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I haven't worked in YEARS due to my Fibro and I haven't been to the doctors in YEARS because I'm tired of pills being pushed on me (I don't do well on meds-aka-I end up a zombie for the day). I'm about to start going back to the doctors and will be applying for disability within a couple of years. I heard that it helps to keep a fibro journal so I would like to know how others do it while learning how to keep one.

August 23, 2025
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A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member
Hi! You mentioned you would be applying for disability in a couple of years. I wondered if you knew it easily can take 2.5 years from the time you file to get approved for disability.

Lynda

September 1, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

It's good to keep a journal. My memory isn't very good anymore and it helps to see if there are any trends of when you're better or worse, stress, weather, activity, foods and meds. This is good for you, your doctors and potentially your disability case.

August 24, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

I Had started one long time ago but it was pretty much the same every day so i just stopped it.

August 23, 2025
MyFibroTeam

Keeping a fibro journal is an excellent way to track your health journey and prepare for medical appointments. Here are key things to consider tracking:

• Daily pain levels and locations
• Energy levels and fatigue patterns
• Sleep quality and duration
• Activities that may trigger symptoms
• Mood changes
• Weather Show Full Answer

Keeping a fibro journal is an excellent way to track your health journey and prepare for medical appointments. Here are key things to consider tracking:

• Daily pain levels and locations
• Energy levels and fatigue patterns
• Sleep quality and duration
• Activities that may trigger symptoms
• Mood changes
• Weather conditions (which can affect symptoms)
• Questions for your healthcare provider
• Effectiveness of any treatments or self-management strategies

The key is finding a system that works for you - whether it's a simple notebook, smartphone app, or dedicated health journal. To maintain consistency in journaling:

• Keep your journal in an easily accessible place
• Set a regular time each day for entries (like morning or bedtime)
• Start simple - don't overwhelm yourself trying to track everything at once
• Use a format that's quick and easy (checkboxes, pain scales 1-10, short notes)
• Include both challenges and improvements to maintain a balanced perspective

This documentation will be particularly valuable when applying for disability and communicating with healthcare providers about your symptoms and needs.

August 23, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! They are all written down and will most likely go into a physical notebook, with picture back-ups, just in case. I really appreciate all of you!

September 3, 2025

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