TEN TIPS ON COPING WITH FIBROMYALGIA DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON…

Managing the pain from Fibromyalgia is hard enough but during the busy festive period, it can cause bad flare-ups for sufferers unless they take care.

Here are some tips on how to manage during Christmas.

1. Don’t be frightened to ask for help, be it with the shopping, cooking, or cleaning. As most sufferers tend to ‘look fine’ most people do not realise the pain they are suffering inside, so if you don’t ask you won’t get help.

2. If work is leaving you exhausted and in pain, then design a flexible plan that works for you and your boss. Ask about working from home part-time or setting your hours for earlier or later in the day so you can be more productive, during this busy time.

3. At the office, rearrange your workspace for comfort and easy accessibility. A telephone headset, keyboard tray, or other products may help put less stress on your body.

4. Don’t try to always put on a happy face. Your loved ones need to know what makes your symptoms worse.

5. Rest, rest, and more rest, every little helps to recharge your batteries. When you feel that overwhelming urge to sleep try and get forty winks.

6. When the invitations start coming in, consider if they will keep you from the rest, exercise, or relaxation you need to feel well. It’s OK to simply say “no.” And stick to it.

7. Support groups can play an important part in the lives of people with a chronic illness. Whether in person or online, they offer a safe place to talk with others who may share your frustrations and concerns.

8. Tomorrow is another day and with Fibromyalgia tomorrow can be a more comfortable day, so try to not think negative when you are having a dreadful day.

9. Keep all your ‘helpful’ pain relievers on hand, be it a hot water bottle, pillow, cushion or whatever you have that helps your pain.

10. Finally, make sure you enjoy Christmas like everyone else does by being prepared.