When We Abuse Our Bodies

Hi Everyone,

I"ve been thinking about writing this post for a good amount of time. I came across another wonderful article this morning that talks about how sitting too much can lead to anxiety.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2015/08/07/deepbreath/jQZKiZgg3syi0wm1TcKIhK/story.html

But to get to the larger subject: I wonder if fibromyalgia can be caused from taking poor care of ourselves which I was guilty of for years. We can do harm to ourselves by not eating enough nutritious foods or drinking too many fluids that are not good for us. We can do harm to ourselves by not hydrating our bodies with enough water. We can harm ourselves by not getting enough exercise or spending too much time on our electronics. We can harm ourselves by not getting a good night's sleep. Finally we can do harm to ourselves by not doing all that we can to combat the stresses in our lives.

And when we come down with these symptoms from taking poor care of ourselves are we doing all that we can in being proactive to overcome what we've done? Are some of us relying on the bandaids of prescribed medications that may not necessarily be needed if we took better care of ourselves?

There is a quote that I love which states how we take care of ourselves the first half of our lives determines how well we do the second half. I know I didn't take proper care of myself. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to learn how to do this with the help of friends and this forum.

There's been talk recently in here about fibromyalgia not being progressive. Since other conditions like arthritis are progressive and some of arthritis's symptoms resemble those of fibromyalgia's, our fibro in a far-reaching sense could be considered progressive.

I've learned we can't sit around feeling angry about what life has dealt us. I've found the healthier I try to become the less stressed I feel. We need to do all that we can to be proactive in this.

There are people who have had fibro since early childhood so they couldn't have caused enough problems to have caused this illness. Plus, they believe this is a neurological problem.

I took good care of my body most of my life because I have had medical issues most of my life. I have kept myself hydrated, too, but yet developed fibro. But you know what? I haven't felt as good as I feel now in about 40 years! I do agree that we should watch what we eat, stick with fresh fruits and veggies, drink a lot of water because it not only hydrates you the best but also flushes out toxins in the body, and we need to do gentle exercises so this helps us to stay active.

As I said in another thread, I used to search and search to find answers and finally decided to leave it up to the specialists who have devoted their lives to trying to find a cause and then hopefully a cure for this illness. I now feel a lot better. I relieved a lot of stress and hence pain from thinking, worrying, and searching about health issues. No more Dr. Google for me! I'm too busy enjoying life.

Sherrine

I'm one of those who had symptoms beginning in childhood. My mom was a great cook and we ate healthy. As an adult I have been very careful about my diet because of early heart disease in my family. I've always exercised, stretched. I have never been over weight. But my symptoms never went away.

I will be 70 this year and even with fibro, having had breast cancer, and lots of other stuff, I still feel pretty good most of the time. I don't really worry about why I have fibro, I just do. I think they will eventually find out the causes.

I just live my life like I always did. Stay active, eat reasonably healthy, keep busy, and enjoy life.

Thank you all for your replies.

Debbie, my husband too is very healthy and he abused his body in some ways. I too believe we shouldn't sit around and feel sorry for ourselves but when I'm experiencing a pretty bad flare I like to figure out why so it doesn't happen anytime soon. My cranial sacral massage therapist has been teaching me to be kinder to my body, to help it to heal by trying not to experience anger about my limitations and my pain. With her encouragement, I'm even listening to meditative music while I do my x2 daily stretches and exercises.

Sherrine, I think if I was able to do more without causing flares I would not be so proactive in trying to help myself. It's wonderful that you're able to get out there and enjoy life. I enjoy it too but I have to be very careful. I believe God sets the stage of where our lives lead us but we also play a big part. Considering how there is thinking that fibro is a neurological problem, I've been hearing for years that nutrition plays a big part in our brain operations. And finally Dr. Google, sometimes I believe the reputable websites a bit more than some of our doctors who are only there to push meds.

Phix, thanks so much for your comments. Sorry you too had a difficult childhood. These days I try to keep my distance from toxic people, especially toxic relatives. It's wonderful that you found a great doctor, thanks for sharing. I too like to share information with my doctors. Phix, what is hydro therapy? I was seeing a chiropractor and I'm finding my cranial sacral massage therapist is helping me much more. Regarding personal emails, I would love to be able to do that, you sound like an interesting person. Thanks for asking, but, sorry, I can't. I try to limit my time at the computer because it causes me more pain due to my neck injury. I'll look forward to learning more about you here in this forum.

Puppylover, I love your attitude. Thanks for contributing to this thread. I'm glad you're doing so well.

Donna, I love to hear how people handle their fibro issues. Thanks.

Sometimes I wonder if our earliest childhood experiences can contribute to our health the remainder of our lives. Like whether we were breastfed or not. I wasn't and maybe that contributed to my lifetime of allergy and asthma issues. There I go thinking again. It was a different time. Now it's time to get out there and have a great day.

Post Edited (almost medfree) : 8/9/2015 5:43:01 AM (GMT-6)

We learn so much in here. Thanks for sharing that Sherrine.

Yes, thanks, Sherrine.

One other thing we should try to stay away from is chemicals. There are toxics out there that can hurt us every day. I love using my natural body wash and natural body soap. We also use Seventh Generation Laundry Soap and cleaning products.