When Illness Mimics Fibromyalgia

This isn't the time to be a hero – focus on getting better and give yourself permission to rest and recuperate.

Hi everyone, Jane here, the Holistic Fibro Fighter. It feels like a while since I've written on the blog, and there's a reason for that. Since last August, I've been battling a stubborn case of tendonitis, which has certainly been a challenge, it is getting easier at least I can now straighten my elbow, but still not able to put much weight on it. I kept putting off seeing the doctor or physio until January as I was putting it down to Fibro, by that time the tendons had just had enough.  

I was starting to feel like I was getting back on track, wham! – a nasty chest infection and cough descended upon me, leaving me feeling like I'm back in the thick of a fibro flareup.

This latest setback has me reflecting on a blog post I wrote years ago titled "Flu or Fibro?" Back then, I explored the frustrating overlap of symptoms between these two conditions. And here I am again, grappling with the same question.

For those of us living with fibromyalgia, it's a well-worn path – the constant dance between a genuine illness and a flare triggered by something else entirely. A bit of a sniffle can feel like a full-blown fibro episode.

This time around, the chest infection has definitely taken the wind out of my sails. The persistent cough disrupts my sleep, leaving me exhausted. The congestion makes it hard to take deep breaths, which in turn, exacerbates my fatigue. And don't even get me started on the body aches – a classic symptom of both fibro and a chest infection!

It's during these times that the mind games can really start. Is this just a lousy illness, or is my fibro playing tricks on me again? The answer, of course, is often a frustrating "it could be both!"

This experience has highlighted a crucial point. Fibromyalgia doesn't exist in a vacuum. It can, and often does, complicate and worsen the course of other illnesses. A simple cold can turn into a week-long ordeal. The flu can feel like a debilitating marathon. And a chest infection, as I've recently discovered, can become a descent into utter exhaustion. On top of that, having existing tendonitis has made everything even more challenging. The constant coughing puts extra strain on already tender muscles, and the fatigue from the infection makes managing the tendonitis pain even more difficult. It's a frustrating reminder of how Fibromyalgia can act like a magnifying glass, amplifying the effects of other health issues.

So, what's a Holistic Fibro Fighter to do? Here are a few tips I've gleaned from this experience and from years of living with Fibromyalgia. The key, I've found, is to focus on what we can control.

• Prioritising Rest This might seem obvious, but when you're feeling rotten, it's easy to push yourself too hard. I've had to be ruthless about resting. This means saying 'NO' to extra commitments, delegating tasks where possible, and giving myself permission to simply lie down with a good book.

• Gentle Movement While pushing myself too hard is counterproductive, complete inactivity can actually worsen some fibro symptoms. I've found that gentle stretches and light walks even if it's just around the house or outside to put tissues in bin! help to keep my body from feeling stiff and achy.

• Hydration is Key This is crucial for fighting any illness, and especially important for managing congestion. I've been making a conscious effort to sip on water and herbal teas throughout the day.

• Listening to My Body This might be the most important tip of all. Our bodies are incredibly good at communicating with us, if we take the time to listen. Paying attention to the subtle cues – like a sudden increase in pain or a dip in energy – allows me to adjust my course before things get too bad.

• Kindness to Myself: It's easy to get down on ourselves when we're feeling unwell. But self-criticism is a waste of energy. Instead, I'm focusing on being kind and compassionate towards myself. This means accepting that some days will be better than others, and that's perfectly okay.

Living with fibromyalgia is a journey, and there will be setbacks along the way. The key is to remember that we're not alone in this. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can navigate these challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

So, to all my fellow Holistic Fibro Fighters out there, if you're facing a similar situation, remember these words: This too shall pass. Focus on what you can control, be kind to yourself, and know that there's a whole community behind you cheering you on.

Here's to bouncing back stronger and getting back to living our best fibro-fighting lives!

With empathy and a slightly raspy cough,

Jane The Holistic Fibro Fighter