1. < Fibromyalgia
Profile picture for dreichelderfer

Caregiver Coping Skills

Posted by dreichelderfer @dreichelderfer, May 3 11:47am

What coping skills are helpful when caring for my wife who has fibromyalgia? She has had chronic pain issues for 10 years. She seems better one day then the next much worse. She is very fatigued most days. It’s just a grind getting through the bad days as there seem to be more of those than good ones.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

Profile picture for jeannesf1
jeannesf1 | @jeannesf1 | May 4 8:23am

Your wife is so blessed to have you! You already seem to be doing a great job. Just to have someone who is understanding, cares and is there when needed for support is enormous. I believe if I had that,?this condition would be more tolerable. Believe it or not, easy distractions can be helpful, such as watching a movie with her that she enjoys, gentle massage if she can tolerate it, social interactions (it’s difficult to be motivated with the fibromyalgia), however once you’re involved in low key socialization, it can distract from the pain for me. It helps to have someone encouraging me/joining me in social activities. Simple, like going to lunch, church (recently my son found a church, small, nondenominational, that is Bible based but more about love, peace, acceptance, and psychological spirituality. I feel at peace when I leave there and I forget about the pain. Love and peace to you both.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for dreichelderfer
dreichelderfer | @dreichelderfer | May 4 9:40am
In reply to @jeannesf1 "Your wife is so blessed to have you! You already seem to be doing a great..." + (show)
Profile picture for jeannesf1 @jeannesf1

Your wife is so blessed to have you! You already seem to be doing a great job. Just to have someone who is understanding, cares and is there when needed for support is enormous. I believe if I had that,?this condition would be more tolerable. Believe it or not, easy distractions can be helpful, such as watching a movie with her that she enjoys, gentle massage if she can tolerate it, social interactions (it’s difficult to be motivated with the fibromyalgia), however once you’re involved in low key socialization, it can distract from the pain for me. It helps to have someone encouraging me/joining me in social activities. Simple, like going to lunch, church (recently my son found a church, small, nondenominational, that is Bible based but more about love, peace, acceptance, and psychological spirituality. I feel at peace when I leave there and I forget about the pain. Love and peace to you both.

Jump to this post

@jeannesf1 Thank you for such encouraging words. It seems like I am on the right track with your suggestions. Sometimes I get off track and am not as kind as I should be. Prayer and a supportive church family are key in keeping me grounded. Blessings and peace to you.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.