For people with fibromyalgia sensitivities to light, sound and touch can greatly alter their day to day lives. Bright lights, sounds that are numerous or loud and even light touch can trigger pain and cognitive difficulties quickly. This is an area that I feel is harder for those without fibromyalgia to understand. For the light sensitivity I would compare it to the light sensitivity one experiences with a migraine or even after having their pupils dilated. For sensitivity to sound I would compare it to imagining how you would feel if  all of the sounds you hear are amplified and all the background conversations were people yelling. While we do not hear noises louder, they effect use similar to the way louder noises would effect someone without fibromyalgia.  Sensitivity to touch  is harder for me to compare, but I’d say to think of what it feels like when someone presses a bad bruise, but then add in the inability to process thoughts while processing the pain from that touch.

Here are some situations in which I experience troubles:

1. Bright computer or tv screens on in a dark room
2. Car GPS screens at night
3. Driving on a bright sunny day (especially if reflective snow is on the ground)
4. Driving at night with the headlights of another car shining on any of my mirrors
5. Being in a restaurant with lots of background music and conversations
6. The volume of speakers turned up, even slightly, at a movie theater, home or in a car.

While I cannot get rid of the effects of the sensitivity I can do things to lessen them.

1. Turn on lights in the room, turn down the brightness of the screen or simply turn off the computer or tv
2. Turn down the brightness of the screen or turn it off
3. Wear sunglasses, use visors, try to avoid driving during the sunniest parts of the day
4. Wear sunglasses, drive on less busy roads, use auto dimming mirrors, try to avoid driving after sunset
5. Try to sit in quieter areas of the restaurant (back or edge of room), sit facing the wall or in a less busy area so you don’t see as many distracting/overwhelming things.
6. Turn down the volume, wear noise cancelling ear plugs

I realize I haven’t mentioned the sensitivity to touch yet. This is because, for me, that sensitivity comes more into play when I’m already experiencing a sensitivity to light and or sound. The perfect example of this has happened many times to me. I’m in a hot car in the summer, The Helpful Hubby has the windows down (breezes are hitting me), the radio is on, it is sunny out and The Helpful Hubby is trying to talk to me.  Boom! I start not being able to concentrate and getting a headache. Heaven forbid The Helpful Hubby tries to hold my hand or touch my leg. We have both learned the hard way that I need to communicate that I’m having problems dealing with the environment. This gives us the ability to change things so I can feel better.

What are your tips for dealing with these types of situations?

This post was included in Chronic Babe Blog Carnival #24: Great Workarounds.

Helpful devices: earplugs & sunglasses