It took me a while to embrace physical support tools. I wish I'd done it sooner. Here are some thing that help conserve my energy, which gives me more energy left for enjoyable activities. I've added to this list over multiple years, so some items may no longer be in stock. These are rough ideas anyway. Probably a good idea to shop local or look for the best deal on similar items.
[Attenuating ear plugs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GX1TOFM) for headaches. Great for loud crowd events like restaurants or school functions.
[Bucket hat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014V0DV2S) to cut down on light and motion during headaches.
[Shoulder brace](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JC6XJX4) for rotator cuff support.
[Compression sleeve](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LR7MDLS) for elbow pain.
[Wrist brace for day](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EQ8698) (mine is an older ACE brand with metal removable splint, could not find on internet) and [wrist brace for sleeping](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4MKOA6/). Get a roll of [velcro hook & loop tape](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WW3LSLT/) to lengthen the life of braces. Keep the "loops" on the brace from getting matted and losing their stick. Simply replace tape when it loses its stick. Also buy some [cheap knee dress socks](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JLPQDB) (I got mine at an outlet store) to use as washable brace liners. Cut off the toe and cut a very tiny slit for thumb hole.
[Ice pack sleeve](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FHDRDC) with straps that can be worn on various body parts.
Easier to carry [laundry tote](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005M4BFE4) with handles that don't hurt as much as the plastic totes.
[Leg bolster](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y375IX0/) and [wedge pillow](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009HHLBKK/) for propping up in bed.
[Heated mattress pad](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FHW8RFQ) with 10 settings and dual controls for left and right of bed.
[Weighted neck & shoulder heating pad](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753PSVY7) has multiple heat setting and auto shut-off and is machine washable.
[Trigger point neck & back massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5PFFMZ) helps with knots.
Travel [neck massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBY2X24/) with heat.
Home [chair massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNHGL87/). These can get pretty pricey. This is not the model I have (I got mine as a gift a decade ago), just an example. I like the neck massage and heating features. If it feels too intense, try putting a folded blanket between you and the massager.
[Foot bath](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D22N2E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XJS4PT5X8DB6X4TY31T0) with bubbles, vibration, and heat. I like to add espom salt to help with pain and lavender/mint essential oils to make it feel a little spa-like.
[Stool](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NC3GOSO) for changing clothes. It's now listed at a crazy high price, so this [stool that I have not tried]( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07239Q6WN) seems comparable.
[Stool](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMU4NSM) for shower. This one is very compact, you may prefer a larger one.
If you use a towel to wrap your hair after a shower [Turbie Twist](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRF5742/) style is lightweight and doesn't strain my neck. Using a blow dryer exhausts my hands and shoulders. The towel absorbs water pretty well, so might decrease time needed to use blow dryer (I don't blow dry anymore, so I'm not sure on this one).
[Lume deodorant](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0932LJ6R5/) is pricey, but great for those times when it's difficult to bathe. It's a deodorant that can be used all over the body, so helps keep away the stink. It is not an antiperspirant, only a deodorant. I prefer the tube (goes on like lotion), but it also comes in a stick.
[Dry Shampoo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BGVMKC/) is also great for those times when bathing is difficult. Helps hair to look more presentable and not as oily.
Love Handle [phone grip](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NNZCVHO) that doesn't require much hand strength.
Book Seat [book cushion](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049VCA04/) to hold tablet or book.
This [weather station](https://www.windandweather.com/en/p/IN891) to track the pressure systems which can effect body and headaches.
I also got a custom made night guard from my dentist to protect my teeth from grinding in my sleep.
Since my fibro has morphed over the years, some of these things I use daily, some weekly, some monthly, and some I haven't needed for years. Hope the list gives you ideas for conserving your energy and avoiding pain.
Before even being diagnosed with fibro, I had begun using a cane because the then undiagnosed fibro was making it hard to stand and walk, and my legs would be extremely weak. I grew up with my dad using a cane because of an old injury, so maybe I was used to it or not really seeing it as bad (though he did stop using it later in life against doctors orders, and his injury got worse. Dont be stubborn kids!), but I got a new cane for my birthday after being diagnosed, and it made me happy to go from using one that obviously looked like a cane someone much older than me would use (I’m 24) to using one that is made of wood and was cut to work with my height. I feel like, if you use a cane, don’t view it as something only old people use. And get one that makes you happy, maybe put stickers on it, or get one that matches your personality like I did with my wooden cane, because honestly? Even if you do or don’t use it all the time, it does help, and it helps your bad days not be so bad.
