B is for Bathtubs

The next helpful must-have for people with fibromyalgia is a big, relaxing bathtub. When I used to have a bathtub, I grossly took it for granted. When I was experiencing a severe flare I never failed to utilize this beautiful blessing two...three...even four times per day. I stocked up on Epsom salt, moisturizing bubble bath, and relaxing bath oils to help combat my fibro symptoms. It wasn’t until we bought a home with only a shower that I came to realize what I had lost.

There is something incredibly soothing about gently floating in a hot bath after a long day. Wet heat and Epsom salts eased my stiff, achy, cramped muscles. Warm water combined with moisturizing bath soaps or bubble bath brought amazing relief to my itchy, dry skin. And relaxing bath oils melted away the stress and tension, as well as helped me combat insomnia. I miss those days, and I’m hoping to save up money to install a bathtub soon!

All my fibro warriors, I highly recommend you take full advantage of your bathtub, and if you don’t have one, it would be wise to eventually install one. A shower feels nice, but it never seems to get the heat deep enough and it prevents you from soaking and relaxing. Bathtubs might seem like ordinary, everyday parts of our home, but it is certainly a godsend in disguise. I have yet to meet someone with fibromyalgia who doesn’t agree that bathtubs make the perfect break from the fibro struggle.

A is for Air Conditioning

For the A to Z Challenge, we will be discussing some fibromyalgia must-haves--things that often help us fibro warriors to deal with or decrease our symptoms or to make our lives a little better or easier.  Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition, which manifests itself in vastly different ways.  Some of these in my list may not work as well (or even at all) for some of you.  However, I tried to stick with the bare essentials, so you will find many helpful tips over the next month.

So, without further ado...A is for air conditioning.  I know many people in the U.S. are just recovering from a frigid winter, but summer will come and with it, hot, humid days.  I have heard that they are predicting an extra hot and humid summer this year in many parts of the U.S.  Consequently, I’m working away at creating my summer oasis--somewhere I can hide when the temps get too high and too unbearable.

I’ve noticed that I can’t handle extreme weather (cold or hot), and many of my fibro friends are the exact same way.  For many of us, hot and humid weather saps our energy, increases our headaches, gives us intestinal issues, and even may give us rashes.  So, it is imperative to have a plan to combat the summer heat and humidity.

Having air conditioning in your home can be perfect, too, if summer heat causes you grief.  However, it isn’t always possible to have air conditioning or the power may go out, so create alternative plans. There are many ways to help you stay cool: (1) set up a comfortable spot to relax in the basement. (2) Stock up on fans (or even misting fans).  (3) Keep your fridge and freezer full of cooling drinks and treats.  (4)  Jump into the pool, shower, or bathtub.  (5) Limit time outside during peak sun times and while excessive hot and/or humid.  Or (6) if the summer weather gets too unbearable, find a public air-conditioned spot (mall, restaurant, grocery store, loved one’s home, etc.) as your fall back spot to take a break.  With a little planning, we can all get the most fun and enjoyment out of summer despite the sticky weather.

It Is A to Z Blogging Challenge Time!

Dear fibro warriors and supporters,

I apologize for my lengthy absence. For the last few months, I’ve had to deal with a horrible flare up--only rivaled by the original flare that sent me seeking answers and help 5 ½ years ago. Blame stress, the incredibly harsh winter, the unpredictability of this debilitating condition, or a combination of all of the above, but I’ve had little strength, energy, or clarity of mind to blog for far too long.

However, I am back and attempting to get back in the saddle again. It is April. It is a new month. Spring has sprung...and with it, a little more of my energy and health. The beginning of April also marks the start of the A to Z Blogging Challenge.

At first, I was reluctant to participate on this challenge for the 3rd year in a row. I’m just beginning to feel more like myself. I am obviously rusty with blogging. And I have plenty of other obligations and responsibilities on my plate already. Still, April only rolls around once a year, and I am always one to seize the day--or in this case, the month--whenever possible. Life is precious. My writing is precious. My relationship with all of you is precious, too.

Consequently, I am pleased to announced that, a day late, I have entered all three of my blogs into the A to Z Challenge again this year. Buckle up and hang on for a grueling but exciting ride. Stop by every day of April (except Sundays) to see if I can blog though fibromyalgia and other related topics from A to Z. Can I do it? Can I write 78 blog posts between my three blogs before the month’s end? Only time will tell!

Health and Happiness to You All,

Amanda

Post © 2014 Amanda R. Dollak. Image Credit: Blogging from A to Z April Challenge