Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
My doctor said that the best way to keep my pain levels down and my energy levels up would be regular exercise. At first I was like yeah, fine, if i have a good day I'll go for a walk. I was walking a few days a week, not too far, and I was feeling a little better. But then it got hot out, and I stopped going outside at all. My pain levels gradually went back up and my energy levels plummeted back to couch potato. I was looking into reasons for my backslide, thinking maybe the Cymbalta wasn't working as I had thought, and came across some articles on the difference exercise makes in treatment. I figured I'd give it a try today even if I felt awful. Today I decided to do a workout tape I've been wanting to try, because I can do it inside. I wasn't really up for it but figured I'm gonna hurt later anyway so what's the difference? Well, I feel a thousand times better. I was wondering, does anyone else use exercise as part of their treatment routine? If so, what results have you gotten and what are you doing?
I have lost 50# (weight watchers and ally and diet control. CBT journaling helps too) and can actually get out and walk w/out mashing my knees and ankles.
I found that going to the pool, to the shallow end and jsut walking back and forth has helped trememdously. The chlorine is an issue for me but twice a week to have the weight off my spine and my muscles supported while working has been a godsend. I've been doing this for nearly a year and a half.
I also horseback ride. I know that sounds pretty out there but it works the core muscles, strenghtens the legs, back, shoulders, arms and neck. My appy is a wide body so it's like sitting on a 55 gallon drum. That opens the pelvic area and increases bloodflow to the core. We walk, some very slow collected trotting and once in a while when we are both 'feeling our oats' we canter for a mile or more at a time. It has taken me over a year and a half to get to this point. I am not sure if it is the increased circulation, muscle working or position that is helping but it is. Helps iwth mental outlook too! When we over do it, and I do that a lot, I head to the chiropractor and lay on the water therapy bed. that beats the knots out and warms the muscles and facia beautifully. I normally don't get an adjustment but he has worked on my ankles and knees that has helped the pain in my thighs and calves quite a bit. fewer 'knots' under the skin for weeks after a full alignment.
I eat motrin by the 800 mg at a time. The inexpensive Costco brand as it has a good enteric coating. After meals only.
When i was really really bad I could not move, the light hurt my eyes so bad I could not go outside for weeks at a time. The only thing that helped was a good shower massage. Any wet, deep heat seems to work best for me. I've taken all the pills until my liver is damaged and so is my heart from all the motrin (over 30 years of eating it like candy) because I could not get anything else.
Oh I do take Welbutrin XL (one a day 300mg) adn that at least helps the depression a bit. As we know on days we don't hurt as bad, we are not so depressed. I learned NOT to say that around non Fibro docs as they immediatly scream BI POLAR!! which it is not, it's fibro pain/depression cycle. I tried Effexor and that was worse than useless. Made me sweat like a pig and gave me extreme anxiety attacks, or those started at the same time and it was just timing.
Vitamins and supplements - from natural sources are the best but even the cheaper ones have some value. Teh COQ10 with MSM is great adn helps with other issues too. Progesterone and Estrogen support from bioidential sources ONLY are helping me alot. the facia and muscles need these , so says my doc anyway, to stay strong, elastic, hydrated and smooth. And a testosterone to help repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Since I started them up again I have not had a Fibro crash,. Pain still, but no feeling of being overwhelmed with it to the point of wanting to go to bed and never get up again.
When I got that bad, I bought a horse. One that had been abused so I had to get up and go out and feed, water and work with her daily. I think the act of moving around helped me physically adn horseflesh in general helps my mental mood ;)
Ok this is too long. sorry!
Greylight
consult with your doctor then find a really beginning yoga tape or stretching tape or a qui dong tape
take it easy first week hurt me I almost gave up after a while you will beable to more and more stretches
besides the fibro I have had three failed back surgeries with neuropathy in my legs and feet - my left leg gives out causeing me to fall and I have severe arthitis in knees and hips---I can't walk fast -but i try to walk and if i don't keep up with the physical thearpy and stretching the pain gets worse
good luck and remember to start easy and work up to highr levels slowly and except pace that your body will allow
good luck
If my pain managment doc wants me to do pysical theripy thats fine i'll do it.
im gald excersising helps alot of people but i would tell my doc to explore other opions besides just telling me to excersise.