How Fibromyalgia Reduces your Quality of Life

When it comes to Fibromyalgia, the symptoms can wax, wane, and be quite unpredictable. Severe fatigue, nerve pain, and mood disorder are common among those that suffer from this chronic condition. Fibromyalgia can reduce your quality of life; here are some things that you can do about that.

About 5 million people in this country are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, or Fibro, is a debilitating and chronic pain condition, often referred to as a disorder of the individual’s pain perception. Those suffering from this condition experience persistent, recurrent, widespread, and, often, intolerable pain. The sufferer is sometimes misunderstood by those around them and was treated as a psychological issue with psychotropic medications.

Fortunately, what researchers have discovered about Fibromyalgia has changed much of the public’s perception of this mysterious disease. Furthermore, efforts including Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month strive to spread information and debunk the myths. When Fibro impacts your mobility, you can turn to mobility aids; but what else can you do?

Fibromyalgia reduces your quality of life, here is what you can do about it:

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and varying levels of pain. This pain primarily impacts the back, so it seems to radiate and affect both upper and lower body regions. Some things you can do to reduce chronic Fibro pain include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and using deep breathing techniques to relax and reduce anxiety brought on by pain.  

Mood Disorder

Depression and anxiety often accompany Fibro pain. This condition also contributes to lower levels of serotonin. Some things to do include spending time outside getting sunlight and fresh air. A brisk, 20-minute walk can have antidepressant effects. Also, consider talk therapy with a counselor, therapist, or trusted friend.

Fatigue

Those that live with Fibromyalgia report abnormal sleep cycles and difficulty getting good rest. Altered or insufficient sleep leads to chronic fatigue and headaches. Create a sanctuary for sleep in your bedroom and avoid other tasks and activities that are not sleep-related, like work or folding laundry, in your bed. Set yourself a sleep schedule and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Brain Fog

Did you know that Fibro can cause cognitive problems? It’s true; Fibromyalgia affects memory, focus, and concentration. Some patients may notice symptoms when they are trying to go about their normal routine tasks, such as at work. In fact, cognitive impairment caused by Fibromyalgia is a leading cause of sick days and disability for workers in other countries.

Some reputable sources recommend that keeping the brain active is key in preventing cognitive problems associated with fibro. Also, sleep is imperative as insufficient rest can contribute to brain fog.

Tips to Help You Feel Better

Try some suggestions from industry experts that may lessen and improve the symptoms of this chronic condition. Consider these tips to help you feel better:

• Grasp a good understanding of Fibro- and educate yourself about the disease. There are many, many studies available that may shed light on your symptoms- and help you alleviate them successfully.  
• Lifestyle changes, like eating well and getting exercise, should not be underestimated. Managing your weight can help with the chronic fatigue and pain associated with this disease.  
• If your symptoms are severe, talk with your provider about medications. While there are no meds available for all side effects of Fibro, you may be able to gain some relief and results by targeting specific symptoms.
• It has been shown that regular, consistent exercise can reduce the pain of Fibromyalgia, while also helping with weight management and control. Include brisk activity and stretching for optimal results.
• Cut down on caffeine, preservatives, and alcohol to help reduce the severity of Fibro symptoms. Prepackaged, preservative-dense foods can trigger symptoms causing inflammation and increased pain. Read labels and try to avoid artificial flavorings, colors, or sweeteners, too.
• The best diet for anyone diagnosed with Fibro is one that is balanced and rich in protein, unsaturated fats, and carbs- plus plenty of dark leafy vegetables.
• Mobility aids and equipment can improve accessibility to those that have their mobility compromised by Fibro but even more importantly, these devices may be able to help reduce your risk of taking a fall. Fibro affects mental, physical, and emotional health and wellbeing. Mobility aids provide support, stability, and peace of mind.
• There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Talk to your medical provider to learn more.

Make sure to observe and honor Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month in May. In fact, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12^th show your support by wearing purple! Dedicate May to spreading information and awareness about Fibro.

Sticking to treatment recommendations may help many individuals cope and live with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Everyone’s experience is different; if Fibro impacts your mobility, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility to learn more.