Living with Fibromyalgia

Living with a condition such as fibromyalgia requires a lot of self-care. Because it is such a hard diagnosis to prove, you may find that people just do not understand what you are going through because they assume that lack of "scientific" proof means that the illness does not exist. The first thing to do, therefore, is to surround yourself with supportive people. Stay with people who are as positive and hopeful for your comfort and happiness as you would be for theirs. This mutual caring will enrich your life and reduce the stress of being in a world of people who are really quite selfish.

The next thing to do is to get as much exercise as you can. Some people find that yoga is a form of exercise that helps them feel more energized and happy. Keep your body active and you will find it will not deteriorate so much with age and ailment. This will take your thoughts away from the pain you are feeling. Do not overdo it, though. You need to be more cautious with your body now that you are in a more demanding situation. Having some exercise in your daily routine will keep you well, though, if you respect your body and care for it. You may also find that weighing less means less pain in your joints, so try to stay fit and eat carefully. Some say that cutting out some foods also helps them feel better. These foods could be anything from wheat to processed sugars.

See a rheumatologist who has experience with people who have your condition. Keep an open mind. Your rheumatologist may suggest you try something you have never before heard of or that you may be wary of, but you will never find a good treatment unless you actually try it first, and the fewer you try, the less likely you are to find something that works for you. And when you find something that works for you, use it to your advantage. There is no shame in taking medication, using ointments, or utilizing heat compresses to alleviate the pain you are feeling. Make concessions for your condition and you will see improvement sooner than you might think.