HOW DO YOU DO IT!?

Hi there,

Welcome to the fibromyalgia forum. I am sorry that you are suffering form fibromyalgia at such a young age. I am 52, have had it for ten years. But to suffer so young, I am so sorry.

You learn to cope and live around it. Keep moving, it really does help. You will find ways to cope with this so you can lead a normal life. Do believe that. If you get a chance, do look at the thread called "fibro101". It is full of some good information on stretching and light exercise. Take life one day at a time, it makes it much easier.

There will be others on with some advice for you, I am sure. Just keep moving. Walk as much as you can. Take things slow and pace yourself. You will get there. Keep posting, coming here really does help. We all care about eachother here. And we understand.

Hugs, Karen

Welcome to the fibro family! My heart always goes out to the young people who must deal with this crazy affliction. I'm sorry too that your boyfriend does not understand fibro.

First off, think of yourself as a strong young woman who will not let fibro get the best of her. Mindset and a positive attitude is going to go a long way in helping you.

I know the pain can be excruciating at times. Heat is a fibromites friend and does help. Purchase a microwave heating pad...they provide moist heat. You can also make one by filling a tube sock with uncooked long grain rice and tying a knot in the sock. Take long warm baths when you are able.

It is so important to exercise...if you don't you will become stiff and hurt all the more. I've found walking to be one of the best things for me...start out slow and increase your distance as your endurance builds up.

Doing deep breathing exercise along with meditation also helps reduce stress and that helps with reducing pain.

Learn to listen to your body and try to pace yourself so you don't overdo. Ask for help when you need it. Educate your family and friends. When a flare hits, politely refuse to take on extra projects. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.

Be sure to check out fibro 101, on top of the page. Sherrine has put together a wonderful resource of info for the fibromite.

I'm so glad you have joined us, the people here truly understand and care about eachother. Post often!!!

Hugs, Robin

Kara,

My heart is with you but the others are right. The most important part is to not let it get the best of you. Monitor your progress. What wears you out the most? If you have a big day planned, make sure you get lots of rest the day before and the day after. Do things ahead of time to prepare for the big day - for example if it consists of travel, have everything packed days ahead so the stress is gone and you can rest. If it's a holiday meal you are helping to prepare - do everything you can the day before so the day of the holiday you can relax and enjoy. Things like that.

And don't worry about your boyfriend. I know that sounds harsh, but right now you need to worry more about yourself and getting the pain under control so you can have a life. If he can't understand that, then his moving on is the best thing he can do for the both of you. You'll find someone who loves you no matter what, and while it's easy for me to say that, I do truly believe it. A boy or man who cannot accept you for what you are is one who is not truly worthy of being called yours. You sound very intelligent. So don't let this get you down. You CAN have a good life even with fibro. You just have to learn to plan ahead, and learn what works for you.

The heat that was mentioned - absolutely - it works. Also, weighted blankets help too. I have an old mink blanket my husband got in korea - must weigh 25 lbs. I use it when I'm in pain and while it doesn't make it go away, it eases it enough for me to sleep. I also have an electric blanket I use when I'm downstairs watching tv. It works as both a heating pad and blanket. My husband shakes his head - it's the summer, ya know? LOL And here I am with my electric blanket over my legs, or sometimes behind my back. It helps keep the pain at bay so I can enjoy myself.

Hugs and keep moving forward.

Gina - FYI - I was taking Vyvanse around the time when all of my pain started. I'm not sure if there is a connection (I was also in a motor vehicle accident) but for the longest time I thought it was the Vyvanse (similar to Adderrall) so I stopped taking it. My symptoms improved drastically and I thought I was cured - they came back w/in 2 months, though. Here's the thing - some of these medications will cause insomnia or worsen sleep problems with sleep that one is already experiencing. Is it possible that the drugs are causing problems sleeping which in turn lead to fibro even long after the meds have been left behind? Did your son have trouble sleeping when he was taking any of his meds??