Tips for Coping with a New Diagnosis

I was diagnosed as a kid and I super quickly learned you have to get very comfortable advocating for and explaining yourself

We can help and understand because we have similar issues, most medical professionals will be empathetic and care. Support not suffocation. But you know you and are the best person to advocate for you

Don’t take anyones shit. You know you. That nurse that makes a comment about white coat syndrome doesn’t know your symptoms or your body. The doctor that won’t listen when you know something is wrong? Get a new one. Don’t let anyone bully you for your limits and enforcing them! No one and I mean no one knows how you feel except you.

Medical grade cannabis isn’t the same as recreational- and the more Cannabinoids and CBD and CBG the better. More of the plant used means better medicine. I spent 10 years thinking medical and rec were the same quality. They’re not! (Usually)

Bio freeze rollerballs. Lidocaine patches. Muscle relaxers. Epsom salt baths. Magnesium tablets. Heating pads. Pinterest 😅

what really helps is knowing that it's a valid and very real thing, and that you do not have to push yourself harder to catch up. you are caught up, everyone is at different levels and ablism will try and bite you, but it's not true. you and your pain your fatigue, all your symptoms, are a billion times more valid than anything other people say. you know your body, they don't.

heat packs are great. get many

To somewhat echo others on this thread, listen to your body! Learn your triggers, queues, warning signs, and SET BOUNDARIES. If it’s necessary, tell the person(s) ahead of time “hey, I may change plans unexpectedly sometimes based on my chronic pain. Please extend some patience and understanding.” If they can’t provide that, you don’t need ‘em anyway.

Zoe, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Just know that you are not alone. Find people that can relate to what you're experiencing and lean on them. Watching what I eat has helped me more than anything else. I now avoid gluten and dairy since they're inflammatories. I limit my sugar intake, as well. It isn't easy, but this disease isn't easy. To me, it's worth it. I also use cannabis. I'm in a state in which that's legal, even though I don't have a medical card for it. I know everyone feels differently about this, but I am into more holistic, natural healing rather than more medications. Nothing has helped with pain more than good ol' MJ. I do take supplements and I take amitryptyline, but I take as few meds as possible. Hang in there. It will seem impossible some days, but many before you have found ways to cope, and I'm confident you will find what works for you.

same!! just got diagnosed a couple months ago. don’t be afraid use the tools available to you. it doesn’t hurt anyone if you use a mobility aid or whatever, totally own it and make it your own. ik everyone on this post is saying it but definitely use the vitamins and medications if those are options for you. ik it sucks but you have to pace yourself and be aware of your body’s limits, if you do too much now then you’ll be out of commission later. i’m also trying to keep a journal of stuff i know makes me feel better and any patterns i notice. another one that everyone’s probably telling you is yoga, which i know people kinda use as a cure-all but i promise it really does help. they have youtube videos for chronic pain yoga and as long as you’re gentle and do short bursts it helps a ton with the early morning stiffness. welcome to the community and remember you can always find support here <3 you’re not alone

I find medication changes everything for me, but I know it's not for everyone. I take gabapentin and muscle relaxers everyday and they have let me have my life back. plus turmeric vitamin d and vitamin B4 for headaches. I use heating pads everyday. I use muscle creams when my pain gets bad, but they help a lot! It all suck and there is a mental struggle that comes with it too that you will have to figure out. I still haven't though. But over time you will figure it out and start to live again.

I was diagnosed earlier this year and I use ginger and turmeric in my foods they both help with inflammation and I wish I knew that having this condition doesn't define me

I'm recently diagnosed too

Let your body do the talking and listen to it. I ignored my symptoms for years and had to stop working after pushing myself into a mental breakdown. Take breaks and self care when you need it. You only have one body.

You might want to stock up on vitamins that is good for inflammation. You can also add turmeric to your food. (Personally i do spice and that helps me) best of luck and dont give up.

That you WILL figure out a system of managing your fibro that works for you. It's a lot of trial and error but it's gonna be okay!