There has been a golden rule I try to live by since becoming diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. Keep things simple. For those who are familiar with this illness I think they would agree that a primary goal becomes eliminating the daily pain that plagues sufferers.

Last fall my doctor had suggested that since my symptoms were worse in the winter months it might make sense to consider hot water therapy. That might make most people get excited, thinking they would have a good reason to own a spa. Not me. If you remember my rule is to keep things simple. All that I could think of was the work and maintenance.

Desperately wanting relief, I did my homework. I spoke to people who owned spas and used them for therapy. They said they saw improvement. I then started researching spas themselves. I looked for an efficient unit for the New England winters, one that would be relatively easy to maintain. My search led me to ThermoSpas.

We decided to purchase in the late fall and received our unit in early December. I was still somewhat skeptical. I thought that even if there was no relief from pain, it was an enjoyable way to spend some quiet time.

I continued to use the spa over the next several months each day. I found that I looked forward to relaxing in the warm water. How great it felt after a long day! And, surprisingly I didn’t mind the short walk outdoors to slip into the comfort of my spa. I felt befriended and found a whole new way to enjoy the outdoors. It seemed magical to sit in the warm pool of water with steam rising, surrounded by glistening snow falling around me. (How often do you get to see bare footprints in the snow?) I found it ironic that the cold that seemed to bother me so much in the past was actually the reason I was enjoying myself outdoors.

When I look back over several months I can’t believe how dramatic my pain relief has been. It has been one of the most comfortable winters I have spent in over 6 years since my diagnosis. It didn’t happen immediately, but was definitely the result of my consistent use of the spa. This change in and of itself was worth the investment.

The bonus for me was really the adjustment of my attitude. Living with pain can affect people in many ways. I usually see winters as a season that you just do your best to get through. You hope for spring. Using my spa has changed that. Not only did I get pain relief; I felt better emotionally and more positive. I no longer dread a cold, hard winter.

So what can I say about my spa. I started by saying my rule is to keep things simple. My spa has lived up to my expectations in this area. It’s more than water therapy. Ask me anytime I would be happy to tell you about it. It’s made a big difference in my life!

Sincerely,

Eileen Thoma