Freida
VIP Member
Slowing down is the first - and the hardest! I really had to restructure my life, but if I think of it as a living thing that needs attention its easier. Still resent the hell out of it but easier :laugh:
First up - fibro has a 3 day reaction period. What you do "wrong" today is going to affect you 3 days from now. I didn't believe it until I really started tracking my symptoms. So if I go out and work too hard in the yard or let myself get to tired it or what not it doesn't really kick in until later. I've gotten pretty good at anticipating it, and sometimes it' worth doing whatever and so I just plan on dealing with it later
Gentle yoga and walking are my go to exercises because I can control how much I move. Lifting weights is a 50/50 - it's helpful but I have to be really careful not to over stress my muscles. epsom salt baths are a must! Dont skimp on the salt - the more the better. eating better, weight control, blah blah
Stress management is critical. That is the one thing sure to knock me on my ass -- long before physical things do. Meditation helps with sleeping and just feeling better. Just started tai chi - not sure yet about that. Acupuncture seems to be helping and chiropractic and massage therapy are both really helpful
I had to do therapy to get my mind wrapped around the biggest way to deal with it is to slow down. I was an overachieving freak who worked 70 hour weeks for years at high stress jobs. Now I get six hours a day when I can really function. That was a steep learning curve - and what's weird is that is who fibro shows up in the most - all us overachievers.
That's all of the top of my head for now --- I'll try to keep thinkin! :)
