With the colder weather drawing in, it means darker mornings and evenings. But for some Fibromyalgia sufferers it can mean a few difficult months ahead.
There is ongoing research about the correlation between changes in the weather affecting the pain and fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia. There are people who have Fibromyalgia who are sensitive to the changes in the temperature. I know from my own personal experience after my knee accident that when it is cold my pain and stiffness increases.
At anytime of the year you can struggle with a flare up. A flare up for people who are not aware of Fibromyalgia, is where you experience extreme pain and fatigue compared to usual pain and fatigued days. It can last for days, weeks or even months. It is a difficult time.
Having a Fibromyalgia toolkit for anytime of the year when you experience a flare up will be hugely beneficial. Using a toolkit is something I have learned from the Dorset Pain Clinic programme and how it can help you through a difficult flare up and just bring you some comfort.
A toolkit is basically a storage box of products that will help you, make you feel better and happier during a flare up. I thought the start of the Autumn would be the perfect time to give you ideas on what you should keep in your toolkit. In addition, if you have someone you love in your life living with Fibromyalgia consider setting them one up as a gift or help them to create one.
Photo by Lena Mytchyk on Unsplash
Here are 17 things you could keep in your flare up toolkit:
1. A set of cosy pyjamas
When you are not feeling your best having a set of cosy pyjamas that will be soft on your skin and will make you feel comfortable are a must. You want to feel at your most relaxed. You could also include some cosy socks to keep your feet warm on those colder days.
2. A good book
When pain hits you it can be extremely hard to focus on other things. Choosing a book that has really good vibes can help to take you to another place, where you can focus on the storyline.
When I am having a flare up I spend a lot of time in bed. This almost forces me to focus on a book. I am not going to lie I cannot always focus on reading when I am in pain, but it does help me when I am feeling fatigued.
3. A film that makes you happy
When you read this next point I am sure you had a few films spring to mind and that make you feel happy and smile. Again, this can act as a great distraction to try and make you smile. My go-to feel good films are: You’ve Got Mail, Turner & Hooch, Sliding Doors, Loving Annabelle and 6 Days & 7 Nights are just some that springs to mind. What is one film you would have in your toolkit?
4. Your favourite snacks
When you feel poorly you usually crave the snacky and foods that make you happy and it is the same for when you are going through a flare up! During a flare up it can be a struggle to walk if you are like me and end up being in bed a lot, having snacks near by can be so convenient. What is your favourite snack?
Photo by Theodor Sykes on Unsplash
5. A weighted blanket
From my personal experience a weighted blanket is so beneficial for helping with leg pain and better nights sleep. With a combination of other medication, remedies and weighted blanket I definitely have less bad nights or insomnia. There are a range of weighted blankets so definitely do your research. It is definitely a comforting feeling and aids my relaxation.
6. Warrior Balm by MCC
I discovered MCC around a year and half ago and it is a company run by a couple who have personal experience with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain. This warrior balm is something I have consistently purchased. I massage it into my muscles and joints that hurt and the remedy intensifies if you combine it with a wheatie bag or hot water bottle.
7. A candle
I know this may sound like a strange one but a scent a relaxing environment can help to calm you down when you already are in an intense state. Especially if you are like me and enjoy candles it can also bring you some comfort when you are struggling in a flare up.
8. A notebook and a pen
Journaling is a powerful and effective form of self-care. It can also help you massively when you are dealing with a lot of pain and/or fatigue. Writing your thoughts and feelings on paper can help you work through the mental health struggles that come with consistent pain. Gratitude journaling can help you to focus on the positivity when you are listing everything you are grateful for instead of spending time feeling negative.
9. A wheatie bag or hot water bottle
Having the warmth from a wheatie bag or hot water bottle can help to relax your muscles and to soothe aching joints. If you are someone who is sensitive to the colder weather, sleeping with a wheatie bag or hot water bottle can help you sleep better.
10. Painkillers and remedies
This will not be for everyone and it is something that you should discuss with your doctor. However, if you do take over the counter medication, it is important you have some in your toolkit for when you go into a flare. When I have a flare I can sometimes get really bad migraines, so I use KoolnSoothe strips that stay cool and I always make sure I have a box in my flare up toolkit.
