Fibromyalgia is not the enemy! It is only a name, a handle, for a constellation of enemies to which the sufferer is more sensitive than most. I am not a doctor, nor any kind of official expert, but I do have about fifteen years of Fibromyalgia under my belt (and everywhere else it is possible to feel pain!) that have served me in my quest for wellness. Do I feel better than I felt 15, 10, or even five years ago? Yes!! But it’s not enough. It’s my duty (and a real blessing) to be able to help guide fellow seekers on the path to wellness. Please know that I share this information with love and good intention. The causes of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) are still being debated. For the most part, doctors and researchers attribute the disease to something genetic, some predisposition in the sufferer. Then, in many cases, long-term stress or a traumatic event will “trigger” something in the body, and voilà: Fibromyalgia. Among those who suffer the chronic pain and malaise of this unkind disease, diagnosis is a long time coming. This has a lot to do with the fact that FMS is a “syndrome” – a constellation of symptoms and disorders that cluster in similar ways across the board. I have read a lot, tried many different remedies, and taken literally dozens of medications! Ultimately, I have found that my body responds best to my own mix of solutions. Symptoms of FMS While there are many more symptoms I could list, these are arguably the most common complaints of my fellow Fibro Warriors.
- widespread pain, sometimes “triggered” by something stressful or strenuous
- frequent headaches and muscle tension
- “intolerance” for cold and sudden temperature changes, as well as for anything but the gentlest exercise
- debilitating fatigue and malaise – a general feeling of “unwellness” and lack of energy
- the famous “Fibro Fog” – it is harder to think, remember, and recall
- depression
- extreme sensitivity to pressure and touch
I think what hurts many of us the most, is that we seem to have lost our capacity to be with our family and friends in wellness, to contribute to our communities, or even to share certain joyous occasions. A few simple solutions can begin to ease the pain. What can you do about it? Just as FMS is the handle for a plague of symptoms, the word I use to refer to myriad solutions is “detox”. You cannot get rid of the Fibro, my friend, but you can get rid of the nasty stuff in your body and mind that are compounding the problem and making your body function under a heavy load of poisons. SO…. detox, detox, detox! But, DO NOT make the process into hard work. These solutions should be EASY. You have Fibromyalgia, so anything that requires labour or intense mental effort will likely not be something you can continue in the long term. Detox Cocktail Sorry friends, this isn’t a recipe for pleasure! But, it will make you feel a little giddy to realize that these solutions actually help, unlike the prescription meds that make you fatter, foggier and grumpier (but that’s another blog post).
Yoga – you have likely heard this one before, and I know it sounds intimidating to someone who has trouble with mobility. Please try it at least once. This gentle movement therapy will help you feel comfortable in your body again. Don’t make your own body your enemy!
Magnesium – you can take a supplement, sure. But there are also magnesium lotions, sprays, and bath soak compounds that your aching body will thank you for. The benefits are enormous. You can read more about the science involved, here.
Apple Cider Vinegar – there are too many benefits to list, and a little goes a long way! ACV is known to reduce inflammation in the body. It can also help you to lose weight, and less weight means less stress on your body. Many different versions of the product are available, and much information. This Fibro Support website is a good place to start.
Japanese Foot Patches – You have some pretty yucky stuff in your body right now that your immune system has to fight off. This is one of the simplest ways to suck the toxins out of your body so that the good stuff you’re putting in has a chance to work. It is gross and yet satisfying to pull that little patch off in the morning and see what sickening toxins you have released. This is where I get mine. Lots of good info here too on the toxins I am referring to and how to release them over time.
See your Naturopath – As I said, I am not an expert or a doctor. I run most of my solutions by my Naturopath. Even if you can only afford to see your Naturopath once or twice a year, her evaluation of your overall toxicity levels can help you to find balance, WITHOUT a prescription for more toxins! Please know that you are not alone. Reach out to your Fibro community, whether in the virtual world or in your own neighbourhood, to see what has worked for others. There is no cure for FMS, but you may have symptoms that can be easily remedied. Be well and take care of yourself, because the tools are well within reach. Gentle blessings!
