How to Make a Family Understand Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition. While there are many treatment methods available, it is far from easy to live with the chronic pain in the muscles, the tender points all over the body, the sleep deprivation, and the often numerous co-existing conditions like depression and headaches.
The disease affects the way you interact with those around you, and explaining it to your family is an important part of treatment.
Instructions
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Describe your symptoms in detail to your family. Explain which parts of your body are increasingly sensitive, and where you feel pain. If you're having sleeping difficulties, share them with your loved ones. Discuss mental and emotional as well as physical limitations associated with your condition.
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Explain the limitations that you'll have, as well as which normal activities you'll still be able to do. Tell your kids if there are games you used to play that you won't be able to participate in. Alert your spouse if you'll need to sleep in later in the morning because of disturbed rest during the night.
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Give your family a chance to ask questions. They may ask you something you don't know the answer to. You can contact the National Fibromyalgia Association to gain information (see Resources). You also might want to bring the entire family to your next doctor's visit.
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Consider joining a support group to learn more about your condition as well as the challenges of sharing information with your family (see Resources).
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