You will find many articles, forums, and blogs on Fibromyalgia and how drinking alcohol can lead to more pain.
There are several reasons why drinking alcohol when you have Fibromyalgia don’t mix well.
Here are a few of them:
- Increased fatigue
- Increased nausea
- Disturbance of your sleep
- Increase side effects of your RX you are taking for your Fibro.
- Can counteract the medication.
- Increased risk of liver damage
- Promotes inflammation
- Causes a Fibro patient to have more pain due to increased inflammation
You may have at one time been able to consume a drink with no problem but now with Fibro, you all of a sudden cannot tolerate the alcohol. This is because our bodies don’t seem to be able to manage a toxin like alcohol very well. As stated above, it can lead to inflammation in the body and exacerbation of your symptoms. Some people can tolerate an occasional drink, but more than that can make your symptoms worse.
Being in pain all the time can take a toll, and some may be tempted to run to alcohol for a type of escape from the pain. This can turn into abuse rather quickly and lead to very negative consequences, not just for you but those around you. You would make your symptoms of Fibro much worse. There are alternatives to taking this approach to escape from the pain.
Here are a few tips:
- Get a massage. I get one of these once a month. You need to make sure you get a therapist that is experienced working with those that have Fibro.
- PMR (Progressive muscle relaxation), this involves first tensing, then relaxing different muscles in your body. You focus on each muscle group so that you can be completely relaxed. You can do sitting up or laying down. Try with your eyes closed and try and do for about 30 minutes.
- Meditation, this is a well-known relaxation technique. You can do with a professional at first until you get the hang of it then do on your own.
- Yoga, this helps to relax your muscles as well as you. It is very good for stretching and has deep spiritual benefits as well.
- Tai Chi is a moving meditation. You would need to work probably with someone until you get the hang of it to do on your own.
- Listening to relaxing music will also help you.
You need to practice these on a regular basis to get the true benefit. You need to make sure you wear comfortable clothing that lets you move and won’t leave you too hot or cold. When you start any exercise program, it is always best to check with your doctor first.
Since being diagnosed with Fibro, I have not been able to tolerate alcohol at all. I do get very nauseated and do not feel good for several days. Also, I know that with my RX that I am on it is a big no-no to mix the two.
Each person is different, and it is ultimately up to you about drinking alcohol when you have Fibro.
I know there will be more changes, and I will take each one on a positive note because once I give into the negative and creep over to the red platform I have let my illness win and control my life. Staying positive lets me win each time.
Always remember to stop, take a breath and be positive!
Aimee Reese is passionate about bringing awareness to others about Fibromyalgia. Aimee has been living with Fibromyalgia for years, but officially diagnosed five years ago. Aimee is the founder of The Green Platform Assistant where she believes “In order for you to grow you have to start with knowing who you are.” Aimee believes by staying positive and on the Green Platform it helps get through the most difficult times when living with an invisible illness. Aimee lives in Kentucky with her husband Eric and two children.
Contact Aimee: aimee@thegreenplatformassistant.com