The problem with Fibromyalgia is that we are always in pain so it is quite hard to judge when things get better or when they don't.
Keeping a pain diary is something which I have always promoted as something essential before you see your GP or Consultant but by also keeping one on a regular basis, will remind you of the ebbs and flows of your Fibromyalgia.
Another problem for anyone in pain is expecting too much from your medications. You have to give it time to get into your system so take regularly instead of when a flare-up starts.
Some sufferers have a problem with the fact that we are given an antidepressant for pain, even though we are not depressed. This can actually put them off even taking the drug. But, if they researched it they would soon see that it may be given for depression but it is also suitable for pain.
Never just give up because you don't want to have to keep taking medication. That's like saying no to an anaesthetic if you were going in for an operation.
I also know from meeting other Fibro sufferers that there is still a stigma attached to Fibromyalgia. Education is the key and talking it through with family and friends. You need your family and friends help when you have a flare-up so don't clam up and feel guilty, ask for help.
Of course the most important thing is to not let Fibromyalgia get to you, we all have days where the pain will get us down, but try and take your mind off it by doing jobs that help you focus on something else.
And finally, not moving because of your pain will only make it worse, so keep moving round the room or up and down stairs a few times a day, anything just as long as you keep yourself from becoming stiff.
The problem with Fibromyalgia is that we are always in pain so it is quite hard to judge when things get better or when they don't.
Keeping a pain diary is something which I have always promoted as something essential before you see your GP or Consultant but by also keeping one on a regular basis, will remind you of the ebbs and flows of your Fibromyalgia.
Another problem for anyone in pain is expecting too much from your medications. You have to give it time to get into your system so take regularly instead of when a flare-up starts.
Some sufferers have a problem with the fact that we are given an antidepressant for pain, even though we are not depressed. This can actually put them off even taking the drug. But, if they researched it they would soon see that it may be given for depression but it is also suitable for pain.
Never just give up because you don't want to have to keep taking medication. That's like saying no to an anaesthetic if you were going in for an operation.
I also know from meeting other Fibro sufferers that there is still a stigma attached to Fibromyalgia. Education is the key and talking it through with family and friends. You need your family and friends help when you have a flare-up so don't clam up and feel guilty, ask for help.
Of course the most important thing is to not let Fibromyalgia get to you, we all have days where the pain will get us down, but try and take your mind off it by doing jobs that help you focus on something else.
And finally, not moving because of your pain will only make it worse, so keep moving round the room or up and down stairs a few times a day, anything just as long as you keep yourself from becoming stiff.