I am one of the unfortunate males who have been recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia..this is after nearly six years of fighting Cancer ..kidney disease and chronic Fatigue and pain...I enjoyed your video..was surprised about the hot Bath..it's been something I've done also for some time for comfort during a flare up..for my tension headaches I made a hat that I can warm up in the microwave..I sewed it myself...all to ease the pain..
Oh wow! That sounds like an incredible hat that you made for yourself, I am jealous! Your tension headache erasing hat is putting my rice heating bag to shame. It sounds like you have had a long health journey, it is uncommon for men to have fibromyalgia but definitely not impossible. I hope you have a strong support system that has your back! Thank you for your support! Sending love and strength your way!
I’ve had fibromyalgia years, I’d say my CBD balm, I found using aromatherapy helpful too and to have meds for break through pain. Oh and reduce your carbohydrate did improve my pain. Magnesium and vitamin d are very important as we fibro warriors have low levels
Thanks for the additions! I have tried CBD, magnesium, and vitamin D but I didn't find a successful way to implement those for me. But they are definitely worth taking another crack at!
I've had fibromyalgia for the last 8 years, and much like you when I am having a flare-up, my dog Buddy is an essential item to lay in bed with me and watch UA-cam or a series. Other essentials for me are Radox bath, large T shirts, Nuefron, and some freezer meals or easy to make food. As I am in Australia, it is often too hot here for a heat pack, but having the air con on makes being in bed with a light blanket more comfortable in the heat. Bottle of water on the beside table too...
Hi Samantha! It sounds like we have a lot of the same strategies for dealing with flare ups! I'm glad you have a buddy in your dog Buddy, to help support you and give you comfort in flare ups! Sending love and strength!
I agree with the rice bag. This has given me relief from the tension headaches. I also fall asleep with a plug in heating pad that also vibrates. This laid over my lower back puts me to sleep.
My dad was a firefighter so he would kill me if I fell asleep with an electric one plugged in😂 But YES! Oftentimes to combat tension headaches I take an extra dose of my muscle relaxant and then heat up my rice heating bag and then take a FAT nap and wake up with my headache gone!
Your right, not many things stop a flare. However having items that help, as you’ve listed, makes the flare just a little bit more bearable. I use diversional therapy a lot. Whether it’s, music - Netflix, or listening to an audiobook/podcast. Which I’ve found mostly on Spotify. I bought myself a slow cooker and make wintery meals in it, it gives me at least 4 meals I can later reheat. I flare with sudden temperature changes and struggle to keep either warm or cool. I’ve not long been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis on top of fibromyalgia and the two, play tag team on me. Setting my heater to warm my home first thing in the morning has made a huge difference and staying warm helps ease brittle joints from cracking/popping. My winters in Australia get exceptionally cold, so most mornings I struggle to walk let alone to stand up right properly. I’ve got Canadian crushes to aid my mobility, an easy reach stick - to alleviate the need for bending or over extend for reaching above my head. I have an emergency go bag in my car, that has medications, snacks for nausea, copy of recent medical notes if ever in need of medical assistance while out & driving. I have back up reading glasses and arthritis fingerless gloves and I have an emotional support animal. My feline provides not just company but someone I can make a fuss of. He seems to know when mummy needs a cuddle on the couch. And he makes me laugh. The antics he gets up to is so funny. Apart from the pain, I lose my appetite when flaring. I need to remind myself to eat so I don’t cause sudden sugar levels to drop. Even if its a handful of cashews or a banana. Having food that doesn’t require preparation or cooking, is a godsend. Having clothes thats easy to get on and off is another game changer. Pacing myself with household chores are for days where I have energy, flare days are recovery days where I need to focus on myself. Best advise I can say to help people with flares is, It’s ok to focus on yourself and try not to beat yourself up for doing so. We are human and we have limited energy. What doesn’t get done today, will get done when you have the energy. Arhhh you thought I was going to say, it’ll get done tomorrow. Being is pain is exhausting, so recharge how you feel is best for you. It helps knowing there are others like this lovely lady that puts herself on UA-cam to help us. Thank you, your thoughts and suggestions, they are appreciated.
