TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH THE WORKDAY WITH FIBROMYALGIA

​Many people with fibromyalgia continue to work full or part-time. But the chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia often make working very difficult. If you are employed, it’s important to learn about managing fibromyalgia symptoms and coping with pain and fatigue. 

​By self-managing fibromyalgia pain and controlling daily stress, most people with fibromyalgia can do almost anything they choose. Unless you have physical pain that’s directly work-related, you should be able to make simple modifications to your workplace that allow you to continue working.

​A flare up is a bout of symptoms that can suddenly appear without warning; this may be most evident if you are stressed or under a lot of pressure either at home or at work. 

​Sitting at a desk, standing at a register, or performing other physical and mental requirements of a job when you have fibromyalgia aren’t always possible (and that’s OKAY). For those who are able to work while living with fibromyalgia, getting through a workday filled with brain fog, pain and fatigue can feel like a massive task. 

​It's OKAY to do what’s best for you and your health. 

​You can be productive at work with fibromyalgia. But you do need to experiment to find what combination of treatments and techniques works – every fibromyalgia patient is different!

Here’s Some Tips:

1. Don’t hold back your emotions regarding how your fibro is affecting you. Cry if you need to. Be open with yourself and others. The pain – symptoms you experience on a day-to-day basis are awful and beyond difficult to deal with. You’re going to have feelings about it. Just don’t be embarrassed or afraid to take off the ‘I’m fine’ mask for a while and let it all out.
2. If your job is causing you too much stress, it will make you much worse. Reduce stress in any way possible, learn when to say no and when to ask for help. I have started working full time again. My new employer is aware of my chronic illness and willing to work with me.  A big relief.
3. The Spoon Theory is an easy, (developed by Christine Miserando) visual way to explain fibromyalgia to other people, especially in workplaces where teaspoons always seem to disappear!
4. Number one advice is finding a job that won’t drain you. Do something you love and be in a positive environment. I’ve noticed when I’m around certain people it feels toxic. When I’m around positive people they get my mind off the pain for a bit, and it helps me get through the day.
5. Since I have come back to work full time, I try to take every task slow and easy not to get stressed. The medications I’m on has been a big factor in helping me with stress.
6. You have the potential of learning new ways to cope, new ways to increase your value at work, and most of all you have the knowledge that you are not alone, and you have the backing of your employer and co-workers.
7. On my lunch break if need to I can go to my car and take a short nap. I keep a pillow and blanket in my car just in case.  I just put my seat back and rest. That helps me tremendously.
8. Notice when you are productive and when your pain levels are at their lowest. Watch to see which tasks cause more pain and which ones are okay. There may even be a sequence of tasks, which in a different order cause less pain.
9. Most people are not jerks – they are kind and understanding if you talk to them before things go south. The best thing I ever did for myself was explain to my boss and coworkers what I am living with.
10. Do not push your body to do things just to please your colleagues. Feel your body, listen to what it says…when it says stop, you owe it to yourself to stop.
11. Self-care is vital in maintaining ability to work and function. It’s not only what you do at work but also off work. Get plenty of rest and have good positive people around you. Our mind, body and spirit are all connected. Nurture all three and it brings the balance that’s needed to thrive.
12. It doesn’t work for everyone, but I find a positive mindset and planning ahead are the best ways to cope! “I Can do this!” works wonders on an already difficult task, telling yourself you can’t do it is only going to make it harder (this doesn’t apply to things outside of your limits though – don’t do anything that’ll hurt you more if you can avoid it!) and planning some time to recover throughout the week is absolutely vital.
13. I keep a heating pad, a soft footrest under my desk to help me get through the day. Short breaks for stretching a short walk, drink water, or meditation can be built into your workday. Yoga can improve the health and productivity of your day.
14. I work full time Monday – Friday, up at 4 a.m. home at 4:30. The only way I manage is consistency. Bed at the same time Sunday through Friday. Relax Saturday. Light chores and preparing on Sunday…Biggest advice is pay attention to what affects your body, pace yourself and be consistent.
15. Don’t forget to ask for help when you need it, and saying no isn’t a bad thing.
16. Find work that gives you satisfaction. Whether that is serving people, being a cashier, or physical work – the important thing is to look for the satisfaction of a job well done. I find that satisfaction does help with the pain and fatigue that we all feel at the end of the day. 

Don’t feel bad if you can’t work because of your illness. You’re not a loser. You are not lazy. You are sick…a huge difference!

Please share with us some of your tips that help with working fultime. 

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