Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I just got diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 19, and I don’t know anything about what to do to help it or what causes flare ups besides the usual no stress talk. Sadly I am in a situation where I cant avoid stress, and walking along with most exercises I am unable to do because I have a condition in my ankle where theres a big ass hole in my cartilage. I am trying to save up for a stationary bike so I can attempt to get some movement in though. Besides that and the occasional CBD gummy helping, and… read more

November 4, 2025
 · 
Reactions
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hello and welcome, Maggie 💛🤗
I’m glad you are here.

I’m just going to jump in with some things that work for me.

Stress is unavoidable and I find trying to avoid it only makes the inevitable harder to cope with.
Consider looking into stress management techniques and finding things that work for you. And prioritizing things that bring you joy and peace.

Learning to recognize those sensations rising in my body that indicate stress and having tools to employ has been very helpful for me. I also find having a consistent practice for stress management rather than waiting for stressors to come helps.

When I’m experiencing an up tick in symptoms I like to do a personal inventory. What areas can I make improvements in? Sleep, stress management, nutrition, exercise, daily movement.
I find it isn’t one thing that makes or breaks things, but often a combination of things.

Tracking is very helpful for learning potential triggers.

With your ankle issue you may find it helpful to find someone who can help you work with that. Maybe explore programs like Functional Patterns. That is sort of their thing, helping people work with whatever impediments or dysfunctions they may have.

Also finding things that bring you comfort while in a flare will help. I’m a big fan of heating pads and blankets, a warm bath and a book, things like that. 😉

You’ll learn and find things that work for you in time. Looking forward to getting to know you.

We are here for you!!!

November 5, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi! As a fellow recently diagnosed young adult I know it can be super overwhelming sometimes! And honestly I have no idea what to do half the time.

Some things that help for me:
- A hot bath with epsom salts 🛁
-Hot water bottles/bean packs
-Matcha or green tea for diminishing brain fog 🍵
- Acupuncture (I know it’s not for everyone but it does seem to give me some relief)
- Calming music to activate the parasympathetic nervous system 🎧 (my current go to is Ichiko Aoba’s “Dawn in the Adan” album, it’s basically human whale song lol)
- Playing animal crossing helps for some reason??
- These medicinal patches called Roihi-Tsuboko, which I think you can probably get on Amazon or something.

Sending you lots of emotional support and hugs ❤️ And welcome to the community!

November 6, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

Welcome! Though we are all individuals, I agree with the above comment. I found limiting sugar to be beneficial. I also try to avoid inflammatory oils such as soybean, sunflower, cottonseed, and corn, but this isn't always feasible. Under the careful eye of a nutritionist, I went gluten free in 2018, and it really helped the brain fog and the length of my flares. Movement is great, even yoga; hydrate, be aware of barometric changes like big fronts coming through which might cause an increase in symptoms. Medications help, see the treatments section. The articles and FAQ are awesome for research. I have found TENS helpful, and you can even purchase inexpensive units online now. Make sure any supplements you take are third-party tested, so you can be certain of what they contain (look for USP, GMP, NSF, etc. logos).

November 5, 2025
A MyFibroTeam Member

So sorry you are have fibro. I got diagnosed 30 years ago, but had the symptoms since I was in my teens. Try chair yoga, there are U Tube videos in it you can find Magnesium glycate, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Vitamin B12. You can try magnesium oil topically on sore areas, or CBD oil topically to help reduce the pain. Nothing is going to get rid of all your pain, so you have to find what help reduce it so you can function. Find a doctor to prescribe Duloxetine- it's a antidepressant that helps with pain. Read the articles on this site, and search the web for info. What works for you may not work for another. I hope this helps

November 5, 2025
MyFibroTeam

What coping strategies can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms when you're newly diagnosed?

Getting diagnosed at 19 is overwhelming, but taking small steps to adjust can really help. First, getting organized makes a difference - keep all your medical information, appointment summaries, and fibromyalgia resources in one Show Full Answer

What coping strategies can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms when you're newly diagnosed?

Getting diagnosed at 19 is overwhelming, but taking small steps to adjust can really help. First, getting organized makes a difference - keep all your medical information, appointment summaries, and fibromyalgia resources in one designated spot so you can find what you need when you need it.

Since you're dealing with ankle limitations, a stationary bike is a great idea when you can get one. Even gentle movement helps release endorphins that reduce stress and pain. You don't need intense workouts - starting with just 5 minutes and slowly building up works well for many people.

Sleep is crucial. Try to establish a consistent sleep and wake schedule, avoid screens before bed, and skip caffeine and large meals several hours before bedtime. Poor sleep can intensify pain and fatigue significantly.

For stress management when you can't avoid stressful situations:

- Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery (apps like Headspace or Calm can help)
- Identify which stressors you actually have control over and which you don't - focus your energy on what you can change
- Learn to set boundaries and say no when possible to conserve your limited energy
- Consider gentle yoga or tai chi if your ankle allows

Common flare-up triggers beyond stress include:

- Poor sleep or sleep disturbances
- Weather changes (you already know heat affects you)
- Overdoing physical activity
- Skin irritation from certain fabrics or products

Wearing soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and using gentle, fragrance-free soaps can help reduce irritation. Some people benefit from supplements like B-complex vitamins for overstimulated nerves, but talk to your doctor before starting anything new. When to seek additional help:

If stress becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life, reaching out to a counselor or therapist can provide professional tools specifically for managing chronic conditions. Your doctor can also recommend fibromyalgia-specific stress management techniques and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

You're already doing great by reaching out and learning. Remember to listen to your body, rest when you need to, and be patient with yourself as you figure out what works best for you.

November 4, 2025

Related Questions

View All
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bardstown, KY

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Okinawa