These are just some of the things that I put in my toolkit but you can tailor it to what you like and what helps you during the difficult flare up time. Other things that you could include in your flare up toolkit are:
- Thermal clothing
- Compression gloves
- Epsom bath salts and your favourite bubble bath
- Vitamins
- Favourite hot drinks (tea bags, coffee or hot chocolate pouches)
- Your favourite body lotion for massaging sore muscles and joints
- Colouring book and pencils
Do you have a flare up toolkit? Does someone you love have one? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Great things to have and love the pajama and reading book vibes, Doing these just give you the best relaxing feeling. As always sharing great tips <3
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I don’t have a tool kit and didn’t rinks much about Fibromyalgia but this was super informative and I’m sure it was very beneficial for those who needed it most! 💗
Thank you for this lovely comment. I hope this blog post helps many other people.
This is a lovely idea. I struggle with flare ups too and never thought about doing something like this. Thank you, Lauren xx
I am so glad that this post has been helpful. You definitely should try and get one! Xx
This is a great kit for when you’re not feeling well. Thanks for sharing with us. It’s made me feel all cosy and I’m definitely getting into bed with my book now!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are good comfort things to have. I keep them too. Especially pyjamas and books. Thank you for sharing.
That’s great you have things for comfort too. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are really great tools to have. It’s so nice to have things that are comforting and warm.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’m so glad you’ve found a list of things to help you through flare ups. This is very informative and I’ll absolutely be sharing this. Thank you so much for the list Lauren!
Thank you so much. X
Lots of these things are a must during an endo flare up for me. I also really want to get a weighted blanket, I definitely think this would help me and I’ll look into the Warrior Balm. Thank you for your recommendations x
Definitely check them out. I get my blanket from Kud.ly if that helps. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I don’t know much about this condition. But having a tool kit for a chronic condition always seems like a good idea. Being proactive like that gives you a sense of control
Thank you for reading and commenting. It is definitely something that can help x
Also listening to audiobooks will help too. Sometimes the pain is too much to focus on a book, so audiobooks are the next best things. I noticed for myself too, sweets and salt caused more pain sometimes
That’s great you have noticed things that cause flares to help you reduce the amounts of flares. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love these ideas Lauren. I don’t have Fibromyalgia, but I do get anxiety from time to time. These tips would be really useful for that. Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeAndMe
You can definitely make one for times of anxiety! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi Lauren. Fibromyalgia is not a condition that I know much about but your idea of a flare-up toolkit sounds eminently sensible. Anything that can get you through something like that has got to be a good thing. Not entirely sure about your happy film choice of Turner & Hooch – it always makes me a little sad at the end (you’ll know the bit that I mean!) 😉
It does make me sad at the end but I love their relationship! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love the idea of the toolkit. I dont have Fibromyalgia but do suffer with ME/CFS, so can see the toolkit would help me. Thanks for the prompt 😀
Yes you can adapt it to your own chronic illness for sure. I am glad you found it helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
You’re welcome
I don’t have Fibromyalgia, but having a toolkit to help you feel better during flare ups is a great idea. Also I need to look into the Warrior Balm because my partner would definitely benefit from using it.
The warrior balm is great. You can also do a self care toolkit which can be used when you are needing some care. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I don’t know much about fibromyalgia, but the idea of a toolkit filled with relaxing items does sound like a great thing to keep on hand. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Cbd oil have a good place in mine; when my restless legs flare ups, It works wonders for the pain.. though last time I took 3x the oil, and advils twice 🥲 depending on where on my legs, pressure socks are a must!! Ofcourse a good old very warm bath can momentarily help too to let go of my muscles (but im not always up to it 😂 lazy..) and ofc my weight blanket— I also use my wheatie bag constantly! Either to help me sleep or back pain aswell.
I definitely recommend checking out the Motorbike Cosmetic Company (MCC) their products are amazing and designed for people with fibro. Their warrior balm is amazing. Xx