Tender Points: A Very Touchy Subject

The best way to handle this is to keep the environment as odorless as possible. For example, when purchasing laundry detergent, soap, or cleaning products, opting for the unscented items would be most helpful. Also, keeping living spaces well ventilated would cut down on severity or frequency of symptoms.

Any sensory overload that a fibro patient experiences can be debilitating, but there are ways to cope with the symptoms and to get on an effective treatment plan. Some of these strategies include:

• Consulting with a supportive doctor who is knowledgeable about fibromyalgia
• Controlling one’s environment so as to avoid triggers as much as possible
• Remaining as active as one’s body will allow to offset pain and sensitivity

And one important thing to remember is to avoid the temptation of becoming a “hermit” to try to guarantee freedom from what triggers symptoms. Keeping plugged into a daily routine and maintaining contact with friends and loved ones can be beneficial to all.