How do people exercise? I struggle to... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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How do people exercise? I struggle to walk a few yards!

Lizzyear profile image
39 Replies

I have very kindly been given the book 'The Fibromyalgia. relief Handbook'.

It says exercise is really good for fibro suffers. I really wish I could exercise an would be really grateful for any tips, as I have so many others things wrong, I have no idea how I could do any.

Sorry to bore you, but here is a list of things that I find limit my ability, so if any of you can think of anything, I would really appreciate it. I used to do lots of exercise and felt really good after it! (Before Fibro).

Fibro pain all over, but always, hips, knees and feet.

Had a copeland shoulder replacement, that still has not relieved the arthritis pain. Got arthritis in other shoulder too.

Got bursitis in both hips and arthritis staring in one hip.

Arthritis in feet and toes.

A bit of a challenge, but with fibro fog, really can't think of what I could do.

Look forward to hearing from you and thank you for taking the time to read my rambling question!

Gentle hugs,

X

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Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear
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39 Replies

Hi lizzyear, I hope you can find the answer to that one. I have been told my fibro is mild and yet I can't walk for more than about 5 minutes without my back, legs and feet being in quite a bit of pain. I have just tried yogalates but was really sore the next day, more than the usual exercise sore. Hopefully someone else can advise us both :)

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to

Thank you for reading my post and reply, I am sure I/we will get many ideas and suggestions from people. Looking forward to reading them! X

in reply to Lizzyear

Gonna get busy reading, exercise my brain again :)

Julie63 profile image
Julie63

Hi and gentle hugs, Lizzyear. Don't know if I can help, but I have been going to a tai chi class for those with mobility/pain problems. It is run by the dad of a fibro sufferer and is designed to just help keep people active, have fun. We are told to do the exercises sitting down if needs be, and not to get stressed if we can't do the exact moves - so unlike what my sister in law told me about her group! I've been three times so far, need my inhaler and to sit down during the class, and the next day I REALLY pay for it, but those two hours laughing with others who know what you're going thru' being active, with long coffee break, beats being lounging, depressed in fibro fog alone at home. Pain clinic nurse said that hydrotherapy was good for you, then said that their pool had been closed! Will have to wait till hols in Cornwall to go swimming I guess. Ah well, I hope you find something that will help you, even if it's just a walk around the house which is all I used to be able to do, hugs, Julie xxx

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to Julie63

Hi Julie23,

Sounds like you have found a good mix. Glad you enjoy it.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Gentle hugs

X

Lruk profile image
Lruk

I find swimming is manageable, I do get hydrotherapy but I find it exhausting, even though the sessions don't last long. The hydrotherapy is helping as I am more flexible than I have been for a while. Like Lizzyear I can't walk far and use either a stick or a rollator but I do enjoy swimming. I don't push myself, I just do what I can on the day. The other thing I can manage is a stationary bike. I can only do a few minutes at a time but it all helps stop me seizing up completely. Linda

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to Lruk

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Gentle hugs

X

tendertouch profile image
tendertouch

Hi Lizzyear, I also have fibromyalgia with bursitis and joint pain. I started a gentle yoga regimen a year ago 5-10 minutes..and worked my way up to 20-30 mins. I would like to stress Gentle. I go at My own pace use poses that benefit tight hips and shoulders while working my core. I push myself to get going but typically feel wonderful for quite a bit after. I also rub down with organic coconut oil after a warm shower as a treat skin is happier as well. Best wishes ..gentle hugs.

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to tendertouch

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Gentle hugs

X

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear

Thank you all for your replies. Julie63 wish there was something like that where I live, must be great yo exercise with people who understand and also have to work with this condition.

Once again, thank you for your replies.

Sleep well.

X

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi Lizzyear

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I really think that exercise is like Fibro itself, in that we are all individuals and have differing degrees of pain etc. So, I personally think that we have too look at exercise in the same way and admit that as individuals we all are capable (or not) of differing levels and types of exercise.

I want to wish you the best of luck wit whatever you decide to do?

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

agtf1 profile image
agtf1

Hi, I agree with Ken, I think it is a case of finding the right exercise for our own limitations and pain levels. I thinking also helps to find something you enjoy.

I can only walk short distances with stick (worst pain in hips, legs & lower back) & use mobility scooter. I find swimming, Thai chi very painful & causes major flares, walking or cycling impossible. For me, I discovered horse riding in a sidesaddle! Sidesaddle means no pressure on my hips, the pleasure I get from being around horses boosts my mood and relieves some pain & it means I can get out and about. Some days I can only do 10 mins, other days an hour & only once or twice a week.

I'm not suggesting that this is for everyone, only that its a case of finding the right thing to suit each of us & it certainly helps if its something you enjoy.

Good luck finding something that suits you & remember to start slowly (5-10mins) and build up gradually x

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to agtf1

Thanks agtf1,

So pleased you have found something you enjoy. Yep, I know I am having to think outside the box with this, as all the sport I used to do, requires lots of arm movement and jumping around and that is a definite no these days.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Gentle hugs

X

Ginsing profile image
Ginsing

I am at a point wbut I jiggle when I gigglehere I can not exercise

because of my degenerating back it has given up in the lower section from 1-5 with 3 disks that are out of placer ostoporrosis arthritis etc etc. My exercise is the staircase. I work at the stairs actually counting how many times I manage to get to the summit un aided (no ropes or poles) I also try to go up down up down in rhythm with the radio.

I exercise my fingers by typing, my mouth by laughing and the rest of my body works hard at geting itself together to chat with you all.

