“Operation Get Better” Redesigning Life After A Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia with Alexandra Stenson

When Alexandra Stenson was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia she was told her life was over and that she just needed to learn to live with pain and limitations. She thought "that's not for me" and started a journey of figuring out how her life could be better. She now says she is healthier and happier than she was before becoming disabled. “Let's look at what's possible. Let's not sign you off and leave it there. Let's go, how well could I feel? How great could my life look? What could I do? Not I can't do that anymore.” In this episode of The Conditions for Recovery Podcast, Alexandra Stenson shares her journey following a 2018 car accident from being told her life was over to finding a way to live happily and healthily alongside persistent pain. Alexandra was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and hypermobility after a period of uncertainty. She faced disheartening advice, medical dismissal and the harsh reality of navigating an invisible condition where people kept telling her she "looked fine". Alexandra brings her experience as a pain support group facilitator to share practical, empowering strategies for managing long term conditions. Alexandra’s insights into holistic wellness, mindset shifts and peer support will resonate with many people living with chronic conditions. **In this episode, we discuss:** - **Alexandra’s Journey To A Fibromyalgia Diagnosis:** Navigating invisible symptoms, imposter syndrome and the frustration of being told "you look fine". - **Overcoming "Your Life Is Over" Medical Messaging:** Why standard acceptance and expectation management advice feels like resignation, can lead to downward spirals and how Alexandra decided to focus on “Operation Get Better”. - **Redesigning Life With A Comprehensive Toolkit:** Combining nutrition, sleep, functional medicine and lifestyle changes alongside conventional care. - **Reclaiming Personal Agency:** Transforming the phrase "no one is coming to save you" into an empowering call to action and the importance of choosing to pursue wellness every time that you can. - **Recognising The Role of Time and Patience:** Realising that flares are temporary and how catastrophising makes them worse. - **The Power of Peer Support and Community:** How co-facilitating a pain support group created a collective hive mind for sharing tools and mutual understanding. Connect with Alexandra: LinkedIn: Alexandra Stenson Connect with the Show: Links: www.paincoaching.co.uk/links Follow: @SpecialistPainPhysio Other resources: Books that Alexandra found life changing: Designing Your Life: For Fans of Atomic Habits by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8AM by Hal Elrod The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MIN CONSULTATION WITH GEORGE: https://www.paincoaching.co.uk/consultation Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional or personal clinician before making any decisions about your medication, treatment or approach to your health.