HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

What finally sends YOU to bed????

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/1/2014 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have decided today that due to pain and stiffness being worse than ever, today is a couch day. Still, being a newbie I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing. I don't know whether on days like today I should put even more effort into some exercises, keep moving and fight this darn infliction. But wouldn't that be breaking the "Pace Yourself" idea??

How do you know when you should just rest or keep fighting, what sends YOU to bed???
Posted 1/1/2014 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome!

Everyone has to learn for themselves, what their own limit is and what their body needs. We are all so different.

For me, it has to be really gosh-awful to keep me still. I get stiffer and stiffer if i stay still, so I do try to stay active unless my body quits on me. I mean, I am not out jogging or running marathons, but I stay up and stay moving.

Happy New Years! And, BTW, if you had a drink or so last night, this might be your body's way of repaying you.
Posted 1/1/2014 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Like myself 09, I try to stay active when I'm flaring but I try not to overdo. I'd get too stiff and hurt all the more if I decided to spend days in bed.

Each morning after I wake, I will do some gentle stretching and put all my joints through a full range of motion. I take time to do stretches throughout the day and generally get a daily walk in, even if I'm flaring...it may be a short one, but it is beneficial to me. Moist heat helps me, so I take the time to soak in a hot bath. I also use the microwaveable moist heating pads when I'm resting.

Learning to relax by using deep breathing techniques and mental imagery has really helped with getting rid of muscle tension. I practice meditation at least a couple times a day during the day, if not more.

I do take a SNRI daily and use a muscle relaxer when needed. Vitamin D and B-12 supplements have been helpful.

I try to be aware of any negative self talk...I know I can make myself feel worse if I dwell on my pain. Finding something to do that I enjoy can help distract it. Like I mentioned in another thread, it all takes practice and you will learn what is working for you. Alleviating stress is really a biggie. Stress only aggravates our symptoms, so make time for yourself to just unwind.

Hoping your flare will wind down soon and you get some great relief :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 1/2/2014 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have other health issues so when I am flaring, I have to take it easy. If I push myself, I will continue to pay for it. So I just relax on the couch or my recliner and either read, play on my computer or watch TV. I don't usually go to bed unless I have really bad fatigue and can't stay awake.
Posted 1/2/2014 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there

I am still learning myself what to do in moments like this...

Myself and CrazyKitty are right, its good to keep moving, I only notice my ailments when I have sat down and start to try and relax, thats when all the twitching / jerking / stiffness / pain starts to happen...On the other hand if i walk too much or push too hard I also pay for this, im not sure what is middle ground for me yet and I have had this a year

We will get there I am sure :o)
Posted 1/3/2014 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes we will get there,
It seems weird to me that some of you feel worse when not moving, because sitting on the couch with my feet up is pain free for me, its only getting on or up from it that kills me! So I spent half the day on the couch and started to feel less sick and headachy. After that i got up and started moving....through the pain.
Why is everything such an effort and cause such pain? I feel like all my muscles have been stretched and beaten with a baseball bat or i have done a work out for 10 hours too long. This morning when i woke up my arms were frozen into place and trying to stretch them to start moving was agony, same with my back and legs. What are these heat pads I hear people talking about, do they help at all??
Posted 1/3/2014 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Exercise for fibromites isn't optional...it's almost a must. Fibromyalgia does not damage muscle, joints or tissue but not exercising will cause muscles to become weak because they will start to atrophy...muscles tighten up, ligaments shorten and more pain sets in.

I found that a daily walk helps reduce my symptoms. Taking time to stretch and strengthen your muscles will help. Some fibromites find water therapy works better for them.

The microwaveable moist heating pads can be purchased at most pharmacies or you could make them by filling a tube sock with long grain rice and knotting it. Check online to see if you can find something in your area. I'm sitting with mine right now :) I have several in different sizes and they do provide relief for sore, achy muscles.

Wishing you well

hugs, Robin
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply