wick away the moisture but instead keep it where it is. For those who already have fibromyalgia, this makes wearing a bra that much more painful.

    This brings you to wear primarily cotton or silk bras. They can’t have any synthetic material in them if you can help it, as they need to be able to breathe as much as possible.

    If you absolutely can’t get away from synthetic materials due to budget or allergies, then try something that is a microfiber blend.

    Microfiber is made to wick away the sweat that accumulates, making you less likely to have more pain than you need.

    No Back Closures

    For those who have fibromyalgia, you likely already have noticed that having closures in the back makes everything more painful.

    Joints are among the main things that are painful with fibromyalgia, so reaching behind you to clasp your bra shut is hard.

    Even if you generally clasp it in the front and then move it to the back, it is still likely painful to put the straps upon your shoulders.

    Therefore, you should look for front closing bras over everything else. It is much easier to close a bra in the front with all the pain you are being subjected to. The pain you might have is lessened dramatically when done this way.

    A great thing that comes with that is the fact the bras with front closures are generally much smoother in the back.

    This will help if your main source of pain from bras is on your back. Even if it isn’t, it will still prevent some pain from coming.

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    Are Underwires Bad?

    This comes down to something that is more a personal preference than anything else. Some people like them.

    They give a good amount of support and they hold your breasts where you want them to be. They don’t feel like they are falling out and could go anywhere.

    However, others don’t like them, as they can be very uncomfortable. Even the ones that are padded over the wire might be too uncomfortable. They might feel as though they are stabbing some people, even if they aren’t.

    For those with fibromyalgia, it comes down to whether these make the pain worse or don’t change anything.

    If you can find a front clasping bra that is made of natural material, getting one with or without an underwire depends on what you believe feels the best. Try ones with and ones without to see if one feels more comfortable.

    Make Sure It’s the Right Size

    It’s surprising that so many women still don’t know their size when it comes to bras. Many just go with whatever they think feels right. However, if you aren’t wearing the right size bra, there might be problems that arise later on.

    Anyone who has fibromyalgia can probably say that a bra that is too small will be extremely painful. Therefore, if you have the correct size, it might relieve some of the more intense pain.

    To figure out what your size is, there are plenty of sites online that will take the information you give them and convert them into the right size.

    These are measurements that either you or someone else can take of your breasts, including how long it is all around your torso and how big your breasts are.

    Go to a Professional

    If you want to make sure that you have the right size, you should go to a store where someone can size you.

    Not only can they size you, but if you tell them the issues you are having trying to find a bra, they can give you bras to try out.

    Through this, you will have someone who is actively helping you figure out what ones are the best and what ones to skip over.

    If you have a local store that can help you with this, you should definitely go and try it out. You might be surprised at how easy it is to find the bras you need.

    Conclusion

    It’s crazy to think how much a single disease can affect your life. Fibromyalgia not only is painful but can make a lot of the things you do on a daily basis impossible.

    Wearing a bra is something many women do, but if it is painful, they might be forced to not wear one.

    Depending on your choice, you might have to find the perfect bra to wear. Hopefully, some of these might help you figure out exactly what bra you should be buying and what one you will buy.

    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

  • Great News!! CBD Medical Oil Is Having Success As Treating Fibromyalgia

    In a recent post regarding the use of medical marijuana for Treating Fibromyalgia symptoms, comments were made regarding the helpfulness of a similar product called CBD oil (cannabidiol). What exactly is CBD oil for Treating Fibromyalgia and is it the same as medical-grade marijuana? What exactly can it do for fibromyalgia?

    Is It Legal?

    The first thing you should know about CBD oil is that it is completely legal in the United States as long as it is made from industrial hemp rather than marijuana. It is viewed as a dietary supplement, similar to an herbal supplement such as Valerian Root which is commonly used by fibromyalgia patients to relieve insomnia and anxiety. Some years ago I did medical transcription for a pediatric neurologist.

    Several parents whose children had epilepsy or seizure conditions asked the physician about the usefulness of CBD oil. Fibromyalgia patients often find themselves in the same boat as the children of these parents: the prescription pharmaceutical options usually have side effects that are too debilitating and unbearable.

