Everyday Tasks and Fibromyalgia

Many sufferers of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) find that their lives are turned upside down when they fall foul to these unseen ailments. It becomes almost impossible in the most severe and chronic levels of these illnesses to carry out the most rudimentary tasks like washing, cooking and cleaning and holding down a job.

Fibromyalgia and Everyday Tasks

For suffers of Fibromyalgia who have the most severe form of the condition everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea can be an arduous task. The main problems faced by suffers of Fibromyalgia are muscle and joint stiffness which make it difficult to move arms and legs in the same way they would have done before the illness struck.

Changing clothes can also be a difficult task and some sufferers are so prone to pain and muscle stiffness that they become reliant on family members and loved ones to help them with such tasks.

Sleeping and Getting Enough Rest

Sufferers of Fibromyalgia may sleep long hours and awake to find they are still very tired; almost to the point where it feels as if they have not slept at all. This is also indicative of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) which is also known as M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). Sufferers may appear to be wide awake one minute and the next be on the verge of sleep right in front of you and whilst in the upright position. This is something that many non-sufferers find disconcerting and difficult to acclimatise to.

The reverse is also true – sufferers of both conditions can be tired but suffer from bouts of Insomnia which may last so long that their doctor has no choice but to medicate in order for them to sleep. It should be noted at this point that if your doctor prescribes medication to aid with your sleep he or she will only do so on a short term basis and any further prescriptions may only be sought after consultation with them.

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Walking

Many sufferers of both conditions – especially those suffering the most chronic forms – will find it difficult if not impossible to walk. They may also find it very difficult to get from the seated or lying down position into a position where they can stand, this is because the muscles and joints stiffen.

A great number of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) sufferers find that they can only walk if aided by a stick or frame and again this is something that should only be done under the advisement of your doctor.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Sexual Intercourse

This is perhaps one of the least discussed elements of Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to be discussed. Many sufferers of either condition find it difficult if not impossible to engage in sexual intercourse and if the sufferer is male he may find that he has difficulty achieving erection and sustaining it throughout the act of love making. This is something that many non-sufferers find difficult to understand and if you are suffering from this problem it is best to discuss the problem not only with your doctor but also with your partner.

Further Information

If you are suffering pain or discomfort with any of the aforementioned without reason then you should consult with your doctor. Make a note of symptoms and events which have occurred and this will help them to understand the nature of what is happening to you. Likewise it is important to discuss these issues with family members and loved ones rather than leave the matter unsaid – this in itself can lead to stress and bouts of anxiety which – if you are suffering from Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can lead to so-called ‘flare ups’>

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Flare Up Analyser lets you describe your current flare up and we will help you identify likely triggers and what might ease it. Try it now →