Imagine being in chronic pain most of the time. There's no magic pill that you can take to get rid of the pain and there are only a few people in your life that understand what it's like. 

The pain makes you grumpy, irritable, exhausted, depressed and alone.

If you stub your toe or knock your knee on a table the pain can be excruciating! Your body is sensitive, even from a slight knock. You feel stiff, anxious, can't think straight, ('fibro fog') suffer headaches and other ailments.

Your friends think you're a hypochondriac. You've always got “something” wrong with you. You often have to cancel going out with them because you don't feel up to socialising. 

If you have fibromyalgia, you will know all of this only too well.

So, fibromyalgia is a long-term condition causing widespread pain. Is there any hope for sufferers?

Yes, and that is mainly down to the individual. Medication can help ease some of the symptoms, but there can be side effects if taken long term. I have found a variety of ways to cope with this chronic condition. I have coping strategies such as pacing myself, prioritising, relaxation techniques and setting myself simple goals each day and each week. I try to have a positive outlook, which isn't always easy. I know that if I can be positive at least 4 days a week it helps my mental well being.

I have taken up hobbies such as painting and photography.  I do voluntary work that only takes up a little bit of time and I even learnt to drive 3 years ago at the age of 60!  There are still plenty of things I could do to help myself but I feel that I am on the right track. I do need to diet but I stubbornly don't want to!! I do need to exercise more. I have been working on that but it causes more pain. My physio says, "No pain, no gain!!"  Really?!!  

Do what is right for you and set your own small goals each day. Be kind to yourself and if you want a bit of support send me a message via The Felixstowe App.

Stay true to yourself, 

Jax x