Explore effective treatments for Fibromyalgia, including medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches to manage symptoms.
I had fibromyalgia symptoms for 15 years before I was diagnosed. At that time, I took a course of physical therapy where I did the Wharton stretch method, where you put a strap around your ankle, stretch your leg, and then gently use the strap to extend the stretch for a second. This, combined with a slow, progressive walking program where I extended the length of my walk over time improved my energy and pain…
First of all, you haven’t changed. You’re the same person with the same condition, except now you have a label. I found that label very liberating because it showed me that I had a real disability and that I wasn’t “just making it up” or “being lazy” or such. Plus, now you can say “I have fibromyalgia” instead of “well I’m kinda really tired and, like, achy all over”, which sounds more convincing. Other stuff,…
A wonderful database of patients who have accomplished a remission from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been created by Chronic-illness Community has video-interviewed several survivors and he has made these available for review. The stories he presents and the stories I have heard from patients contain similar reports of survivorship, and it is exactly the healing journeys of these survivors that point to the causes and the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.…
I don’t know if my way is best, but I’m nearly symptom-free. I take medication and I slowly increased my exercise and activity. The worst: In the spring of 2008, my fibromyalgia (technically fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS) was destroying my life. I couldn’t move without crippling pain. I would move in small increments like going to the bathroom or switching from the bed to the couch. I needed help getting to appointments. If my ride’s car didn’t…
On a scale of 1-10, my average daily pain level is a 6 or a 7. All-day. Every single day of my life. It’s always there, and cannot be ignored no matter how engrossed in something I may be. Being in constant pain is exhausting. Fatigue is a huge issue in my life. Unrefreshing sleep is one of the hallmarks of this disease. I sleep about ten hours per night and still wake feeling like…
Exercise helps break the chronic pain cycle associated with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by improving fitness and functional levels, relieving physical and emotional stress, and boosting one’s confidence and self-esteem. While you probably have heard a lot about the benefits of aerobic exercise, you may be wondering about strength training. Women at risk of osteoporosis commonly hear about including strength training activities in an exercise program. Should a person with fibromyalgia perform strength training activities? Is…
Improving Communication The stresses brought by serious illness can make good communication difficult. To complicate matters, CFS and FM create the additional challenge of cognitive problems. Here are seven ideas for how to improve communication if you or your partner have CFS or FM. Pick a Good Time and Setting If you have something important to discuss with a significant person in your life, select a time when both of you will be at your…
Relaxation can help in Breastfeeding Breastfeeding may sound like the most natural thing in the world, but many women find it harder than expected. Mothers with fibromyalgia often have an especially tough time with breastfeeding, according to a new study. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. Its cause is not known, and it affects more women than men. There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Patients often try physical therapy, counseling, and medication (including antidepressants, ibuprofen, and in some cases, morphine)…
Miashy can be reached through her website Spoons to Share where she blogs and shares insights on how to find your faith within Fibromyalgia. She also offers complimentary consultations for those interested in exploring how they can find accommodations to help them observe their faith in a fibrofriendly way. Faith is another one of those difficult to approach topics. When I refer to faith in this blog, I refer to religion. Specifically, I am referring…
Fibromyalgia is complex. If you live with fibro, you know that it’s not as easy as taking a “pill” or any other quick fix and just getting on with your life. Living smarter is about being proactive and taking responsibility for ourselves and our illness, and in that comes empowerment and greater levels of healing. Listed below are the best books and support for fibromyalgia and chronic illness that I have found. The authors…