Managing fibromyalgia in daily life
Strength training has been an incredible journey for me. It’s something I never imagined I’d be able to achieve. However, despite my progress, I’m constantly reminded of the challenges I face with fibromyalgia. No matter how strong I feel, the Fibro pain can be overwhelming.
It’s a humbling experience that makes me feel incredibly vulnerable. While I rarely experience full-body flares, even minor contact with objects or exposure to cold can trigger intense pain. My ears and jaw are particularly sensitive, and even a barely cold breeze can cause discomfort. Walking past something and having it graze my skin feels excruciatingly painful. Even everyday activities like walking around a table, walking through a door frame, or walking near a barbell can cause pain. Minor injuries feel like major ones, and picking something up and having my pinky hit something gently can make my entire arm numb.
My cat is a constant reminder of my condition. Three out of four of his paws are always in the most painful areas possible, and I don’t even realize they’re painful until he steps on them. I often forget about my fibromyalgia until I have a subtle reminder. Recently, I injured myself at the gym while setting up the barbell. My finger got slammed between two objects, but there was no skin breakage or bruising. However, for me, it felt like I was going to pass out. It took an entire day for the pain to dissipate.
The shower test has become a reliable predictor of my daily experiences. Even the slightest discomfort during showering, such as the pain of moving soap around, signals that I might have a challenging day ahead. If my face is aching, the situation is likely to be even more difficult. These subtle sensations serve as my barometer for navigating daily life, helping me gauge my ability to push myself and anticipate the nature of the day. This predictive measure has become an invaluable tool in managing my fibromyalgia, enabling me to prepare and adjust my expectations and activities accordingly. Despite the challenges, finding ways to predict and manage pain has been a source of empowerment throughout my journey with fibromyalgia.
