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(NC)—If you live with fibromyalgia you may feel isolated because you can't enjoy your favourite activities or engage with friends and family as frequently as you used to. You may even feel that because nobody can see your pain, they will find it hard to accept that something is medically wrong.
Having a positive outlook and putting yourself first are keys to successful pain management. However, it is also very important to have the support of family and friends who can help you keep a positive attitude as part of your pain treatment plan.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 1.2 million Canadians. The most common symptom is chronic widespread muscle pain. Other symptoms include muscle soreness, tenderness and flu-like aching, problems sleeping, stiffness and fatigue.
There are many support groups for people living with fibromyalgia, according to the Arthritis Society. Its website (arthritis.ca) provides information and tools to help people living with arthritis and chronic pain to take control of their lives and offers support, outreach and education programs.
Patient associations offer those living with fibromyalgia a supportive place to talk about what's on their mind. Simply sharing experiences and frustrations, or discussing new research on pain management, will give patients a sense of community and support. These groups can also help you learn how to talk to your doctor about your treatment plan or point out what resources are available in your community for people with fibromyalgia—you might even find yourself taking a fitness class with a new friend.
Support groups include online communities and those that meet in person. A new website, www.fibrocentre.ca, can help you find a support group in your community as well as giving your family and friends access to useful tools and expert resources to help them more fully understand your condition.
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