Coping Strategies For Chronic Pain & Fatigue Conditions

I have been planning this in my mind for a while but think I have enough material to create an initial post. I will add to this sporadically as I come up against & find solutions to every day difficulties.

So, there are a number of difficulties that can be faced by those suffering from chronic pain and fatigue conditions including Hyper Mobility Syndrome, ME/CFS, Arthritis, etc. With many of these there are simple steps that can be taken to make life easier. I have compiled a list of the things I do with the hope that they may help you too.

Shopping

• If you are like me, you will have a long list of things you want to get & places you want to go. To pace yourself, plan in coffee & lunch breaks (if I don't plan them in, I overdo it & regret it the next day!).
• Know or research the area you are visiting. This will help you plan the shops you wish to visit around your breaks.
• If you are planning to try on clothes, wear items that are easy to get on & off.
• Where possible, and if you feel comfortable doing so, go shopping with a friend or relative of the same sex when shopping for clothes. Have them come in to the changing room area to help if you need buttons to be done up or undone.
• If you are shopping on your own/with a male, don't be afraid to ask the sales assistant on the fitting room for help getting clothes done up/undone. You can explain to them that you have a medical condition if it makes you feel more comfortable asking for help.
• Don't forget, many things can now be purchased on the internet from the comfort of your own home & tried on at home too. Check the returns policy before ordering - you don't want to be stuck with something because you were unable to return it!

For those (extra) poorly days

• If you're having an extra poorly day and need to sleep, try putting the washing machine or dishwasher on before you go to bed. By the time you wake up the cycle will have finished & you will feel you have been productive even though you have been asleep!

I hope this helps!

Tania x