If you are finding it hard to put things off, why not write a plan. Planning your day and not taking on board too many things will help.

I tend to plan my week so I make sure I have the energy to do the nice things in life as well as the chores of the daily grind. Try making a plan and see if there is a difference in how you cope on a daily basis.

Trisha

Today on the 10th June from 1pm  a 48 hour Pool marathon is being held at the Lounge bar in Camborne. I am always amazed at how some of the young people can put their selves through this great ordeal on behalf of  our support group.

Raising funds which is enabling this small support group to continue helping people with Fibromyalgia in the West Cornwall.

I have no idea how they will be able to stand, let alone function during this time, and  they will surely colapse at the end.

If you want to support them, get alone to the Lounge Bar and cheer them on, dont forget to take your purse or wallet and dontate a few pence.

So good luck to them all, and I will be there to blow the final whistle at 1pm Tuesday     along with the ambulance service, first aiders and plasters and loads of coffee,   Trisha

April saw us in a gentle mood with aroma therapy. Our local therapist came and gave us an introduction to this interesting idea. The process of something that smells doing you good is quite alien to me personally, however many members in the group gained quite a considerable reward from the whole process.

One member had a head massage and she felt brilliant for it, ” it was very relaxing and soothing” Another member had a hand massage and felt that they were “a lot looser not so tight”.

Then unfortunatly we ran out of time one of our group was very dissapointed in not having a try out, so much so Sylvia our therapist agreed to come back at a later date and promised that she would be the very first to “have a go”.

The next meeting is down the pub to discuss what, if anything we would like to see and experience over the next few months  talk to you all soon   Trisha

After twenty minutes of this most enjoyable of treatment. I felt it was time to allow another group member to experience shiatsu. I felt warm and fuzzy, happy and relaxed.

After Frans introduction she stated that she felt some relief from the pain in her shoulder.

Julie was next in line, she has a very bad knee and found it difficult, however after her therapy she also felt the benefits of shiatsu.

All in all it was a very beneficial evening and Julie stated she would very much like to book some further appointments with Steve. All of the group enjoyed the event.

Steve stated “that he treats other clients with FM, some have stated that they feel so good that the next day they feel able to take on many  more tasks . However a small warning. Feeling a little better and doing too much will have a effect on how, more tired you may become the day after, ” maybe it would be better to enjoy the fact of well being for a change and do something nice for yourselves.

Next month we will be having a demonstration of Aroma therapy.   nice smells and all that. I will let you all know how that goes.

Trisha

Leanna Cox ( NITS ) team member cut the ribbon and officially opened the web site.  I  gave a brief overview of the site, and then we got down to business of eating chocolate cake and mince pies with cream washed down with a glass of bucks fizz lovely.

Firstly concentrating on the why?

Poor sleep is very familiar for people with fibro. We tend to have disturbed sleep. There is often the problem with deep restorative sleep. Many sufferers wakeup feeling un-rested and many feel worse than before going to sleep. Falling to sleep is also a problem and waking up often throughout the night. Some people fall asleep easier but wake in the very early hours of the morning with the inability of going back to sleep.

Sleep during the day can be helpful, however there is always the problem of too much which in turn will inhibit your sleep through the night. The best way to manage this is, if you are going to have an afternoon power nap, then  set your alarm so that you will not over sleep.

Throughout our lives our minds are racing, busy thoughts ranging from work commitments , family, running a busy home life, let alone managing a chronic pain condition such as Fibromyalgia. Never having enough time, energy to do all we need to do. Endlessly pushing ourselves to the limit. The inevitable crash and burn then takes its toll. There is an old saying (never put off tomorrow what you can do today) I feel, we fibromites need to think differently a better saying is (Rome wasn’t built in a day) Pace yourself, the world won’t come to an end if some things are not done today. Prioritising is of great value to the fibromite.

Meditation can help to clear the mind and relax the body. Therefore reducing stress and hopefully help reduce pain.

