Do you suffer with fibromyalgia? Today, I am sharing some tips to help ease your pains a little.
"Mom, what exactly is fibromyalgia? Does it start in one general location?"
I was asked those questions by Phillip recently. What struck me most is the fact that I don't really know enough about fibromyalgia to explain it to him. Sadly, that is the same case with most doctors.
For me, my son, I hurt all over, all of the time. I feel like I have the flu with no energy and I just cannot shake it. There are days that the pain is so bad that I feel like a big dump truck just ran me over. On the lesser pain days, I struggle with feeling like I have a headache, but in whatever part that is hurting me at the time.
Everything hurts. I "used to" enjoy having my back scratched. Now, if T scratches my back, he has to do it very gently. Hugging causes me pain unless you can hug without squeezing. My scalp hurts. Yes, you read that right. I have gone as far as to cut off all of my hair to help with that pain.
Now, as far as the pain starting in one location, I have no idea. I will say that everyone is different. Each person will experience pain at different levels and have different triggers that affect them.
According to this article on Medical News Today , they mention that about 5 million adults 18 and over in the US suffer with fibromyalgia, and 80-90% of those are women. Further down in the article, they mention that fibromyalgia may be hereditary among females. Females with a close relative that suffers from fibromyalgia have a higher risk of experiencing it themselves.
3 Ways to Ease the Pain
1. Listen to your body.
Listen to what your body is telling you. If you are working on something and suddenly feel tired, rest. Just be sure that you slow down enough to pay attention to the signals your body is sending. Try not to overdo things.
2. Delegate household chores.
Share the responsibility of household chores with your husband. If you are having a bad pain day, ask for help <--- I need to work on this area.
3. Rest, move, repeat.
Rest when you need to rest, but try to set a limit. After that limit is up, get up and move around for a while. Be careful, if you are like me, getting up and moving too fast will cause dizziness. After being "active" for a while, rest again.
If you are interested in reading more about how fibromyalgia feels, check out this article from The Mighty .
Isaiah 43:2 NIV When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Dear Father, thank You for always being with me. I know that when my struggles are all that I see, You are there. Father, please help me to remember that when I feel like I am sinking, You are with me and You will not allow the rivers to sweep over me. When I face trials, You are with me and will not let me be burned are set ablaze. I thank You so much. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you suffer with fibromyalgia or another chronic illness?
Would you mind sharing what it feels like for you?
Do you have any tips that you can share to help alleviate some of the pain?
How can I pray for you today?
If you will allow it, I will be happy to help carry your load.
Photo by: Pixabay on pexels.com
No comments:
Post a Comment