Too much rest?
bwelladjusted - Nov 2nd, 2009 4:11 PM
[ Original Post ]

I was diagnosed with fibro a little over six months ago, although I've had it longer than that. Right before my diagnosis I was working at a department store as a sales associate, and standing on my feet all day was killing me. I had already cut back my hours twice, and I still was barely making it. After a horrific flare the end of Feb. I just had to quit. Since my diagnosis, I have not really worked again, just helping a friend at her day spa a couple days a week doing some light laundry and reception/computer work. I'm only 19 and I still live at home, so I don't even have a lot of chores/cooking/laundry to do. Since standing, walking, lifting, etc always wears me out and makes me hurt worse, my mom insists on doing most of my chores for me. You'd think several months of rest would make me feel tons better, but I seem to keep getting worse. I know I need to exercise and keep moving...but I can't figure out how! I've tried water aerobics...after about 15 minutes I feel like I've been hit by MAC truck for the next three days. Today I tried just a few minutes of a Tai Chi video, and (along with falling over trying to hold those stupid poses) my legs, back and joints are throbbing! I enjoy walking, but I have such pain in my ankles, that I can only do that in very small amounts. Does anyone have a specific routine they use? (And I do mean very specific...I'm not very good at exercise) Or have you used a certain book or DVD? I really need the exercise, because I know I sit around way too much. My muscles are getting stiff and out of shape, and I'm really starting to get fat, and I've always been thin before! If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Comment


 

Noca - Nov 2nd, 2009 5:56 PM

You need to keep active as much as you can. The reason you feel so much pain after exercising is not all due to Fibro, its caused by not exercising as often.


Fantod - Nov 3rd, 2009 10:28 AM

You don't say what meds you are taking for Fibromyalgia (FMS). I hope that one of them is Amitriptylinbe or some other medication to help with sleep.

With FMS, unfortunately it doesn't really matter how much rest you get. FMS disrupts the deep sleep cycle with short bursts of high intensity brain activity. Sleep medication is needed to counteract that problem. Without deep sleep your muscles can not repair themselves from the days activities. No deep sleep means higher levels of muscle pain.

And, I agree with Noca to some degree that you are deconditioned from lack of activity. While your mother is trying to help, you should try to take some ownership of at least a portion of your chores everyday. The less you move about, the worse your situation will becme. This did not happen overnight and it is not going to get fixed immediaely either. Your water areobics class should have been one for arthitics not a regular class. Small steps equal big things over time. Take care.


bwelladjusted - Nov 3rd, 2009 11:56 AM

Thank you, guys!
I am not taking any meds for my FM other than some Tylenol or Advil during flares. I don't sleep well at night, particularly when I am in a lot of pain. After a few sleepless nights I usually break down and take a dose of NyQuil or Benadril. I have done a lot of research on the fibro medications and amitriptyline, and I just don't feel comfortable with their long-term safety.
I also never tried a water aerobic class...I was going it alone in the therapy pool. My doctors have not been helpful at all in recommending any exercises, therapy, or classes. They ran the tests, gave me my diagnosis, and that's the last I've ever heard from them. I'm not even sure how to find classes near me. Also, I don't have any insurance right now, so I've been trying to use DVDs and books for the cost effectiveness.
I've tried eating more naturally, taking really good multi-vitamins and all sorts of herbal supplements from the health food store, massage, and chiropractic. But nothing seems to have any effect, and I don't really know what to do. I just know that in only a few months I'm going to have to get back to work, and at this point I'm scared I won't be able to hold a good job.
Sorry for the long vent. Thank you all for your help and support!


Fantod - Nov 3rd, 2009 9:29 PM

OTC medications do not work for the pain associated with Fibromyalgia (FMS). Only certain classes of prescribed medications do work. You are placing a lot of stress on your body by not using the medications recommended for this illness. And, long term use of Tylenol etc can cause stomach and liver problems. Perhaps your doctors are frustrated with your position on prescribed medication which is why they are not helpful.

If you want to find a water aerobics class for people with arthitis, call your local YMCA. Or, call your local hospital and ask them about their physical therapy programs. They should have access to a pool and classes that would be suitable. You will probably need a note from your doctor to participate in such a class.

Find a fibro-friendly doctor by going online to the National Fibromyalgia Association website and register. Then you can see a list of providers in your area. Or call your local hospital physician referral service and ask them for a rheumotologist and/or a pain specialist with an iterest in FMS. I have both and they work in tandem with one another.

If you need help with prescription medication, ask your doctor for samples. Go to the drug manufacturers website and register for assistance. You can also call the United Way Agency in your area and ask them for information on free clinics and/or medication.

The bottom line is that until you get on board with some prescribed medications, things are probably not going to get better. Once you get things under some semblance of control you can consider alternative methods or homeopathic remedies. The longer you let a chronic pain cycle go on, the harder it is to manage or stop. I understand where you are coming from as I am hyper sensitive to medication of any kind. I use a mix of holistic and conventional medicine. Going without my meds would be doing myself and my family a huge diservice. I may not be well but I can function better with them than without them.
Take care.