1. Treat Your Eyes
People who have facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)--a relatively slow-progressing form of the disease that affects the facial, upper arm and shoulder muscles primarily--need to be very vigilant about eye care. Dry, itchy eyes are a common symptom with people who have FSHD, as their eye muscles are weak and their lids don't always close completely when they sleep. As well as being uncomfortable, the constant drying can cause damage to the eyes. You may choose to wear eye patches at night, so they do not dry out too much. Ask your doctor about using a rewetting eye drop to keep your eyes comfortable.
2. Use Pain Relievers
FSHD is one of the forms of muscular dystrophy that involves more extensive pain and inflammation of the muscles due to a reaction of your immune system. Unless you have another health condition that rules out using over-the-counter analgesics, you can take NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, to manage the pain you might experience. Warm compresses can help ease the pain in your shoulders, back and face. Keep a heating pad on the lowest setting to prevent burning yourself, or use a hot-water bottle with warm water instead.
3. Use Assistive Devices When Needed
Cope with the stability issues that come with FSHD using assistive devices. If your shoulders are affected by the disease, you can use a back support to keep your shoulders and back in alignment. This type of brace looks almost like a corset, and you wear it under your clothing. If you have trouble with your lower legs, you can wear ankle-foot orthoses to stabilize your legs, so you won't trip over yourself. Physical therapy may help you with flexibility issues and can help you learn how to move more efficiently by using your strongest muscles and resting the ones that are weaker.
