Fibromyalgia pain: Let's connect

@clownscrytoo I have fibro and it is living with pain every day , some days more then most ...however I have found a reward system works well for me ...I find it hard to get moving also , and to have any motivation at all ...so I reward myself ...for instance ...if you really are getting hungry I would say to myself I cannot have anything to eat until I put the wash in the washer or dryer, or if I have to go to the bathroom I say ,,,I cannot go until I fill the sink with dishes , or whip counters off. ...Or you could say if you make the bed you can get a treat like ice cream or a candy ...sometimes I say if I want to do my reading I have to take a bath first ...see what I mean ? It works....I have had this for 12 yrs , and do not have anyone to care for me , so I have had to find a lot of motivation on my own ...also I only take 2 of the same meds you do a day , I found that the more pain I can endure the more I can live with ....this is not for everyone , but I am used to a 6 on the pain scale , I went without my meds for a couple months , unless it was so bad I couldn't breath ,,,,then I sort of got used to the pain ...another thing that helped me is to watch movies that are inspiring of pain such as GI Jane , or Rambo , or movies where women have to over come struggles and pain to live , it seems to help give me strength ....I wish you luck on your journey and pray you find some peace , blessings ....Oh and if you are up to it look up Moola Mantra on Utube...its a chant and helps focus your mind on something other then pain and also helps to relax which then helps you and the pain .

I have fibromyalgia and cannot tolerate the usual meds for it, so I basically live with it. I posted in the caregiver section about being a caregiver for my husband, working full time, having all the financial and physical responsibilities of a home/relationship, planning to retire this year, but just overwhelmed by it all. I would like to read a good book on this condition and how to live with it. Is it true that it can be set off by trauma, surgery, illness, stress? I've read gentle exercise helps, but I hate exercise of any kind. I had a terrible flare between Christmas and the first part of February where I hurt so much, I felt like I had been hit by a truck, and I was so exhausted I needed to rest every chance possible. I felt like I was weighted down with one of those lead X-ray aprons. I'm out of the flare now, but I have to be so careful on doing too much on my better days. Any advice would be well received. Thanks

Welcome to Connect @hmr52,
I moved your message to this discussion about Fibromyalgia so you can meet others coping with the same condition. Please meet @sandytoes14 @kdubois @clownscrytoo @robbinr @wandamiller @irene5 and so many others who are active here. In fact, both you and @michiganstressedlady joined yesterday, both talking about your experiences as caregivers and managing fibro.

Hmr52, have you tried acupuncture? @kdubois mentions having success with it.

@hmr52 I have had fibro for 12 yrs now , I got it shortly after my husbands death about a yr later and yes I do believe it is stress, illness, and trauma related, I have read an excellent book called The Fibromyalgia Advocate , written by Devin J. Starlanyl, MD Getting Support you need to cope with fibro and myofascial pain syndrome ....A girlfriend gave it to me and it opened my eyes to things I hadn't heard on the net....I hope you find it helpful and prayers to you .

Does anyone else have swelling with just their hands , especially in the mornings , My fingers feel like sausages and my hands don't want to work....also when I lay down I get horrid heat, burning up heat, and I thought it was menopause but sense it only happens when I lay down now I am wondering if my Fibro is doing this and its just a new symptom.

I have severe osteoarthritis and have had carpal tunnel surgery. My morning hand swelling is related to the arthritis. I don't know about your "hotness" upon lying down though. Most morning hand swelling is arthritis related, I believe. It is inconvenient. I try to keep my hands elevated as much as possible at night. Sorry you are suffering. Feel better. Irene

Thank you Irene , I didn't realize hand swelling was arthritis related ,My Dr. has checked for markers for swelling and inflammation but by the time I get blood work done the swelling is down , and when I see him it isn't right after I wake so I have taken pics to show the swelling when I go for my next physical this week . I was worried it was my heart ...and the hotness, only when I lay down , is just weird , it goes away after a half hr or so but very uncomfortable , I use a pillow in the freezer to help me fall asleep . but worried about what is causing it . It could be my menopause but I don't have any hot flashes during the day so didn't think that was what it is thank you for your response and sorry you are going through such pain . Blessings / @irene5

Do you take anything with niacin? I know that can cause heat issues. It could be menopause though. Back in the day, I remember having significant "hotness" at night. FYI my hands are still swollen, and I have already been up for three hours. It takes several hours for them to be "normal" enough to put on my rings. I am no longer able to zip, button, open bottles etc. Losing my independence has been hardest for me. My hands, however, are the least of my medical issues. I am grateful for each day, and I am blessed with many angels. Try not to stress Michigan stressed lady! And I realize that is easier said than done. Blessings back. Irene

@irene5 I don't take anything vitamin wise , as I seem to get sick to stomach every time I do .... So sorry to hear about your hands , that sucks ! Must be so hard on you , and I do understand, on top of fibro I take care of my BF of 12 yrs , who is 520 lbs and has FTD, He has a bed in the living room and is very aggressive , likes to put me down and such , its difficult caring about someone when they are like this ,,,as you can imagine ,,, Have a good day luv and hang in there. I am with you in spirit . My name is Deb btw , ..very nice to meet you here .

So kind of you to care for your BF. Don't forget yourself. I'm sorry you have to put up with someone who is taking the heart out you. I'll pray for you.