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A couple of fibromyalgia related questions (knee pain?/playing video games possible?)

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Posted 3/22/2018 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello!

As someone who's fairly new to this, is it common to have really sensitive knees with fibromyalgia? I fell on both knees several months ago, and then a few months after that, I started getting horrible aches in my knees any time I walk even a little longer than normal. I don't dare go out for a walk at the park or around the neighborhood, or I'll come back limping. Even just tapping on my kneecap lightly with my fingers can cause really awful pain to shoot down my leg.

Also, what's the likelihood of still being able to go back to playing video games even if you have fibromyalgia? Before my symptoms manifested, it was pretty much my main hobby, and I've been having to avoid them entirely for about a year and a half now, which has really been getting to me. I'm hoping to find some form of medication and/or treatment that'll make playing them possible again, but I'm worried that it may be a thing of the past at this point.
Posted 3/22/2018 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
I played video games occasionally with my children many years ago. I recall that I would become stiff and sore sitting there so I didn't participate for very long.

We need to keep fairly active. If you can't take long walks, take short ones, that's what I do.
Posted 3/22/2018 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
It's hard when something enjoyable that can distract you from your circumstance is taken away. I know my son sometimes watches people who game on youtube - not quite the same, but you might get some pleasure from watching others play. Have you gone to physiotherapy to try to address the specific areas that are painful? Neck, shoulder and arm pain can be helped a lot with treatment and then really gentle stretches. Just make sure the therapist is someone who knows about fibromyalgia. Trigger point therapy can be helpful - there is a book called the trigger point manual, but you can google and get some ideas as well. Just be careful to start of gently - you can make things worse if you overdo. Also, making sure your computer set up is good with a proper desk, desk chair and monitor makes a big difference. Small amounts throughout the day and see how things go. As for the knees, I'd get that checked out further. It might be something that can be helped with physio, massage, topicals etc.
Posted 3/22/2018 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the fibro forum, Alex! Did you read Fibro 101, the very first post on the forum? Lots of good info.

I always try to alternate "active" movement with something sedentary. That works pretty well. For example, I just did some laundry and folded some clothes and put them away. Now I'm sitting here, getting a little break. But I never can sit for long--as almost medfree said, we need to keep fairly active. I can stiffen up again quickly!

It can be easier said than done. I'm in a strong flare now, but pushing hard against it. I plan to keep doing active work for a while through the day, followed by a little couch time, but not a long time on the couch. When I'm there, I go through mail, or sort through magazines I really need to go through (yes, I did unsubscribe from a couple). smile

So really, it's up to you as far as whether or not you can do something. If it's something you enjoy, it can be a good way to distract you from the pain. Music, reading, crafts, and some prayer time help me every time.

I don't have much trouble with my knees, though occasionally I do get weird sensations there if I start to kneel. Could it be arthritis? Maybe you could get it checked out by a board-certified rheumatologist. I'm blaming this flare on our cold, damp weather. I haven't been "officially" checked, but I do think I have a bit of arthritis, especially in my hands. I go into a flare without fail every late winter, and it's better once the snow melts and things dry up a bit. I just keep trying to push through it, though gently.

Hope you have a good day, and again, welcome. smile
Posted 3/22/2018 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Alex, and welcome! You have gotten good responses from some of our members...as usual. I agree that an appointment with a board certified Rheumatologist would be a good idea. I don’t hear much about the type of knee pain and hand pain you are describing. I don’t have these problems and I can and do play video games...occasionally. No one should sit there for hours and do that. Healthy people could create pain in their hands and arms that way. Everything in moderation is best.

I see you have been referred to Fibro 101. Do check it out. You can learn a lot about this illness there.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Don’t hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
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