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.

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levisgranny 02/23/2009

That's what I call it,Lol! I have 2 dogs, and 1 cat that live inside with us. I also have outside animals(chickens, turkey, miniature pony,3 fainting goats) but that is another story. Anyway, my daughter, who also has FM has 2 dogs inside also. We were talking the other day about how much our pets help with our pain. I was just curious if it is only us that do this and only our pets that react to our pain this way, or do you all have the same things going on with your pets? Anyway, when I am in a flare, I spend lots of time on the couch and the recliner. Any other time, my pets go about their day doing the things animals do. But when a flare hits, they curl up with me. their body heat feels so good and their softness is very comforting. Its like their bodies are little heating pads. They make sure they get real close too. Mine very seldom move away from me during these times. Just to go do their jobs outside and right back in. When I am sad, they hang right with me, too. My daughters pets do the same to her. They must have a sensor built in to pick up on when things are not right, lol! I know this is kinda weird sounding, but I was just wondering if anyone else gets love from their pets like this. Maybe dogs really ARE mans best friend...and womens and...etc. Lol! Have a great day, all! Hugs~ Cheryl

deleted_user 02/23/2009

Pets also help us move a lot I think that helps as well. Theey definately are therapy!

deleted_user 02/23/2009

Dogs are very intuitive. I have a 3-yr. old Great Dane who is johnny-on-the-spot to assist me when I need help getting up. She acts as a cane. She doesn't like to be around me when I get angry but when I'm sad and crying, she gives me lots of Dane hugs. She often senses my mood before any human.

deleted_user 02/23/2009

Oh I know my cats know when I am hurting. Last night I was on the couch watching a movie because I could sleep due to the pain. And I had two cats curled up one on each side of me and one on the back of the couch up next to the back of my neck. And when I went to go crawl into bed the follwed me and want to be in bed with me. Now mind you that is ok for two of them but the one that was on the back of the couch,he is a homebody and doesn't like to be by anyone. Unless they are hurting then he won't leave them alone. It was wierd to see all five of my cats all at once folling me around the house like lost little puppy dogs. And they have doing this for the last few days. I have been in a flare for the last few days so I know the know when I am hurting. Have you ever had a 30 pound Maine Coon try to lay on the back of you neck when you are hurting????It is deffantly a new experiance!!!

levisgranny 02/23/2009

Lol! No Pepsi, I have never had that happen to me! Funny mental image tho! Lol! Yep, pets are great, aren't they? Thanks for the comments! Gentle hugs to you all! Cheryl

deleted_user 02/23/2009

I am having a flare up today and came home from work. I got in the PJs and into my bed. covered up and then my favorite cat tony snuggles up beside me and purrs.Helps me right away.....love my pets.

levisgranny 02/23/2009

Awww sleeper, I am so sorry! I know how the loss of a dear pet feels. I lost my little shitzsu just a couple months ago. She was with me for 10 years and I miss her so badly. She too, took a part of me with her. So sad. Hugs to you! Cheryl

deleted_user 02/23/2009

I'm so sorry sleeper! But pets have a way of knowing. My papillon won't leave me alone, even to go to the bathroom, when he know's I'm having a flare-up.

Zzzzowl 02/23/2009

It has been medically proven that animals help us heal, here in the UK we have charities that set up visits to various care homes by pet owners and their animals, usually dogs, but also cats. Many elderly people's care homes have a resident cat for the residents to pet and it hardly ever fails to bring a smile to that person's face as they stroke the animals who is sitting on their laps purring away.
Even my dog, Harvey, who is epileptic, knows when I'm in a flare or just needa nuzzle from him. Harvey also enjoys a back, leg, neck and chest massage either with my hands or I run my tripod massager over him, he loves it.

deleted_user 02/23/2009

I have 2 dogs they know when I am feeling bad or just upset. Bill has to leave by 10 p.m. for work thats day shift by the way. but my 2 dogs know its not right for dad to be gone all night they both lay at the entrance to my bed room door. no one gets in that room, if they hear a sound they poke me with there cold noses. I couldn't be with out my furry friends.

deleted_user 02/23/2009

i wish i could get a small lap dog like a maltese for therapy but my apartment doesnt allow pets

deleted_user 02/23/2009

I just made an appointment the other day to test myself and my 3 yr. old Dane, Fiona, to be a Therapy Dog, Inc. team.

We'll got to nursing homes (one very near my home) and schools. At the homes, we'll visit and at the schools, kids will read to Fiona.

I'm excited to be getting out and helping with something. I been feeling very useless lately. I think the bronchitis is subsiding - unless I'm just fooling myself again.

deleted_user 02/23/2009

Hi, I know how it feels to have the unconditional love of pets. I have three cats and a poodle. They know when you need them. I am most at peace when my black cat crawls in my lap and purrs. Pure joy and serenity with him.

deleted_user 02/23/2009

My Border Collie, Cody use to be my shadow when I was sick. He wouldn't leave the room I was in. Always beside me, snuggleing into me. He gave me soo much love. Whe I went into the hospital, my husband said he sat at the door waiting for me. He just moped around. We were able to get permission for him to come and visit me in the hospital. He walked beside my husband as though he was part of the staff. In my room he cautiously walked up to my bed waited for permission and when I gave it he jumped up on the bed. He immediately snuggled into me and gave me a bath on my face. That was the best medicine ever.

Hugs Nancy

deleted_user 02/23/2009

sometimes when the pain gets so over welming & iam in another room trying to get to the bed or vise versa i will just sit where iam & get still my cat "VITO" will quitly sit down beside me face towards me just sitting w/me! untill i talk to him then he meaws like saying common you can make "US" together then i'll move he he carefully follows! he too lays as close as he can & even in the night i will lay on him & he carefully moves over w/out trying to wake me!
love him so! & my dog is te same way if i haven't gotten out of bed in too long=not eating or bathroom= she will try to wake me just my sitting by bed looking @ me!

deleted_user 02/23/2009

My cats are great and yes when I'm feeling bad they stick to me like glue. The only thing is when I shut the light off to go to bed they all jump down. I really must toss and turn alot.

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