One of the most important things to know about living with fibromyalgia is that it is important to seek support. Trying to manage fibromyalgia on one's own can cause one to feel very isolated and depressed. In addition to working with a doctor to manage the fibromyalgia from a medical standpoint, it is also important to talk about the experiences of living with fibromyalgia with close friends and family members who can offer support and understanding. There are also support groups for people who are living with fibromyalgia that can be very useful not only to swap stories and advice, but also to talk about the emotional and psychological difficulties that often accompany the condition.
Another important step to living with fibromyalgia is to get as informed as possible. Understanding one's condition is a very important step in the process of managing it and learning to live with it. There have been quite a few books written about fibromyalgia and some that are even specifically about living with fibromyalgia. Instead of tackling a stack of books, ask for recommendations through online fibromyalgia support networks or at a fibromyalgia support group. There are also newsletters about living with fibromyalgia that can be very helpful and offer useful advice and news about advances in research about fibromyalgia.
One of the most difficult things about living with fibromyalgia is managing pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Some people who are living with fibromyalgia also experience tender spots on their bodies. Another hallmark of the condition is fatigue. Also, it often takes a while to rule out other possible causes for all of these symptoms, which means that simply getting to a diagnosis can feel exhausting. All of this pain and fatigue can lead to depression, which is why talking to friends and family members as well as talking to members of a support group can be very helpful and can help one to feel less isolated.
It may also be useful to talk to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or some other kind of professional in the mental health field. This is an important step in not allowing the pain and fatigue experienced in the body to affect the health of the emotions and the mind. Finally, consider alternative treatments such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and gentle exercises that can help to manage and assuage the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
