What are good tips for dealing with Fibromyalgia?

8 Fibro Tips

1) Listen To Your Body. When it feels as if you need to rest, then rest. Get as much sleep as possible, even if it means going to bed a lot earlier than usual.
2) Consult a Rheumatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating athritis and inflammatory diseases. He/she should have experience in treating fibromyalgia - you should ask how much experience the doctor has.
3) Work With Your Rheumatologist. He/she may have to try different medications before knowing what will help you individually. Everyone is different. Have patience. If he/she suggests physical therapy or alternatives like acupuncture, chiropractic, or biofeedback, or attending a pain clinic, go along with it and try it.
4) Watch Your Food Intake. The lighter you are, the better you will feel and the less weight will be on your painful joints. Caffeine is generally a bad thing, especially in the evening because it will prevent you from having sound sleep. Lean meats, fruits and raw veggies are always good. Some fibro patients eliminate sugar, wheat or certain carbs from their diet and say it helps them.
5) Keep As Active As Possible. If you just lay around in bed, you'll get weak and won't accomplish anything for anybody. Try to work if possible - it will take your mind off the pain.
6) Ration Your Energy. You will be much more fatigued than you used to be. Don't try to cram too many activities into your day. Save your energy for the one or two things you really want to do, and you'll feel better.
7) Learn Relaxation. Meditate or pray alone in quiet surroundings. Enjoy short nature walks or sitting in your yard when weather allows.
8) Keep Control of Pain. Take action (cold packs, heat compresses, warm baths, arthritis ointment, etc.) to alleviate the pain before it gets too bad. When it does get severe, call your doctor.

-M.C., a fibromyalgia patient for 21 years






Fibromyalgia has a direct link to depression. That is why there are several anti-depressants being prescribed for it. I have had Fibromyalgia for at least 21 years. I do not let it slow me down. I keep very physically active . Take a walk. Move around. Fibromyalgia is a type of syndrome that begins in the brain. You are feeling "perceived" pain. Your elbow may hurt,,,,but upon examination there is nothing physically causing the pain but the pain is real. It's tough to get used to pain in any form but your brain is quite the machine and you can beat a lot of it.