Fibromyalgia flattens me. Here’s what helps me cope with constant pain | Nikki Marshall

A flare-up starts with instant exhaustion and a brain fog so dense I might struggle to speak

Sometimes it hits in the middle of hot yoga. One moment I’m working hard, dripping sweat; the next I’m flat on my back in corpse pose, trying – usually failing – to practise calm acceptance. When the class ends I might need help rolling up my mat.

A few months back the first twinges flared when I was the designated driver at a family gathering. I felt like a demented cattle dog trying to round up the drinkers, barking at them to skip goodbyes so I could get us home before it smashed me.

Related: Fibromyalgia and treating chronic pain

Related: Sufferers of chronic pain have long been told it’s all in their head. We now know that’s wrong

Fatigue, sleep disorders

Memory troubles, difficulty concentrating

Anxiety and depression

Restless legs

Dizziness and balance problems

Headaches and migraines

Light and noise sensitivity

Bowel and bladder problems

Skin tingling and burning

Palpitations

Face and jaw pain

Lower back pain

Dry eyes

Sensitivity to cold and cold flashes

Related: ‘I struggle every day with the loss of my former life’: what it’s like to live with chronic pain

Amitriptyline: a daily medication that was developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant; it’s now more commonly used to run interference against the brain’s perception of pain.

Getting plenty of sleep – working from home during the pandemic has been a game-changer – and tracking it on a health app.

Yoga, which I practise almost every day; I figure if I’m going to feel muscle pain I might as well have done something to deserve it. Its lessons about how to meet challenge with grace help hugely – as do the endorphins and the half hour of deep relaxation I dive into after every class.

Walking: 7,500 steps a day, as recommended by my sports doctor for maximum benefit, minimum wear in women of my age (52).

Mindful breathing: in moments I manage to think of nothing but my breath I can make pain melt away. (This article about the strange peace experienced by ultrarunners if they surrender to the “pain cave” is fascinating.)

The understanding and support of people around me: a simple “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way” can mean the world.

An anti-inflammatory diet; right now I’m trying high-fat, low-carb and I think it’s helping.

I’ve even taken ice baths – they were horrendous but left me feeling revved up and exhilarated for days.

If you have fibromyalgia or chronic pain, we’d love to hear what has worked for you. Please let us know in the comments

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Category: Mental Health