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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 1/6/2011 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ... I've been living with Fibro for at least a few years and its certainly an insidious thing. No wonder it sometimes takes a while to diagnose. I have read the issues that others face and I feel a great affinity ... nice to read about others who understand ... I am pretty stunned and reading is troublesome as I'm not able to hold onto the content. I also have arthritis in my back and shoulders and knees so its tough to know what is the nerve pain (non damaging) of firbromyalgia and what is the pain of arthritis (where damage may be occurring).

I am impressed that others hold full time jobs. I know its a necessity ($) but it just does not seem possible to me ... yet?

I used to be a long distance swimming athlete ... and now exercise is so difficult since the pain puts me off and when I do go to the pool I'm not doing nearly the cardio workout I used to do. How do others handle exercise and fitness? I'd love to know.

Thank you for the blessing of the knowledge that I am not alone.
Posted 1/6/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, njgs, and welcome!  I'm glad you found us and joined the family.You can have pain in your back and shoulders with fibro, too.  It is hard to know what is causing what!  We just do the best we can.

 

You have to do gentle exercises with fibro.  I am just glad I'm moving!  I don't think about the cardio aspect that much.  I do walk and swim as my exercise.  The water exercise is great and so is yoga if you like things like that.  But you do want to stay as flexible as possible.  I know it's hard if you have arthritis but I would think the gentle exercises would be good for that too. 

 

Be sure to check out Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibromyalgia and you will learn a lot there.  There is a link to some good stretching exercises that really do help, too. 

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 1/6/2011 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum njs! You are never alone here, we are
here for one another. We really do care!

I agree that it can be difficult to know if it is the fibro or the
arthritis acting up sometimes. Exercise is great for both though.

Exercise really helps me in many ways...it helps relieve stress,
helps prevent me from getting stiff, gives me more energy, gives
me a sense of accomplishment. I've also have been sleeping so
much better lately.

I started walking with some of my neighborhood friends who
also have some health issues. We started out slow and gradually
increased our distance. I can now walk 3 miles and have gone
that far the last 3 days. When I'm flaring, I continue to walk.
but only go as far as my body allows.

Before I get out of bed each morning, I take time to do a routine
of gentle stretching. Be sure to read fibro 101 on the top of the
page, there is a wonderful resource of info, including gentle
stretches.

Water is supposed to be so good for us, so you being a swimmer
it seems to be the natural choice for you. I think the more we
do the stronger we get...we just have to be careful to pace
ourselves. Good luck to you!

I'm so glad you have joined us. Post often...we care!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 1/6/2011 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Many, many thanks.

Pacing myself is still a challenge but I am up for that challenge for sure! Planning is difficult as far as my schedule is concerned since I'm not sure what will be a good day and what will be a not-so-good day but its coming along, as I focus on my power to adjust and pace and go-with-the-flow. I have certainly found that arguing with my body ends in tears!!! : )

I will check out the Fibro 101 information.
Water is certainly the most welcoming exercise space for me and I shall continue! Move it or lose it.

Thanks again,
Nancy
Posted 1/6/2011 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy and welcome to our fibro family, Robin and Sherrine have given you excellant advice as far as the exercising. I just wanted you to know that I am glad that you have found us. Sorry that you have fibro but you have come to a great place with alot of caring people. Feel free to ask questions, vent if you need to or offer advice to others. Hope to hear from you soon.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 1/6/2011 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Nancy! Nice to meet you!!

I have to admit that I've been terrible with the exercise but when I was doing good, it was the pool that became my best friend. I do stretch everyday cuz I can't move unless I do!!

As far as accomplishing things on a daily basis, when it's a good day, I don't waste it. I conquer the world. But when it's a bad day, I do what I can and I ~try~ not to beat myself up about what I don't get done cuz I figure the fibro has already beat me up enough!

Looking forward to getting to know you!
Posted 1/7/2011 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Nancy and this is a wonderful place to socialize and meet new people. Plus as you know when all the special things that come with fibro that you are not alone.
Posted 1/9/2011 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nancy,

I was a competitive swimmer. One of the biggest challenges for me was to lose the need for regiment. There was once a time when I could dive into the pool and do an entire workout with the team on any given day. That workout had nothing to do with the rest of my day either. Whatever was planned was a given...it would happen. Now I cannot go to bed with the intention of swimming 3-4000 yards in the morning. It's a big contrast! The fibro diagnosis is still new to me, and only now am I truly facing this aspect of it. I must learn to live at a considerably slower pace. I never win those arguments with my body either!

Free Spirit
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