Tag: fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups: Because Who Needs a Predictable Schedule?

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Ah, fibromyalgia flare-ups—the unpredictable, uninvited guests that crash our daily plans with the grace of a bull in a china shop. One minute, you’re checking off items on your to-do list, and the next, you’re grappling with a tidal wave of pain, fatigue, and brain fog. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, you know all too well how these flare-ups can wreak havoc on your daily routines. But fear not! There are ways to manage the chaos with a mix of practical strategies and a touch of humor.

Understanding Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups (Or: Why Your Body Hates You)

Fibromyalgia is like that annoying friend who shows up uninvited and brings a bunch of rowdy guests – pain, fatigue, and brain fog. A flare-up is when these uninvited guests decide to throw a rager in your body. Triggers? Oh honey, it could be anything from stress to the weather changing its mind faster than a toddler in a candy store.

Key Insights:

  1. Flare-Ups Aren’t Always Predictable: Research published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology highlights that fibromyalgia symptoms can vary significantly in intensity and duration, making it challenging to plan activities around them. Will today be a “I can conquer the world” day or a “I can’t even conquer putting on pants” day? Spin the wheel and find out!
  2. Stress Plays a Major Role: According to the Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Comprehensive Approach study, stress is a significant trigger for flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help mitigate the severity of symptoms. Turns out, stress is like fuel for your fibro fire. So try to relax… which is totally easy when you’re in pain, right?
  3. Weather Sensitivity: The Arthritis & Rheumatology journal notes that some fibromyalgia patients are sensitive to weather changes, which can exacerbate pain. However, the exact relationship between weather and flare-ups remains an area of ongoing research. Some fibro warriors are walking, talking weather predictors. Who needs a meteorologist when your joints can tell you it’s about to rain?

Tips for Surviving the Fibro Fiesta

  1. Embrace the Chaos: Plan A, Plan B, Plan “Fuck It, I’m Staying in Bed.”
  2. Journal Like a Teen with a Crush: Document every twinge, ache, and “why me?” moment. It’s like detective work, but less fun and more painful. Keeping a symptom journal is also advisable because what if its not fibro? The more info you have when trouble hits, the more you can tell the doc maybe its a tweak in meds, maybe its something else entirely.
  3. Self-Care is Not Selfish: Prioritize yourself. Take that nap, do that gentle yoga, or just stare at the wall contemplating the meaning of life. It’s all valid.
    The American College of Rheumatology suggests incorporating mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into your routine.
  4. Set Realistic Goals: Like “get dressed today” or “remember why I walked into this room.”
    Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This way, you can achieve your goals without overexerting yourself. Celebrate small victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t accomplish everything on your list.
  5. Pain Management Roulette: Hot baths, massages, meds – try them all and see what sticks. It’s like a spa day, but with more wincing.
    The National Fibromyalgia Association emphasizes that a combination of treatments often works best.

  6. Find Your Tribe: Connect with other fibro warriors. Misery loves company, especially when that company gets why you’re canceling plans for the fifth time this week.
    Join a support group or online community where you can share experiences and gain advice from those who get it.
  7. Stay Informed: Keep up with fibro research. It’s like following celebrity gossip, but the celebrity is your own body. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment plan.
  8. Communicate: Let people know when you’re having a bad day. Most people are understanding, and if they’re not, well, that’s what voodoo dolls are for. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know when you’re having a tough day. Most people are more understanding than you might expect.

A tale of grocery store glory gone wrong…

There I was, feeling like a damn superhero, armed with a shopping list and the misguided optimism of someone who’s forgotten they have fibromyalgia.I’m cruising through the aisles, tossing items into my cart like I’m on some twisted version of Supermarket Sweep. I’m on fire, baby! I’ve got a week’s worth of meals planned, and I’m actually remembering to buy vegetables that aren’t just potato chips. Look at me adulting like a boss!

But then, because the universe has a sick sense of humor, my right hip decides it’s the perfect moment to stage a revolt. It was as if my nerve on that side was a live wire that was getting repeatedly squeezed like a cartoon character. Out of fucking nowhere, it feels like a rabid badger has set up shop in my joint and is throwing a rave. One second I’m contemplating the merits of Frosted Flakes versus Froot Loops, and the next I’m clinging to my shopping cart like Rose clung to that door in Titanic.