When I am flaring I use many of the same things you mention. I call it "cacooning" and my incredibly understanding husband knows I need time to get through it. Having good support from family or friends can make a big difference. Thank you for posting and gentle hugs to your subscribers.
Hello! It warms my heart to hear you talk about having such a supportive and lovely spouse. In my previous relationships I have had my poor health thrown in my face, which was difficult. But I know some day I'll my person who can trust my strength to get through flare ups with just some compassion and flexibility on their part. Thanks for sharing your experiences, sending love and strength!!
You actually have everything on your list that I have on mine. I started collecting larger soft t-shirts a few months back too. I have a playlist of things to watch in case of a flare and I don't even have it in me to find stuff to watch.
I feel like I now just permanently live in oversized t-shirts😂💕 The pre-made playlist is a really great idea! Sometimes I just end up scrolling forever!
I keep a bottle of cabernet sauvignon next to my bed to sip on. Also dark chocolate bars in my bedside drawer. I have one of those seats with the rolling balls in it. I have to rest a few days between uses, because I feel like I've been beat up the next day, but it feels good while using it. Hot tea in a pretty cup, and scones when I feel up to making them. I have a hundred thousand pillows that I swap out depending on which ones help at the time, and I got a purple mattress. Right now it is in my neck on the left base of my skull which is a spot that doesn't happen often thank goodness, because nothing helps that one at all, and it can go on for weeks.
I also used a ball chair for awhile, and I actually would definitely get one again. I think I didn't switch often enough and like you said using it 100% of the time is too intense! I also am looking forward to upgrading my mattress when I move in a year from now! Life is all about finding small comforts and I am glad it sounds like you have yours!!
@@kristen_clark_ Got to do everything we can to make it less miserable. I'm sure glad I got the purple mattress! I still have a heck of a time trying to get comfortable, but it has been supportive without being overly hard.
@@kristen_clark_ Oh my goodness, have you ever used a VIKTOR JURGEN Handheld Back Massager - Double Head Electric Full Body? I found one at a thrift store, and it's AMAZING! I have been situating it in different areas rather than just my back. Like behind my knees, or resting my shoulder in it, etc.
I feel you, I am in the same boat . I have to find things that entertain me to take the pain off of my mind. But I am so tired of crying because of the pain I feel that I’m just existing not living.😢
Sending so much love and strength your way! These days I just try to find small pieces of light and joy even in the darkest of days. Even when it doesn't feel like it there is so much good life waiting for you!♥️
I have a jack Russell, she is a great comfort, companion, as having fibromalgia, don't really have many human friends. I have Epson salt foot soaks, and very soothing cream for my feet. I find lavender oil, or peppermint oil helps with migraines and gut issues. Yes, lots of loose clothes, helps me too! I wear wrist splints at night, helps with pain in my hands, arms. Soothing Thai chi music, Listening to the birds Bring in nature Helps calm me I light a tea light, say affirmations when I wake during the night from onset of pain. Knowing I am not alone, as it can feel you are alone in the pain, is a comfort, Thank you for your uplifting video, say hi to your fury friend, love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! And for sharing your experiences and tips and tricks for other people. I will certainly give Bailey some extra love for you! Thank you for the support!
I am happy to hear that you have a strong survival kit as well. People have commented a lot about food being a trigger, perhaps that is true for some people but I have never noticed a correlation no matter what diet I tried or foods I cut out so now I just eat what makes me happy and brings me joy!
The Midwest does it best! ;) A golden retriever really is a girl's best friend, my Bailey has gotten me through some of my worst nights and fibromyalgia flare ups!
Cinnamon and cherry tea and apple cider vinegar capful in a glass of water every other day peppermint tea and epsom salts and ginger and lemon tea and music
Thanks for the comment! If you are interested in learning more about Bailey I have two videos on my channel you can check out! And then if you still have more questions I would love to answer them there!
I am one of the unfortunate males who have been recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia..this is after nearly six years of fighting Cancer ..kidney disease and chronic Fatigue and pain...I enjoyed your video..was surprised about the hot Bath..it's been something I've done also for some time for comfort during a flare up..for my tension headaches I made a hat that I can warm up in the microwave..I sewed it myself...all to ease the pain..
