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Posted 5/25/2015 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
First of all I have several illnesses that could cause pain. So I might be barking up the wrong tree but I don't think so. I see several specialists in different fields and they all say "well, the Fibro could be causing this pain and that pain". You get the picture.

What I want to know is if you all feel instant pain when you do a little bit of work that uses muscles and movement. Such as raking the yard, lifting anything more than five pounds etc. I just raked 2 little piles of grass clippings and was immediately in pain around my back, shoulders and chest.

I've dealt with MS and Fibro for years so I know what pain is. Just not sure where it's coming from. I'm almost 65 so I understand that things are changing. But I keep thinking I should be able to do a little work!! I feel like such a quitter. I keep hearing that we need to be active... get a little exercise. This is good for the MS and the Fibro. But I honestly cannot overextend myself even a little.

So, are you able to do chores at all??
Posted on 05/25/15, 05:54 pm
Posted 5/25/2015 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I do chores and take care of my home but I have to. I live alone. I stretch before doing things and I pace myself. I have huge gardens and, yes, I will hurt after working in them but I stretch it out, take a hot shower and go back to it the next day. Because of this, I can now work longer because I've been using those muscles. If you don't use your muscles for a while, they rebel when you do the least little thing.

My parents used to say if you don't use it, you lose it and I really believe it!

Sherrine
Posted 5/25/2015 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
It's true. Your body will feel as if it going to rebel with some movement. When it hurts, stop. Take a break. Go back when you are ready. Pacing is very important, because if you keep pushing, the pain will get worse.

But it is a catch-22, because when you don't move much, you do hurt much more.

It is a pain in the derriere, because it takes forever to get things done. But there aren't a lot of options.
Posted 5/25/2015 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Good advice from Sherrine and Myself 09.

I surely hear what you say! I'm nearing 60, and each year seems a little more difficult.

If I have a 'to do' list of everything that's on my mind that I hope to accomplish the next day (even little things), I find it makes things go better. Don't beat yourself up for not getting everything done; that's just not possible. It sometimes helps to alternate sitting and standing work and seems to save some energy.

Taking a break occasionally is okay, too. I try not to sleep during the day, or I won't sleep at night, but even 15 minutes reading a good book, praying, enjoying a craft, or whatever relaxes you can make you feel like you can get through the day.

Yes, I feel instant pain when I do anything very active, such as yard or gardening work.

We just do what we can. Some years back, I attempted to do medical transcription at home. I tried my best and really enjoyed the course and passed it with high honors, but found later I couldn't sit long enough to do the transcription! Boy, was I totally disappointed! But the stiffness was horrible, and though I gave it my very best, things just didn't work out. :(

It still bothers me today, yet I know it's nothing I can help. I also blame my neuro condition for 'chiming in' and contributing to the problem. Yet, I still try to find things that challenge me a little bit, and make me show a little effort. That does make me feel a little better--even a little success. :)
Posted 5/26/2015 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Sherrine.... can you be more specific when you say that when you hurt after working you will 'work them out'? Also, how do you stretch before doing things? How specifically do you pace yourself? Do you work a specific amount of time and then rest a specific amount of time?

Thanks for your help!

Sherrine said...
I do chores and take care of my home but I have to. I live alone. I stretch before doing things and I pace myself. I have huge gardens and, yes, I will hurt after working in them but I stretch it out, take a hot shower and go back to it the next day. Because of this, I can now work longer because I've been using those muscles. If you don't use your muscles for a while, they rebel when you do the least little thing.

My parents used to say if you don't use it, you lose it and I really believe it!

Sherrine

Posted 5/26/2015 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Yes i do chores, all of them..i do work slower and find tools to make some easier..

I weeded today, but stopped after 15 minutes..because the first day i did outdoor work, i went too long and hurt for a week..so i am pacing that into smaller portions. When i stopped weeding i came in to do my stretching..

Its very true that you need to keep moving..but with fibro you need to work up slowly....esp. With seasonal things that you are getting back into....

Cannot say enough about the trigger point therapy book..when a trigger point seems to almost lock up..the pain is a lot worse and range of motion is restricted..please at least research this angle to your pain.

Lj
Posted 5/26/2015 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
I swam for thirty minutes today and can barely move this evening because I also worked nine hours today. I feel like I've been hit by a Mac truck.
Posted 5/26/2015 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
LOL. So, 9 hours of work and then a swim? Yeah, that will hurt in the short run. But it will pay off for you in the big picture of energy and stamina. I miss my pool time! Rock on.
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