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Wednesday 19 April 2017

How I Deal With Chronic Pain


Hello, lovelies!

If you've been reading my blog recently, you'll know I suffer with a great deal of Chronic pain, from lots of different sources. The main being Fibromyalgia, a rheumatic muscle condition that causes pain, tenderness and fatigue. Or, in simpler terms, it's like having arthritis in my muscles.

It's a constant ache, sometimes only a dull ache I can push to the back of my mind and ignore while I try to get on with life, other-times it is completely debilitating, stopping me from getting out of bed for days. It's obviously different for every one, but for me, the pain comes in the form of stabbing in my joints, stiff muscles, constant migraine-like headaches, being forever itchy, and, weirdly, being freezing cold. All. The. Time.

There's loads of different ways people have suggested to me for helping ease the pain to help me deal with it, but these are the ones I have found the most effective. Although they may be disputed, and people who suffer the same as me might read this list and think "pfft, that won't help at all," these are what helps my body.

1. Hot Baths

This is one of those things that lots of other people suffering with Fibro don't find helpful, because in the long rung, it isn't. But in the short term? It's blissful. It's peace and quiet, it's warm, it's letting my body float in water and not having to put pressure on any of my muscles. Sure, actually getting in and out of the bath can be a whole different pain in itself (I have actually had to have friends lift me out,) the smells of lavender bubbles/bath bombs and the heat FINALLY getting into my body and warming me up for the first time that day. It's definitely only a short term relief, but it's one of my favourites, and the best. 

2. Yoga

I can literally hear other Fibro suffers groaning, but hear me out. On the days when my pain isn't as bad, having a good yoga session really helps me connect with my body. It helps me spend time focusing on the muscles that have been bringing me the most pain, and giving them the time and attention they need. Small stretches work just as well if you can't commit to a full yoga session.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is my saviour. I suffer most of my itching in my legs, and it drives me crazy. I use Vaseline's "Aloe Soothe Lotion" and it is like Heaven in a bottle. For only £3 it's an absolute steal, and soothes the itching pretty much instantly. There isn't much else to say, but please, if itching is something you suffer with, at least try this. 

4. Sleeping

Really. Sleeping. Sure, finding a comfortable position is tough, but once/if you do manage, a nap is pretty much the best escape from the pains, both physically and mentally. 

I'm sorry this post is so short - I had a very busy Easter weekend and now I'm paying for it! I couldn't get out of bed until 5pm today, my body was just too exhausted. 

Thank you for reading, and as always -

I'll see you next time, then. 

Ree xo

1 comment:

  1. I have fibro too. It's such a horrible condition. What's even worse for me than the pain is when I have to cancel arrangements with our little girl and grandchildren.

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