Supporting friends with fibromyalgia

[sthrngypsy]

Hi all,

I have two close friends with fibromyalgia. How can I best help/support them? What type of help/support would you want/be willing to accept? One of my friends has also got immune system issues that make her sick when she goes out shopping, etc. So I guess an easy way to help her is to do her shopping for her, if she will allow it!

 

[GemmaRowlands]

Simply being understanding is one of the things that a lot of people don't manage to do, yet it something that could help a lot. For example, people with fibromyalgia sometimes feel that they can go out and socialise, but at other times they may find that at the last minute they no longer feel that they are up to it. This is something that you may have to deal with, and something that you should not get annoyed at. Doing things like shopping for your friend would definitely be helpful, and try to ask yourself round for dinner but YOU prepare the dinner, as this would mean that she gets to see people without having to make the effort to go out, and she would not have to worry about cooking on that occasion either.

 

[trayne91]

Help with housekeeping! Someone started a thread on it, even. Boy, if someone would do my sweeping, vaccuuming, dishes, whatever.... Understanding is good advice. Most of the time i feel like no one gets it or how bad it is really. Just ask what you can do to help and be there if and when they need you. Know it hurts.

 

[sthrngypsy]

That is good to know, except knowing my cooking it would be much better off if I brought over takeout I don't mind helping my friends clean at all. What about transport to the doctor, would that be a good thing?

 

[Trellum]

Well, you should only do something lie shopping for them when they ask you. If they don't they might not feel good about it, because that serves as a reminder they're sick and can't do certain things. So try just to be understanding and help them when they ask you to. That's all.

 

[AnonymousJane]

This is awesome. I'm glad I joined this forum because I'm learning a lot! My sister has fibromyalgia and I've always perceived her as someone who makes excuses not to do chores or just being lazy, etc.

 

[dariel2323]

Helping is the best. Help with shopping and all the they need is a good action on your part, but you should expect them to apply for help, so they do not feel bad.