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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.

Somebody mentioned O.C.D and I'm unable to find the person. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has this...

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

I think I know why this rears it's ugly little head 🥳
The fact fibro can leave us not knowing when or what we can do from one minute to the next. O.C.D kicks in. It's almost like 'I may not be able to do that tomorrow, I'm so tired but I'd better do it now so I can rest'
And the very same thing happens the next day. So your living space is super clean and you are super tired. It happened today 🫠 I thought Mmmm! I'll colour my noggin (hair) then comes I'll spring clean the bathroom. Oh if I'm… read more

March 8
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the exhausting push to stay productive despite fibromyalgia's unpredictability, describing how the fear of not knowing... Read more

Members connected over the exhausting push to stay productive despite fibromyalgia's unpredictability, describing how the fear of not knowing what tomorrow will bring drives them to clean, organize, and accomplish tasks even when their bodies are begging for rest. Several members traced these patterns back to childhood experiences with stress or military discipline, while others shared the creative outlets and grounding rituals they've adopted, from painting multiple canvases at once to walking barefoot in nature to stay centered. A recurring theme was the tension between the deeply ingrained need to do it all now and the ongoing work of learning to let things wait, embrace rest without guilt, and draw strength from nature and faith when the fog and fatigue inevitably return.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I do think you have a point here, I don’t know about OCD but I can identify with what you are saying. Whenever I start a diy job no matter how big or small I get frustrated if I am unable to finish it as planned. Being ex military I have had cleanliness programmed into my DNA I too feel bereft when the battery dies on the vacuum cleaner. Or someone calls round unexpectedly when I’m in full Mrs Daubtfire mode leaving me to swop a shammy leather for a tea towel and tea and tiffin! And as regards to boom and bust! I often bust for fear of not knowing how I will be feeling the next day. On occasions I sometimes have four or five really good days but then the brain fog descends on me like a death eater and exhaustion kicks in and sucks the life blood out of me. Experts will say pace yourself’ don’t over do it! But we do. Like I say it’s in our DNA. On a brighter note ! I’ve just polished the living day lights out of the dinning room table, flattered the battery on the the Shark 🦈 and repaired the toilet seat that started to wind me up. Evening meal is prepared and if my darling wife is not too tiered this I may attempt to put a bun in the oven. Sorry if that’s offensive but I do like baking!
It’s probably not the reply you was expecting Peps but there are all kinds of weirdo’s out there.
Be good people and if you can’t be good then be excellent.

March 9
A MyFibroTeam Member

😂😂😂😂😂 I just laughed out loud. Thar may cause eyes 👀 to appear 😂😂😂 ooooh who's she got in the goldfish bowl 😂
I shall dive into the gallery 😂 still laughing

March 17
MyFibroTeam

Do others with fibro experience OCD-like behaviors related to unpredictable energy levels?

You're definitely not "cookoo" - what you're describing makes a lot of sense! The unpredictability of fibro can create this anxious push to do everything when you have a moment of energy, even if it exhausts you.

Many MyFibroTeam Show Full Answer

Do others with fibro experience OCD-like behaviors related to unpredictable energy levels?

You're definitely not "cookoo" - what you're describing makes a lot of sense! The unpredictability of fibro can create this anxious push to do everything when you have a moment of energy, even if it exhausts you.

Many MyFibroTeam members describe pushing themselves to maintain normalcy or complete tasks when they can, which often leads to overdoing it. One member shared how they tried to do chores around the house only to end up "crying in agony" afterward. Another described the constant struggle of "trying to be normal" and pushing themselves despite their body's limits.

This pattern you're noticing - the panic about not knowing when you'll be knocked down again - is a real response to living with an unpredictable condition. It's like you're trying to control what you can when everything else feels so uncertain.

The challenge is finding balance between getting things done and not depleting your already limited energy reserves. Some members talk about learning to pace themselves and accepting their new limitations, though it's definitely easier said than done.

Have you noticed any patterns in what triggers these cleaning marathons, or times when you're better able to resist the urge?

March 8
A MyFibroTeam Member

That's really helpful, its something I've had for as long as I remember. I would clean my parents house from top to bottom as my mum was never very happy and when younger used to push the vacuum into my back while cleaning in a foul mood. I believe it started there as her unhappiness caused stress within the family. So I started doing the cleaning so she wasn't so stressed out and it calmed the situation down. Another person's stressed behaviour on a daily basis can cause a lot of friction in a home. I never minded doing it as I'd put music on and be quite happy dancing with the vacuum.
Thank you

March 8
A MyFibroTeam Member

Grounding by walking barefoot in grass or sand helps.

Use an earthing mat at bedtime.

March 18 (edited)

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