by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. For those newly diagnosed, the road ahead can seem daunting, filled with uncertainty and the challenge of adapting to a new normal.
However, while fibromyalgia can be life-altering, it doesn’t have to be life-defining. By adopting certain strategies and mindsets, you can learn to accept and thrive within this new reality.
Here are a few strategies and mindsets to consider developing in your life.
1. Understand Your Condition
Acceptance begins with understanding. Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed to be related to how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Knowing this can help reduce feelings of frustration or self-blame. It’s not all in your head, and you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide live with fibromyalgia, and many lead fulfilling lives. Educating yourself about the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options is crucial.
2. Adapt to Physical Changes
Fibromyalgia often necessitates changes in how you live day-to-day. You might find that activities you once took for granted now require more effort or result in pain and fatigue. This can be disheartening, but adapting your lifestyle to accommodate your symptoms is essential.
Pacing is key. Learning to balance activity and rest will help manage flare-ups. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. While it might feel frustrating to slow down, this approach helps maintain energy levels and reduce pain in the long run.
3. Manage Mental and Emotional Health
The physical symptoms of fibromyalgia are only part of the challenge. The condition can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being as well. Chronic pain and fatigue often lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety.
Acknowledging these feelings is important. It’s okay to grieve the life you had before fibromyalgia and to feel overwhelmed by the changes it has brought. However, it’s equally important to seek support. Whether through therapy, support groups, or loved ones, finding a safe space to express your emotions can be incredibly healing. Mindfulness and meditation can help a lot.
4. Build a Support System
Living with fibromyalgia can sometimes feel isolating, especially if others don’t fully understand your experience. Building a strong support system is vital. Surround yourself with people who are empathetic and willing to learn about your condition.
Support can come from various sources—family, friends, healthcare providers, and support groups. Online communities can also offer a space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, share tips, and offer encouragement.
5. Redefine Your Identity and Purpose
One of the hardest aspects of accepting a chronic illness is redefining your identity. You may feel like fibromyalgia has taken away parts of who you are. But while the condition may change some aspects of your life, it doesn’t change your value or worth.
Take time to explore new interests or revisit old hobbies that can be modified to suit your new capabilities. Finding purpose, whether through work, volunteering, creative outlets, or relationships, can help you feel fulfilled and connected.
Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. Celebrate small victories and set realistic goals. This shift in perspective can lead to a greater sense of control and satisfaction in your daily life.
Accepting fibromyalgia as your new normal is a process, and it’s okay to have setbacks along the way. Patience, compassion, and resilience are your greatest allies in this journey. Remember, acceptance isn’t about giving up—it’s about finding ways to live a meaningful life despite the challenges.
With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can navigate this new chapter of your life with hope and strength. Fibromyalgia may be a part of your story, but it doesn’t have to affect your whole identity. Embrace your new normal, and allow yourself to thrive and find meaning within it.
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for stopping by, reading my blogging, and leaving a comment.
One of the most frustrating experiences for us, particularly those with chronic illnesses, is feeling dismissed or not believed by our doctor. When you know something is wrong with your body but your doctor seems indifferent, skeptical, or outright dismissive, it can leave you feeling powerless and discouraged.
However, you have the right to advocate for yourself and ensure that your concerns are taken seriously.
Here are a few approaches you can try.
1. Speak Clearly and Assertively
In situations where your doctor may not be taking you seriously, it’s essential to communicate in a way that is both clear and assertive. Avoid being passive or downplaying your symptoms, but also be careful not to let emotions such as frustration take over the conversation.
Use direct language when discussing your concerns, such as:
“I’m concerned about the ongoing pain in my body. I believe further testing is necessary.”
“I feel my symptoms are not being addressed fully, and I’d like to explore other potential causes.”
“I understand you have your perspective, but I know my body, and something isn’t right.”
Assertiveness isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about confidently communicating your experience and advocating for a solution. Staying calm, factual, and respectful can help keep the conversation productive, even if it’s challenging.
2. Ask Questions and Request Clarifications
Sometimes, a doctor’s dismissal is based on misunderstandings or unclear communication. If your doctor doesn’t believe your concerns, ask questions to better understand why, such as:
“Can you help me understand why you don’t think my symptoms require further investigation?”
“What criteria are you using to determine that my symptoms aren’t concerning?”
“What alternative explanations could there be for what I’m experiencing?”
By engaging your doctor in dialogue, you demonstrate that you are actively involved in your care. Asking questions also opens the door for your doctor to explain their reasoning and may expose gaps in their understanding of your situation. It also encourages them to reflect on their decision-making, potentially leading to a more thoughtful approach.
I hope these few approaches help your doctor take you seriously.
Take good care,
Irene
Hi Jacqueline,
Thank you stopping by and reading my blog.
The new normal is very hard to get used to. It’s hard to plan too far ahead when we don’t really know how the next day will really look like. But by having a few self-care strategies available in our toolbox on those hard days, we can soften hard days and make them a bit better. Self-care and self-compassion are two of the most important so that we’re not so hard on ourselves.
I’m so sorry that you’re struggling with sleep. It can be so hard to sleep well and to get the kind of nourishing sleep that we need. Practising proper sleep hygiene can help, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time, creating a routine of soothing things that you do before bed, such as taking a bath and reading a book.
I will be discussing self-care and self-compassion right here on our Fibromates blog in October. I hope you will stop by then.
Take good care,
Irene
How can I make my doctor take me seriously about the pain I am experiencing? 2 interns have said I have fibro but my family doctor won’t confirm it. What steps can I take?
Thank you. I am new at this and a person that was in every sport, volunteering and working. After my brain surgery then stroke this was then all of this came at the same time. Learning helps but the new normal is hard to get used to. It is a process and it is I don’t know what the next day I will feel like. I never get a good sleep and messes things up and even if I do get sleep I wake up feeling like I didn’t sleep at all. I am getting help now, shortly to help to manage this, which is great.