How can i help my mom-she has fibro

[DaughterofaFIBROmom]

Hi- My mom was recently diagnosed with Fibro, even though I suspect she has been suffering for years. In fact, when I think back, it’s been 5years or more... I have finally convinced her that her meds will help her and she is taking them, which makes her feel better and makes me very happy because she is not in such terrible pain. (Well, I take them to her every night and watch her-to make sure she is taking them-i know i am the daughter and she is the mom, but she is reluctant to taking them and it kills me to see her when she doesn’t take them). My question to you guys is this DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM STAYING ASSLEEP? My mom can fall asleep in seconds but she wakes up at 3am and CANNOT fall asleep again. If anyone else is experiencing this, please tell me WHAT HELPS YOU? WHAT MAKES IT BETTER?

Lastly, what do you feel your families have done to help? I know this is a center for those diagnosed with Fibro, but please know that your families are suffers too. It hurts me to see my mom sometimes-she is a happy person, always a smile on her face, never complains about how she feels, but i know her. I know when she feels bad, i know when she hasn’t slept for days, i know when she is desperate and at times I don’t know what to do. I hug her and tell her I love her, I make sure she is taking her meds, I am constantly encouraging her to rest and not over exert herself but she doesn’t tell us how we can help... we don’t know what to do... Suggestions are welcome! She is a 47 year old beautiful woman that insist on suffering silently and unaccompanied-please help me-help her!

[Kell25]

Hi There

First of all I think you are a beautiful person for trying to help your mum out and get as much info as possible, really good of you!

I am 24 and was diagnosed with Fibro a year ago, still trying to find medication that will help with the pain and problems sleeping. The problem with Fibro is that it disturbs sleep, so even if your mum slept all night long, most times we don't go into a deep sleep, which does not allow the body to recover, which can mean waking up feeling like we haven't slept at all. Has your mum seen a doctor about this condition? I also have arthritis so I see a specialist, which he also helps people with Fibro, I have had to go on an antimflammatory tablet for the inflammation in my muscles, pain killers & a tablet to help me sleep. There is a seminar that the Arthritis Foundation hold, which helps people with Fibro/families understand what it is all about etc. I would definately recommend looking into something like that. And also my specialist recommended attending a workshop on how to live with a chronic illness, which is also held through the Arthritis Foundation & is called - Moving Towards Wellness.

I own my own house and to be honest sometimes doing the washing, or cleaning really takes it out of me, lucky for me I have a housemate who is happy to help where needed, things like that help a lot! As hard as it is, my specialist also suggested I try and attend a Aqua Aerobics class to keep my muscles moving gently, otherwise this adds to the fatigue and pain. Hot hot baths can help sometimes.

I hope some of this can help in some way. xx

[DebiBauer]

I acknowledge you for wanting to help your Mom, it's hard to be the caregiver and watch a loved one suffer. I also have fibro and I have tried all sorts of things to feel better. Gentle stretching like yoga, warm baths with epsom salts, massages have all helped. As far as pain relief, two things have helped once I got off the heavy duty meds like Trazadone - Excedrin Tension Headache formula for daily aches and the Lidoderm patches prescribed by my doctor. The patches work better than most pills, at least for me. Ask your Mom's doctor if she could try those to put on localized pain. Just make sure you read the instructions and dispose of them properly, if your pet gets ahold of them it could be bad. Debi