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Posted 9/3/2008 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
My name is Emilie, I was diagnosed a couple weeks after years of pain and the doctors saying it was from one thing or another. So I finally got to see a doc that after many other tries to say it was from lack of sleep or diet finally gave me the diagnosis. She also came up with the idea that I needed to see a physical therapist who told me that I need to so some aerobic exercise and strengthen my "core muscles" and one idea was to take the dog for a walk but make sure that I am keeping a good pace so that my heartbeat is up and I am sweating. Well I gave it a try and the next day I could not walk at all and the following day when I went back to see the PT walking was still difficult and she cringed when she say me and told me that there was nothing else that she could do for me. She gave me a TEMS, if you don't know what that is it is a little electroshock thing where you put the little patch things where you are having pain and the electrical pulses are supposed to confuse the nervous system at that spot and not be able to send the pain to the brain. HMMMMM, well needless to say it doesn't really work for me. Iy barely lowers the pain levels but if I turn up the voltage to where it might actually take more of the pain away it sends my muscles into convulsions. So I went back to my PCP who prescribed Gabapentin, which is supposed to be the equivalent to Lyrica you just have to build up to a mx dosage. So I guess I will have to wait and see if this is going to help. I currently am in the process of moving to FL from NE, the movers come on Monday and everyday my mom keeps asking if I am done packing. I get so frustrated with this, she doesn't understand that everyday I just want to crawl up into a ball and cry from the pain but here I am again trying to pack up an apartment by myself. The last time I had to do this was less then a year ago and I was in the middle of a horrible flareup from my UC. I just wish I could twitch my nose and have everything done but I'm a trooper who never needed anyone's help before so I have to be strong, grit my teeth and get it done. My own brother and sis-in-law only live 5 blocks away and they haven't even offered to help in any way. Sorry, today is just a bad day for me and I guess I needed to vent a little. Well that is my story in a nut shell, guess I should get back to work break time is over. I look forward to getting to know all of you and maybe help in any way I can like everyone in the UC forum helped me when I was first diagnosed with that.
I wish peace and a less painful day to all,
Emilie turn
Posted 9/3/2008 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Emilie, and welcome to the fibromyalgia forum!  I'm so glad you joined us.  I walk my dog every morning, but I don't walk at that pace and I don't break a sweat.  With fibro, you want gentle stretches and exercises.  If you overwork the muscles, you'll pay for it...big time.  You already found that out!  It will get better though.

Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread.  It's the second thread on the forum.  There are links to some good info about fibro.  One is a link to gentle stretching exercises and these really do help.  They are done sitting in a chair, no less!  Once your muscles settle down, I would suggest that you again try walking your dog, but at a decent pace.  I don't stroll.  I walk briskly but it definitely isn't a power walk!  I always feel better when I get home.  

Hot showers and moist heat help with fibro.  Get a rice bag and heat it in the microwave.  It will give off moist heat for about a half and hour and it does feel good on the really sore muscles.  We have several people that use the TENS, too.  I haven't tried it but some here love it.

You do need to learn how to pace yourself, too.  You can't do the same amount of work in the same period of time as you used to.  It will just cause you more pain.  I do a little and then take a break.  It will be difficult since you are moving soon.  You have so much to do right now so do the best you can without causing pain.

I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and I hope you love Florida as much as I do.  Take care and I hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine 

Posted 9/4/2008 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
:-)  Hi, Emily, im fairly new myself, everyone is really fab in this site and Im sure you'll get as much help and support as I did.  Im on lyrica , most fibro people seem to be on it.  I take large doses and it works straight off.  My pain was to severe for the norm gp meds so I get them from a  pain specialis/rheumy and I have the pain under control, sort of .  It took two years.  My doc still treats me like a hypocondriac.  You may need to see specialists.  I found muscle relaxants a help also and you can them from a gp.  Pain and sleep are the two issues hopefully you'll find the help quicker than I did.  Its hard to get them on board but just keep trying until you get the right meds.  Physical things such as cardio type excersice , stretching and massaging cripple me for four to five days so I dont.  I just go for a slightly fast walk each day and its all I can do.  Swimming is good but I cant get to pool.  Anyways welcome.  keep us updated.    sue2z :-) :-) :-)
Posted 9/4/2008 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Emilie,

 

First of all, welcome to the family.  This is a great place to come to learn all you can about fibro, and you'll meet some amazing people along the way.  I hope you'll visit as much as possible. :-)

 

OK, next-are we related? eyes   LMBO!  Yeah, the fibro fog is really thick, today! rolleyes    Anyway, I still have a friend with a sister who goes to UConn, LOL.

Anyway, among the other meds I am on, I'm also on Neurontin (Gabapentin) 300mg twice daily.  I know that is a pretty low dosage, but I can't tell that if it helps-although, it doesn't bother me.  But, what works for one person with fibro doesn't work for another.  I go to PT, too, but I don't know how much it is helping.  I like going-my PT is great, but the pain is unbearable the day after. cry   But, at this point, I'm willing to try anything to not be in pain 24/7.  There's no other way for me to explain it than to just say, "It sucks!" sad

 

Alrighty, I hope your move goes well.  And since we sound so much alike, if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to email me.  You may not know it yet, but I'm the babbler around here. tongue   So, I'm always willing to talk-especially to someone who understands what I am going through.  Besides, can we really ever have too many friends? confused

Posted 9/4/2008 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emilie and welcome to our family. Good luck with the move. Wish I was moving to Fl., well not right now with the hurricanes. smhair You do have to pace yourself and you will find your comfort zone. It takes us all time to figure all this out so go easy on yourself and don't beat yourself up when you can't do what you use to. Lord knows we feel beat enough with our sore bodies.

 

Read as much as you can, ask questions and yes, vent when you need to we are here for you.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 9/4/2008 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emilie! UC? I assume you mean Ulcerative Colitis? I have Crohn's. Fibro is common with these diseases. I can't take Lyrica or Neurontin. Neurontin flared the Crohn's. Lyrica was all around bad with me. I guess it helps those who can take it though. You sound like a type A personality. So am I. Just get 'er done and suffer the consequences. Someday I'll learn; I hope!

BTW, I have the gurgling tummy too.  I call it a "rumbly in my tumbly".  Like Winnie the Pooh (lol)!

Post often so we can get to know you!

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