I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2012. I lived in a building where heat was never a problem and was always warm. I avoided going out in the cold as it really affected my pain level and would send me into a major flare up. The problem now is I moved just last week and the heating situation is not like before. The state I live in has gotten colder and from what I am hearing it is going to be a cold winter. I am freezing! That means my pain level has intensified and I’m very uncomfortable. What are some things I can do to help my fibromyalgia and this cold weather? I don’t want to be like this all winter. Would like to be able to move around and be somewhat functional. I have kids so it is important that I am able to move around. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi! I live in Chicago, and it gets pretty cold. I use hand warmers on a regular basis, which I find helpful.
Some ideas…
-swimming pool/water therapy - hot tub !
-thick socks, blanket where you sit (I have my ‘blankie’ at my spot on the couch)
-my daughter bought me warming slippers that plug into a USB, great for cold feet when I use my laptop
-layers, I love Costco’s Merino wool shirts under sweaters
-heating pad
-movement…always good for us
-down comforter on our bed is wonderful, heavy blanket and warm
Winter totally sucks…when our last child is done school in a couple of years or so we are thinking of moving to a warmer climate.
I’m in central Maine in a drafty 200 year old fixer upper I am trying to renovate by myself, which has become harder the last few years, due to lack of money and hurting badly. But I do everything, for example…electrical, I put in an upgrade 200 amp exterior box, hookup, wires, everything and and then new huge breaker box inside. And I super insulate, and I install 1 " black iron propane lines… Ah, well, enough of tooting my horn! LOL!
So my house is drafty, ice cold floors which I totally hate. Hoping to insulate the basement ceiling with R30 Roxul this winter. Everyday, I wear Patagonia and LLBean really warm thermal leggings, silkweight capilene shirts, as they stretch and are so soft and silky, wick sweat, and don’t hurt my skin, as I have PsA too. I also layer with other zip neck Patagonia capilene shirts or jackets so I can vent, or remove a layer as needed. And I wear expedition weight mens large socks, nice and loose, and over the ankle high sheepskin booties for walking about and sitting. My feet are like ice cubes! For warmth sitting or in bed, I use heating pads from Sunbeam and in bed their ultra plushy soft heated blankets, feels so nice against my skin, and then covered in light comforters. I need very light weight feeling blankets, as I toss, thrash, and turn a lot all night trying to get comfortable and in a fairly pain free position and a heavy feeling cover impedes my movement. I bet the heated throws from Sunbeam are nice too!
I will have to look into that. Thank you. 
I live in Maine as well. This cold weather lately has been very painful for me. We moved into a much draftier place and it really intensified my already bad symptoms. I was looking at electric blanket for when im sitting out in the living room ( I love to crochet in my comfy chair watching tv). Electric heaters to help warm the place up as best as it can. Winterizing the place with plastic this weekend. Hopefully, that will help as well. I am trying to find socks that won’t irritate my sensitive skin that will keep my toes warm. Once my toes go ice cold there is no way to fight a flare up it seems. I have been looking at warmer clothing as well to help. I do good during the day and am active enough to keep myself warm. I have three kids and a lot of housework so by evening I’m really hurting. That is when my symptoms go from a 5 to an 8. I’m afraid that once the winter weather really hits I won’t be able to handle it even during the day. Thank you for your advice. I am going to go right on amazon to look at Sunbeam products.
Walmarts often have the Sunbeam products fairly cheap and last year I ordered some online from Walmart too that are not badly priced.
Quitting sugar reduced my allodynia a ton, but before that… electric blanket, ear muffs, scarves, long underwear (I made my own with double fabric from the knee down), LEG WARMERS and hunting socks.
And if you can, try doing a few squats when you get up in the morning. Just be sure to keep your knee over your ankle. If you just work your thighs (the largest muscles in your body), you’ll warm up amazingly fast. I’m warm after 8 squats - sweating after 12. But I can rarely do 12… And I hold on to my counter for balance. lol …and BONUS! it’s really good for your heart.
Oh! And I have the most amazing, knitted wool vest, that I love. I bought it over 10 years ago. It wears like iron and goes everywhere with me, still. Like an old friend.
Hi I live in the north of England, so cold even in summer. I use a hot water bottle and a throw at night to cover myself with. It must be hard when you have a family to care for. Try thick socks as well, they will also cushion your feet. Look after yourself Karen xxx
Last February, I bought a Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad and found it to be very helpful. I now wake not so stiff and painful, more flexible like I was before fibro. I set it to Preheat while I am having my bath the change to Low overnight while sleeping. It is smart enough on Low to know where I am and am not, so it does not heat the entire bed. It goes under the bottom sheet not on top, so there is no difficulty with the weight of bedclothes and my allodynia. And it goes in the washer and dryer. My husband did not want it on his side of the bed, so I got twin size and it works great for me. Also I got one from them that is designed to be in your chair, behind your neck and down your back and then under a little ways. It is very helpful while sitting or reclining or on the sofa and helps all my trigger points relax. Ordering from Sunbeam online is easier for me than going to the store and they sent me a 10% off coupon code and free shipping. Very happy with my purchases.
Fleece blankets are pretty expensive, so I went to the fabric store and bought 3 yards of a fleece that I like as a blanket that can move all around the house with me. It is not heavy but very cozy and warm.
I live in layers because I am constantly putting clothes on or off . . . My Mom made me a night-hat, pink striped flannel, just like Mrs. Claus would wear, and I sleep in that and wool socks every night.
I still prefer the cooler weather, because I am in Louisiana. Summer here can be brutal [95 degrees with 98% humidity and it is not even raining but you cannot breathe because the air is so thick] so I am glad for the relief.
I hope you are able to create warmth for yourself! Hugs and encouragement,
I know they might not be easy to find in the US (I’m in Australia), but Possum fur/ Merino wool are really warm. I live in an area with cold winters and bought a pair when I was visiting New Zealand- best buy ever!
I use little heat packs as well, both microwave and the instant ones (I even found some for $2 in the Reject Shop) and I use them all the time, you just boil them to reset.
Heat rubs/patches are also useful.
Best of luck, I hope you find something that works for you!