Take Active Steps to Fight Fibromyalgia Pain

In addition to making your resolution, you will also want to be ready to take action when fibromyalgia pain attacks or intensifies. Cope by following the 1-2-3 punch method.

1- Recognize your pain
There is nothing worse than fighting an opponent you cannot see, but the fact of the matter is the pain that comes with fibromyalgia is very real. Oftentimes pain is triggered by events or emotions. You can better control your pain if you figure out what causes it to get worse.

Ask yourself these questions:
» What did I do the day before my last bad day?
» Was I trying to get a long list of things done?
» Was I preparing for a special event or social gathering?
» Was I under additional stress for any reason?
» Was I trying to make up for a previous bad day?

Next make a list of things that you feel may have brought about your pain such as:
» Chemical exposures
» Certain foods or additives
» Hormonal fluctuations
» Changes in stress levels

Identifying what causes your pain to worsen enables you to avoid unnecessary bad days.

2- Just say NO!
As we grow up we learn what our bodies can and can’t handle. Upon receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis it is necessary to reexamine your body and relearn your limitations. Knowing your boundaries and staying within them will help increase the number of good days you have, and help you to stay positive.

Before you take on any activity, it is important to think about the consequences of your actions. Think back to the hypotheses you once made before an experiment in science class. Now apply that to yourself, in both a positive and negative way.

For example:
If I take a break today and read for 20 minutes, then I will be in a better position to have another good day tomorrow. (Positive)

If I agree to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the entire family, then I will be in no position to go shopping on Black Friday. (Negative)

After you have made your prediction, decide on your course of action. Remember to record your results, checking to see if what you hypothesized was actually true or not. Learning your limitations and listening to your body increases the control you have over your condition.

3- Create a support system
Sometimes, despite all your efforts, you are going to have a bad day. This is the time when your friends, family and coworkers can step in and carry on the battle for you. By making a list of the people whom you can rely upon you will not only be better prepared when the time comes to call in a favor, you will also see how many people in your life truly care about you.

Your list may include:
» Parents
» Siblings
» Close Friends
» Neighbors
» Coworkers
» Adult children
» Health Care Professionals

Tasks they can help with:
» Running errands
» Grocery shopping
» House cleaning
» Preparing meals
» Listening

Your fibrofighting team should be well educated about your condition. They should also know beforehand what you may need from them, so that they too can be prepared to join the fight.

Use this worksheet to develop your 1-2-3 punch method and knock out as many bad days as possible.

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