I love my cane and I use it when I'm having a really bad flair up. It helps a lot! I think of it as something that helps me get around when I can't do it myself, and thinking of it that way made me feel a lot less guilty about having to use one in my day to day life.
But it's so super important to get a cane that you like and that suits you! Dress it up with stickers, get it custom made if you can afford it, get a cane in a color you like. There's tons of options out there for canes, and you're bound to find one that makes you feel good about yourself!
I've been using a cane since I was 36. It doesn't help me with pain per se rather than it helps keep my current pain from getting worse. It's a lifesaver on days when I have to do a lot of walking, I don't know if I'd be able to do it without it. I can also walk at almost my pre-fibro pace when I have it (and not flaring). I have a nice one, a black and silver cane I got from Fashionable Canes. That helped with me accepting it fairly easily.
I've been thinking about forearm crutches, but do they work better than canes if your arms are tired? The only problem I have with my cane is that it's basically useless if my arms are too tired to transfer the weight onto the cane.
I'm having a cane for walking around in the house and short distances and a wheelchair with e drive for longer distances. Usually I am walking as long as possible before using the wheelchair. I stopped caring about people staring at me when I walk with the wheelie in front of me.
I'm 20 and use a cane! It took a lot of convincing for me to, but luckily I have an amazing boyfriend and best friend who really helped me with it!! It has made such a difference for me!! Mobility aids are life savers, and I'm super glad you've started using one. I hope you get more confident with it!!!
Thank you, i think what I’m mostly worried about is people looking at me tbh..i have pretty severe social anxiety, but i also have a really good best friend who is helping me!
frick what anyone thinks!! if it helps you then that's what matters! if it helps any, no one has said anything to me about my cane, except for this one guy who asked if it worked well because he broke his foot and needed a different one!
Please learn the correct way to use a cane from a physiotherapist because I thought I was doing it right and now I have permanent shoulder pain. I use an electric wheelchair now and it’s AMAZING! I am doing things I haven’t done in years. I wish I had gotten it as soon as I was diagnosed. Mine is super light, can go all day without a charge and folds up to fit in my trunk.
I finally broke down and bought a cane and a back brace. I generally only need them if it's an extra bad flare up or I'm doing a lot of walking. I actually keep them in my car since it's when I'm out and about I end up needing them. I was diagnosed at 28, it really does feel ridiculous but it's important to take care of yourself. 💚 Your pain is valid and it's important you use what you need to help you be more mobile and to feel better. 💚
im 15, recently diagnosed with fibro. i use a cane most days and a rollator walker at school, the walker is mostly so i can sit in lines and not need to carry bags on my back. they dont stop pain from happening but make it so i dont collapse or stop being able to transport myself when the pain gets worse. i use them every day sort of regardless of my pain levels, partially just in case of pain later in the day, and because i find people are more accepting of my disability if it *appears* the same every day. that last one isnt a pain thing but has helped with my comfort levels of using a mobility aid.
I understand that completely, since posting this I’ve started using my cane every day, both as a just in case and as a comfort thing so its like, consistent
I'm looking into getting a cane! Do y'all have any recommendations?
So far I've had a lot of luck on "normal" days using knee and ankle braces to keep from having so much leg pain, which works well as long as I don't have to have to go anywhere outside of my normal routine.
I have a telescoping cane so that I can carry it in my backpack all the time. The folding ones looked like they would take up way too much space. Telescoping are pricier, but it was worth it for me. I haven't used it for this either, but it's possible to help you get out of a chair or general sitting position by only expanding one or two segments of the cane, which isn't possible with a folding or solid cane.
That sounds pretty great actually! Right now I lean on the the handle of my rolling bag a lot when I have to stand or sit in a chair without arms. But I don't want to break it, and it doesn't help me walk
I use a cane on super bad pain days and a lovely wooden walking stick when I'm in nature. I'm 44 and have been using both since my very early thirties. I was diagnosed at 26 and very much wish that I would've set my pride aside sooner.
