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vevans

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Found this forum as I have questions about fibro and dealing with the pain and exhaustion.

I haven't yet been diagnosed but am waiting to see a rheumatologist. Ive had a lot of symptoms (mostly pain related) over the past many years but haven't put all my symptoms together until recently. I've been under chronic stress and have experienced a great deal of emotional and physical trauma over the past 12 years.

I have approached my physical wellness by trying to improve my emotional wellness and really by just plowing through life and trying to get to steady ground while continually managing all of my symptoms on my own!

Coming out of both cancer and a high-conflict divorce so have experienced a lot of stress...and trying to parent my kids well (and keep up with the daily tasks of parenting) while educating myself and starting my own business...perhaps I'm doing too much but am eager to live fully and do it now as facing your death kinda lights a fire under you :)

So I suppose my main questions are:
how do you deal with the widespread pain?
Who do you reach out to for support/understanding?
Have you come across natural treatments that work for you?
and does anyone have a specialist in Toronto, Ontario that they're happy with?

Thanks in advance for any responses :)
 
Re: Hello...

That's a lot is stress!
Sorry you had to go thru all that , but Im sure it made u a stronger person.
For the pain I take Savella and gabapentin.I also take ambien to help me sleep.
I also take subuxone which is also used for pain and it has helped control it.

I get massages as often as I can. They help me relax and help with stress.

My daughter recently brought home some essential oils, that her boss had mixed for me.
I liked them,and they helped me relax. You can apply them all over for pain.Just the smell alone can help your mind destress.

They also have a diffuser where u can put the oil in and u can use it while your working.

Acupuncture is another alternative that some people have said has helped.
Everyone is different and what works for one , might not work for another.

Meditation is another natural alternative,
They even have some online programs that u can do on your phone for a few minutes, if that's all u have.
Yoga or Pilates is something that can help with stress, but it depends on your pain and energy level. Excercise is good but can't be overdone.It has to be done a little at a time.

I just started Pilates this week. I purchased the machine and DVD and I love it!
If you asked me 2 months ago if I would be excercising, I would of laughed , because I was so fatigued.I still am but it is better and as long as I take it slow. I can do the beginner program.

And finally my muscles are starting to untighten lol.
I haven't really excercised in 6 years! I apply Tiger balm ointment to my muscles after I excercise and that helps with pain. They sell it in CVS.

I hope you can find something that works and please take it slow.
That is a lot to take on, a new business
And your body needs to recuperate from what you've been thru.

I find if you remain mentally positive and try to overloook the pain it helps.I know that sounds weird, but if u concentrate on something else your doing,sometimes the pain won't seem as bad.I know the busier I am doing a hobby or a chore the less I concentrate on the pain


Hope that helped a little.
Sagey
 
Re: Hello...

yes redirecting your mind is very good. I love to read fantasy and sci-fi, I find if I read a really good book I can forget the pain. I have laid down and read for hours wirhout realizing I was in pain. Although you actually have a life, you are able to work and parent, you are truly blessed not all of us can do those things, use those blessings to deal with your pain, be proud of yourself everyday and thank God daily for the opportunity to live another day.
 
Re: Hello...

Hi vevans, I'm from your neck of the woods in Ontario, having lived in both Cobourg and Brampton but I'm yet to find a good doctor since my family doctor retired about twelve years ago so I'm sorry I can't help in that regard. There's a few other Ontario based people here so perhaps in time they'll chime in.

You sound like you like to keep busy, I'm a bit like that. I figure I'm going to be slowed down whether I get up and move or sit and do nothing so I rather get something done. For me, life's more enjoyable if I feel like I'm accomplishing something.

I won't recommend anything strong because everyone's reaction is so diverse. I will say that meditation and doing things that can slow down your mind, even if only for 15-20 minutes a day can help with focus and overall well being. A bath if you can withstand getting in and out along with the water can be a period of meditation. Though, sometimes pain can be a huge distraction to the actual relaxing aspect.

I'm super fortunate to have a couple of ultra positive people in my life. They don't endlessly pick me up and I do try to use their positive energy sparingly, but when I'm feeling defeated they're always right there to make me realize all the joys of life and the reasons to continuing (even if it is a struggle). I heard once, "you're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with so choose wisely". It's very true.
 
Hi vevans,
You really have a lot going, and that is great. I think being focused on a goal is part of what keeps me going. You've already gotten some really good advice on managing pain.

I have a few close relationships where I am completely open. There are some relationships where people know but I don't go into detail. Most people (especially at work) don't even know I have fibro.

When you first talk to someone about having fibro, it can be a little scary because you don't know how they will react. One of my husband's friends was horrible about it (we no longer associate with him).

Sometimes you run into people who want to help, but are not good at it. I think that's OK because they can learn, though it takes time. I give people information about fibro in chunks because it is a lot to take in. I try to encourage them to ask questions because the better they understand, the easier it is for them to help.

It is surprising how many people I run into who also have some kind of painful chronic condition. Other sufferers or people who have cared for sufferers can be a great source of understanding and support.

I hope this helps!
 
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