Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021

I Combine Gratitude With Breathing Exercises for More Effective Pain Relief

A common theme in many of the educational programs I’ve attended for fibromyalgia is “going to the breath” for pain relief — the premise being that deep breathing reduces muscle ... Read more

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

How and When to Tell a New Friend That You Have Fibromyalgia

COVID-19 Columns, Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

I’m looking forward to the not-so-distant future when I will have had both of the COVID-19 vaccination shots and will feel free to venture out into the world again. Yes, ... Read more

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021

I’m Trying to Combat My Depression by Looking Up

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

I had almost forgotten what depression felt like. I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill lonely or sad feelings that are so common among those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. ... Read more

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021

Overcoming Negative Thinking and ‘Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda’

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

“Woulda, coulda, shoulda” have been my buzzwords since childhood. I’ve spent a lifetime second-guessing nearly every major decision I’ve ever made. Of course, this caused me great stress and anxiety ... Read more

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020

When Pondering Holiday Gifts for Fibromyalgia, Consider This

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

Ah, yes. The holidays are here again! The time of year when we and our loved ones begin eyeing all those so-called pain-relieving gadgets for sale in stores and online. ... Read more

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020

A Fibromyalgia Thanksgiving

COVID-19 Columns, Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

I’m not a holiday person. In truth, I never was. Sadly, depression rather than joy begins to set in for me just after Halloween and doesn’t let up until after ... Read more

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020

Tips for Deciding Whether to Change Healthcare Plans

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

In November, many of us decide whether to keep our current healthcare plan or make a change. I’m relatively happy with the HMO I have. My husband, who has been ... Read more

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020

Rethinking Gluten’s Effect on My IBS Symptoms

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

A gluten-free diet did me a lot of good, but I’ve since reclaimed my love for gluten. Thanks to the pandemic, I haven’t been entering grocery stores, so I’ve instead ... Read more

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020

Toward a Deeper Understanding of Fibromyalgia Fatigue

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

If there was just one thing I would like people to understand about fibromyalgia, it would be the profound fatigue that defines us. Sure, everyone gets tired. Everyone has a ... Read more

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

A Primer for Yoga Awareness Month

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

Of all the forms of exercise that have come and gone in my lifetime — Jazzercise, kickboxing, CrossFit, and others — yoga is the one that has withstood the test ... Read more

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

10 Tips to Stay Cool When Heat Makes Fibromyalgia Uncomfortable

COVID-19 Columns, Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

Despite research to the contrary, every fibromyalgia sufferer I know agrees that extreme temperatures worsen our symptoms. Or perhaps the symptoms just become more difficult to bear. I am truly ... Read more

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020

Don’t Cut Corners When Stretching to Ease Pain

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

A rheumatologist finally diagnosed my fibromyalgia in 1990, after an exhaustive, decades-long search by me for pain relief. In addition to the diagnosis, he doled out some of the most ... Read more

August 5, 2020August 6, 2020

Difficult Decisions in Difficult Times

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

I was faced with making a difficult decision this week. I’d been wait-listed with my neurologist to have another round of trigger-point injections. After decades of suffering, this treatment, administered ... Read more

July 22, 2020July 22, 2020

Advantages of Water for People With Fibromyalgia

COVID-19 Columns, Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

Controversy over denied beach access due to the coronavirus has brought to mind the large role that water plays in fibromyalgia treatment. Not that the ocean is where I wish ... Read more

July 1, 2020July 1, 2020

Make Plans, Cancel Plans, Repeat

Fibromyalgia News Today Columns

One of the most challenging aspects of life with fibromyalgia is the speed with which my health can deteriorate. I can awaken in the morning feeling capable of going somewhere, ... Read more