Bach had gone

[Tumness]

Hi everyone. Was on week 3 run 3 and my back is killing me, been off work all week. Been to the doctors to get some strong anti inflammatory and she told me to give up running. I have fibromyalgia so I always leave a few days between runs. I go at a 🐌 pace and have good running shoes. I am really upset as I was enjoying it and don’t want to give it up. Help!!! Is there anyone who has had this problem and carried on running. I also go swimming once a week to get some non impact exercise. Thanks.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Oh no! So sorry to hear this. This forum is absolutely brilliant but we wouldn’t advise you to ignore a health professional who is telling you not to run. That’s just not what we’re here for. It would defined be worth getting a second opinion. Are you being referred to physio for your back? A good physio would be an excellent person to talk to, especially if you can find one who works with runners.

Many of us have had to find other ways to enjoy exercise and it would be worth exploring some of these while you’re looking for more expert, real life advice. I know that will be really disappointing and frustrating but you don’t want to make any problems worse. You might like to have a look at this week’s post from Oldfloss talking about how to deal with situations we don’t want to be in-acknowledge, accept and adapt. There’s always a warm welcome on her threads too ❤️

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

So sorry you’re in this position and wishing you all the best with whatever comes next.

[CBDB Graduate]

oh no. Sending you lots of patience and healing. I have a different condition, so it’s not comparable. But I am increasingly wondering if we need to be more assertive with our doctors and GPs. If you feel running does a lot of good for you, then the question to the doctors should possibly not be if but rather how you can continue running.

We do have a few runners here with that condition. I’ll see if I can tag them here, which might help to get some peer insights to running and Fib. Elsiegreeneyes Gaye1963 Jazzyme Cassi0 Twinmum2017

If you search on HU for the condition, and then filter the results to “My Communities” you will probably find quite a few posts by Fibromyalgia runners.

Keep on posting, it will probably also help others. And if you struggle to keep on running, just be aware that we have two other forums that might give you peer support for staying fit outside of running :

★★★ Strength and Flexibility Forum :  S&F is all about our needs as runners and walkers, or generally needing a bit more strength and flexibility-related workouts in your life. It includes a NHS-associated five-week programme delivered through a series of podcasts. healthunlocked.com/strength...

★★★ Active10 : Active10 is for those who want to include regular walking into their daily lives, with a dedicated walking app for iOS and Android. healthunlocked.com/active10

Sending you lots of healing and no-pain wishes.

[CBDB Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Also what might help is joining this Fibromyalgia UK community on HU healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Asking some questions there might also give you some more insights.

🙏💪😘

[Elsiegreeneyes Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thanks for tagging me to this post CBDB 💫

Hi to Tumness 👋

I managed to complete the program once, then missed the mark twice, since September 22. Whenever I pushed past 20 mins I got injured and then it brought massive flare ups which took weeks, if not months, to recover from.

I have both endometriosis and fibromyalgia and so low impact exercise is best for me, but before symptoms worsened 7 years ago I was always a “go fast and hard” kinda gal - probably one of the reasons why I ended up with fibro in the first place. It’s hard to change that mindset but I’m beginning to accept after my C25K journey, that low intensity may well be better for me. But I truly miss running so much. At the moment though, I can’t even walk my favorite 6k route around the woods near where I live because I pushed too hard with the running. My aim is getting walking round it again 2-3 times a week, not running!

My GP advocated for the program but advised that I adjust it to suit my pain levels, which is why I’m frustrated that I pushed past the 20 min mark. I am quite competitive even with myself! So it’s really tempting to want to complete the program. The best for me was 10 min run, 3-5 min walk, then 10 min run, But on good days I could manage the full 20mins. At the moment I can barely walk the dog.

I know how frustrated you must feel. I’m feeling cross with myself too but we need to listen to our bodies. Swimming twice a week sounds brilliant and I’m going to try fitting swimming into my week once the schools go back and no kids to run around after! I’ve been doing yoga again in the mornings- there’s plenty videos on YouTube. I started with yoga for fibro videos, only 5-10 mins and on a good day I’ll up it to 15-20 mins. My aim is just to stretch and develop some flexibility and strength. I’m barely even thinking about ‘fitness’ for now - my priorities are getting through the days’ housework, kids, a bit of time for me (yoga in the morning and meditation/nap in the afternoon), clean foods and a good nights sleep. Once I’m ready I will increase my dog walks and get round those woods!

