...a.k.a. Surviving Chuck E. Cheese.
We can't always predict stress, which is enemy #1 for most of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, but there are some situations you just know are going to stress you out.
I encountered one of these sure-fire stressors recently, when my husband and I took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese for our son's 7th birthday. The noise, bright lights and visual chaos of that place never fail to trigger sensory overload and put me on the brink of an anxiety attack. Because it's never a quick trip, I usually leave there shaking, aching and miserable.
This time was better, though - I went in prepared. Here's what helps me deal with these kinds of situations:
- DHEA: This supplement really helps me with stress, but talk to your doctor/pharmacist before starting it. I try to always take one before going to the grocery store, driving in heavy traffic, or doing anything else stressful.
- Something to Focus On: I find I can avoid that panicky feeling if I have something to focus on right in front of me. It can be a book, magazine, hand-held video game, whatever. If you're crafty, something like knitting or cross stitch might be good, too.
- Plan Mini Escapes: If you start to feel overwhelmed somewhere, remember you can always slip outside for a few minutes, or even go hide out in a restroom stall. Getting away and taking some deep breaths can help keep your body calm.
- Drink Tea: Black and green tea contain theanine, which is naturally soothing. Decaf black and green tea have it as well (but not herbal teas), and you can also take it as a supplement.
- Have Pain Meds Handy: Stress can quickly trigger symptoms, so make sure you have appropriate medications with you.
This time, I managed to hold it together and leave Chuck E. Cheese feeling OK. Hopefully, some of those strategies will also work for my son's birthday party with all of his friends!
What situations stress you out? What helps you get through them? Leave a comment below, so we can all learn from each other!
Suggested Reading:
- Supplements for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia Treatments
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments
Photo © David McGlynn/Getty Images
How on earth can you rais a child with Fibo?
I can hardley take care of myself. My hats off to you.
I put in ear plugs and wear tinted glasses to cut down on the sensory stimuli. Really helps me
I’ve had CFS/fibromyalgia for 22 years. I’m finally on SSD now after working for most of those years.
I can totally relate to the comments about hypersensitivity. Right now, I just finished eating Easter dinner and everyone else is still at the table talking. I’m taking a little breather in my own room. I guess I’ll even take a nap because dessert won’t be until later. Thank God, my family is very understanding about this. I still suffer a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally (even on Lyrica and Cymbalta).
I’ve found the best therapy whenever I’m on “overload” or overtired is to just take a nap. Even if it’s noisy in the other room and I can’t really fall asleep, at least I’m lying down and closing my eyes.
And last, but not least, having my cat with me here in the room is always very healing to me. Pets are very sensitive to your moods or physical well-being, so they’re wonderful to have around.
Happy Easter, everyone! Hang in there!
WARNING!! A MUST READ!! I am a 32 mother of 3 young children and wife of a disabled husband and I have been suffering with fibermyalgia For years. Just when I think thinks couldn’t get any harder, I contracted MRSA!! A very deadly staff infection that my husband and I both got from our neighbor. This is no joke. DIABETIC AND FIBERMYALGIA suffers BEWARE! This illness can kill and give you so much more pain than you already have!! My sores have healed and I am still having a hard time recovering. I gained weight from lack of movement and I can still barely walk very far for exercise. THIS CAN BE PREVENTED! I recommend taking percautions, by washing hand excessively and take sanitizer with you EVERY WHERE you go!! GET educated and check out the illness on line- “MRSA”. It starts by looking like a pimple then becomes red, swollen, and infected around the area. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING TO MESS WITH. It will not pop like a regular pimple. It some how attaches to your skin. My sore was on my face and the pain shot though my body from my face to my whole body and it felt like I was having labor pains. And it wears you down! The ONLY thing that got rid of my pain was the RIGHT antibiotic. MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics now. And once you get it you could easily have ongoing outbreaks. GET EDUCATED! BE aware of your surroundings even though you can’t see the Germ!
How did you and your husband get this from the neighbor? Is it airborne? Or did the person come into your home and touch you, handshake? Sound horrible.
For the grocery store I make a list by aisles and stick to my list–just go for what I need and get out. My husband does the browse shopping as he knows the grocery store really freaks me. For baby showers or wedding showers or wedding or anything such as that I take frequent breaks–head for the ladies’ room, walk to another part of the building or go outside for a few minutes. If it’s an informal occasion I bring needlework (something on which I don’t have to concentrate on a pattern) usually hand pieceing or hand quilting. It gives me something on which to focus
When I know I have siomething to do that might be stressful or make me weary, I try to make sure there is time at the end to rest and/or nap. If I know I have that ahead of me, I can relax a bit more and enjoy what I am doing. Also, attitude means a lot. How important is it to me to go to Chuck E. Cheese with my grandsons. Will I act miserable or will I rejoice in being there with them.
Another key, comfortable clothes and shoes. Find clothes that don’t confine or cause added pain.
HI ALL THIS WEBSITE HAS HELPED ME GET THROUGH
THE WEEK.I HAVE HAD FIBRO FOR YEARS,BUT
JUST GOT DIAGNOSED IN OCT OF 08
I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH TENDONITIUS
OF THE ACHILLES DOES ANYONE HAVE THESE PROBLEMS WITH OUR DISEASE? MAGNESIUM & COQ10
AND HELPED THE FIBRO,CYMBALTA SPACED ME OUT.BUT,LYRICA HELPS THE SLEEPY FEELING IN MY LEGS AND FEET. FEEL DOWN CAUSE I CANNOT EXERCISE. CAN ANYONE YES SHOPPING TIRES ME TOO.
I have found planning and more planning is the only way to survive and then spend some time recovering! I found that making sure i walk everyday even if it is with dogs one block or around a court and practise relaxation everyday even if this is while someone is talking on and on about nothing. I attended a pain management clinic here in Australia that teaches you how to plan, focus schedule our week and breaks, relaxation do something for ourselves, the thing most of us forget-how to avoid the black hole you must -precontemplate-contemplate-prepartion-action-maintence but just be kind to yourself it helps me and forget what others expect of you do your best. I have two teenagers as a single mum let me say life is hard sometimes for fibros it happens for longer but you wouldn’t enjoy the quiet times if you didn’t have it. keeping educating yourself the internet is good for a while and lots of friends worldwide to share stories with helps me when I can cheers Jennifer
I love you all for persisting and planning despite stress, fatigue and pain. I swim at a YMCA’s American Arthritis Exercise Classes for low cost, gentle range of motion. You don’t have to have arthritis to join.
I always have a get a way plan. If I go anywhere, I either take my own car or take fun day trips with other people who have fibro. When one of us says she is tired, all understand. Your sunglasses and focus items plus taking those beauty naps are good ideas.