    Thus, parents who were aware of CBD oil as Treating Fibromyalgia unequivocally preferred it over all of the prescription medication because it has no side effects. However, the physician always responded with the same answer, that he did not have any information about it and therefore was not willing to advise one way or another.

    While there have been a number of studies conducted on the efficacy of CBD oil for both epilepsy and fibromyalgia, it is apparently still not enough. That is why you will usually find the same disclaimer on CBD oil that you do for other supplements: “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

    This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”Regardless of a lack of scientific data, fibromyalgia patients on nearly every online forum dedicated to the condition mention CBD oil and marijuana as highly effective treatments at one point or another. That means it merits our attention.

    What is CBD oil anyway?

    “CBD hemp oil is made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp, unlike medical marijuana products, which are usually made from plants with high concentrations of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Because hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, these hemp oil products are non-psychoactive,” say the folks at Medical Marijuana Inc., a leader in prescription-grade CBD products.

    They add that since CBD interacts with our naturally occurring systems and is not psychotropic, it will not cause a high like traditional marijuana. For those suffering from fibromyalgia who must also function daily with jobs, children, or other responsibilities, a non-psychotropic option may be just the key. Think of how often you’ve tried to function with prescription pharmaceuticals for fibro, but get knocked down by the side effects of grogginess or fatigue.

    CBD oil for Treating Fibromyalgia could also be a great alternative for those who do not wish to use medical marijuana for religious reasons, or for the majority who simply lack legal access. CBD oil comes in many forms, such as lotion, tinctures, drops, vape oil, spray, chocolate bars, salve, capsules, cream, and is even available for pets in drops. In the fibromyalgia community, drops seem to be the number one choice while capsules come in second.

    What will CBD oil do for Treating Fibromyalgia?

    Patients report CBD oil Treating Fibromyalgia symptoms, but remember that everyone is different. Nonetheless, it is worth trying because fibromyalgia patients report that it helps greatly with chronic pain, sleep, endurance, anxiety, depression, inflammation, muscle spasms, overall mental health and well-being, mood, and more.

    Occasionally you will find those who say that CBD oil does nothing for them. However, it should be noted that an FDA report shows that some hemp oils only contain very little CBD while others have no cannabinoids at all. That may explain why some fibromyalgia patients say they have no response to the oil at all. In other words, quality matters and it would be helpful to check out the report to see the relevant brands.

    Where can I get CBD oil for Treating Fibromyalgia?

    There are high-quality CBD oil distributors all over the internet, including Amazon where you can check reviews by thousands of people and search for the highest rated products. Additionally, most local health food stores carry it in one or many ways.

    The key is to do your research by checking online sources and talking to fellow fibromyalgia patients to see what brands and distributors have been the most helpful. If you have found a particularly good brand, please share it with us and tell us how CBD oil has helped your fibromyalgia symptoms.

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    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

  • Showering with Fibromyalgia: Why Causing more Pain?

    When you are first told that the pain and tiredness that you have is due to having fibromyalgia, it can be devastating.

    You are going to find that this new diagnosis could mean that you have to change the way in which you live your life.

    Everything that you do, even the most mundane of activities, can make a difference in how you feel later.

    Even a shower could be something that causes more pain or even makes the symptoms of fibromyalgia flare up more than they already are.

    Fibromyalgia is something that affects numerous people. The key to having this illness is learning what you can do to lessen the symptoms while still maintaining the life that you have always dreamed of having.

    There are numerous people in the world who are functioning with fibromyalgia easily and they are still doing what they always want to do. How can you be one of these people?

    Realize There are Obstacles

    One of the first things that the person needs to realize is that there are going to be obstacles that you must learn to deal with.

    Whether you attack these obstacles head-on or you learn what you can do and what you need to pace yourself with, you will find that your life is going to be better for learning this control.

    There are several obstacles that you may have to come to realize in order to gain more control over your life. Some of these obstacles may include:

    • What was your regular workout routine like? It could be you have to change this.
    • Did you work in a physically demanding job? If so, it may be time to look for something else.
    • You may have to start getting more sleep–in order to give your body the rest that it needs

    These are the most common obstacles that people think of when they are told that they do have fibromyalgia.