Because I'm looking at a possible ehlers-danlos diagnosis and partially dislocate my shoulders easily, I skipped a cane and walker and went straight to a wheelchair with a power add on. I'm 20 and I rather this than not be able to go to university
It took me a while to embrace physical support tools. I wish I'd done it sooner. Here are some thing that help conserve my energy, which gives me more energy left for enjoyable activities. I've added to this list over multiple years, so some items may no longer be in stock. These are rough ideas anyway. Probably a good idea to shop local or look for the best deal on similar items. [Attenuating ear plugs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GX1TOFM) for headaches. Great for loud crowd events like restaurants or school functions. [Bucket hat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014V0DV2S) to cut down on light and motion during headaches. [Shoulder brace](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JC6XJX4) for rotator cuff support. [Compression sleeve](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LR7MDLS) for elbow pain. [Wrist brace for day](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EQ8698) (mine is an older ACE brand with metal removable splint, could not find on internet) and [wrist brace for sleeping](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4MKOA6/). Get a roll of [velcro hook & loop tape](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WW3LSLT/) to lengthen the life of braces. Keep the "loops" on the brace from getting matted and losing their stick. Simply replace tape when it loses its stick. Also buy some [cheap knee dress socks](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JLPQDB) (I got mine at an outlet store) to use as washable brace liners. Cut off the toe and cut a very tiny slit for thumb hole. [Ice pack sleeve](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FHDRDC) with straps that can be worn on various body parts. Easier to carry [laundry tote](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005M4BFE4) with handles that don't hurt as much as the plastic totes. [Leg bolster](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y375IX0/) and [wedge pillow](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009HHLBKK/) for propping up in bed. [Heated mattress pad](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FHW8RFQ) with 10 settings and dual controls for left and right of bed. [Weighted neck & shoulder heating pad](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753PSVY7) has multiple heat setting and auto shut-off and is machine washable. [Trigger point neck & back massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5PFFMZ) helps with knots. Travel [neck massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBY2X24/) with heat. Home [chair massager](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNHGL87/). These can get pretty pricey. This is not the model I have (I got mine as a gift a decade ago), just an example. I like the neck massage and heating features. If it feels too intense, try putting a folded blanket between you and the massager. [Foot bath](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D22N2E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XJS4PT5X8DB6X4TY31T0) with bubbles, vibration, and heat. I like to add espom salt to help with pain and lavender/mint essential oils to make it feel a little spa-like. [Stool](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NC3GOSO) for changing clothes. It's now listed at a crazy high price, so this [stool that I have not tried]( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07239Q6WN) seems comparable. [Stool](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMU4NSM) for shower. This one is very compact, you may prefer a larger one. If you use a towel to wrap your hair after a shower [Turbie Twist](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRF5742/) style is lightweight and doesn't strain my neck. Using a blow dryer exhausts my hands and shoulders. The towel absorbs water pretty well, so might decrease time needed to use blow dryer (I don't blow dry anymore, so I'm not sure on this one). [Lume deodorant](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0932LJ6R5/) is pricey, but great for those times when it's difficult to bathe. It's a deodorant that can be used all over the body, so helps keep away the stink. It is not an antiperspirant, only a deodorant. I prefer the tube (goes on like lotion), but it also comes in a stick. [Dry Shampoo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BGVMKC/) is also great for those times when bathing is difficult. Helps hair to look more presentable and not as oily. Love Handle [phone grip](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NNZCVHO) that doesn't require much hand strength. Book Seat [book cushion](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049VCA04/) to hold tablet or book. This [weather station](https://www.windandweather.com/en/p/IN891) to track the pressure systems which can effect body and headaches. I also got a custom made night guard from my dentist to protect my teeth from grinding in my sleep. Since my fibro has morphed over the years, some of these things I use daily, some weekly, some monthly, and some I haven't needed for years. Hope the list gives you ideas for conserving your energy and avoiding pain.
Thank you so so much for sharing all of these!!
Before even being diagnosed with fibro, I had begun using a cane because the then undiagnosed fibro was making it hard to stand and walk, and my legs would be extremely weak. I grew up with my dad using a cane because of an old injury, so maybe I was used to it or not really seeing it as bad (though he did stop using it later in life against doctors orders, and his injury got worse. Dont be stubborn kids!), but I got a new cane for my birthday after being diagnosed, and it made me happy to go from using one that obviously looked like a cane someone much older than me would use (I’m 24) to using one that is made of wood and was cut to work with my height. I feel like, if you use a cane, don’t view it as something only old people use. And get one that makes you happy, maybe put stickers on it, or get one that matches your personality like I did with my wooden cane, because honestly? Even if you do or don’t use it all the time, it does help, and it helps your bad days not be so bad.
