What are your tips and tricks?
Zsep - Sep 27th, 2009 8:06 PM
[ Original Post ]

I was just recently diagnosed at the end of winter. But now having a name has just made it easier to see that I've had this for quite some time...Sigh. I'm kind of in denial.
But anyways what I'd like to know is your tips and tricks.
Like some days it's hard for me to get water bottles and mayo jars open, anyone found a way to make this easy?
Any simple fatigue fighters?
I have trouble squatting down, any creative ideas, like maybe I should get those trash pinchers lol?
These types of things, anything to make this illness easier to bear!!

Comment


 

FibroGal - Sep 27th, 2009 9:52 PM

Hi, Zsep. Get those rubber jar grippers. Those help. Also, I think you can buy jar openers now, if I'm not mistaken. That's just the first thing that came to my mind. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. Hopefully, others like Fantod and Axxie will be along to post their ideas. They and other regulars here are loaded with creativity.


axxie - Sep 28th, 2009 3:51 AM

Hello Zsep, welcome to our creative group, and how to avoid those nasty bumps on the road with Fibro. The bottle grip problem, I got tired fighting with them, so I bought myself an automatic jar opener best 20 bucks I spent on myself if I say so myself. I tried every method from fighting with them, to clinging it with a knife to trying to put the knife under the cap. I just got so tired it wasn't worth it fighting for it. Fatigue take a multivitamin and b-12, don't forget those important fish oil, pro-biotic.
You have trouble squatting I have trouble kneeling when working in my garden and I have no balance.


My Healthy Habits
Humor yourself * smile * laugh * keep your appointments * ask questions * take your medication * don't stop your medication unless doctors order it * keep diary of your pain (for show and tell) * advocate for yourself * get moving * therapeutic massage * drink more water * less coffee * stop smoking * moderate or no alcohol * no hard & soft drinks * keep the proper weight * reduce stress * spiritual health * remain hopeful * get some sleep even if it means with medication * multivitamins * and the best for last, if all hell breaks loose, run away alone for a few hours.....




pfiinch - Sep 29th, 2009 12:45 PM

My worst is sweeping and mopping the floors.So I have a broom that can be changed by the length and it helps so my back doesn't hurt so much and I use my feet and towels to mop.You just have to find new ways to be able to do the things that need your attetion.I am also very lucky my son inlaw,daughter and spouse do the things that I can't and if I start something and can't finish they will do it for me.Thank God for family and friends.Good Luck and God Bless. Patti F


tnichel - Oct 1st, 2009 5:30 PM

Make spares of your car keys and put them in places you can find them, or give one to a friend. Good luck with that since fibro fog can make your forget where you placed things. ;) In the beginning carry a wonder bag. Basically a bag with items you may need any given day to deal with your ever changing symptoms. Things like bottled water,a hat, pain meds, pain patches (salonspas are really good for small areas of pain, muscle rub and whatever else seems to help you). dress in layers...fibros do a lot of stripping during the day but we don't get paid for it. lol. Try not to put your arms and hands above your head. Fibros tire easily from stuff like that. If you have to clean make sure you take 5 minute breaks. Make sure you bedroom is dark, cool and quiet before bed. use a sleep mask and ear plugs if necessary. Don't carry heavy purses. Stay away from food with a high sugar content. Keep something like benadryl in your purse. I used to get random itching spells that were pretty intense and docs said it was another fibro symptom. Benadryl was the only thing that helped. And don't be afraid to ask for help. the biggie is getting up and going to sleep at the same time every night. With us, a lack of sleep severely heightens your symptoms. Good Luck!


solanadelfina - Oct 2nd, 2009 12:41 AM

I'll try just using a thick towel to give me extra grip on the jars. As for fatigue, make sure your bed and room are at the perfect temperature/light/softness and everything is arranged how you want it. Sometimes meds can help, too, like muscle relaxants. I also will take little 'lie down' breaks, especially after meals.

Now that it's getting colder, I have my heated mattress pad on my bed which makes a huge difference on achy muscles! I also swear by hot baths, especially with lavender salts. If you can handle it, stretching and ROM exercises have helped me more than any medication. Gentle yoga and tai chi and swimming in a heated pool can help, too.

It's also important to do nice things for yourself, such as engaging in humor or getting massages or little things like fixing some tea and curling up with a good book.

It can be hard getting used to a different life, but I like to say that we have to grow as purple orchids instead of red roses like everyone else, and I wanna be the most beautiful orchid I can. :)