Oh wow! That sounds like an incredible hat that you made for yourself, I am jealous! Your tension headache erasing hat is putting my rice heating bag to shame. It sounds like you have had a long health journey, it is uncommon for men to have fibromyalgia but definitely not impossible. I hope you have a strong support system that has your back! Thank you for your support! Sending love and strength your way!
I’ve had fibromyalgia years, I’d say my CBD balm, I found using aromatherapy helpful too and to have meds for break through pain. Oh and reduce your carbohydrate did improve my pain. Magnesium and vitamin d are very important as we fibro warriors have low levels
Thanks for the additions! I have tried CBD, magnesium, and vitamin D but I didn't find a successful way to implement those for me. But they are definitely worth taking another crack at!
I've had fibromyalgia for the last 8 years, and much like you when I am having a flare-up, my dog Buddy is an essential item to lay in bed with me and watch UA-cam or a series. Other essentials for me are Radox bath, large T shirts, Nuefron, and some freezer meals or easy to make food. As I am in Australia, it is often too hot here for a heat pack, but having the air con on makes being in bed with a light blanket more comfortable in the heat. Bottle of water on the beside table too...
Hi Samantha! It sounds like we have a lot of the same strategies for dealing with flare ups! I'm glad you have a buddy in your dog Buddy, to help support you and give you comfort in flare ups! Sending love and strength!
I agree with the rice bag. This has given me relief from the tension headaches. I also fall asleep with a plug in heating pad that also vibrates. This laid over my lower back puts me to sleep.
My dad was a firefighter so he would kill me if I fell asleep with an electric one plugged in😂 But YES! Oftentimes to combat tension headaches I take an extra dose of my muscle relaxant and then heat up my rice heating bag and then take a FAT nap and wake up with my headache gone!
Your right, not many things stop a flare. However having items that help, as you’ve listed, makes the flare just a little bit more bearable. I use diversional therapy a lot. Whether it’s, music - Netflix, or listening to an audiobook/podcast. Which I’ve found mostly on Spotify. I bought myself a slow cooker and make wintery meals in it, it gives me at least 4 meals I can later reheat. I flare with sudden temperature changes and struggle to keep either warm or cool. I’ve not long been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis on top of fibromyalgia and the two, play tag team on me. Setting my heater to warm my home first thing in the morning has made a huge difference and staying warm helps ease brittle joints from cracking/popping. My winters in Australia get exceptionally cold, so most mornings I struggle to walk let alone to stand up right properly. I’ve got Canadian crushes to aid my mobility, an easy reach stick - to alleviate the need for bending or over extend for reaching above my head. I have an emergency go bag in my car, that has medications, snacks for nausea, copy of recent medical notes if ever in need of medical assistance while out & driving. I have back up reading glasses and arthritis fingerless gloves and I have an emotional support animal. My feline provides not just company but someone I can make a fuss of. He seems to know when mummy needs a cuddle on the couch. And he makes me laugh. The antics he gets up to is so funny. Apart from the pain, I lose my appetite when flaring. I need to remind myself to eat so I don’t cause sudden sugar levels to drop. Even if its a handful of cashews or a banana. Having food that doesn’t require preparation or cooking, is a godsend. Having clothes thats easy to get on and off is another game changer. Pacing myself with household chores are for days where I have energy, flare days are recovery days where I need to focus on myself. Best advise I can say to help people with flares is, It’s ok to focus on yourself and try not to beat yourself up for doing so. We are human and we have limited energy. What doesn’t get done today, will get done when you have the energy. Arhhh you thought I was going to say, it’ll get done tomorrow. Being is pain is exhausting, so recharge how you feel is best for you. It helps knowing there are others like this lovely lady that puts herself on UA-cam to help us. Thank you, your thoughts and suggestions, they are appreciated.
Oh wow! Thank you so much for sharing so much of your experience and your tips and tricks for other people to learn from! Sending love and strength!
When I am flaring I use many of the same things you mention. I call it "cacooning" and my incredibly understanding husband knows I need time to get through it. Having good support from family or friends can make a big difference. Thank you for posting and gentle hugs to your subscribers.
