Simple ways to help yourself...

When I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I had been very ill for over a year and having tests the whole time. The specialist said to me, " There's no cure, nothing we can do. When you get used to a pain level, the pain will increase each time. I don't need to see you again unless you get Rheumatoid arthritis. Good bye." 


I was shell shocked. I'd been expecting something: treatment, a cure, a pill of some kind. I drove home in shock. I felt alone and adrift. I'd never heard of fibromyalgia. Neither had anyone else. I cried. I didn't know what to do! I was also learning how to cope with Depression and I must have seemed a very different person from my previous happy, busy, hard working self.


I believed I would get better and be 'normal'. I put my life on hold for 3 years while I tried to get better. I found any information I could. I tried things they suggested. I also tried every non-traditional idea too. This will fix you, this will stop the pain, this, this, this!  I learnt everything the hard way. I don't recommend that.  What I do recommend if you are ill, traumatised, going through pain or a hard time is to learn as much as you can about it and reach out other to others experiencing the same. They will understand what you are going through. They will also have ideas or advice that may help.


When I found an online group with FMS, they gave me understanding, a shared bond. When I had some counselling/psychotherapy it helped too.  The Internet allowed me to read and analyse advice, medical research and big fat lies too. There are always people out there happy to make a buck off the vulnerable. If it sounds too good...it probably is.


I'm no expert, yet I find many things help me and most people too:

1. Pace yourself. Prioritise day by day and don't over do it.
2. Create an environment and a routine for getting sleep. 
3. Get rest - even if you can't sleep 
4. Eat healthily and keep hydrated.
5. Be kind to yourself. Learn to say No. 
6. Get a hobby. Find things you love and can do and do them! 
7. Try to get outside or in the sun, see they sky and trees.
8. Talk to people you like, who like you!

I am adding one more here from my friend Marleen:

9. Do not plan too far ahead. 

You might get disappointed in case things aren't possible. If you can continue on schedule, enjoy the moment, it's a gift! She adds that if you can't do as planned, then choose the next best thing and enjoy that one to the fullest. Good advice.


Remember things change. There will be good days and not so good days. But your life is not over! It isn't the same, but it's up to you to make the best of it.