S.L.
L.,
I have fibromyalgia but I have never taken any meds for it. I have chosen to deal with my syndrome all naturally. I work hard at keeping my system clean through very healthy food, as many vegetables as I can, lots of light exercise, some meditation, prayer, relaxation when possible and lots of concentration on stress reduction.
I support my system with herbal stimulants which help me keep busy. The more busy I can stay the more natural endorphins will be released in the body.
I have learned that relaxation, resting and stress reduction is very different than what most people think of when they think of resting. We have to fight against using our illness to give license to sitting around and being lazy. If our houses begin to fall apart we feel frustrated and our stress rises. If we sit too much our muscles stiffen making us feel more pain all over. It's a viscious cycle.
I have had to learn to make my sleep more productive by not falling asleep to the tv. I take little rest breaks throughout the day and listen to relaxing music any time I can. I especially like to listen to cd's that are designed to promote brave wave technology or a type of meditation.
I've been struggling with this for a about 8 years. The last year has been great. I almost never get overwhelmed anymore.
It's interesting that you are dealing with this now. The last time I was pregnant I allowed myself to sit too much and I thought I was giving myself a break physically by doing so. By the time I had her I was tired, could barely get up and down stairs and felt weak all over. It was more than it was with the other 3 pregnancies. I believe it was all in my mind.
Fibromyalgia seems to hit type A personalities because we don't seem to know when to say no or how to stop. And that makes it sound like I'm talking out both sides of my mouth! All I can say is there is a major difference between going and going and never slowing down and being a slug which is what happens to most fibromyalgia sufferers after they start feeling sorry for themselves. I've met many people that have allowed themselves to sink into a depression and mental state that won't let themselves climb out of the hole. And I'm not saying this because I have had fewer problems. My case has been rough. I've had troubles with every single muscle group possible. I have breast bone pain, finger pain, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain, and neck pain. I have had chronic bladder infections, IBS, and severe chemical sensitivities as well as acid reflux disease. I used to think all these things were unrelated. Then I learned that everything sort of works together and that all these things tend to hit fibro sufferers. Oh yeah, and chronic yeast infections and fungus/skin problems, gum infections and dizziness.
Have you read any books about dealing with fibromyalgia naturally?
Suzi