What Doesn’t Work for My Fibromyalgia Pain
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia several years ago. I tried prescription medications and the side effects made me worse. Yeah, Gabapentin made me dopey and stupid. My skin itched like crazy. I stopped the medication but I still have fibromyalgia pain.
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So I did research on how to manage the fibromyalgia pain and fatigue on my own. Several fibrowarriors recommended Infrared Saunas for fibromyalgia pain. I couldn’t afford a full-size infrared sauna nor did I have the space for one. And I also couldn’t justify the expense unless I was certain it would work and I would use it. I’m a very frugal person. I even have a NO button to veto purchases.
Portable Saunas?
I found small portable saunas on Amazon. Some you have to lay on the ground. That just doesn’t appeal to me. So I concentrated on the ones you sit on a chair and zip up the sauna to your neck. I checked reviews and found one to order. I came quickly and was easy to set up. Bonus is that I can fold it up and take it with me. Now that I have used it for a year, I can review it for you.
The package you receive is not too heavy, just bulky. Open it up and you have a folded sauna and a folded chair. Oh, and the foam pad. Unfold the sauna with the zipper facing you. Take the foam pad and put it inside. It is the floor of your sauna. Unfold the chair and place it inside not too close to the back. There is an infrared panel on the back wall and both sides. Lay the heated foot pad in front of the chair. Plug the sauna in. There is a controller and two handy pockets accessible through zippers for your hands to come out.
How I Use One
Towels on the seat and over the back will soak up any sweat and make the seat more comfy. I use my sauna at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes at a time at 150 degrees. I will do an extra session if I am experiencing more pain than usual (flares, what can I say). When you first start you might want to start with 15 minutes at the lowest temperature which is 130 degrees.
Now some people have stated they lost weight using this sauna. I cannot say that at all. I don’t think I sweat enough for any weight loss. But it helps my fibromyalgia pain and that’s the most important thing for me. I use my sauna time to read and even meditate. It is relaxing time. And after my sauna, I shower.
One day, I will buy a full-sized sauna but this portable sauna is my savior. I love it.
Other Heat Solutions
Now when I have cramping pain, I use a microwaveable pad. It helps for thigh, neck, shoulder, back, and chest pain. You can find some here. You can even make your own with rice or buckwheat and add herbs like lavender. I’ve seen instructions on Pinterest.
A warm bath with epsom salt helps. I use Dr Teal’s with lavender. I think if I had a hot tub, I would be dumping this in! Experts say there is no science behind it but I have good experiences with using topical magnesium.
What do you use? Let me know. We can help ourselves by sharing our experiences.
