Caring for a Loved One with Fibromyalgia

The first step is the most critical step: Ask your partner for help with your fibromyalgia. Don't assume that he or she knows you need assistance. In fact, partners and family members sometimes slip into "head in the sand" mode when a loved one... Full Answer

Depression is frequently related to FM because of associated losses, however, we forget as patients that those around us have lost something too. They have lost the person we once were, and in some cases, the work load increases exponentially for the... Full Answer

Most relationships have unwritten but inviolable rules that govern everything from who takes the garbage out to how nutritious dinner has to be. Typically, the old rules involved household chores (who does what and when), favorite routines that need... Full Answer

Ask your spouse or partner, “What can I do to help you now and later?” It might just be little things, like doing household chores or errands, or helping with child care duties. Sometimes a spouse or partner secretly needs more reassurances... Full Answer

Don’t let fibromyalgia rob you of a sense of humor and fun. Sure, you probably can’t do all the things you could before, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything that’s fun or at least talk about what you will do another... Full Answer

You may be facing a double-dose stress whammy. Chronic illness strains even the best marriages and relationships. Many couples experience internal misunderstandings, self-pity, anger, and financial and sexual problems. The ill partner may become... Full Answer

Fibromyalgia profoundly affects relationships, marriages, and long-term partnerships. Being in constant pain and disabled can magnify a relationship’s past imperfections or strengthen what was already strong between spouses and partners. You and... Full Answer

First, if you are willing to be supportive, bravo! Managing stress in any situation is difficult, that is why we talk about crisis management in our book. Here are a few tips. Remember you are a team. Try to work together and remember, your FM partner... Full Answer

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (more than 3 months), non-life threatening pain syndrome that can affect many areas of one's life. Typically more common in women, the most common symptoms is diffuse body pain involving muscles and bones ("I hurt all... Full Answer

If you want your children's help with your fibromyalgia -- and you should -- all you need to do is ask. It's very important for you to be open with your children about having fibromyalgia and let them know how they can help you cope. Just keep in... Full Answer