How to Adjust to Life With Fibromyalgia

It is a diagnosis that no one wants to hear: Fibromyalgia. But the fact is, according to the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, between 3 and 5 percent of people in the United States are living with fibromyalgia. While medical researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of fibromyalgia, there are steps you can take to ease your symptoms and alleviate your pain.

Instructions

• 1

  Accept your diagnosis. Living with fibromyalgia means that you are going to have to make adjustments in your life and you won’t be able to do everything like you used to, but once you accept your diagnosis, you will be able to make the necessary changes.

• 2

  Keep a pain journal. Document what you do each day and how you feel as a result of your activities, so you know what causes your flare-ups and what helps you to feel better.

• 3

  Know your limits. If you push yourself too hard on a good day, chances are you are going to pay for it the next day.

• 4

  Reduce the stresses in your life. Stress can wreak havoc on the body, especially if you have fibromyalgia, so find ways to lessen the stress in your life.

• 5

  Exercise because your muscles, no matter how sore they are, need to be used on a regular basis. Even if you just walk around the block or down the road, you’re going to help yourself both physically and mentally.

• 6

  Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is essential for alleviating your symptoms.

• 7

  Join a support group. Sometimes the only people who really understand what you are going through are those who are going through the same thing. A fibromyalgia support group can provide you with the understanding, compassion and support you will need, especially on bad pain days.

• 8

  Stop or curb your use of caffeine. Caffeine often has an adverse affect on those with fibromyalgia, so try quitting or curbing your use of caffeine to see if it has a positive affect on your symptoms.

• 9

  Don’t give up. If you find that one type of treatment doesn’t help to alleviate your symptoms, keep trying alternative options until you find something that works.