This week since it’s a holiday I thought that instead of sharing a new interview, I’d share a little advice from past interviews. These bits are from some of the earliest interviews that I posted, but they still hold up and as you can see there’s a lot of overlap in the advice given (and received).
What have you found that has improved your symptoms?
“Stress management is key for me.” – via Beverly P
“The things that have improved my symptoms are times of peace in my life where I am not stressed over someone or something; times there are no deadlines, no time pressures, etc., so that there’s more time to relax and heal.” – Vicky J
[Tweet “Stress management is key to controlling the symptoms of #Fibromyalgia”]
“I have a heat cape that really helps relieve the pain in my neck and shoulders. I have pain patches that I can put on specific spots that have proven quite effective.” – Kathleen
“I cannot go without my magnesium. I can tell a difference the very next day with the pain and spasms.” – Rhonda
“Eating right, exercising appropriately for me, letting go of stress, finding ways to sleep better and reworking my self-care plan as often as it is needed! Because every day is different and meds only work so long. ” – DL Miller
“What I’ve found works the best is just getting your mind off of whatever symptoms you are experiencing. ” – Hope
“Diet has made a major impact. I had been slowly trying to improve my diet, but two months ago I went vegan. It has improved my pain a lot. I also, exercise frequently. It has helped so much with stiffness, flexibility, pain, and fatigue.” – Nicky
“I meditate. I relax, take a soothing bath in Epson salts, slow down, do less, massage therapy and as a last resort, I take prescription pain medicines. ” – Beverly D
“Regular exercise has helped immensely. Some days I can do a very intense workout and other days just light stretching in front of the tv. But, the key is to move a little every day so you don’t become deconditioned, because that can also create, yet again, more pain. I found physical therapy, massage, and a TENS unit to all be very helpful.” – Dawn S
What is the best advice you’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia?
“The best advice I’ve received regarding Fibromyalgia is “Do it, Delegate it, or Dump it”. The 3 D’s are an easy way to remember that if something is necessary to be done, it doesn’t mean that it’s necessary for me to do it or that it necessarily has to be done right away. For Fibro patients, it’s a reality check for us, as well as, a good formula for coping and pacing.” – Vicky J
“Pacing. I hate to hear that, but it’s really the best advice to get. I can get so much more done if I just make myself rest at regular intervals. Yes, it does take longer to get the job done. But at least I can get the job done. And isn’t that the point?” – Kathleen
““Don’t ever give up!” and I haven’t.” – DL Miller
“Get your mind off of it. It’s extremely hard at first, but after you practice, it’s pretty easy. Some days are more difficult than others, but it works for me. ” – Hope
“I’m not crazy. It’s not all in my head. I’m not alone. There’s a lot of people just like me. And drink water, drink water even if you don’t like it, learn to and then drink some more.” – Carrie
[Tweet “You are not crazy, it is not all in your head, and you are not alone.”]
“Don’t depend on medication alone to treat your Fibromyalgia. You need to include diet changes, exercise, daily stretching and also you need a counselor to talk to, to navigate through all the emotional stuff. When you get a Fibromyalgia diagnosis you have to adjust to having many limitations which leads to depression and frustration.” – Nicky
“It’s not your fault! If you can move, move, and if you can’t move, rest. Don’t feel guilty. ” – Beverly D
Shelley CALLAGHAN says
I have had fibromyalgia since the fall/ 2004- Misdiagnosis for × 8 mo. Till a Lyme titer was done & both came in positive. Not treated for over 8 mo. Started me on large does of antibiotics.
Madona says
Julie ready to tell my story. I am ready to heal and you can’t help others until you tell the Truth. I think my story will be real different as that my Fibro started as a result from a domestic violence situation.
No one I can remember has mentioned that the symptoms and pain came shortly after a car accident, a fall. And many times it comes after some type of trauma to the body.
What do you think Julie?
And to put the Icing on the Cup cake, We are still Married. How I feel and how I am dealing and putting up with family’s Judgemental attitude. How I deal with a Husband who has never spoken to my Dr’s. Or read a pamphlet concerning this disorder.
Julie says
Madona, would love to share your story. I’ll email you the interview questions. As often as we read that Fibro often starts after a trauma we’ve not seen that often in the interviews.