So I don't do official exercises "But I jiggle when I giggle" Must be good xxgins "oh cows and Ladies should never run"

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to Ginsing

What a lovely reply gins! Made me jiggle and giggle!! X

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to Ginsing

That conjures images. a great start to my day, Thanks gins XX

Ginsing profile image
Ginsing in reply to fenbadger

ooh Badger I hope you enjoyed the images :D like to amuse in the mornings xxgins

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to Ginsing

Well i would not show them to children or those of a nervous disposition. In the words of Neddie Saegoon "the pictures in your head are better than any on tv" :P

in reply to Ginsing

I know this is a while after the posts were originally made - sadly I've been a bit out of action. But - oh, gins! Does that comment bring back some lovely memories for me. I grew up on a dairy farm that practiced the not so kind method of keeping cows in for the winter. Every spring these great lumbering animals would leave the barns for the first time in months and buck, jump, skip and leap in the air as they made their way out to the fields. When it is a herd of around 100 animals it's quite a sight. Truly a wonderful thing to watch. Sad that several months captivity led to that but you don't realise these things when little. They were fabulous to watch though. Cows are rather pleasant animals when they grow up around children who take the time to play with them when they are calves.

Rather agree that ladies shouldn't run though.... :-)

Grandma24and1 profile image
Grandma24and1

Hiya all, this is my 1st post but have been reading questions and replies for some time. I felt I just had to reply to this question about exercise.

My local hospital offers "seated exercises",I am now on my 2nd week of 8 (once a week).

On the course we all have varying levels of mobility and ages. One lady is 89! I have just turned 60. As I can no longer drive (due to the inability to turn head and also taking so many pain killers, wish they did, LOL!), that my friend takes me. She also suffers from fibro, M.E., arthritis. We are told to only do what we can with as little pain as possible. It is great fun, as I am unable to stop giggling trying to march. I used to be, many moons ago, a county champion at high jump and sprinting and now find I am unable to put one foot in front of the other without severe pain. I do find it difficult to accept but get by with, I'm told, a wicked sense of humour. I am also starting a Seated yoga class next week, again with the same friend. I'll try anything to see if it will helps.

Anyway as this has taken me ages to type I'll be away but will certainly try to add any suggestions/answers I may have to help if I can.

Lots of hugs to you all.

Mary xx

in reply to Grandma24and1

That is something I think a lot if us have, a wicked sense of humour. Good thing I think, at least the brain gets exercised :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Grandma24and1

Hi Grandma24

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum, and I genuinely hope that you find it as useful as I do? My wife has Primary Progressive MS, and we undertook an MS course and they do sitting exercises with this, and I found it quite therapeutic.

I look forward to bumping into you around the site.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to Grandma24and1

There's a thought. Finger exercises on the tripewriter

teddybear7 profile image
teddybear7

It doesn't have to be a marathon just a little bit more than you did yesterday xxxx

sue32 profile image
sue32

Hi Lizzyear! I don't know if you have Sky TV but on one of the fitness channels they do chairobics!! I'm like you; I have a real problem with mobility and pain but I found this to be OK. The fitness instructor guy sits next to an older lady and they both do the exercises along with you. !!! XXX

Lizzyear profile image
Lizzyear in reply to sue32

Hi Sue32,

That sounds good. I will have a look on the sky fitness channels. Any idea roughly what time of day?

Thank you for your reply.

Lizzy :-))

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply to Lizzyear

It varies Lizzy, I've never really kept track of it, but I have recorded it cos it's always the same exercises. But it's really good....it tells you not to do something that causes you pain, and I find it quite gentle and it makes you feel that you are actually doing some form of exercise. Not patronising either! Good luck! XX :)

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger

Loads of good advice again. You're not training for a marathon. If the video says 10 repetitions and you hurt after 4, then stop. Change exercise or start again later. Keeping the joints and muscles moving is important. Causing pain is not. Like Julie I do basic tai chi and am in no hurry to progress. my body will tell me when its ready. I have a home video, there's plenty of choice out there, so I can do it whenever I'm ready and dip in and out as needed. :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to fenbadger

No they are not called marathons anymore they are called snickers?

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to TheAuthor

Um, Bourbon flavoured?

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to fenbadger

Uummm Bourbons!

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to TheAuthor

Ow Who mentioned bourbons - oh, I did :P

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to fenbadger

Have just eaten 3!

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to TheAuthor

Good exercise. Up, down, up, down. Insert another bourbon and repeat. Up, down, up, down - getting the idea? :P

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger

I like he bit about sauna :P

Kirby profile image
Kirby

Not having a car, I walk to the shops and back most days to do shopping. It tires me out but I feel at least I'm exercising a bit but everyone had different limitations and also different limitations on different days and time of year. My physio gave me these exercise bands where you can just exercise your arms and your legs even sitting down. I forget to use them but you can do this while watching TV :-) x

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger

I exercise every day. Up, down, up, down. Then the other eyelid :P

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger in reply to fenbadger

Try getting a hamster. Mine gives me the run around :P

emjane4465 profile image
emjane4465

Hi lizzyear

I hope today is one of your better days. I use to show jump at a high level and it all stopped I was gutted I was not as active. But I decided I'd have enough and I was fed up of piling on the lbs. I started swimming 4/6 lengths then 6/8 lengths now I do 100/200 in a morning and 1 hours in the gym. I have a personal trainer I have a good diet and I do what I can.

I think that's the message do what you can and what you feel comfortable doing.

I still have unbearable pain days and often have 2/4 hours sleep. But I feel better in myself. Hope this helps.

One step at a time. Xx

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