Step1
Find out if Fibromyalgia is really what you have. There are several joint diseases that can cause this kind of pain. With this situation the person has some of those joint diseases along with Fibromyalgia.
Step2
Discuss with your doctor what methods of pain reliever you can try. Never jump right into narcotics unless you absolutely have to.
Step3
If you have to take narcotics for your pain, try to only take them when you need to. Never take it when the pain is mild. There are several OTC medications that you can take for mild pain.
Step4
Since most of the pain of Fibromyalgia is severe, for this situation, a pain patch was used for ongoing pain and a pain reliever for onsets of pain even while wearing the patch. Be very careful to not overdose or take too much. Take only as directed by your doctor.
Step5
To deal with the everyday pain that pain medicine doesn't seem to take away there are certain exercises that may help make the pain easier to bear. There are stretches you can do, like just sitting on the edge of the bed and stretching your legs or raising your arms up and down slowly. Never try to do more than you can. Always make sure you ask your doctor what is safe for you to do.
Step6
Fibromyalgia is a dreadful disease that most people do not understand. Dealing with the pain is not easy and you need a lot of family or friend support. Help them understand your disease so they know what to expect. In some situations, the pain can be never-ending even with pain medications. It is hard to find a way to cope. Family is your best support. If they see what you are going through, they will understand your suffering better than anyone. Never try to hide your pain. It is best to express that you are hurting and try not to dwell on it.
Step7
Occupy your mind as much as possible. This disease keeps most people from resting normally and in this particular situation sleep is rare. Reading or playing a game on the computer helps get your mind off some of the pain.
Step8
Talking to others with this disease is another way of coping. They understand better than anyone what you are going through. Never compare your pain. Both of you can listen with open hearts and understanding without competing to see who hurts the worst. When you see that this is going to happen, it's best to move on to someone else who understands better.
Step9
Try not to dwell on your pain as much as possible. This can be hard sometimes and if you prepare your family, they will understand when you are hurting your worst because they will see it in your emotions and movements, or lack of movement.
Step10
When the pain is so bad you cannot bear it, don't feel that you cannot cry. Crying sometimes helps because its a way of letting your feelings out. There is nothing wrong with tears. People usually help you cope with it when you cry and they tend to be a lot more understanding.
Step11
Don't be afraid to rest as much as you can when you need to. The kind of pain Fibromyalgia causes can leave you unable to do certain tasks. Don't be afraid to say you cannot do something and then make your pain worsen. Speak up when you are hurting and do not feel like going somewhere or doing some task that someone has requested of you. If you overdo it, you will definitely pay the price with more pain.
Step12
Know your limits. Don't attempt to do things just to impress someone or please someone. For instance, don't volunteer to help someone move unless you know you can do it without causing yourself pain.
Step13
Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about the severity of your pain. Unfortunately, unless he knows you well, you have to go through a serious regimen to get pain medicine. It is sad that people have abused narcotics so badly that those who do need them have to suffer to get them. Be prepared to sign an agreement saying that you won't abuse it. With Fibromyalgia pain is so severe, you have to be careful that you do not overdo taking pain medication.
Step14
Find someone you can talk to who is there specifically to listen. Emotions are heavy with this disease and you need to let your feelings out. Perhaps you can ask your doctor to recommend some sort of counseling. Never assume that someone understands unless they have the disease or they are trained to listen.
Step15
Don't let yourself suffer too much. Take whatever your doctor has prescribed when the pain is too much to bear. Pain can cause severe depression and if you do not approach that pain, it can lead to more and more depression as the pain onsets. Pain medications can usually give you time to at least enjoy your children and grandchildren enough to make for a good support system. Don't be afraid to tell your younger children or the parents of younger children that they cannot jump all over you. It can be very painful when you are hurting with Fibromyalgia if a child jumps on your legs or on top of you while you are lying down. When you are in a lot of pain, just explain to your children and others that they cannot even hug you very hard. It hurts.
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