Fibromyalgia is thought to affect 1 in 25 people living in the UK and is more common in middle-aged women than men. It’s difficult to diagnose as symptoms vary considerably in different people and can often be similar to other conditions and problems.
Living with fibromyalgia can be an exhausting, stressful, and frustrating time for individuals and their loved ones. The most important thing to remember is that there is excellent support everywhere, from GPs and healthcare teams to friends and family.
Read our guide to fibromyalgia detailing different fibromyalgia support options and resources, as well as how to care for someone who may have it.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness over the body. It can also affect sleep and memory and have a substantial impact on your daily life. For families, this can bring unexpected changes, as loved ones may need extra support or understanding when they're feeling unwell. Family members also may experience emotional strain, added responsibilities, and financial challenges, leading to stress and frustration as you find ways to adjust and support one another.
How to recognise signs of fibromyalgia
There are many symptoms of fibromyalgia, which can differ from person to person; however, if you believe someone in your life may be affected by it, here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Pain and stiff muscles
- Fatigue and poor sleep quality
- Headaches
- Cognitive difficulties (also called ‘fibro-fog’), such as poor concentration and memory
This is a non-exhaustive list, though if your loved one regularly shows all of these symptoms, they should see a doctor.
What to do if someone you know has fibromyalgia?
If someone you know has fibromyalgia, suggest they see a doctor for diagnosis or take them there. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways and treatments to make the symptoms more manageable. Medication treatments will include painkillers, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and medication to help with sleep.
Doctors may also recommend other forms of treatment, such as physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture to relax muscles and improve posture or refer them to an Occupational Therapist to discuss managing everyday jobs without increasing pain.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to support someone with fibromyalgia, offering assistance with appointments and being understanding of their treatment options can make a big difference.
How to support someone with fibromyalgia
Although there is no cure for this condition, there are many types of fibromyalgia support and resources you can use to care for your loved one. Medication may help with the pain, but if you and your loved one need help with everyday tasks, Complete Care Shop has an extensive collection of assisted daily living aids.
Recommended products
- Bathing aids
Widespread pain and stiff muscles can make it very hard to get in and out of a bath safely and to reach extremities such as the feet. We have a wide range of bathing aids like extra-long sponges and washing aids, and bathroom seating.
- Dressing aids
Our dressing aids offer more independence while getting dressed, easing the frustration of pain and stiffness. Fibromyalgia sufferers can use specifically designed products such as extra-long shoe horns and button hooks.
- Kitchen aids
Pain and weakness may make preparing food a challenge. This could be helped with jar and bottle openers, chopping and preparation boards, or a perching stool to give them somewhere to rest while doing their chores.
- Mobility aids
Muscle and joint pain can severely reduce mobility, leading to poor quality of life. With our walking sticks, crutches, and rollators, your loved one won’t have to give up their daily outings. We also have wheelchairs and mobility scooters for those requiring more support.
Useful charities and resources
If you or your loved one require extra fibromyalgia support, there are some more resources to help. Fibromyalgia Action UK is the UK’s national charity for fibromyalgia; they offer national helplines, online and in-person local support groups, as well as advice and information for those who need it.
Caring for someone with fibromyalgia
Chronic pain can heavily affect your loved one’s daily life, and you may find yourself becoming their carer and wondering how to support someone with fibromyalgia. Don’t worry, it isn’t as daunting as it seems.
Read our guides on how to become a carer for a family member, living with fibromyalgia, and browse our help and advice blog for more information and support.
How can Complete Care Shop help?
Complete Care Shop strives to make life easier for you and your loved one and to enable their independence every day. Our extensive range of living aids can help facilitate tasks for you.
We have in-house experts to help if you don’t know which products to get. Book a virtual home living consultation with our qualified Occupational Therapists to assess your loved one’s living environments and needs and see which product better suits them. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
