I have been recently diagnosed with fibromalgia and have now been referred back to the GP for medication and physiotherapy. I am currently doing yoga for an hour each day with both breathing techniques and stretching. I also walk daily for about an hour and have always been an active person. I am currently looking for a more natural holistic approach to helping my illness as I don't believe in taking pills! I also understand that each approach will affect a person in a different way! What is so difficult to comprehend is how an illness with an array of symptoms can have an impact upon your whole life! From your mind, body to your complete functioning and you are left battling each day as there is no complete cure! What I am confused about is where to go from here! And what route to explore through trial and error!

I'm sorry you have to battle this rotten illness that affects the person in so many different ways but you're right, there is no known drug cure and many people take that realisation as meaning nothing else can be done!

As someone once said, carry on doing what you're doing for exactly the same results.

I notice you have been to the fibromyalgia pages on our website and I can't add a great deal to the information already out there so the key thing is to prioritise your personal symptoms and address the most irritating of those before looking to get to the root of the issue.

Pain and sleep deprivation don't set you up for a good push on the dietary front, for example, so if pain and sleep issues are your biggest hurdles, get them sorted so you have the strength to look ahead to the next challenge.

Regarding the exercise, please, please keep going. Stretching, yoga, swimming and Tai Chi are the perfect antidotes to doing nothing as inactivity will result in both stiffer muscles and lower mood. Keep it mixed up, with different walks to prevent staleness and catch the last of the summer rays because it's harder to stay motivated come the winter.

Without a consultation, I can't have a good pick at your diet and lifestyle, so try keeping a food diary for just a week and with a bit of honesty, you'll be able to see any naughty habits and whether a worsening of symptoms follow certain foods. Most reactions to food occur within 2 hours (about 90%). The other 10% are harder to spot as they take 2-48hrs to show, a big window. It may be worth noting how well you slept each morning too, so you can see if anything you eat affects your rest.

Ask a friend or partner what they think you complain about most if you're struggling and you'll have a good starting place.

Best wishes

Earle