Any form of stress has the potential to cause a flare. It could be physical in the form of having done too much or in the form of a cold or flu. Or it can be mental.
This is not to say that Fibromyalgia is “all in your head.” It’s not. But depression and anxiety are common in sufferers of chronic illness. After all, we have lost a lot. Our health, our independence, often our jobs, social lives and ability to care for others. Once upon a time, we were house-proud, enjoyed gardening, walking the dogs, social activities and work. Now there are days where getting from the bed to the bathroom is a struggle. It’s bound to get you down.
Add to that an extra stress and the Troll rears his ugly head – and brings the family. In my case, we have recently lost our fur-baby Terry. We knew we didn’t have much time left with him, but his loss has still hit me hard.
So I allowed myself to take a few days to indulge. Personally I am a bit of an emotional non-eater, but I love to cook. So, I baked cakes that I can’t eat, I made toasted muesli (that I also can’t eat), 2 vegetarian lasagnas (one of which I can eat!), GAPS friendly bread and GAPS friendly waffles. I also made an awesome brie stuffed chicken thigh, which I’ll post the recipe for soon.
Now I’m exhausted, but so far, I haven’t flared too badly. The Fibro-Troll is sitting in the background, thumping his club on his hand in a very threatening manner. Last time I lost a fur-baby I had a flare that lasted weeks, so I have to make sure that I take it a little easier. I’ll hop in my HBOT chamber, have a long soak in the bath with Epsom salts and try very hard to take it easy.
I have given myself permission to grieve, and I think that this is part of the key to not having a massive flare this time.
My very non professional advice for dealing with grief is fairly simple.
- Give yourself permission to grieve
- Find something you enjoy and do it at least once
- Keep up with self-care. Remember to eat healthily, have a long bath, go for a massage if you can
- Take the time it takes to heal.
Now, I’m going to try very hard to follow my own advice.
