What have I learned so far about minimizing my symptoms? - Part 2

Image by rocketlass via Flickr

Today is a better day. Taking a break and resting after my over-the-limit activity on Wednesday once again worked. I cut the impending flare-up off and I am back to my routine energy limit of 2 to 4 hours once again.

So I didn't really get to fully answer the question: What have I learned so far about minimizing these symptoms? There is definitely more to the answer than I was able to articulate the other day.

Really the key to minimizing my symptoms is My Personal Rules. Here is my first draft:

• Resting when needed
  
• Sleeping as well as possible at night
  
• Taking medications (over-the-counter and prescription) as needed
• Being aware of how much energy I have each day and scheduling my activities accordingly: pacing, planning, saying no, rescheduling as needed
  
• Doing something fun every day
• Making activities "fibro-friendly", i.e. gardening becomes fibro-friendly container gardening
  
• Following the Golden Guideline: Pace = Play, Push = Pay
  
• Limiting social activities outside the home to no more than once a week
  
• Making my home a quiet sanctuary
  
• Seeking help from others when needed
• Finding a balance between treating my chronic health problems and living my life
• Learning to live my best life despite chronic illness
  
• Being open to trying new things to treat my health problems
• Setting up trial periods to evaluate if something is working and stopping if I am not getting any benefits
  
• Making a "NOT TO DO" list and delegating tasks I really have no business doing in my condition
• When a flare-up begins, cancel plans, limit activities and increase rest until the increased symptoms dissipate
  

This list is a work in progress and I promise by the end of July will have a complete list of My Personal Rules and a completed "Not To Do" list.