Every step is like walking on Legos while being stabbed by a thousand tiny ninjas. The fluorescent lights are suddenly brighter than the sun, turning the store into a hellish disco of pain. My carefully crafted plan of “shop and go home to Netflix” is rapidly morphing into “try not to pass out in the cereal aisle.”

As I’m limping towards the checkout, looking like a drunk flamingo pushing a cart, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity. Here I am, in the middle of Kroger, putting on a show that’s part wounded animal, part determined shopper. But hey, if you can’t laugh at your body’s betrayal in the frozen food section, when can you laugh?

So there you have it, folks. Another day in the life of a fibro warrior, where even a simple shopping trip can turn into an epic battle against your own rebellious body. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go home and ice my hip while eating the comfort snacks I panic-bought during my pain-induced haze. Because nothing says “self-care” quite like ice cream and ibuprofen, am I right? Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

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The Intersection of ALL My Illnesses… Yay…

JoLeave a comment

Buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the batshit crazy world of navigating bipolar mania, fibromyalgia, and ADHD all at once. It’s a three-ring circus of creativity, pain, and squirrel-like attention spans that’ll make your head spin faster than a fucking top.

Way Down We Go is right!

Let’s start with the highs of bipolar mania, shall we? Imagine your brain as a pinball machine on steroids, ricocheting from one grandiose idea to the next with the force of a supernova. Every neuron is firing PURE GOLD, you’re a veritable fountain of creativity, spewing out ambitious plans and innovative concepts like a deranged Dr. Seuss on crack. The energy is intoxicating, the possibilities endless, and you’re ready to conquer the world with your sheer force of will (and maybe a touch of delusion).

But just as you’re revving up to change the course of human history, fibromyalgia comes crashing in like a drunk party guest, often giving you the coordination of one as well. Suddenly, every movement feels like you’re being stabbed by a thousand tiny knives, and even the simple act of getting out of bed becomes a Herculean feat of endurance. It’s like your body is actively sabotaging your mind’s grand schemes, leaving you to navigate the treacherous waters of creativity while battling a constant companion of pain and fatigue.

And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more chaotic, ADHD decides to join the party, bringing its own special brand of chaos to the mix. Suddenly, your pinball brain is not only ricocheting from one idea to the next but also careening off in a million different directions at once. Focusing on a single task becomes a Sisyphean struggle, as your attention span rivals that of a caffeinated toddler on a sugar high. (I’m really pleased with how that graphic came out. Thats right folks, I pick something for each paragraph and find and customize it myself, I’m a nerd lol)

But fear not, my fellow warriors, for we are nothing if not resilient AF. We may be a hot mess of contradictions, but we’re also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to navigating this twisted labyrinth of creativity and challenges.

First and foremost, self-awareness is key. We’ve got to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of each condition, so we can manage them like the badass bosses we are. When the mania starts veering towards impulsivity, it’s time to rein that shit in. When the fibromyalgia pain is threatening to derail our productivity, we adapt and conquer.

Next up, we’ve got to embrace our creative outlets while setting some damn boundaries. Sure, we’re bursting with ideas and ambitions, but we’ve also got to break that shit down into manageable steps. Bite-sized chunks of creativity, if you will, that our ADHD brains can actually focus on without getting distracted by the next shiny object that catches our eye.

And let’s not forget the importance of taking care of our physical and mental health, shall we? Proper rest, nutrition, and exercise can work wonders in mitigating the symptoms of both fibromyalgia and ADHD. Throw in some mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, and we might just achieve a semblance of inner peace amidst the chaos.

But let’s be real, we can’t do this shit alone. That’s why we’ve got to enlist the help of professionals – therapists, specialists, and anyone else who can help us navigate this twisted labyrinth of conditions. They’re like our own personal Sherpas, guiding us through the treacherous terrain of our own minds and bodies.

At the end of the day, living with bipolar mania, fibromyalgia, and ADHD is a fucking testament to our resilience and strength. We’re a bunch of creative badasses who refuse to let our challenges define us. Sure, it’s a wild ride filled with ups, downs, and more twists and turns than a soap opera plot line, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. So let’s embrace the complexity, embody the resilience, and keep on creating our own unique brand of chaos – one delightfully twisted day at a time. Til next time gang, take care of yourself, and each other!

