Hi there. I mostly manage to keep Fibromyalgia under control by maintaining a healthy diet, practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation, supplements that work for me, maintaining a strict sleep schedule, and using my time wisely. I am now able to do CrossFit three times a week, care for my elderly dad and granddaughters and be physically active again—all of which bring me great joy. Gratitude is so important. I focus on what I can do on any given day and let go of the “if only.” I have a small rescue prescription for Tramadol that I take before bedtime when I’ve blown my regimen so pain doesn’t interfere with sleep. That’s a sweet difference from when I was diagnosed 8 years ago and I had a pharmacy in my bathroom. Yes, I still have pain and fatigue, but I’ve learned—mostly through meditation—to view them as background noise. None of this happened overnight. I was fortunate to be in a place 4 years ago where I didn’t have to work everyday and could focus all my energy on researching a wholistic way to managing my symptoms. I was also fortunate to have a supportive nurse practitioner who helped me manage a slow safe weaning off Cymbalta to avoid discontinuation syndrome. (Really important!) She also got on board with research with me. I found a free course online for mindfulness meditation for pain, which was in depth and lengthy, but worth every moment.
Everyone is different, but I believe with perseverance and positivity, you can find the tools that allow you to improve your life. Even a small improvement is a moment to celebrate. When I’m having a less than best day, I remind myself that it’s just a day, give myself permission to grumble, and take it in small chunks.
I hope you all have the best day possible.