Does anyone have Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia? What are you doing day to day?

Question

News or updates dealing with chronic pain or Fibromyalgia.

Answer 1

I've had Fibromyalgia for 35 years, before they even had a name for it. I eat a very restricted diet avoiding sugar, junk food , and fried food. I eat protein rich foods. This helps the body recover the best.

I take Paxil to help me sleep. I take pain pills only when needed. I do injections of anti inflammatory medications when needed. I take muscle relaxants when the pain becomes overbearing.

To help with the pain I get deep tissue body massage several times a week. I have written an article about Fibromyalgia, it's too large to place here. I've enclosed the link where you can read this and it also has helpful tips on what you can do for yourself to survive with this condition.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 2

I'm careful. I know my limits. I plan things well. I know that if I cut grass today, or bathe the dogs, then tomorrow has to be a day off of sorts. If I want to go out on the weekends, I'm careful the day before, and nap that afternoon.

I know I need sleep, and I try to make sure I sleep well at night. I also try to honor my body's request for naps, even it it's 15 minutes of shut-eye.

I try to eat well. As little processed food as possible, as little caffeine as possible.

I get chiropractic treatments when I feel I need them, and get massages as often as possible. I use heat packs and ice packs to treat pain when the need arises. Heat packs work wonders on my shoulders. I make my own using rice. I also have a portable electric stem machine, and a theracane to hit the trigger points.

I try to exercise as much as possible. I walk, swim, do yoga, and stretch. I also meditate as much as possible, anything to try and keep my stress levels down.

As far as medication goes, I take tramadol daily. I also use tylenol, advil, and aleve as necessary. I have an emergency prescription for lortab for those really bad days. I also have muscle relaxers the nights that pain keeps me from sleeping.

I take magnesium (from solaray, a mix that also has malic acid, 5htp, and others) Fish oil (1000 mg 3x a day, from Pure Encapsulations-- GREAT brand, expensive but worth it.

I also make sure I keep comfortable shoes. The brand I swear by are MBT's. They are ugly and expensive, but so very comfortable. They make a big difference in my back, hip, and leg pain.

Most important is to know what works for you and stick to it. I know it's important to feel normal, but I also know that one day of normal can bring on weeks of unbearable pain. Take care of yourself, surround yourself with people who are supportive, and don't be afraid to say no.