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Loki of the medical world…

JoLeave a comment

Much like Loki of Asgard (who was burdened with glorious purpose) that prankster fibromyalgia (who, for all we know is just doing this shit for funsies) just loves messing with us, doesn’t it? Its idea of a good time is replacing all the words in our brain with radio static for a rousing game of “What Did I Come Into This Room For?” Talk about a comedic fibro fog party trick!

And let’s not forget fibromyalgia’s classic prank of swapping out our skin for sandpaper while we sleep. Waking up feeling like we got a full-body exfoliation treatment from Edward Scissorhands? Chef’s kiss to that hilarious bit of tomfoolery!

Then there’s the ol’ random full-body ache for no damn reason gag. You’re just going about your day when BAM – it’s like you got hit by a truck carrying a cargo of pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia’s version of the old “kick me” sign prank, but way less funny.

Sometimes it gets super creative by hiding all our energy reserves like George stashing nuts. Suddenly basic tasks like showering feel as exhausting as running a marathon. Thanks for that delightful prank, fibro – really keeps us on our toes!

But fibromyalgia’s pièce de résistance has to be the sensory overload prank. One minute you’re fine, the next it’s like all your senses got turned up to 11. Lights are blinding, sounds are deafening, and tags on your clothes may as well be made of cacti. Now THAT’S a practical joke that really sticks the landing!

Fibromyalgia really gets a kick out of the old “hide and seek” game with our energy levels. One minute we’ve got enough gas in the tank to run errands, the next it’s disappeared without a trace! Good luck trying to locate those missing spoons to accomplish basic tasks

And let’s not forget fibro’s classic bait-and-switch prank of luring us in with a decent night’s sleep, only to cruelly snatch it away with a morning of feeling more exhausted than if we pulled an all-nighter. Tricking us into thinking we’ve finally beaten insomnia is such a knee-slapper for this prankster condition

Prankster Fibromyalgia is out here giving Loki a run for his money. But we know all this. And knowing is power (knowing is half the battle? I don’t know, insert your own 80s slogan lol) Now if we could just fix these things, well, maybe we DID fix all the things and we forgot where we put the answers. That sounds like something we’d do. You guys go look for that, I gotta go see where George ran off to with that, I might need it. Take care of yourselves, and each other!

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SuperFibroman… fibroperson? Fibro super powers…

JoLeave a comment

Let’s be real – living with fibromyalgia is basically like being bitten by a radioactive sloth. You get all these weird-ass “powers” that nobody asked for and just make everyday life more of a challenge. But since we fibro warriors are stuck with them, we might as well lean into the absurdity.

For starters, we’ve all developed a spidey-sense for detecting chairs from a mile away. Usually with our shins when we walk into them but also when we look for them upon entering a room. I always clock exits, then chairs. Our bodies are so desperate for relief that we could spot a La-Z-Boy in a Vegas casino from the parking lot. Now thats not an always thing, some days I’d rather stand because I need to walk or stretch, but I HAVE TO know where my options are.

Then there’s our superpower of confusing the absolute shit out of doctors. We walk into their offices presenting a cluster of bizarre symptoms that have them scratching their heads harder than a dog with fleas. “You’re a real medical mystery!” they proclaim, as if we should feel honored to be their personal enigma wrapped in brain fog and muscle knots. Thanks, I guess?

Of course, our most impressive feat is the ability to look totally normal while feeling like microwaved garbage on the inside. We’re masters of disguise, slapping on makeup and clean clothes to conceal the bone-deep exhaustion and full-body aches. Somehow we make it through work, social events, you name it – all while our bodies are practically screaming for a horizontal surface.

And let’s not forget our supercharged empathy and ability to sense others’ invisible suffering. One look at someone and we can decode the subtle signs of fatigue, pain, and the dreaded brain fog. We see you, fellow spoonies – our x-ray vision cuts through the smiles and pleasantries.

So sure, having fibromyalgia may not give us the coolest superpowers in the traditional sense. But if you think about it, we’re all low-key superheroes just powering through each day with these bizarre abilities nobody else wants. Who needs super strength when you have the power to baffle medical professionals? Til next time gang, take care of yourself and each other!

