Time Off for good behaviour [taking meds and not overdoing things] - I know I am extremely lucky. Not bragging, just saying its possible.

[Sarah-Jane]

I have had troubles since February 2011 when my hips suddenly felt like bone was rubbing on bone. Took a few months to diagnose and since then I have had good days and bad.

Looking back, I think I can see a pattern. When I was good I would start to doubt the diagnosis and push myself, forgetting meds and even believing they were not needed.

Result? Pain levels increased, back on full doses plus my top up of Co-Dydramol which had more effect than Paracetamol but it was a bit like taking two of them for a headache in the past. It has taken two years to get to several occaisions of minimal pain, of course whilst still taking meds [not top up] and not over doing things.

Sometimes I actually dream of walking as I used to. Walks through the town, to town and back, hours just window shopping. Walking my puppy - oh that really hurt when I had to stop. I had got her so I would become more fit. Instead I have become ill and fat, she has died from Cancer, I have lost my step father, nearly lost my mum several times and am trying to ignore the fact that my step mother and step sister are currently fighting Cancer. By ignore, I mean pretend they are not in danger so I don't fret and make myself ill.

For the past few weeks I have been fairly stable. Odd times when little flares have caused me bother, but my hips are quieter. My skin has times when it cannot stand material on it, seams and tightness causing burning sensations alleviated by stroking and removing cloth - cotton mix. My hands, elbows and shoulders have had their moments as has my back. But I still feel I am doing well.

I cry when I hear of my FM buddies on here struggling in pain, out of sympathy, empathy and fear that one day that will be me. But please forgive my enjoying this current relief. I hope it keeps up or I keep having these times of release.

No I cannot walk very far, I feel the pain building - but if I restrict myself I feel I can enjoy what I have. I can take my puppy for long walks on my scooter. I can go shopping too, but limit for how long.

My reason for writing this? To give people hope that they too might have such times. Personally? I hope they do. I wish everyone release from their pain so they can enjoy their lives and get on with life. If I had a miracle cure would you believe me? I wouldn't.

Just so as you know, those who have not heard from me before, I have osteoarthritis in many joints, hyper sensitivity to touch - a cold seat, burns like ice, a warm seat just burns, a crease in a sheet - pain, raised swollen feet - cold. I take Tegretol for my epilepsy, cannot have anti inflamatory meds because of reflux, but have Lyrica, Amitriptyline, co-dydramol, Vit D, migraine meds too but I forget that name.

Wishing you all good health.

Soft hugs

[ladymoth]

It's good to hear that you are doing better, Sarah- Jane - long may it last for you, and yes, I very much hope that everyone else will feel relief from their pain as well!

Moffy x

[Hidden]

Yup as simple as it sounds .. Pacing and regular good combo of meds works wonders

Long may it carry on

Vg x

[Hidden]

Yep I agree with VG I am just realizing the importance of pacing and resting when body is screaming at me to stop and take a breather even a nap if necessary that way I actually manage my symptoms better and manage to complete tasks etc and taking pain relief before I am actually in unbearable pain as opposed to only taking it when I am in unbearable pain! Glad you are feeling well and as Moffy said long may it continue xxx

[Hidden]

P.S It has also been a great help that my boss has given me an extra day off ! So I now work 4 days and have 3 days off,Bliss!xxx

[tulips123]

There is such a fine line between doing too much and doing too little. It sounds as if you have tremendous inner strength to bring you through the very worst of times. Really, well done! xx