From the article: Develop Coping Skills for Living With Fibromyalgia
It's hard to stay optimistic or hopeful when you have unrelenting pain or fatigue from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. What coping skills have helped you keep a positive outlook? Share your experiences so we can all learn from them. Share What Works!
Taking my time
- I have learned that if I take my time I can do most things. But it might take me all day to do the dishes. I am talking about a skillet 2 plates and a couple of glasses along with silverware. Cleaning takes all day. But I have also figured out this house will be here when I am dead and gone. So if I am tired after a few minutes of cleaning I take a book and either sit down or lay down.
- —fanofmw
self
- I am learning to say I can not do it today. And I let everyone I know that, I may agree to do something tomorrow, but when I wake up in the morning I will let you know if I can. Because, as I open my eyes I know if Fatigue is with me for the day. I am learning to take it day by day. Started with a new holistic Dr.
- —Yorleny
Do what you love
- I have been hitting myself upside the head for not being able to work (I've tried going back to different jobs four times and couldn't handle them, especially the stress). I'm a creative nerdy-girl and find that taking junior college classes (one per semester) and writing seriously is helping me regain the "me" who I left behind 30 years ago when I went to nursing school. I've tried volunteer work and other things and the only thing that gives me that self-satisfied feeling is doing what I loved in late adolescence (except for dance--ok I can do a little dance). Cheers to you all. Never give up!
- —Guest serenocormac
Coping Skills
- I raise goats...I have to get up every morning to feed, care for them...Their guardian dogs (LGDs) know when I'm hurting and are there for me to lean on and stay beside me...the goats seems to know also and are more patient with me...If I'm in hurting and the fibro fog seems to be overwhelming, I go to the barn and sit with the goats and dogs and they soothe me and comfort me...
- —Guest Claudia Mitchell
Know your limits
- By knowing your limitations & NOT overdoing it, you can usually prevent a flare from coming on !
- —andreanixon1
ultra mega minerals
- I have had fibromyalgia since 1999. I have really had a battle with chronic fatigue syndrome for the last 5 years. About two months ago I bought a bottle of Ultra Mega Minerals at GNC. It was just a shot in the dark, but I was willing to try anything. Within 5 days I felt much better, had more energy than I have had in a long time. I still feel great and have lots of energy. It does not take away my pain, but it sure helps having energy. I hope it helps other people as it has me. Margaret Church
- —Guest Margaret Church
?????
- I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY ONE THING NOR ACTUALLY ANY COMBINATION OF THINGS . . . MEDS ARE CYMBALTA, LYRICA, VOLTARIN, FLEXIRIL, CQ10, OMEGA, MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM & VIT D. MASSAGES ARE VERY HELPFUL IF YOU GET A VERY QUALIFIED THERAPIST AND REALIZE THAT DEEP TISSUE IS BEST EVEN THO IT IS MOST OFTEN MOMENTARILY PAINFUL . . . WARM WATER GENTLE EXERCISE, HEATED MATS THAT PENETRATE DEEPLY INTO BODY . . . WALKING WHEN I CAN STAND THE SOUTHERN TEMPS AND MY BODY WILL DRAGE OUTSIDE . . . IT'S NOT A FUN RIDE, BUT I'M COMMITTED TO CONTINUE TO RIDE THE TRAIN . . .GETTING OFF AND BECOMING A VEG IS NOT AN OPTION . . . CRY WHEN NEEDED, BUT DO ALL IN YOUR POWER TO FIND WAYS TO LAUGH AND EXPERIENCE REAL PLEASURE WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GOD AS REVEALED IN THE BIBLE, MEDITATION AND INSPRATIONAL STORIES OF SURVIVAL AND LIVING LIFE TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE . . .
- —Guest carolynmiller1208@cox.net
Living with it!
- Research, and trying different things. I've had success with vitamins (lots), acupunture, massage therapy, and hypnosis. Cymbalta worked, but lost its effectiveness after a while. Hypnosis works well to really get in there and relax muscles completely. It's good to get a medical Therapist.
- —Guest Kathryn