Hello! It warms my heart to hear you talk about having such a supportive and lovely spouse. In my previous relationships I have had my poor health thrown in my face, which was difficult. But I know some day I'll my person who can trust my strength to get through flare ups with just some compassion and flexibility on their part. Thanks for sharing your experiences, sending love and strength!!
You actually have everything on your list that I have on mine. I started collecting larger soft t-shirts a few months back too.
I have a playlist of things to watch in case of a flare and I don't even have it in me to find stuff to watch.
I feel like I now just permanently live in oversized t-shirts😂💕 The pre-made playlist is a really great idea! Sometimes I just end up scrolling forever!
I keep a bottle of cabernet sauvignon next to my bed to sip on. Also dark chocolate bars in my bedside drawer. I have one of those seats with the rolling balls in it. I have to rest a few days between uses, because I feel like I've been beat up the next day, but it feels good while using it. Hot tea in a pretty cup, and scones when I feel up to making them. I have a hundred thousand pillows that I swap out depending on which ones help at the time, and I got a purple mattress. Right now it is in my neck on the left base of my skull which is a spot that doesn't happen often thank goodness, because nothing helps that one at all, and it can go on for weeks.
I also used a ball chair for awhile, and I actually would definitely get one again. I think I didn't switch often enough and like you said using it 100% of the time is too intense! I also am looking forward to upgrading my mattress when I move in a year from now! Life is all about finding small comforts and I am glad it sounds like you have yours!!
@@kristen_clark_ Got to do everything we can to make it less miserable. I'm sure glad I got the purple mattress! I still have a heck of a time trying to get comfortable, but it has been supportive without being overly hard.
@@kristen_clark_ Oh my goodness, have you ever used a VIKTOR JURGEN Handheld Back Massager - Double Head Electric Full Body? I found one at a thrift store, and it's AMAZING! I have been situating it in different areas rather than just my back. Like behind my knees, or resting my shoulder in it, etc.
My sister has a hand held massager that I use all the time, but I definitely should invest in one for myself! Maybe this black friday...
I feel you, I am in the same boat . I have to find things that entertain me to take the pain off of my mind. But I am so tired of crying because of the pain I feel that I’m just existing not living.😢
Sending so much love and strength your way! These days I just try to find small pieces of light and joy even in the darkest of days. Even when it doesn't feel like it there is so much good life waiting for you!♥️
I have a jack Russell, she is a great comfort, companion, as having fibromalgia, don't really have many human friends.
I have Epson salt foot soaks, and very soothing cream for my feet.
I find lavender oil, or peppermint oil helps with migraines and gut issues.
Yes, lots of loose clothes, helps me too!
I wear wrist splints at night, helps with pain in my hands, arms.
Soothing Thai chi music,
Listening to the birds
Bring in nature
Helps calm me
I light a tea light, say affirmations when I wake during the night from onset of pain.
Knowing I am not alone, as it can feel you are alone in the pain, is a comfort,
Thank you for your uplifting video, say hi to your fury friend, love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! And for sharing your experiences and tips and tricks for other people. I will certainly give Bailey some extra love for you! Thank you for the support!
Love your suggestions!
I am glad you find them helpful!!
I love and relate to almost everything you say, exept for the comfy Foods.. they are probably one of the reasons we have fibromyalga..😮❤
I am happy to hear that you have a strong survival kit as well. People have commented a lot about food being a trigger, perhaps that is true for some people but I have never noticed a correlation no matter what diet I tried or foods I cut out so now I just eat what makes me happy and brings me joy!
Greetings from Michigan 😊💕 I too have fibromyalgia and a golden retriever.
The Midwest does it best! ;) A golden retriever really is a girl's best friend, my Bailey has gotten me through some of my worst nights and fibromyalgia flare ups!
Cinnamon and cherry tea and apple cider vinegar capful in a glass of water every other day peppermint tea and epsom salts and ginger and lemon tea and music
I have FM since 2007 but I’ve never felt I need a service dog. Why the dog?😊
Thanks for the comment! If you are interested in learning more about Bailey I have two videos on my channel you can check out! And then if you still have more questions I would love to answer them there!