    However, did you know that something as mundane as taking a shower could require that you change your way of doing this?

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    A Shower Means Exertion

    When you step into the shower, most often you are not thinking about how much exertion this is going to require, but it does.

    We often link a shower with relaxation, but if you look at all that you do in the shower, it does take some exertion.

    For example, you are standing the entire time, you are going to be doing a fair amount of bending stretching, and reaching while you are lathering and washing your body.

    Those who have fibromyalgia often find that these repetitive movements are almost as if they have run a marathon.

    While it should not make a person tired, this is just one of the issues that fibromyalgia patients have to deal with.

    Showers can Promote Too Much Relaxation

    Is too much relaxation something that a person should worry about? If you have fibromyalgia, then yes this is something that you need to worry about.

    This is especially true if you are taking a shower in the morning before your day gets going. Why is this?

    Those who have fibromyalgia often find that they are tired constantly. This tired feeling is normal when dealing with fibromyalgia, but a shower can make this tired feeling even more pronounced due to the way it makes a person relax.

    If you are taking a shower first thing in the morning, you want to be woken up, not relaxed, and falling to sleep all day long.

    The Temperature can be an Issue

    Who doesn’t like to take a nice, hot, soothing shower to relax those muscles and basically rejuvenate us? Most everyone!

    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

  • Heavy Sweating in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    “I have a problem—unexplained excessive sweating, like just stepping out of the shower, hair dripping wet, clothes soaked! … It has put a big damper on my lifestyle.”

    “My limbs get so cold and painful … and yet my face will be sweating from the heat inside.”

    “What exactly causes the excessive sweating? … I don’t bother to wear makeup in the summer because there is no point—it just melts off.”

    These are all comments made by people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

    Excessive sweating is one of those bizarre symptoms that rarely make it onto symptoms lists or grab the attention of researchers.

    That’s understandable since we have much bigger problems. Still, it can have a major impact on your life.

    While doctors and researchers have noted that excessive sweating can be a symptom of these conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor about complex regional pain syndrome. It has similar symptoms and some research suggests excessive sweating may be more common in that condition.

    What Causes Excessive Sweating?

    Several factors could be responsible for our sweating, either on their own or in combination. They include:

    The only cause that’s “curable” is the medication side effect, and that may not be an attractive option to you if the drug is doing more good than harm.
    Your doctor may have ideas about medications that help control sweating.

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    Living With Excessive Sweating

    If you do have to live with this symptom, you may want to keep some items on hand to keep it from being obvious and embarrassing.

    • Loose powders: Powder on your face may help absorb sweat before you even know it’s there. You can also apply it after drying sweat off of your skin to keep from being shiny.

    You may find that you need to keep a stash of extra clothing in your car, purse, locker, desk, or another convenient place.

    Preventing Excessive Sweating

    If your sweating isn’t tied to any particular stimulus, you might not be able to keep it from happening. However, if it’s tied to heat—and especially our tendency to become overheated—you may find that some of these things reduce the problem.

    • Extra antiperspirant, re-applied a few times during the day, and applied to non-typical places where you tend to sweat a lot may help.
    • Taking cooler baths or showers, or running cooler water over your body before you get out, may keep you from getting overheated and sweating more.
    • Especially if you tend to be cold a lot, you may frequently find yourself dressed too warmly for the environment. Dressing in layers gives you more temperature-control options.
    • Choosing cold drinks over hot ones and avoiding hot foods can help.

    ​Once sweating starts, it may be difficult to stop. You’re better off trying to prevent it in the first place.

    Dehydration From Excessive Sweating

    One important thing about excessive sweating is making sure you stay hydrated. It’s important to replace both the water and the electrolytes you sweat out.

    Electrolytes are minerals, including:

    If you think you need to replace electrolytes but don’t have a sports drink handy, you can get them via supplements or through food.

    It can be hard for us to tell when we’re dehydrated because the symptoms can be similar to some we already have.

    You should make sure to know the symptoms of dehydration.

