Posted 2/14/2014 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome! For most of us, food is not an issue with fibo. But, if your body is sensitive to certain foods, yes, you do need to avoid them to feel your best. I do suggest you keep a food journal and you can tell that way if any foods are causing the pain.
Stress, barometric pressure changes, cold, rain, etc. all can cause more pain. Many times you can get a flare and never figure out why you got it in the first place. But there are things you can do to help yourself.
I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, vitamin D3, magnesium malate, and a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin to help me be in control of my pain and fatigue. I haven't been pain-free in decades but the pain is more in the background for me now. I don't think about it but I also don't wait until I'm miserable before I take something for pain relief.
I also do trigger point therapy to help myself. I bought The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook on Amazon and it shows exactly where the trigger points are that are causing excessive pain. I cured my frozen shoulder this way and have used it for other pain, too.
Also, you do need to keep moving with fibro. If you sit or lay too long you will be stiff as a board and have more pain. Gentle daily exercises really help...things like walking, swimming, and yoga. Also, pacing yourself helps a lot, too.
Moist heat helps a lot and many here have a Bed Buddy. You can find these at Walgreens, Bed, Bath and Beyond and other places. You pop it in the microwave and it gives off moist heat that feels wonderful on those sore muscles.
Keeping a positive outlook has helped me nearly as much as medication. I'm a positive thinker through and through. I look at all I CAN do, I look at all the blessings I have, and I also look at all the beauty around me. All of this helps me so much and helps me deal with fibro.
I've had fibro for 26 years and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness. I raised three children, also. Once you figure out what helps you control the pain, you will be well on your way. Unfortunately what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another with this illness. It's more trial and error. So do read thread and see what other are using for their pain, too.
Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. Good starting links for you would be A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia and What Else Could It Be. Also, there is a link to a journal that you can print out and keep track of what you eat if you think you are having allergic reactions to food. There are links about vitamin D3 and also magnesium malate and how these work in the body. These have helped quite a few members. There also is a good link about how to maintain a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. I have read this many times...especially when I'm having one of those days.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.
Sherrine