A fibro warrior’s essential survival kit

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body, including muscle and joint pain. Our muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. Sometimes, our muscles twitch, burn, or have deep stabbing pain.

Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

Chronic headaches

Fatigue and exhaustion

Sleep disturbance and waking up feeling unrefreshed

Aching and stiffness

Dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes

Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat

Concentration problems (called "fibro fog")

An irritable bladder

Irritable bowel syndrome

Anxiety and depression

Numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet

Painful menstrual cramps

Problems with your jaw, such as pain or difficulty moving your jaw joint

Poor circulation in hands and feet (called Raynaud's phenomenon)

Restless legs syndrome

There is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways of relieving our painful symptoms.

These are some of my essentials in helping to relieve the symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

• Biofreeze
• Gel pad cooling pillow
• Body pillow
• Memory foam mattress
• Memory foam pillows
• Electric blanket
• Foot spa
• Back scratcher
• Cooling eye mask
• Hot water bottle
• TENs machine
• Automatic can opener
• Automatic jar opener
• My four cats :)
• Long-handled dustpan and broom
• Cordless vacuum cleaner
• Lavender wheat bag
• Heat patches
• Slanket
• 7 day pill organiser
• Adult colouring books (and colouring pens/pencils)
• Tiger balm
• Air purifier
• Supportive Fibromyalgia groups on Facebook
• Skechers Go Walk shoes for comfort
• Vitamin D one a day tablets
• Magnesium supplements (Many supplements have not been researched as thoroughly as prescription medications for effectiveness and safety. It's very important you talk with your doctor before trying any supplement. Some can have harmful results if combined with other drugs.)
• Apps: Fibromapp, Fibromyalgia, WebMDPainCoach, Calm

Suggestions from other fibro warriors:

• Epsom salts
• Hot tub
• Magnesium spray
• Heat spray
• Bed socks
• Rolling tray table
• Long handled foot and body washer
• Omega 3 oil supplements
• Foot arch support
• Heated throws and blankets
• Long handled toe nail scissors
• Pets
• Relaxation and meditation CD/Apps
• Bed rail
• Battery powered bath cushion seat
• Shoe horn
• Arthritis gloves
• Handy grabber/reacher
• Shower bench/stool
• Walking stick
• Dry shampoo
• Bath grab handle
• Sock puller
• Homedics pain relief band
• Shoes with a 1 inch or so heel for plantar fasciitis
• Crutch
• Smart crutch
• Portable fan
• Mobility scooter
• Wheelchair

We are fibro warriors, we are in this fight together, armed with our essential survival kits.

Keep smiling :)

Claire

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