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Fibro be makin me crazy… or crazy makin me fibro?…

JoLeave a comment

Fibromyalgia, the condition that makes “chronic pain” seem like an understatement, often comes with a side order of psychological hurdles, courtesy of our good friend, solitude. Picture this: you’re in a constant battle with your own body, and just when you think you’ve reached an understanding, your social life decides to pack its bags and take a vacation to “nowhere in sight.”

Isolation, the VIP section of the fibromyalgia club, isn’t exactly a coveted spot. Between canceling plans last minute because your body decided to throw a tantrum and having to explain for the umpteenth time why you can’t just “shake it off,” it’s no wonder you’re left feeling like the lone wolf in a pack of social butterflies.

Loneliness, the emotional equivalent of trying to find Waldo in a sea of blank stares, becomes your not-so-trusty sidekick on this rollercoaster ride. Who needs friends when you have your trusty heating pad and a Netflix subscription, right? But let’s be real, even the most dedicated binge-watcher can’t fill the void of genuine human connection.

Feeling misunderstood? Welcome to the fibromyalgia Olympics, where everyone’s a gold medalist in the sport of not getting it. Because nothing says “fun” like trying to explain why you’re tired all the time to someone who thinks a good night’s sleep can cure anything from a broken heart to a broken leg.

In conclusion, the psychological effects of solitude on individuals with fibromyalgia are about as enjoyable as a root canal without anesthesia. But fear not, fellow fibro warriors, for in the midst of the chaos and the pain, there’s humor to be found. So, here’s to finding solace in laughter, camaraderie in shared experiences, and the occasional eye roll at well-meaning but clueless bystanders. After all, if you can’t laugh in the face of adversity, what’s the point? Take care of yourself, and each other.

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Fibro and friends…

JoLeave a comment

Ah, relationships and fibromyalgia, the ultimate test of love and patience. Because what better way to spice up your romantic life than with a chronic pain condition that’s about as predictable as the weather forecast in the Midwest in May?

Picture this: you’re all snuggled up on the couch, ready for a cozy night in with your significant other. But instead of Netflix and chill, it’s more like a game of “Find the Least Painful Position” as you try to avoid triggering a fibro flare-up every time they accidentally bump into you. Ah, romance.

Also, the timeless struggle of elucidating fibromyalgia to your significant other without coming off like a wannabe actor on Grey’s Anatomy. “Oh darling, I’m not merely exhausted—I’m ‘fibro-fatigued.’ It’s fatigue with a twist, a dash of theatrics, and a sprinkle of existential dread for flavor. Just your average day in the life of a medical drama, right?”” I’ve always wanted to be on Greys. Or, honestly I’m old school and ER was my jam. STAT! lol

Oh, and communication? That’s a whole other ballgame. Because nothing says “I love you” like trying to have a serious conversation about your pain levels while your partner’s eyes glaze over like they’re watching paint dry. Ah, the sweet sound of empathy. I love watching the light in my partners eyes dim when I talk tender points. I can see exactly when he tunes out and I’m always tempted to throw in extra random shit to see if he’s paying attention lol

But hey, if your relationship can survive the endless doctor’s appointments, the mood swings from pain medication, and the occasional meltdown in the frozen foods aisle because they’re out of your favorite ice cream (or just because its Tuesday), then you know you’ve found a keeper. So here’s to love, laughter, and navigating the minefield of fibromyalgia together. Til next time gang, take care of yourself, and each other.

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Hydration and the Fibro population…

JoLeave a comment

We all learn in school about how much we need water; after all, we’re practically human-sized water balloons walking around! But while Kevin Costner might have embraced the aquatic life in WaterWorld, us fibro warriors know that our relationship with H2O is a bit more… shall we say, complex.


So, here’s the deal with staying hydrated when you’ve got fibromyalgia. It’s like, you know when you forget to water your plants for a while and they start wilting? Yeah, your body’s kind of like those neglected plants.

First off, your muscles need hydration to keep doing their thing without cramping up or feeling like they’ve been through a blender. Plus, staying hydrated helps keep your joints lubed up and less creaky. Nobody wants to feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, right?

Then there’s the whole temperature control situation. Fibro already messes with your thermostat, so why not throw dehydration into the mix? Staying hydrated helps keep your internal temperature in check, so you’re not sweating like crazy one minute and freezing the next.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the brain fog. You know when you’re parched, and suddenly you can’t remember where you put your keys? Yeah, that’s not fun. Hydration helps keep your brain sharp, or at least as sharp as it can be when fibro’s already playing tricks on it.

And hey, if you’re on meds for fibro, they might dry you out faster than a desert wind. So, drinking water is like giving your body a big ol’ thank you for putting up with all that medication nonsense.

Long story short, drink your water, folks. Honestly, nothing I can say will make it taste better but your body NEEDS it. I learned that the hard way in the hospital. Theres a reason why they bring you so much water and ice while you are in there. Your body will thank you, and hey, maybe you’ll even feel a little less like a wilted plant in need of some TLC. Take care of yourselves gang, and each other!

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Its not all sunshine and happy pills…

JoLeave a comment

I have a lot of other things I want to talk about but Fibromyalgia is so weird and varied from one person to the next and since the diagnosis tends to come after ruling out all the other causes for the symptoms being experienced and we’ve been talking about the symptoms, lets take a look at some common practices and life style changes recommended to us to help reduce the severity of the symptoms we are experiencing.

Not everyone experiences everything all at once or at all ever, fibro patients are a lot like fibro itself, all over the place. So I picked the solutions I have heard in MY past the most, but we are all different and some of this worked until it didnt, some never worked, and maybe some won’t work on ME because of my comorbidities but might make you feel tiptop. I can only write about the ones I’m familiar with and these are the holistic treatment of the symptoms, not the actual illness. You might need meds, or treatment other than what I’m going to outline. This isnt a rule book, its not a guidebook, its not even a book, I’d say at most its a ‘bo-‘ lol but if any of these are practical, talk to your doc about them, talk to family and friends, talk to other chronic pain sufferers, do your due diligence I guess I am saying.

Now, for those seeking an adventure beyond pill popping, behold the wonders of holistic treatments! Brace yourselves for a journey through the mystical realms of self-care:

Behold the ancient art of “EXERCISE“! Marvel as you engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or biking, all while pretending to enjoy it. Stretching and yoga are also on the menu, promising flexibility and less stiffness, if you can bend that far without groaning. This can be gentle movements on the bad days that you already feel like you’ve gone 10 rounds with the undefeated world champ, or more intense heart rate elevating exercises for the days you don’t feel sore and achey and just kind of miss it lol.


Enter the realm of “healthy diet“! Feast upon the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and bid adieu to caffeine and trigger foods… or risk awakening the mighty fibromyalgia beast from its slumber. Now I know that can seem daunting, especially to those with current or former eating disorders, this is one you need to work super close with a doctor or nutritionist on. If nothing else, try to slowly ease the foods that are known triggers from the equation. Give it a month or two at least after any changes and reassess. And don’t beat yourself up over a small screw up, no reason to trash it all or start over, you stumbled, just right yourself and continue on, its not an all or its not worth it scenario, each change is helpful and will have cumulative effects.

Prepare for battle against the nefarious stress! Arm yourself with mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques, and perhaps you’ll emerge victorious against the stress monsters lurking within.

Embark on the quest for quality sleep! Equip yourself with the finest sleep hygiene practices, banish caffeine and screens from your bedside, and venture forth into the land of dreams, where fatigue dares not tread.

Pacing Activities: Learning to balance activity and rest is essential for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Pacing oneself and avoiding overexertion can help prevent flare-ups and conserve energy for activities that matter most.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat packs or taking warm baths can help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness, while cold packs can help reduce inflammation and numb painful areas.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which may provide relief from fibromyalgia symptoms.

Supportive Therapies: Engaging in supportive therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of living with fibromyalgia and develop effective strategies for managing symptoms.

It’s important for us to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses our specific needs and preferences. Integrating holistic approaches with conventional medical treatments can often lead to better symptom management and overall quality of life.

As you can see, even if you are resistant to taking meds, there are options available, we can’t make it go away but we can beat it into submission with a few of these tips in our arsenal. Are there any tricks you’ve found to be helpful? We love it if you’d share with the class lol
Til next time guys, take care of yourselves, and each other!