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Contracts with our Partner by Miryam Ehrlich Williamson An excerpt from Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach

I think that all close relationships are based on a sort of unwritten contract, which defines what the relationship will consist of and what roles the members will play. A typical example: He'll be the major breadwinner and take care of the care and home maintenance. She may go out to work, too, but not at the expense of the children, or the meals, laundry, and tidiness of the home. (There are as many variants to this as there are couples, and this is no less true where both the pronouns are she, or he.) Without thinking about it, most couples include in this unspoken contract the expectation that the significant other (SO) will remain in the same state of health as s/he was in when the relationship began. That's where we get into trouble.

Let's assume for a moment that part of the problem in a troubled relationship where one spouse has FMS is that s/he isn't living up to that part of the contract. If this is so, then anger on the part of the well spouse is an understandable response,

as is guilt and/or defensiveness on the part of the PWF. It doesn't matter that neither the anger nor the guilt/defensiveness is rationally justified. No one is to blame for feeling the way s/he does. Feelings are facts that must be dealt with, by both parties.

What to do? If this rings any bells with you, how about a conversation on the subject, some time when interruptions are unlikely and things aren't too tense for a calm appraisal of the situation? How about an honest expression of regret that you can't do all the things you used to be able to do, an expression of hope that the day will come when you're able again, and a promise to learn everything you can about FMS to make that day come as soon as possible. Make it OK for your SO to express feelings of anger, fear, frustration, whatever, without your feeling attacked and criticized. Acknowledge that, for the time being at least, you've each lost something of value in the relationship, and promise to help each other retrieve it.

Copyright ©1997, Miryam Ehrlich Williamson - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Self-care

Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.

  1. Reduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. But try not to change your routine completely. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.

  2. Get enough sleep. Because fatigue is one of the main characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping.

  3. Exercise regularly. At first, exercise may increase your pain. But doing it regularly often decreases symptoms. Appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. A physical therapist can help you develop a home exercise program. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful.

  4. Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days.

  5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.

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