Fibromyalgia. If you’ve been diagnosed with it, it’s likely you’ve experienced frustration, bewilderment, and probably even depression. It can kind of feel like a life sentence. Am I right?
The muscle weakness. The fatigue. The brain fog. The lack of restful sleep. All the questions.
Will I ever be able to live a normal life again? Will I forever have to take meds that may or may not work? Do I really have to endure the groggy side effects of those meds on top of the fatigue and brain fog I already feel?
Let me tell you, as a fibro warrior myself, this is far from a life sentence. You can absolutely live a normal, active life. You can manage without all the meds. You don’t have to succumb to the drugged feeling on top of the fibro brain fog.
I was diagnosed with fibro when I was 19, over half my life ago. (And have been diagnosed several times over since.) I never stopped being active. I just learned what I could and couldn’t do without repercussions. It’s been 25+ years of trial and error. I try to stay with the things I know won’t cause flare-ups. But if I really want to do something I know will cause one, I’ll plan to rest the next couple days. And I’m ok with this. Because I still get to do the things I love.
I’ve also learned that food can help or harm. I’m still learning but I have a pretty good idea of what my body needs and doesn’t. I stick to clean eating (very little processed foods and added sugars). I’m also learning (yes, still) what foods cause reactions of some sort and what ones help me feel my best.
Always trial and error. The trick is learning to listen to your body. It will always always tell you what it needs and what it doesn’t. If you’re not sure how to do this, I recommend starting with a journal.
Know that you are more in control than not. And know that you are not alone. I’m here to help in any way that I can! Maybe start with my guide to managing fibro naturally. You can get that here.
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