The life of a 20 something living with fibromyalgia
When I'm working, I can sometimes manage up to 20,000 steps in a day without realising. But boy do I suffer for it afterwards. The following days I would be lucky to manage 1,000 steps. Since starting my June challenge for Versus Arthritis to walk 8,000 steps a day, I started testing my limits trying… Continue reading How Pacing is Helping me Reduce Flare Ups
I have come to realise that any kind of exercise causes more pain, but no exercise is far worse. When I don't do any exercise, my muscles weaken which only leads to more pain. Most days at work I would normally get quite a lot of steps in, swapping between office work and outdoor work… Continue reading Adapting Exercise for Chronic Pain: My Latest Walking Challenge
It is a trying time for everyone in the world right now with the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the world is on lockdown. You would think the chronically ill would be great at isolating themselves, since that is what we do in normal circumstances. The problem is, when we are feeling well enough we… Continue reading Staying Strong during Isolation
A flare up is an increase of symptoms compared to your 'normal'. With fibromyalgia your normal includes pain 24/7 so it can be harder to know when you are flaring. They can last for any amount of time from a day to years and vary in severity. A flare up can be caused by any… Continue reading How a Flare Up Really Feels
I just came back from my first Disneyland Paris trip since officially being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have been 5 times in the last 5 years as it is my happy place away from reality! When I went last year I was in the process of being diagnosed. I paid for a letter from my… Continue reading Disneyland Paris with a Disability
Christmas is a busy, crazy time of year even to a healthy person. When you add chronic illness to the mix christmas can seem daunting at best. The key to surviving Christmas is working with your chronic illness not against it. Below I give some of my tips for getting through Christmas. Start Christmas shopping… Continue reading Surviving Christmas with Chronic Illness
I wake up and I'm still in pain My body is stiff and aching I get up feeling the pain ease a little I don't feel too bad today ... I manage to shower and wash my hair I may even be able to dry it today It's a very rare day indeed Today is… Continue reading A Good Day Does Not Mean I’m Pain Free
Everyone cancels plans from time to time Sometimes you can't be bothered, can't afford it or just don't want to go But with chronic illness sometimes your choice is between today and tomorrow You learn to prioritise some plans over others ... Sometimes you have to cancel to ensure you can attend another activity Other… Continue reading Cancelling Plans Because of your Health
When it comes to pain and illness, I find doctors just give you tablets and send you on your way thinking it will fix everything. However I have found often the side effects of medications can be worse than just the symptoms they help manage. The side effects can add extra symptoms I really cant… Continue reading Chronic Illness: Managing Symptoms Naturally
Living with a chronic illness, you soon learn it flares up mostly when you overdo it. The key problem is that every day the level of activity before overdoing it can vary drastically. I have been trying to remind myself to pace but it can be especially hard when I'm having a good day. On… Continue reading Tips on Pacing when you Live with Chronic Illness
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