Now lets get to the how?

The method of Meditation that I use is;

Turn off your phones and try to find somewhere that you wont be disturbed.

Sit comfortably and at ease with your back erect without strain, and if possible let the spine be self supporting. Concentrate on the point where the bridge of the nose meets the upper lip . Feel the breath entering and leaving the nostrils. Be aware of your whole body from the tip of your head to the tips of your toes. Feel the air playing on your bare skin your hands and face. Feel the weight of your body. Allow your breathing to be deep and rhythmic.

Now begin to listen-not to anything in particular but just listen to all the sounds that come into your awareness. Try to avoid concentrating on any individual sound, just listen to your own breath. All the sounds that you hear will mingle together.

If you want you can also meditate with some gentle music. I feel that if I meditate for just a few minutes, that I feel more refreshed than a nap of 30 minutes.  I sometimes use meditation sitting in my parked car, just before a meeting or appointment that I might find strenuous or demanding, as it can help to clear my head and help me focus.

It helps me, so why don’t you give it a try, it might help you too.

Peta a group  member wanted to do something that would get attention. Walking the great wall of china was mentioned however we all thought it might be a little adventurous may be next year…..So a local route of about ten miles was suggested and seemed like a good beginning. Many of the group felt unable to join her except for one, Fran. So the daring duo arranged for the date and start and finish point. We selected a pub for  halfway stop off and a pub for the finish line. . We felt that this was a master stroke this allowed everyone to come and show support and to encourage the girls. Not that anyone drinks alcohol of course. To include the support group we had a design a t-shirt competition, selected a winner and had some printed for the walkers to wear. Joining the daring duo were some friends and family which  all had sponsorship forms brill .

Anyone with that has fibro will know just what a big ask this was  to walk 10 miles. I take my hat off to them. At the start off point were the walkers and supporters and the local press getting names and taking photos. Fame at last.

At the half way point all looked well happy tired face appeared for a welcomed orange juice Sorry no alcohol for the walkers. The supporters watch them leave and all went to the finish line to await their arrival, and yes how awful to have another drink whilst we waited.

We expected Peta and Fran to call for assistance to come and pick them up unable to complete the distance, but no they walked into the beer garden to a huge round of applause and cheers. All together Peta, Fran family and friends raised a huge amount of money £300+ With this money we bought some promotional goodies and the whole group were taken out for a slap up meal.

As any suffer will know it is not always todays event that will make you pay, but pay for it you will. Fatigue and  pain will descend on the person that demands extra from their bodies.

So a big big thank you to

Peta, Fran our daring duo and friends and family, plus thanks to the Bassett Arms pub for all the buffet they provided free of charge, and the monies given by many people that supported the event.

They all made a magnificiant effort, no fights and only a few disagreements which is not surprising being awake for that length of time.

All Fibro sufferers know being tired is a massive part of the condition and the young guys understand that this is a huge part and felt they had a greater understanding of just a little of what we all go through on a daily basis.

Just looking forward now to a nice evening of awarding the trophies.

Thanks to the management and staff of the Lounge Bar Camborne for the use of the premises and the donation of the trophies

TRISHA

I was first greeted with a very friendly group of people who were only too willing to show me how to do this intriguing sport. Because I have  Fibromyalgia and have mobility issues I was concerned that I would find it difficult and was a little worried. There was no need as everyone was very helpful and put me at ease and very soon I was hitting the centre of the target with my arrows. It was great fun and I soon discovered that it brought out the competitive spirit in me and could not wait to try it out again.

I was also surprised at how cheap it was to take part, £5 for the taster day I felt was well within my reach. I don’t know why but I always thought it would be very expensive to do Archery!!!. I have now been to two taster days and can’t wait to join the club and receive tuition and develop my early learnt skills and to look forward into doing some local club competitions. Plus the friendly atmosphere of such a welcoming group of people will make this new sport of mine a very enjoyable part of my future. Try something new you never know.