FIBROMYALGIA

The advice that follows can help if you persevere. Gradually you can help yourself, so your aim should be to do a little to start with and a little bit more each day. You must be prepared for setbacks, and for the fact that the treatment may hurt.

Remember too that what helps one person with fibromyalgia may not give the same benefit to another.

Tips

1. Educate your family, to engage their sympathy and help. Otherwise they will just share your frustration.

2. Avoid coffee, alcohol and drugs (such as nasal decongestants) that may disturb your sleep.

3. Learn to take time out for yourself. Reduce muscle tension and stress. Learn to relax your mind and your muscles.

4. Identify the stresses and strains in your life so that you can learn to face and them.

5. Eat healthily and lose the flab.

6. Exercise gradually and strengthen your body.

The aim is self-reliance. Exercise and relaxation are under your control. It is sensible to shed unnecessary fat from your body, and to avoid coffee and even tea. Controlling your diet helps you feel in control of your body.

Treatments like massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and manipulation from a chiropractor or osteopath, can all soothe pain and improve morale, but the benefits may not be long-lasting.

Exercise, sound sleep, and dealing with physical or mental stress are the keys to releasing the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.