There's nothing quite like a fibromyalgia flare to remind you just how unpredictable life with chronic illness can be. One minute you're pottering around the house feeling reasonably human, the next you're hit with that familiar wave of pain and exhaustion that sends you straight back to bed with a cup of tea and whatever … Continue reading Creating a Comfort Kit: Essential Items for Managing Flares
Maintaining Friendships When You’re the “Unreliable” One
One of the things I've found hard since I've had fibro is the guilt of being the friend who cancels plans at the last minute, who can't commit to things weeks in advance, who says "maybe" when everyone else is saying "yes absolutely." I don't think that this is just an issue for people with … Continue reading Maintaining Friendships When You’re the “Unreliable” One
Optimal Sleep Strategies for Chronic Pain Relief
Sleep and chronic pain have what I can only describe as a tumultuous relationship. Pain keeps us awake, and poor sleep makes pain worse – it's a frustrating cycle that many of us know all too well. After years of living with fibromyalgia, I've learned that creating the right sleep environment isn't just about comfort; … Continue reading Optimal Sleep Strategies for Chronic Pain Relief
Power Napping with Fibromyalgia: When and How to Rest Effectively
Why Napping Can Be Your Friend Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com Living with fibromyalgia means navigating the unpredictable ebb and flow of fatigue that can hit at any time of day. Some mornings I wake up feeling as though I've run a marathon in my sleep, whilst other days the afternoon brings a … Continue reading Power Napping with Fibromyalgia: When and How to Rest Effectively
The One Thing That Really Helps on My Worst Fibro Days – My Infra Red Sauna Blanket
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com There are certain things in my fibromyalgia toolkit that I could manage without, and then there are the absolute essentials – the things that have transformed how I cope with the condition. My infrared sauna blanket sits firmly in the latter category, and I really don't know how I … Continue reading The One Thing That Really Helps on My Worst Fibro Days – My Infra Red Sauna Blanket
Finding My Way Back to Yoga: In Praise of Chair Yoga for Chronic Pain
I've always had a complicated relationship with yoga. On one hand, I know it can be beneficial - the gentle stretching, the mindfulness, the promise of reduced pain and increased flexibility. On the other hand, my fibromyalgia and arthritis seemed to conspire against me every time I tried to join a class. During lockdown, I … Continue reading Finding My Way Back to Yoga: In Praise of Chair Yoga for Chronic Pain
A Chronic Voice Writing Prompts – March 2023
It’s great to see the return of the prompts from Sheryl at A Chronic Voice for March. I’ve been losing my blogging motivation this year as my focus has been on other projects but I always want to join in with these prompts and enjoy reading the posts of others too. The prompts for March … Continue reading A Chronic Voice Writing Prompts – March 2023
Open water swimming when you have fibromyalgia
My experience of open water swimming with fibromyalgia - both positive and some areas to watch out for. Why open water swimming is a beneficial form of exercise, especially for those of us with chronic illness.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms (and what it feels like to live with them)
What does it actually feel like to live with some of the key symptoms of fibromyalgia. How these impact life on a day to day basis.
Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia 