Sometimes I Could Cry

We've been looking for a new car and i go with my husband and don't last long before I run out of steam. It's painful in and out of cars. We want a new car because I want a smoother ride than the Corolla.

Energy I have no energy. I have to push myself and there's a fine line between pushing and overdoing. I do pace myself but I feel bad for my husband who has more energy at 75 than I had at 21. He does a lot for me.

My beagle, Olivia, wants to go for a walk. I wish I could take her but it hurts.

All I want to do is stay in bed and I know that's not good.. I'm 8 years into fibromyalgia and have tried all the drugs. I'm on Cymbalta and Baclofen and those two have enabled me to function.

So frustrating…

Arghhhh

Barb

Barb, it hurts me to walk too but I do it anyway. If you are in extreme pain then just walk a short distance...maybe two houses down. Try building up your stamina. Really do keep moving. The more I move the more energy I have and I have built up more stamina by keeping at it.

Pain come with the territory of fibro. I'm glad you have found some things that help you function. Have you tried supplements in addition to the medication? Supplements and gentle exercise really have helped me.

Joy is right about car shopping. Getting in and out of cars, walking all around looking is a lot of exercise when you are not used to it. Instead of being upset, give yourself a huge pat on the back for doing all of that! That is quite excellent!

By the way, I have a Camry and absolutely love it. The seats are so comfortable with a lumbar support feature and the car is larger than the Corollas so it's easier to get in and out of. Just a suggestion....

If you can, try to get leather seats. It's easy to swivel in the seat and then stand up to get out of the car. If you do end up with cloth seats, lay a garbage bag that is folded in half on the seat and put a comfy towel on top. I've used velour towels. Doing this allows you to swivel in the seat like you can with leather seats. I came up with this idea whenever I had to rent cars with cloth seats. It works like a charm and is sooo much easier on your back when getting in and out of the car.

Sherrine

Barb, 1,000 steps is a lot! I bet that's a lot more than what you could do when you started walking. Just keep it up. Stop before you are in too much pain. When you overdo, you pay a price.

It sounds like you are really working at feeling better. Keep it up and never give up. Less than two years ago, after having fibro for 27 years, I came across pickles and olives and now have less pain. You never know what will work for you so keep trying.

When your sister came and told you that you couldn't lie down, you should have said, "I sure can! What do you think I'm doing?" Next time let her know that you will kindly relegate your cleaning up chores to her since she is so concerned about that. Then drop it. Don't let people tell you what you should and shouldn't do! Who elected them god over your life! You are an adult and I know you help whenever you can. And if you need to lie down for a while then do it and don't feel guilty about it. You are the one living in that fibro body.

Thank you so much for the compliment. I really appreciate it!

Sherrine

Hi Barb: Great advice above, as usual!

I have little to add, but wanted to send some empathy. This year has had extra challenges, physically, for whatever reason, and wow, am I tired! I'm trying to take things minute by minute, day by day.

Also, as you likely know, it's good to try to take some time for some fun things you enjoy like hobbies. Maybe you can't walk Olivia for long, but could you 'play fetch' or something similar, where you don't have to walk much? Or just shorten your walk?
It helps me to scale back if I can't go "full steam ahead"; at least I know I did a little something.

I don't know why, but my energy level hasn't been great lately, either. Maybe I'm overdoing it in the garden and not saving up enough energy to get other things done.

You said you take Baclofen. How is that working for you? Does it help much with stiffness? My stiffness has ramped up to the point where I'm checking in with a neurologist, but have to wait to get in for an appointment. I currently take Flexeril, but boy, even part of a tablet makes me very sleepy and doesn't seem to do much for stiffness.

Have you had any side effects to the Baclofen?

Thanks for any response, and I sure hope things are better for you soon. Fibro seems to have its terrible moments, followed by better days. Best wishes and heres to better days!

Thanks for the info on the meds, Barb. I think I'm going to mention them to the neurologist. I'm also glad you mentioned you get terrible cramps in your legs if you don't take Baclofen. My legs tend to cramp if I look at them, LOL! I need all the help I can get there. Baclofen sounds like a God-send.

Yes, it's amazing how sensitive to pain we can be. My husband gave me a hug yesterday and my back muscles felt like they were screaming. I'll say it again: Fibro is just weird, weird 'stuff.'

I do hope they find some sensible answers for us soon, too.

Hope you have a pain-free or at least comfy weekend!