Exercise and Fibromyalgia

[divaleigh]

Hi,

I’m new to this forum. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 4 months ago after 3 years of investigations to find out why I was feeling the way I was. The doctors will not give me anything stronger than Solpodol and Ibruprufen and have referred me to a pain management clinic (2 months ago still waiting for a start date). I am in pain constantly and the more active I am the sorer I get (doesn’t help that I have an active job that I am still studying to qualify for). I have a lot of weight to lose which does not help the pain plus I’ve heard exercise can help with fibro...i’m Struggling to exercise as any activity even walking too much leaves me exhausted and in a lot of pain. Has anyone found an exercise that helps??? I’m desperate. Many Thanks in advance 😊

[mcglada0]

Hi and welcome to this group. I’m sure that you will find everyone really helpful and friendly. Tai chi is supposed to be really good for fibro. It’s gentle exercise and not too exhausting. I wish you a positive journey and relief from your pain.

[Optimystic]

Hi and welcome. I've only been diagnosed a short while too and I've found this group to be invaluable for support and information, so I hope you do too. I've found that I really need to pace myself but it is good to exercise, just don't try to do too much all at once. It's so tempting to do a lot when you're feeling a bit better, but you can end up feeling worse! Some people recommend aqua aerobics, tai chi (which I aim to try in the New Year) or just walking and gentle stretching. One of the things that has helped me psychologically is that I've just tried to accept that I have pain and that I have bad days and better days. I mentally congratulate myself when I've managed to do something that previously I would have found easy...or when I've had the sense to stop doing things that make me worse. And I've stopped beating myself up when I feel bad. Sorry for the waffle! Hopefully the pain management clinic will be helpful when you can finally go and well done for coping with your active job and studying too. That's quite an achievement on top of fibromyalgia.

[moogie1mum]

Hi, I was diagnosed almost a year ago, and although retired with ill health, I like to try to remain active. I use the painkillers to en able me to keep up my activity, and try to walk as often as I can, especially along coastlines and forest tracks or parks and woodlands. I've found a couple of classes at my local gym where I can work to myou own level and feel that any activity is better than none. On my bad days, I push myself which I know isn't right for everyone, but if I succeed in something, the mental lift is worth the pain. I rest whenever I can and take each hour as it comes. Pain management is great for setting your mind right to cope with the condition, it's not a miracle cure but it is extremely helpful. Good luck with the weight loss, it really does help, I've lost 3 stones so far and every lb off is a benefit. Wishing you well, and some good restful and happier days. Big hugs. Xxxx