Is Fibromyalgia Progressive?
Doctors do not consider fibromyalgia a progressive condition, but people living with it tend to disagree.
Watch the video above for some tips on limiting the feeling that things are getting worse over time, or read the written summary below.
Recurring fibromyalgia flare-ups make many of us feel like things are getting worse over time. Our bodies may not technically be deteriorating, but we still feel like our quality of life is getting steadily worse.
Here are five things you can do to limit that feeling of degeneration.
1. Keep Track of Your Flares
It’s important to really know your body. Keep a diary and be sure to note your flare-ups. You’ll start to notice patterns that will help predict, and maybe even avoid, flare-ups.
2. Pace Yourself
It’s important to keep active, but it’s equally important that you don’t push yourself too hard.
Don’t try to cram as much as possible into a “good day.” Take your time, slow down, and find a level of activity that doesn’t throw you into a flare-up.
3. Try New Things
It’s easy to become frustrated and cynical about trying new treatments, but keep trying. Be systematic in your approach and document the new things you try, so you can really tell if they have made a difference.
4. Look After Your Mind
That feeling that everything is getting worse is an emotional response to extreme pain and fatigue. Acknowledge the emotional side of fibromyalgia, and work on improving your mental health.
Do simple things that bring you joy — whatever takes you to your happy place, do it.
If the struggle runs deeper, seek help from a therapist.
5. Find a Support Network
They say a problem shared is a problem halved. Talking won’t take away your condition, but it will help ease the pain.
Make sure you have people in your life who can help you through some of the more difficult times. Those people may be your partner, family, closest friends, or even virtual friends.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. You are not alone!
