Reading Aids and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome can cause problems with reading, ranging from simply the strength and muscle effort required to hold a book up, through visual problems such as double vision, blurred vision and floaters, to ‘fibrofog’, which can cause problems with concentration and comprehension. There are a number of reading aids and a few hints and tips that can help.
Book Supports
Because fibromyalgia syndrome causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue, sometimes just holding a book, even a small one, causes pain and tiredness. Try supporting a book on your lap with a stack of small cushions or bags filled with rice or wheat (pop these in the microwave for a moment or two beforehand, and they will release a gentle heat too). An alternative is a lap tray with a beanbag type base, or a mobile table that is designed to sit close to a chair. Simple v-shaped book holders made from wire or flexible plastic will hold paperbacks and small hardback books open.There are bookstands that can sit on a desk or table. These could be those designed for people with disabilities, or simply one that is designed for a cook to hold a cookbook open in the kitchen, or for a student or typist to hold a book open on a desk. Some of these include a book clip that holds the pages open and can be used to follow the text, which is useful for people with fibromyalgia syndrome who have problems with text appearing to move, or who are struggling with ‘fibrofog’. There are also bookstands that are floor-standing, and these can be angled for reading or writing when standing, sitting or lying down, though these can be expensive.
You may need more than one for different places and times – try different types to see which is the most suitable. Look out for ones where the angle can be adjusted to make the text easier to see, or ones that can fold away in a handbag or briefcase.
Re: Dealing With Fatigue Day by Day
Hi I've had FM for years now, I've always worked but now ive gotten so bad with pain increasing and being on max dose, i work…
Re: Benefits and Allowances for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
Over 20 years ago after mri blood test I was told I had fibromyalgia, I was working at the time until…
Re: Benefits and Allowances for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
I work part time and am a carer in receipt of carer's allowance for my hubby who is on state pension.…
Re: Fibromyalgia in Old Age
I don't know if I have fibromyalgia but 3 months ago I had a migraine which led to chronic neck ache. Now I have pain in various parts of…
Re: Getting Financial Help If You Suffer from Fibromyalgia?
I can not work due to pain, numbness, fatigue, anxiety, fibrofog, and insomnia so terrible it…
Re: Seeking Benefits if You Suffer From Fibromyalgia
I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I suffer terribly with fatigue. I have recently started a less…
Re: Holding down a job with Fibromyalgia
I have been struggling with fibromyalgia for 10 years but I do believe I’ve had it longer. I’ve been trying since 2017…
Re: Holding down a job with Fibromyalgia
I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and carpel tunnel in both wrists and hands, I have been off work…
Re: Holding down a job with Fibromyalgia
I've had fibromyalgia for several years now and it's got a lot worse this past year. I work in retail and I've had to…
Re: Benefits and Allowances for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
I was diagnosis with fibro. The same time I had back injury. Which I got from my job. I damage my…