Fibro Tips And Tricks – Do’s and Don’ts on Shopping Challenge.

Fibro Tips And Tricks

There is nothing in general for non-sufferers of fibro to do shopping.
Having fibro can make the queue overwhelming and daunting and require patience, without the added immense pain and movement issues and numerous pep talks to yourself as mentally it takes a lot of preparation.

As a fibro sufferer, the shopping trip becomes hell five minutes in.
Moving becomes a challenge, and the pain is overwhelming. My legs always felt like they were going to give in, the pain was so bad that I could not physically continue, and the exhaustion and anxiety that I faced at that point were unbearable, I kept telling myself.

You can not fall in the middle of the store do not fall. I feel weak and tired at this point. It feels like my legs can not keep me up anymore. I need someone willing to help me with shopping, I do not particularly like to ask for help, but I have no choice. I do not prefer to shop online as it results in me missing something I need, but again, it is still an option if you prefer.

THINGS I TRY TO FIGURE OUT AND PREPARE FOR BEFORE I GO TO THE STORE.

Do I have enough energy to do this shopping?
I calculate how many spoons it will take for each task.
Mastering my strength for this day is my first struggle; after getting ready and deciding against getting my hair to perfection, I do not need to waste my spoons on nonsense or waste energy on something pointless.
The need to save as much energy as I can master is overpowering.

I also do not care what people say about my decision on clothing.
I have endless issues to deal with I do not have spoons to waste on judgment. Next, I must give myself a pep talk, I must tell myself that I can do this, knowing damn well it is going to be hard, but I need to stay positive this illness will not win.

KEEP IN MIND WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T CONSUME

Once I get to the store, I refrain from getting things I can not eat, including items I am allergic to and things that cause inflammation. I refrain from making lists of items I can not eat, as it stresses me out too much. I only list items I can consume, and I stick to it.

That way, you and I avoid stress and anxiety. Limitation makes it hard, but I must deal with it constantly. Finding something new that I can eat is rare, but it does happen occasionally.  

When I buy groceries, I feel like everything is getting too much financially. In general, groceries are expensive, but having to stick to a strict diet and having organic foods can add up. I tend to look at the prices and do my best to find low prices without degrading the quality of the items I consume.

FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL STRUGGLES

Sometimes, I need something, but the prices make me look at my finances for the second time before I make a decision, so in the end, I have to put it back as I can’t afford it. With all the financial struggles, I need to stay on top of everything, which adds more stress.

I struggle a lot with sensitivity to light, also known as sensory sensitivity. Going outdoors, sometimes also indoors, I must wear sunglasses to prevent a migraine from developing. For people who do not have Fibromyalgia, this is optional, but for us, it could be mandatory.

For me, it is mandatory to prevent further pain. Yes, I have been told many times to remove them, and I have to explain to security why I have to wear them. I wish there was a way that we could get a pass for wearing glasses as part of a disability parking card, such as the blue card.

Shopping can be exhausting mentally, physically, and emotionally. Moving up and down the aisle makes me feel like I have been walking for days. I must motivate myself and take breaks in between shopping.

There are times when I am stuck in the ails as I forget what it is I want to get due to cognitive dysfunction issues, known as brain fog. This results in me being stuck trying to remember what that item was. It does not happen often, but it has happened a few times.

In South Africa, getting a wheelchair is not the easiest thing, as I do not look disabled, so therefore I do not need it.
Are you able to get one?
Do you have one?
Using a mobility scooter could help a lot.

Everyone deserves to get their shopping done in a way that is comfortable for them. Especially when it comes to those with a disability, whether you can see it or not, you deserve to have comfort and be always respected, we get enough judgment from our family, and we don’t need it elsewhere.

Once I did my shopping, I gave myself a pat on the shoulder. I did the hardest thing.
If you have been shopping recently, well done, you did it. Do not feel guilty if you need to take a break for a few days, you earned it.

I would be lucky if I put the groceries away when I get home.
Hoping and praying, I get assistance making supper.
I can not physically do it alone.

Let us know what your challenges might be.
We would love to know if there is any advice that we could give you or if you could inform us of what has worked for you.

That way, we can help each other.