Vulvodynia – What is it? What can you do?
January 12, W Sussex 997 words of encouragement Hedvig's story When we finished working together, Hedvig wanted to share her story. You can read her own words before mine. I’ve been suffering from vulvodynia, the almost constant burning and/or knife sharp pain in the...
Active and Positive Ageing: dealing skilfully with aches and pains
January 12, W Sussex 869 words of encouragement Ageing, aches and pains are inevitable because you are alive. They are a feature of living and become more common as you age. There are different approaches and ways to manage these aches and pains if they are present. I...
Persistent pain in professional football
Persistent pain exists in professional football, as it does across all levels of society. I have talked about persistent pain in professional football for many years: formally as a clinical lecturer at QMUL on the Sports Medicine MSc, working with clubs and players,...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 28: Final day reflection
You have reached day 28 Well here we are on Day 28 of 28 and a time for reflection. Firstly, I hope it has been useful for you. I would love to hear, so do send me feedback. Fibromyalgia is a huge topic and I have focused on some of the common areas people have found...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 27: You are unique
your experiences are unique to you and ever-changing You are you, unique, and no-one else is or can be you. Now you know that your experiences are being generated by your body systems. So your experiences are unique as well. One offs. Never to be repeated because each...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 26: A way to meet your pain so you can ease it
The Rain practice When you feel pain, you feel pain. It is there. In your awareness. How do you react? What do you think and do? This determines the route you follow and what happens. It's not what happens that matters as much as how you respond. Why is this a key...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 25: Do you have a morning routine?
3 steps To get your day started Morning routine to get your day going Waking up, you start to move. How do you feel? What are your first thoughts? They are setting up your day. If you are like many, this is a challenging time. Groggy, stiff, sore, pain. There is...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 24: When guilt is an issue
There are some really important things to remember as an antidote to guilt... People tell me about the guilt they feel. For different reasons. less able to help at home not contributing in the same way not working or restricted work feeling unwell tired in pain boom...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 23: When sleep is an issue
what can you do to get better sleep? Disrupted sleep is a common experience with people suffering fibromyalgia. For example, Difficulty getting to sleep Waking up Can't get comfortable You have tried different things but nothing has helped. Here are some insights and...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 22: You are doing your best, always
An outcome you didn't want doesn't make it a bad decision... Compassion contains wisdom. Self-compassion means you apply this wisdom to yourself. In a caring way. Being self-compassionate means you recognise: You didn't choose this situation You didn't choose to be...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 21: Social media, The upsides and downsides…
3 tips on using social media There are many people sharing about fibromyalgia on social media. Some personal and some professional. Some sharing and some selling. How do you decide who to follow? Which information is useful to you and accurate? What are you looking...
Fibromyalgia ~ Day 20: Who do you see to get the help you need?
Who you see to get help matters...they must be right for you - a guide Who you get help from matters. It also depends on where you are in your journey and your needs. Here is a guide to help you decide. diagnosis If you are unsure about your diagnosis, a...