So, how did you do, my Fibro friends?

Where was your pain on the pain scale? How did you do with your mood? Did you feel a lot of pain, say a 7 or 8 and were you depressed? Or, was this a good day for you being lower on the pain scale and higher in the mood department. 

If you had a particularly bad day, where your pain was high and mood was low, how did you handle it? 

We often call these types of days "flares" meaning that our symptoms are much worse than normal. Sometimes they come because of the weather and sometimes, we don't know why they come. 

I used to get very anxious and depressed when I went into a "flare". I often thought that I was going back to "square one", starting all over again and that my symptoms were not going to improve. This would only serve to exacerbate the pain and anxiety I was already feeling. 

My point is this, when things are going along "well"...and I mean that as a relative term.....when things are SO bad with our Fibro, we tend to not worry too much about having a bad day. Actually, that's a good thing. HOWEVER, it's not a good thing if you don't have an "emergency" plan.

Do you have an emergency plan for your "flare" days? Do you have medication for "breakthrough pain"? This is pain that goes beyond what your regular medications can treat. What do you do for the anxiety you might be feeling during a flare? It's a good idea to have a "plan". 

Remember, your life is different with Fibro. There's quite a bit more planning that's involved. You may even plan your meals in advance and have something for the family to eat if you can't cook. Or maybe you have some money set aside that will cover "take out" food, if you aren't up to standing at the stove. 

Maybe when you're feeling badly and your mood is low, you have an "emergency activity bag". This would be filled with things that give you pleasure and give you a "lift". I have a few favorite DVDs that, no matter how many times I watch them, ALWAYS make me feel better. I also am usually working on a crocheting project. But I save these activities and DVDs, etc. for times when I need to feel "happier" and "pampered". 

You'll really benefit from having a plan for days when you are "flaring" and things are quite a bit worse and you're out of commission. Medications for the pain and anxiety (talk to your doctor), meals planned in advance that allow the family to "fend for themselves", a tote filled with activities, crafts, and/or DVDs or even CDs of music you enjoy. A nice glass of cold water in an insulated cup if it's hot out or a  hot cup of tea that you enjoy on a cold day can be very comforting. A favorite blanket and a comfortable spot to sit is all you need and you're ready to just "let go" for the day. 

There's no pressure if you're prepared. It's the nicest thing you can do for yourself and your family when you are having a "flare". You'll feel better when you know they are taken care of in spite of your being "bedridden" for the day or so that it takes to get moving again. 

Remember, YOU come first and if you plan, even a bad day can end up being.....no so bad. 

I'd love to hear your suggestions on what you do for a "bad Fibro day". Please comment!


Until tomorrow..................


Blessings.......................

Mo M.