Fibromyalgia Support Group
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Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while (although I read) because of going through some huge changes in life (emigrating to Europe) and successfully re-training for a new career. The Fibro symptoms have been quite manageable for some months (I had so many deadlines and no time to stop!) and Ive got by one daily dose of Codeine and ibuprofen.
So Ive arrived in Europe, have bought a one month rail pass and booked a bunch of places I want to visit (mostly staying with old friends here). Normally the excitement and the stimulation of travel kicks in and the Fibro symptoms are not so noticeable, but this time I am suddenly in major flare up!
Its so frustrating as I saved my money carefully and bought this rather expensive train pass, and feel like Ive got to make the most of it now. Also, I cant move into my new apartment until next month. I was wondering if anyone had any tips of trying to travel with Fibro?
It could be the combination of a very stressful few months trying to sell up and move (dont even ask!) and arriving from winter weather into extreme heat, but I just dont have the energy to do sightseeing and just feel like sleeping half the day. The pain in my arms and legs has returned somewhat and I just feel physically and emotionally overwhelmed to be honest.
I probably was over ambitious with my schedule and have booked too many different cities, but Ive had to keep moving since I don't want to outstay my welcome as a guest in friends homes. Tomorrow I have to take a 6 hour rail trip and a lot of walking with suitcases to stay with my next friend, Help!
So Ive arrived in Europe, have bought a one month rail pass and booked a bunch of places I want to visit (mostly staying with old friends here). Normally the excitement and the stimulation of travel kicks in and the Fibro symptoms are not so noticeable, but this time I am suddenly in major flare up!
Its so frustrating as I saved my money carefully and bought this rather expensive train pass, and feel like Ive got to make the most of it now. Also, I cant move into my new apartment until next month. I was wondering if anyone had any tips of trying to travel with Fibro?
It could be the combination of a very stressful few months trying to sell up and move (dont even ask!) and arriving from winter weather into extreme heat, but I just dont have the energy to do sightseeing and just feel like sleeping half the day. The pain in my arms and legs has returned somewhat and I just feel physically and emotionally overwhelmed to be honest.
I probably was over ambitious with my schedule and have booked too many different cities, but Ive had to keep moving since I don't want to outstay my welcome as a guest in friends homes. Tomorrow I have to take a 6 hour rail trip and a lot of walking with suitcases to stay with my next friend, Help!
Basically, anything without sugar, and with electrolytes to balance them. You can even try Pedialyte, or the equivalent thereof. Sometimes a little boost in potassium & magnesium intake can help me stave off or minimize emo-flares if I've been crying a lot (as with my PTSD). Otherwise, I'd say let the friends know how bad it is, and hope they'll be kind enough to accommodate your need for extra rest.
Good luck, and kudos to you for the courage to do so much!
Leo
I was just diagnosed with fibro this year. I had no idea why I would get so tired when I traveled. Leo... I will keep the potassium magnesium tip in my hat for the future. Just the regular dose, or ramped up?
Carmelb.... do what you can. Try not to push yourself over the edge. I would be doing the same thing though. I can't wait to go to Europe. Too many things going on to go anytime soon. But I can't wait! Enjoy!
Here's wishing less pain for us all!!
XOXO
I think you are very brave. I haven't left my bed for the last 3 days!
I have found personally that stress is a trigger for me. And being a mom of five, I don't rarely have the time to just stop what I'm doing to rest. This is good in some ways and bad in others. One good thingies j have found on many occasions that if I punch through a bit that the flare up will settle down.. (Generally because there was something stressing me that I wasn't aware of that got resolved). And then sometimes I do overdo it and ... Well as you know bad flare ups suck! Lol!!
May I suggest that you go on your trip because at your passion.. But be sure to allow yourself comfort. Like maybe a heating neck pa or ack pad while you travel? Drink chamomile or other stress relieving drinks (stay away from caffeine! Lol). And find the joy and focus on it.
I have found that the pain will be there whether I am out enjoying life or in bed focusing on my pain.. I simply refuse to let Fibro rob me of my life.. Well anymore of it than it has already!
I hope you enjoy every moment of you trip! Just be sure to incorporate self relaxing techniques and methods.. And who knows?!
Maybe you'll find the best things are yet to happen!
Many loves and gentle hugs.. .
Have a pain free day no matter what you decide!
Arnica--which is good for muscles strains and overtaxing your muscles.
Nux Vomica--great for nausea.
Arsnicum--good for food poisoning.
Homeopathy is used much more in Europe than the US. You might try going into a pharmacy and seeing if you can find an English speaking pharmacist who can recommend homeopathic formulas for you.
I know in Canada you can get Tylenol with a low dose of codeine over the counter. That may be true in Europe too. Depending on the country you can often see a doctor for free or little and they are not so judgmental about pain meds. Perhaps you can get some pain meds and/or sleeping meds to help carry you over. Good luck. Have fun.
I am now staying with a close friend for a few days and have been able to really relax and sleep in a comfortable bed, do my washing and just rest. Some of the time I am being hosted by people I don't know well, so I have to try and explain to my hosts that I can't see a whole new city in one day and have to take it easy sometimes.
Yesterday we visited a beautiful and historic city I really wanted to see, so I opted to pay for one of those funny little tourist train rides because I didn't have the energy to walk all day :)
Its interesting about the magnesium and minerals, because I am drinking a lot of local mineral water here in Germany and apparently some of them have high levels of magnesium. Some days Ive had plenty of energy and really got a lot done. I really wanted to visit Therme Erding (Europe's biggest spa) since I went there in 2009 and the treatments were wonderful, but the queues were so long (being in the middle of the holiday season here) and we had to give up waiting.
Well, I'm having a 'downer' day in bed today and just relaxing around the apartment, catching up with emails and preparing for the final week of my travel tomorrow. Next stop: Berlin, then back down south, the last friend I will stay with also has to take things gently due to her health so I am sure she will be a great person to stay with.
I cant see a doctor here until I take out proper medical insurance (at the moment Im only covered by travel insurance which does not include pre-exisiting conditions)
Thanks to all for your comments and ideas - it felt great to read them, so wonderful to have such understanding people out there (and yes sometimes I really think I must be crazy to take all this on, but if I get the opportunity I would regret not taking it :))