IFCI Graduation

For the past 19 months, I have been tracking my mood and pain level daily with some helpful apps (Daylio & GeoPain). When I started the Fibromyalgia Advisor Program in May, my daily pain level was routinely around 6 - 8, on the standard pain scale. On a scale of 0 - 5, my mood was an average of 2.9 - 3.1, last week according to my Daylio mood tracker, my mood was 3.5.

July 3rd, I started tracking my meals to see if I was getting enough protein. Adding protein was beneficial and I felt improvement almost immediately. I'm eating foods I love and improving my energy level. July 18th, I started taking supplements: with the research I did on vitamins, I chose to take Magnesium Plus Electrolytes (help to maintain proper muscle function), 5-HTP (help to promote healthy mood balance), and Co Q-10 Ubiquinol (antioxidant for the maintenance of good health). For electrolytes, I don't like the taste of Gatorade or Powerade, so I purchased Nuun tablets to add to my water (I drink one or two a day).

I am using topical treatments; I love Magpie Studios' essential oils Voodoo Muscle Rub & Worry Not. I started to use salonpas and a pain relief cream from MindBody Matrix for instant relief.

During the course, I learned about natural rhythms. I have working with my natural rhythm this summer, instead of working against it. My body/my mind doesn't get tired until after midnight, I start my unwinding process and bedtime ritual after I put my technology away for the night. I find I've had a more restful sleep when I work with the rhythm.

I started physio therapy on July 21st to work on my neck and shoulder pain and I purchased a tens machine to help when I do my physio exercise routine at home.

With my college course starting the Tuesday after Labour Day, I wanted to make sure I was feeling less tired and a little more stronger than I was feeling in January. I felt very fatigued and was struggle daily, I had low energy and no ambition to get my schooling done everyday. I am currently feeling good, and my daily pain tracking is approximately 5 on a daily basis, I sometimes get a higher level day, but they are fewer than in the springtime.