How do I manage fibromyalgia on a daily basis?

This question is based on my original answer as fibromyalgia expert at ShareCare.com. View other answered questions on my profile at
http://sharecare.com/user/celeste

Managing fibromyalgia is multidimensional.

Having helpful tools and knowing what to report to your doctor is important. Having a guide to keep us on track is helpful. Also helpful are having terms to describe your pain, understanding what the doctor needs to know about your health history, and knowing how to communicate with your doctor or healthcare provider. Keeping a medication log, a symptoms inventory sheet, evaluation of treatments and medications, etc. are all important to the patient with FM. (All available in our book).


But, there are other aspects to managing fibromyalgia too, such as learning about what fibromyalgia is, developing communication skills with others, and accepting through journaling. It is also important to learn diversion skills to take your mind away from the pain and fatigue. You can learn to do this on your own, develop new hobbies in-line with your new life, or if you need more help like I did, therapy and biofeedback.

There are many therapies and therapists helpful in managing FM. Our book has a complete list with definitions, the types of therapies and treating physicians, and how to find the right therapy and therapist for you.

Managing FM is a 24/7 job. Explaining it in just a few paragraphs is difficult. I started our book as a way of my personal coping. It started with one entry in my journal, “write a book.” Later I was joined by my then therapist and I believe we have a comprehensive guide to managing FM. You are welcome to see the contents at http://www.thesethree.com/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-book-content.php

All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press