I am 71. I have had fibromyalgia since the 80s. I also have Raynaud’s, Sjogren’s, and Sicca Syndromes as well as unnamed auto immune diseases. When the fibromyalgia is bad, nothing seems to help except perhaps a warm bath. Due to GERD issues I can’t take most pain meds.

For the last 2 and a half years I have been going to yoga, tai ch, Strong Bodies class, walking, zumba gold, and trying to play pickle ball when I feel up to it. The more physical activities I do, the better I feel. I had to quit tai chi after a while because my balance is very poor and I could not do it. The yoga in particular has been good medicine.

My fibromyalgia comes in waves. Several weeks of feeling almost “normal “, and then the chest, shoulders, neck, and back start to ache. (Headaches as well) The pain usually peaks after 2 to 4 weeks and then suddenly subsided just when I think I’ll never feel well again. It’s a cycle I’ve begun to recognize . I’ve also learned that staying positive, staying busy, and doing things for others really help. Otherwise fibromyalgia can be too depressing.