    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

  • It’s Not Fibromyalgia. Most Likely You are Not Aware

    I stood in my closet this morning, looking around as though I’d never been there. I couldn’t remember what I was doing, why, or what I should do next. So I stood still, waiting for it to come to me. Moments before I had been violently panting like a wild animal, bent over in pain and hugging my own body. I’d simply gone upstairs to get dressed for the day, but just as it does every day of my life in varying degrees, my illness reminded me who was in charge.

    Tears welled up. That happens a lot, too. I don’t always have words anymore when I want to express what I’m feeling so my soul expresses it for me. I forget. A lot.

    It’s Not Fibromyalgia

    I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in my early 30s by a young doctor who had clearly just learned the word on a sleepover at Junior Doctor Camp.

    “You will grow weaker and weaker until finally your muscles atrophy. Your life span will be drastically shortened, and you’ll live out your final year’s wheelchair–bound.”

    Over the years I would experience sporadic periods of improvement and so I’d decided that Fibromyalgia was a bullshit diagnosis, and I damn sure didn’t have it.

    Then I’d get really sick again.

    My Symptoms

    My arms and legs go numb, almost always both at the same time but sometimes not. Either way, I fall down, bump into things, lose my balance. I can’t always tell where my foot is hitting, and when that happens you would think that our floors are made of chewed-up bubble gum.

    My joints stiffen so severely that my ankles don’t want to bend and my elbows always feel like someone hit them with a hammer while I slept.

    I move like Frankenstein, only not as gracefully.

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    My muscles ache down to the bone in a way that feels like I am always battling influenza. It never stops. Ever.

    But, by far the worst thing I’ve been living with for so long is extreme fatigue. I’ve thought so often about what word I could possibly use to describe what it feels like, and I’ve always come up empty. All I can tell you is the kind of fatigue I live with every day is what I believe it must feel like to die. When it’s very bad, doctors notice a palsy that comes over my face, and I have trouble even standing. I can’t rest enough to recover. I say it’s like someone is embalming me.

    That can happen whether I am sitting in a chair with my feet up, or it can happen after I’ve played with my grand–monkeys. It doesn’t matter what I do. It’s always there.

    I’ve said to every doctor I’ve seen, “I know that I will not live much longer. I’m dying.” I’ve known that for a long time. In years past I’d have bursts of weeks or months of energy that would allow me to behave normally. But, I always knew I was dying. In the past three years, I’ve really felt my life slipping away. There have been almost no bursts of energy or good days – just me waiting to go to sleep and not wake up.

    I figured that in my autopsy results they’d discover what was really wrong with me and “the world” would know I wasn’t crazy. Well, at least as it pertains to my health.

    Across decades I’ve been seen by new doctors, and with each came mounds of new medical bills. “You are presenting like you have MS,” they’d all say, and then after the same battery of tests came the same diagnosis.

    Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

    “I don’t believe that either of those is a diagnosis,” I’d say to them. “You are labeling me with those words because I am a woman, and because you don’t know what else to do with me.”

    Want to piss off a doctor? Tell them you think they don’t know what they’re talking about. One particularly cocky son-of-a-bitch said to me, “You seem like you’d rather I’d have said you have MS.”

    I know people who suffer unspeakably from Multiple Sclerosis. It’s vicious. But, yes. Sometimes I’d have taken the diagnosis of that horrific disease if only to have a “real thing” that explains why I so often can’t walk the ten feet from my recliner to the closest bathroom without holding onto something. People believe you when you say you have MS. They understand (as best they can), that you’re not well and that you’re not a liar who is seeking attention.

    It’s not the same mindset with regard to Fibro and CFS.

    I remember someone I deeply respect who suddenly made a proclamation on Facebook about women and Fibromyalgia. Going on a diet, getting some exercise, and growing up pretty much sums up the sentiment. There was no way I could tell people how sick I’ve been for fear they’d think of me as someone who wasn’t trying hard enough to be healthy, or worse, have them think it was all in my head.

    Just to be sure, I went to see a psychiatrist. “Sher, you aren’t crazy. This isn’t in your head,” he said. To his credit, he also said, “I could prescribe Lyrica for you, but if I do that it’s the same as saying I believe what you’ve been told about what’s going on and I don’t. You have to keep pushing until you get to the person who can help you.”

