Fibromyalgia Has Ups and Downs
by Tiffany
I am still fairly new to fibromyalgia, its ups and downs, and ways to treat them, however I have identified some items that help me. First, I do my best to get at least 9 hours of sleep per night. With the assistance of my rheumatologist and my alternative care practitioner, we identified the best medications to assist with both sleep and pain. I have also added several vitamins and supplements based on reading books about fibromyalgia and fatigue. All of these plus acupuncture and a modest amount of exercise seem to be making a difference. What has been the hardest part for me has been learning to listen to my body, but to sometimes use my brain to override it. For example, there are times when my body tells me I need to take a nap because I am so tired. I know that I would feel less tired if I did that, but I also know I won’t sleep as well at night if I do. So, instead, I take it easy through the fatigue and head to bed perhaps a bit early. Further, when I’m having a really good day and feel like I could take on anything, I have to intervene and allow myself to perhaps do a bit more than usual, but not push it too far. If I do, I have learned I will feel even worse as a result. It can be difficult to be a supreme multi-tasker with a busy job, a second consulting gig, a family, and be working on an advanced degree, but I just take everything in small, manageable pieces.
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