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Posted 8/15/2012 2:36 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everybody.  I'm new to fibro, and am hoping some of you will have some ideas that may help me.

about 10 years ago I started having strange aches and pains (on a regular basis).  In my youth I'd always had painful growth spurts, tender points, headache, and painful periods.  Always explained away with development.  As an adult I had lazy drs and they kept saying I had osteo arthritis, cronich pain, tendinitis, cartlige disease or whatever.  I've finally found a dr. to truly read my past charts.  He looked through everything, determined I had a lot of blanket diagnosis that didn't really fit in with my dizziness, burning, pain, migranes, stinging, soreness and so on.  He also explained some of my diagnosis were just wrong.  He was acutally the first dr. in my life that could tell me why I had such sensitive pressure points.  For years if people pushed on the top of my head, outside of my legs, elbows or neck I would nearly drop to the ground writhing in pain.  Turns out I have 14 responsive areas.  Who knew?

I am stubbornly active, and am not at a point that I'm willing to give up my water ski trips, hiking, bow shooting, conditioning training, or play time with my 4 youngsters.  I realize I'm probably not doing myself any favors, but I can't just give up  on my life as I've always known it.  Does anybody else feel that way?  Somedays I can hardly move from pushing myself too far.  Is it horrible to do that to myself?

For the last 6 months I've managed to be fairly stable with a decent diet- low in grease, yoga and meditation daily, slightly aggressive workouts 2 days a week-- usually in the pool, and at least 9 hours of sleep a night.  But, that said, when I flare I REALLY FLARE up (bed ridden).  I am not ideal for the medications on the market as I have kidney disfunction already, and gallbladder issues. My question is have any of you found any other natural treatments that have helped? I'm currently looking into essential oils for auromatherapy, but would love to hear any other ideas.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Posted 8/15/2012 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, 4kids&fibro -

Welcome to the fibro forum! I applaud your tenacity. You may find that you do have to ease up a bit, though, on your more exerting activities...then again, you may be the exception to the rule. That would be great! We do definitely have to keep moving enough, but generally it's through more gentle movements. If I tried to do what you described, well - I hate to think!

I'm not one of the best here to advise you on natural remedies, but we do have many members who have seen improvements by going that way, and I'm sure they'll be along to share that with you soon -well, probably tomorrow - I mean later today! (I always hope to incorporate more natural things into my routine in the future, but it's funny how that future keeps slip-sliding away.) I do take Magnesium, Calcium, and Malic Acid, and I think those helps with muscle pain. I try to eat pretty healthfully, and do common-sense things.

Have you checked out the FIbro 101 thread, first on the list? It has lots of the kind of info you are looking for. It would really be worth your while. It is a permanent thread so you can always refer back to it.

Again, welcome, and I hope we hear more from you.

Debbie
Posted 8/15/2012 8:22 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum. I am using tiger balm. You get it in red, white and an oil. I also use other medication but this brings temporary relief straight away.
Posted 8/15/2012 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, am another who refuses to stop.

You have to plan for your fun. Make sure you have the right food and enough water, the right clothing and shoes, extra painkillers, and suntion lotion, bug spray.

Keep active daily. Learn to listento yourbody.

Know your limits and be sure your partner knows and understands. They may hear, but they don't always get it. We were biking a few weeksago and got caught in a bad storm. We tried to get to a campsite that was a mile away. My partner wasyelling, cmon,hurry. When wegot there, I explained again that I go the pace that I need to go. No buts. Unless he would like to go get the car and then. Figure out how to pick me up here.

Also, aftermajor outings you need toplan rest and recovery, and you need to make peace with some painkillers that work.

Enjoy!
Posted 8/15/2012 2:32 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you ladies for getting back to me so fast!  I really appreciate your help.  I've always gone all out in a million directions, but I'm learning to slow down some now.  It's kind of fibro's gift to me. 

I used to teach aerobics, lifeguarding and swimming but in the last few years I've had to let those go.  Along with all my extreme hobbies. My elbows just couldn't take the rock climing anymore, and my downhill skiiing and snowboarding was killing my back and legs, and mountain biking days are behind me-- all the above reasons. I almost feel bad saying I still hike as I stick to a trail, and wear a knee brace, instead of scurrying over obsticles and up rocks and trees. I know in comparison I do a lot, I'm just too stubborn to quit everything.

I will look into Tiger Balm right away, biofreeze just isn't doing it for me anymore.

I do think I need to be a better planner on my outings.  Thanks SO much for the tips in that area!

Posted 8/15/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome!  Oh, you don't have to stop what you are doing if you can do it without a huge amount of pain.  Your body will let you know what you can and cannot do.  Exercise is really great for fibro and if you can do those types of exercises, that's terrific!  Many of us can't.

 

I use ibuprofen with food, extra strength Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements and an alternative pain product called Curamin.  The only prescription I take for fibro and another rheumatic illness is a muscle relaxer called Robaxin.  This has made a significant difference as far as my muscle pain goes.  You just have to try things and see what works best for you. 

 

Flares?  Take hot showers and invest in a Bed Buddy.  You can find these at Walgreen's, BB&Beond, and other places.   Ohhhh they do feel good on those sore muscles.  Drink lots of water, too.  Many times when we hurt so much we just don't eat or drink like we should and I think water really helps.  I am drinking it all day long...not just when I have flares.  There are some gentle stretching exercises on Fibro 101 that will help along with going for a walk.  That is very easy exercise and you should feel better when  you get home. 

 

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

 

Sherrine

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