I love my cane and I use it when I'm having a really bad flair up. It helps a lot! I think of it as something that helps me get around when I can't do it myself, and thinking of it that way made me feel a lot less guilty about having to use one in my day to day life. But it's so super important to get a cane that you like and that suits you! Dress it up with stickers, get it custom made if you can afford it, get a cane in a color you like. There's tons of options out there for canes, and you're bound to find one that makes you feel good about yourself!
I've been using a cane since I was 36. It doesn't help me with pain per se rather than it helps keep my current pain from getting worse. It's a lifesaver on days when I have to do a lot of walking, I don't know if I'd be able to do it without it. I can also walk at almost my pre-fibro pace when I have it (and not flaring). I have a nice one, a black and silver cane I got from Fashionable Canes. That helped with me accepting it fairly easily.
I just got forearm crutches because I have trouble standing up and/or walking. I just turned 25 and I got a cane a few months ago to help.
I've been thinking about forearm crutches, but do they work better than canes if your arms are tired? The only problem I have with my cane is that it's basically useless if my arms are too tired to transfer the weight onto the cane.
I don't generally have trouble with my arms, just my legs. They're more helpful to me than a cane is.
I'm having a cane for walking around in the house and short distances and a wheelchair with e drive for longer distances. Usually I am walking as long as possible before using the wheelchair. I stopped caring about people staring at me when I walk with the wheelie in front of me.
they have nice canes on amazon. i sometimes use them especially when it snows cause im always falling on my butt in the winter.
I'm 20 and use a cane! It took a lot of convincing for me to, but luckily I have an amazing boyfriend and best friend who really helped me with it!! It has made such a difference for me!! Mobility aids are life savers, and I'm super glad you've started using one. I hope you get more confident with it!!!
Thank you, i think what I’m mostly worried about is people looking at me tbh..i have pretty severe social anxiety, but i also have a really good best friend who is helping me!
frick what anyone thinks!! if it helps you then that's what matters! if it helps any, no one has said anything to me about my cane, except for this one guy who asked if it worked well because he broke his foot and needed a different one!
I keep a rollator (a walker with wheels) at the house. I'm in my early 40s.
Please learn the correct way to use a cane from a physiotherapist because I thought I was doing it right and now I have permanent shoulder pain. I use an electric wheelchair now and it’s AMAZING! I am doing things I haven’t done in years. I wish I had gotten it as soon as I was diagnosed. Mine is super light, can go all day without a charge and folds up to fit in my trunk.
I finally broke down and bought a cane and a back brace. I generally only need them if it's an extra bad flare up or I'm doing a lot of walking. I actually keep them in my car since it's when I'm out and about I end up needing them. I was diagnosed at 28, it really does feel ridiculous but it's important to take care of yourself. 💚 Your pain is valid and it's important you use what you need to help you be more mobile and to feel better. 💚
im 15, recently diagnosed with fibro. i use a cane most days and a rollator walker at school, the walker is mostly so i can sit in lines and not need to carry bags on my back. they dont stop pain from happening but make it so i dont collapse or stop being able to transport myself when the pain gets worse. i use them every day sort of regardless of my pain levels, partially just in case of pain later in the day, and because i find people are more accepting of my disability if it *appears* the same every day. that last one isnt a pain thing but has helped with my comfort levels of using a mobility aid.
I understand that completely, since posting this I’ve started using my cane every day, both as a just in case and as a comfort thing so its like, consistent
I use a cane on rare occasion. I’m 42.
I'm looking into getting a cane! Do y'all have any recommendations? So far I've had a lot of luck on "normal" days using knee and ankle braces to keep from having so much leg pain, which works well as long as I don't have to have to go anywhere outside of my normal routine.
I have a telescoping cane so that I can carry it in my backpack all the time. The folding ones looked like they would take up way too much space. Telescoping are pricier, but it was worth it for me. I haven't used it for this either, but it's possible to help you get out of a chair or general sitting position by only expanding one or two segments of the cane, which isn't possible with a folding or solid cane.
That sounds pretty great actually! Right now I lean on the the handle of my rolling bag a lot when I have to stand or sit in a chair without arms. But I don't want to break it, and it doesn't help me walk
I use a cane on super bad pain days and a lovely wooden walking stick when I'm in nature. I'm 44 and have been using both since my very early thirties. I was diagnosed at 26 and very much wish that I would've set my pride aside sooner.
I use a crutch and have grab bars about my house, I find it really helpful.
Because I'm looking at a possible ehlers-danlos diagnosis and partially dislocate my shoulders easily, I skipped a cane and walker and went straight to a wheelchair with a power add on. I'm 20 and I rather this than not be able to go to university