THINGS TO KEEP HANDY FOR A FIBROMYALGIA FLARE

Managing Your Symptoms

We've all been there: In spite of all the medications, supplements, stress-reducing techniques and lifestyle changes, some of your symptoms still impose themselves on your life. 

During those times, little things can make a big difference. Keeping certain little things close at hand can help you manage your fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Many of us "nest" when we have flares, basically holding up in one spot such as the bed or couch. Keep these items close by where you nest, so you don't have to get up to get them. Some are treatments and others aren't, but they're all things that might help you get through the day (or night,) they don't require a prescription and won't drain your bank account. 

capsaicin

This medication is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints. A long-time arthritis pain reliever is helpful with fibromyalgia pain. 

Muscle Creams

While muscle creams (like Tiger Balm, Biofreeze, and Aspercreme) don't do much against fibromyalgia pain, they can provide relief from muscle aches that can contribute to your overall pain level and make it hard to get comfortable or fall asleep. During nesting times, we can be especially sedentary, which can make muscle pain worse. 

Massagers

There are times when I'm having a flare, I want a massage. With a massager you can adjust the level of massage you want with heat or without. I apply one of the creams before I use my massager. The foot massager is wonderful. It helps relieve your whole body. 

rice Bag

A rice bag in uncooked rice inside a little pillow, usually made of flannel or some fabric that feels nice against your skin. You heat the rice bag in the microwave for a couple minutes and it releases a soothing, slightly moist heat. It's a great alternative to a heating pad because it gradually cools off and won't start a fire, so you can use it to help you sleep. 

Weighted Heating Pads

I have used the rice bags for years. My daughter Jennifer gave me a Weighted Heating Pad for the back and neck. The reason I prefer these instead of a hot-water bottle is that they mold to the area you want to heat.  It's so soft the softness against your skin feels so nice and it makes you want to curl up and sleep. It has a timer on it and turns off. My husband hurt his back and we bought a weighted heating pad with massager. Both of them are now my new go to when having a fibromyalgia flare. 

Heated blanket

Not only can a heated throw blanket help keep you warm, but the heat may also be beneficial in soothing some of your aches and pains. My heated throw is a lifesaver. Even in the summer, I have a luxuriously soft blanket handy.

warm, soft socks or slippers

Why is it that our feet are always cold?  Except for when its 100 plus degrees outside. Keeping something close for when the chill is on is a must. I like the soft socks. 

Cooling Off

When you get overheated and need help cooling down, cooling products are a must. However, you can't exactly keep them cold next to your nest. A small electrical fan can be great in a pinch. You also might want to consider a battery-operated fan, Cooling towel. 

Dark Chocolate

It may sound strange, but dark chocolate may boost your serotonin levels, which means it can make you feel more awake and alert plus give you a mood lift. 

Lotion

 Dry, itchy skin aggravates my Fibromyalgia, and every time I scratch it can cause a lot of pain in the area. If the lotion has a soothing scent, it can do double duty by helping you relax. (Be careful about scented products, however sometimes depending on the flare the scent could bother me - a lot of us are sensitive to them.)

Blankets, Pillows, and Bedding

The more sedentary you are, the more important it is to have a comfortable place that's ready for you at a moment's notice. Even in the summer, I have a luxuriously soft blanket handy in our Livingroom as well as a variety of cozy-feeling pillows. Also, coarse sheets are like sleeping on sandpaper! I prefer flannel or jersey, or a high thread count. Feel before you buy!

Tennis Ball

if your muscles are aching and in need of some massaging, a tennis ball may be a helpful tool, you could roll it back and forth where you're tense or use it to put pressure on trigger points. You can use a tennis ball for trigger points in your neck, shoulders and back. 

Please share with us some of the items that help you during a flare.

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