Lifestyle Changes Since Diagnosis

What lifestyle changes have you made since your diagnosis?

Since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I have slowed down more than I had even after my cerebral hemorrhage. After that happened I had to re-learn and re-train my body and muscles to respond to my directions. But, I could do that. After being diagnosed with Fibro there did not seem to be a time of re-education.

I first started doing what my rheumatologist said, which was taking medicines. She did not offer or suggest any other treatments. That was over 10 years ago and I did not research my condition. Neither did I know anyone else with fibro.

Now, I have researched and joined online support groups and have reduced my prescription medicines and increased some supplements. I have learned that a lot of the conditions that I already had, such as irritable bowel syndrome, could  be linked to fibro.

I have radically changed my diet and am eating a vegan and gluten free diet and also excluding the Nightshade vegetables, Cruciferous Vegetables, and limiting citrus fruits. I also limit salt and sugar.

Ever since my hemorrhage I have had trouble taking a shower or bath. Now, that is even worse. A sit down in the tub bath is out, because of the difficulty of getting out of the tub. Morning showers just drain all my energy. I do not like taking showers when no one else is in the house, and sometimes my spouse has to join me to help wash me and help me to a chair afterwards.

I try to pace myself by setting timers to limit the amount of time I spend doing one activity before moving on. My exercise is mostly stretching, yoga, or tai chi. If I do too much one day, I feel sore and stiff the next and can hardly move.

A lot of my chores get done in the morning after I get going. Evening events or activities are extremely difficult. I need about 9 hours of sleep a night so staying up late is impossible. It seems like my brain and I really slow down around 6 pm and it takes a lot more concentration for me to do anything after that.

And, no, I do not work. I tried, but brain fog got in my way. When I tried to find something else, my disabilities factored in and I could not find one.

What impact have these changes had on your health and state of mind?

Changing my diet has really improved my IBS and GERD. Eating smaller meals, more frequently help my rib dysfunction.

The worst part is my depression. It is affected by isolation and the weather. I have trouble connecting with people. Since I do not drive I feel like a captive in my own home. I know what to do to combat depression, but sometimes I am not even able to do those things.

What advice do you have for others who are trying to incorporate these changes into their lives?

Listen to your body! If something you eat or do causes pain or flare ups, don't do it again.

Take it a step at a time. Eg: go vegetarian, then vegan, then gluten-free, then sugar free OR start with a 1 min. meditation, then 2 min. and build up. Same thing with anything you try.

Take it easy. On good days, don't do so much that you cause the next day to be bad.

Make a list of thing to do to make yourself feel better. This may be different for each person. Mine includes get up and get dressed; drink a soothing, stress relieving tea, take a walk, and pray, pray, pray.

Distract yourself with an audio story, movie, or go old school and read a book.

And don't forget to breathe.