I agree that moving is absolutely essential and so is a positive state of mind. I also agree with other posters that private professionals are also very helpful. I had the best massage ever from a private therapist which really helped relieve some aches and pains. So I’m going to make a regular visit to her every 6 weeks or so. A physio is always a good shout too. Remember if you’re not happy with the advice from a GP you are entitled to a second opinion.

In Scotland there are some programs where GPs and other professionals can refer you to your local gym to meet with a PT who will develop a schedule for you for 6 months, gently increasing it as and when you’re ready. I’ll provide a link but not sure if all local authorities offer this. I’ve signed up and I start on the power assisted machines this week. It’s very gentle and my PTs focus for me is not to push myself too hard. Less is more apparently 🤣

falkirkleisureandculture.or...

You know your body best but please be kind to yourself. Your body is trying to tell you something. Listen to it and give it what it needs. Then you’ll be ready for your next step 👣

Good luck, do let us know how you get on 🤗

[Tumness in reply to Elsiegreeneyes]

Thank you for your message. So sorry you are feeling a lot of pain at the moment, and yes you are right we must listen to our bodies. I started week 1 run 1 on Friday and just completed week 1 run 2 today.

My plan is to run Monday and Friday and swim on a Wednesday. I will be happy with what my body can achieve and I will be happy with a minute run, minute walk if that’s all I can do. This is not a race and I will take it a run at a time and if I fill it’s getting to much I will go back to week one and start again. I hope you can manage your dog walks as it all helps with our mental health a little bit at a time. Many thanks again and keep on trying as that all we can do with what we are up against. ❤️

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Whilst totally agreeing that if a health professional advises you, then that advice should be heeded, I also agree that trying to get confirmation or alternative opinions cannot be wrong.

A running specialising physio would be a good option. My husband has recently seen one and three sessions has helped beyond measure. His problems stem from his back apparently and he has been doing the exercises he has been given very diligently. Sadly this isn’t NHS but he did get an appointment within a few days. If there is a running community near you they may be able to suggest an appropriate physiotherapist to ask. The first physio my husband saw was not a specialist sports physio so he asked around for a recommendation.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

I had the same experience-. The injury happened on Sunday and I was seen on Tuesday because I paid to see someone privately. It was absolutely worth the money and he was just brilliant. I googled local sports physios and looked for ones with clear pricing and reviews from other runners. Asking a local running community for recommendations is a great suggestion.

I could have just gone for one session, got a diagnosis and followed the exercise plan he came up with but I ended going back for a longer course because the work we did was so good for my running in general. I finished with him last month and I miss it…apart from the sports massages!!!

So glad your husband is on the road to recovery. Really hope everything goes well for him ❤️

[Ninapod]

Hi TumnessI am also a runner with fibromyalgia. I have to exercise to manage my condition - sometimes it is a bit of a struggle but it will hurt so much more if I don't do it!

I normally run twice a week (usually on Saturday and Wednesday) and I just take it slowly using small steps to help with the pain in my knee joints. For me running is so important as it is also a social occasion - I run with friends and quite often with a few dogs in the mix. Obviously if you are injured, you need to rest. If I were you, I might not run but walk instead. I found that I have to pace myself and try not to do too much.

Like you, I also swim 2 or 3 times a week which is great overall exercise but low impact. I find that sometimes my body feels very stiff and it takes ages for the run or swim start to feel more fluid and less painful - sometimes it can take half an hour. I try to make sure that I stretch and cool down properly.

It is so important to keep moving and remember to pace yourself and don't be too hard on yourself if you do not run or swim as much as you did in a previous session.

Good luck.

[Tumness in reply to Ninapod]

Thank you Ninapod it’s great to hear from you about your journey. Today I am feeling a bit better so I think I will try again next week and just start week one again. And just stay on that until I feel the need to progress onto another week. Just take one day at a time. ❤️