Living With Fibromyalgia

It’s a sign of strength to know when you need outside help to overcome your differences or communication breakdowns. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you decide you need marriage counseling, want to join a support group, or decide to meet with... Full Answer

Ask each other:  “How can I show you that I love you?” Welcome to the “Hugs Department.” There’s an old saying that “hugs are the universal medicine.” Even if you are struggling in this relationship, saying,... Full Answer

Spouses or partners need to ask each other:  “What has this been like for you?” This simple question may uncover a hornet’s nest of complaints, a flood of feelings, or no new information at all. It’s only understandable that... Full Answer

Your past roles and the division of labor in your marriage or partnership may now be turned upside down. In essence, you have two new job descriptions to write. This is a critical task that should not be overlooked. Couples’ misunderstandings or... Full Answer

You need a cocoon of normalcy in order to function on a daily basis. Author and psychotherapist Rachael Freed says, “Everyone outside the patient wants ‘normal’ to return because it’s so threatening for them.” But having a... Full Answer

Ask yourself:  When were we most successful in communicating with each other in the past?  Fibromyalgia is like an uninvited houseguest that’s here to stay. Your current communications may be hampered by unspoken feelings of anxiety,... 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... Full Answer

If you can cook, you win two big points in the diet war. Preparing at least some meals yourself can be invaluable in weight loss and management because you can control the quality of the ingredients. The University of Tennessee’s nutrition expert... Full Answer

Your health challenges may be just the right wake-up call to finally take charge of your weight issues. There is no specific diet recommended for people with fibromyalgia, but many medical experts suspect there are important food connections and ones to... Full Answer

There are many online fibromyalgia support groups. However, if you are looking for a local support group, check out the websites of some of the large fibromyalgia groups. Another good place to start is through your local Arthritis Foundation. You should... Full Answer