Living With Fibromyalgia
by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger
10 Nov 2007 11:19 AM
Before I really knew what fibromyalgia was, I read about the Spoon Theory.
The Spoon Theory is the story of a woman who was trying to explain her condition to a friend while they were out at a restaurant. Using a handful of spoons to represent energy, the woman with fibromyalgia explained how everything costs one "spoon" -- even getting up and getting dressed. When you run out of spoons, there's nothing you can do but rest. A person with fibromyalgia has to save their spoons for things that are really important... or save things for days when they have more spoons handy.
It must be difficult to deal with chronic muscle pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms. As with any chronic illness, it can be difficult to keep a positive outlook. Here are some tips that may help you cope with fibromyalgia.
- Don't expect things to be perfect. Acknowledge that there will be days when the pain is bad, or you feel depressed, or you have no energy to do things around the house.
- Keep a list of fun distractions for the days that are really bad. Have a stack of favorite books, or a photo album, or a movie you love -- something that can help lift your spirits. Distraction can actually help relieve pain.
- Work on your perspective. You can't change the fact that you have fibromyalgia. You can change how you think about it. Perspective can make the difference between being miserable and seeing the positives in your life.
- Remember the good things in your life. Even on your worst days, you can find just three good things in your life. Keep a running list of three good things about your day (even if one of them is that the day is finally over).
- Let go of parts of your old self. Stop comparing yourself to the younger/healthier/more energetic you! It can only make you feel bad.
- Have hope. Medicine is making advances every day. There may be relief for fibromyalgia someday soon.
- Track your moods and symptoms. You may be able to predict good days and bad days, or recognize things that cause your symptoms to flare up.
- Enjoy your good days. Hopefully, you'll continue to have days when you feel less pain and have more energy.
- Don't forget your support network. You have friends and family who can help you when you are having your worst days. If nothing else, talking to a friend can be a distraction from the pain!
fibro,
fibromyalgia,
pain management,
spoons,
the spoon theory
