For Newly Diagnosed. "What do I do now?"
First thing to do is take a deep breath. Make sure you have a general practitioner that is willing to help you manage your symptoms.
Second; research, research, research. I can't say it enough. A well informed patient is a well managed patient. I... would recommend starting with this blog. www.chronicpainramblings.blogspot.com. I would also retain a copy of "Fibromyalgia for Dummies". This has been a great asset to me through the years and will help in your research tremendously.
Third; take care of yourself. You have to let others help you. Let your significant other help with the dishes for a night, or go out for dinner. Anything to make your life just a little easier. It's hard to give up control at first, but in the end, you will be happy you did so.
Hope this is helpful to your as a new Fibromyalgia patient and remember to breathe, one breath at a time is how you get through it.
Good luck,
Amanda Lakso
I totally agree Amanda. I don't have fibromyalgia myself.... but I do have chronic leg pain. And a few bits of advice I use for myself is you need a doctor that you are comfortable with. That is EXTREMELY important. Secondly, you need to accept your condition and not try to deny it. Thirdly, (as Amanda said) accept help. It's very important in pain management... there's only so much a person can handle DON'T try to be super man or super woman. I know it can be difficult accepting help.... but it DOES NOT mean you're weak. It means you're smart. And lastly, as a new diagnosed patient, be sure to get set up on a physical therapy regimen. Whether its at home or at a hospital. It's very important to retrain your muscles to what is happening to them. Otherwise they will get set a certain way and the longer you wait the longer, more expensive and painful the reversal process will be. Hope this helps and good luck in your pain management!!!!
ReplyDeleteps.... I am not a doctor, so do NOT take just my word to heart.... always listen to your doctors advice and maybe add what im saying to the process. secondly, look into a few different type of pain meds. try adding in relaxers as well. as with all things use pain medication IN MODERATION. DO NOT take more then you can handle.
Thank you very much for your comment Miriam! Your spot on!
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