Getting diagnosed with a chronic pain disease, such as Fibromyalgia; can almost feel like it’s a life sentence. It changes your life in countless ways, including your limitations on a regular basis. This is something that can be emotionally and intellectually traumatic for someone, especially if you have only just been diagnosed and are still attempting to adjust to the life changes. This article is here to help the recently diagnosed, and those that have been suffering for many years.
I remember getting diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by a Rheumatologist at the young age of 29; and not only being physically affected by this already. All of a sudden, everything changed. From one day to the next I didn’t know what my limitations would be; which was then most emotional part of it all. Having to come to terms with the fact that you can no longer do what you used to, isn’t easy; not knowing when you are overdoing it didn’t help either. For those beginning to experience this, the best advice I can truly give you are to listen to your body, pay as much attention as you can to the way your body is responding to things. If you have been puttering around your house for a little while and you notice your body getting sore. Stop for a few minutes, until the pain ‘backs-off’, before you get up and start again.
I do know how frustrating it can be to have something that would usually take you a short amount of time; now take you that little longer because you have to take a break…or a few. But, I can promise that once you get to know how your body responds to what you are doing at the time you will be able to better decide what your limitations are or will be. I would like to let everyone know in advance; as difficult as it can be, there is that chance that as you get older you may notice that your pain level may increase compared to what it was when you were first diagnosed. Please be prepared for that.
Emotionally, every day is going to be a struggle, some days easier than others (thank goodness). But the one thing everyone that has chronic pain does need, is the love and support from their family and close friends. You can’t deal with something like this on your own every day, so why try? If you are having a rough day, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and send a text, or make a call to someone you’re close to about things going on in your head. The worst thing you can do for your health and everyone around you is bottle it up. Doing that is going to make it harder to deal with your new feelings and emotions about this new life you are now stuck in.
A person items out there on the market that can aid a person dealing with chronic pain; to help make their lives on a daily basis that little easier; and less painful! For example; a memory foam mat for your kitchen floor where you stand to wash your dishes, a Swiffer and/or Swiffer Wet-Jet (or something similar). Both of these items are easy to find at a retail store near you, and will prevent you from doing anything too strenuous.
Living a life of chronic pain is difficult yes; but it really is only as tough as you make it. So take a deep breath, think about all the different things that you may have seen at a store recently that may just make something in your life that much easier to do; and remember. It does get easier over time!
