May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, and I want to share a little insight and my personal journey since being diagnosed in 2020.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, joints, and other soft tissues of the body. They do not know what causes Fibro, but it is believed to be related to a variety of factors, including genetics, physical and emotional trauma, infections, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.
In 2020 I started having the symptoms stated above and spoke to my doctor about what I was experiencing. Luckily she was supportive and listened to what I was dealing with instead of making me feel crazy.
It isn’t easy dealing with the constant joint pain and skin tenderness, but there are a few things that help lessen my symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, feel free to reach out, I am here to support you in whatever way I can!
What helps me:
- Epsom Salt Baths at home pretty much every single night.
I specifically like the Dr. Teals – Eases Aches and Pains or buying a big tub of food-grade Epsom Salt off Amazon.
- Floating (also known as sensory deprivation or floatation therapy).
This is a practice in which you lay in water supersaturated with Epsom salts allowing you to float effortlessly in a pod or room devoid of all light and sound. There are a few places in St. Louis where you can experience floating, ideally going once a month.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage once a month.
Anything deep tissue is a no-go when you have pain and tenderness, but Lymphatic Drainage Massage is light to the touch and encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and movement of lymph fluids around the body.
- Joining Fibro support groups and reading about others’ stories.
Honestly, this just helps me mentally. Knowing that others are experiencing what I am and that I am not alone.
Here are some resources that I find helpful: Fibromyalgia Solutions & Support Facebook Group + following Tami Stackelhouse on Instagram! Please speak with a doctor if you are dealing with any of these things, and please reach out if you have any questions!
Jenn