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    Well-meaning close friends and not-so-well-meaning relatives had more to say when I would take them into my confidence about how unwell I was. To be fair, there is only one person who knows how bad I am. Some people in my life know a little, and some a little more, but no one knows the extent of just how damn bad it’s been beyond my partner.

    What People Say to Me

    You need to cut out gluten. You need to cut out sugar. You need to push through it. You need to exercise. You should pray. You need to try harder to force yourself to do uncomfortable things. My friend knows someone who knows someone who has Fibromyalgia and they are living their life, not laying around letting it happen.

    And the worst things that have been said? The things that I can’t get out of my head and that bring me to tears even as I write?

    “Are you planning on being sick next month?”

    “Seriously? Don’t tell me you’re sick again. Really? It’s funny how you’re sick when I need something from you.”

    Finally, a Diagnosis

    An acquaintance dropped me a note one day that encouraged me to see an infectious disease doc here in the Midwest. A close family member of hers was made healthier by this man and she felt I should at least see him. It took months to get in, and I was profoundly skeptical.

    The day came and I brought my partner with me to help me express what was happening, ask smart questions, and remember it all. When you lose your words and you forget things the way I do, you stop going to appointments alone. You stop going anywhere alone.

    When he walked in, I knew right away something was different. He told me he was allowing two hours for our visit. I’d never had more than minutes with any doctor. He asked me questions about my current life and my past. In many cases, before I could answer he’d tell me what he suspected my answer was going to be. He was always right.

    He explained his research into Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and how it had become his driving passion for many, many years. He spoke to us about his research, the two papers he’d published, and the third on which he was currently working.

    “I am 95% positive, Sher, that when we test your urine you will be positive for mycotoxins – black mold.”

    In my life, no doctor has made such a bold statement. No physician of any kind had ever before been so confident to use such language BEFORE tests.

    “It’s with good reason that you tell me you know you are dying. That’s exactly what is happening. The mycotoxins are killing you at a cellular level.”

    And, then he said two little sentences that changed everything.

    “I can help you. I will help you.”

    I cried, and when at the end of our time together he got up to leave he opened his arms wide to me. “Around here, we give hugs.”

    I came home and prayed that I’d be positive for black mold. There’s a prayer I never imagined.

    When the tests came back, about two weeks, I received a copy of my results. There it was in black and white. Black mold. Mycotoxins. “You have a black mold factory living in your sinus cavity, Sher,” the doctor said.

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    It could have begun as a very young girl in the South. It could have happened all the years I lived in Kentucky. It could have been in Germany. It definitely could have been made worse again by all the flooding and old homes in Southeast Kansas.

    “You don’t have to be living in a home with black mold on the walls to have this happen to you,” he said.

    That’s been several weeks ago now, and every day I take the treatment he’s prescribed. It amounts to inhaling a drug to kill the mold. There is no way to know how long it will take, but I don’t care. If it takes a year I’ll do it every day and wait for this to be over. The only side effects I’m currently having are that I’m so nauseous almost all the time now, and the fatigue has gotten even worse… if you can imagine such a thing.

    I’m waiting on a call from his nurse right now about those things, but I’ve told myself the nausea is from the treatment running down my throat to my stomach. And the worsening fatigue? Well, I used to tell my babies that when your body is working hard to make you well, you have to rest because it takes so much energy for healing. There is a war inside my body now and I’m just going to have to do the best I can to wait it out.

    At least we know what the hell this invisible, torturous monster is and there is hope now. I want to be healthy again. I want to take my grand-monkeys on outings. I want to run. I want to drink coffee in Portland, and sleep in a treehouse in New England, and drink great wine with friends in Chicago, and eat the best pizza in New York, and zipline in some place lush and warm. I want to be me again.

    I have two incredibly loving and supportive children and a man in my corner who says things like, “I’d rather have a life with you – even when you’re not well than life without you. No question.”

    Can’t quit now. I’m three feet from sunshine.

    If you’re wondering about black mold poisoning, I’ll leave you with the following information:

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    Black Mold Symptoms

    Please note that this is an exhaustive list. You do not have to have every single symptom to have a mold-related illness.

    My hope is that you feel better very soon. Please know that while I cannot respond to every comment, I do read them all and my heart hurts for each of you who are suffering.

    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