Stiffness after everyday chores

[Sunnyseas]

Hi all - I’m trying not to give in to having fibro. Amitriptyline at night seems to be helping so far. I’ve just done a bit of housework which I was pleased to manage fine. But now I’ve stopped I realise I’ve stiffened up again. It’s so frustrating that after doing so little I’m hurting & stuggling to move, especially from a seated position. Does anyone else have this? I’m still wondering if I may be getting RA, my RA factor was slightly raised in my blood tests but nothing else came up at all.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi, are you maybe doing too much at one time and increasing your pain/stiffness? I need to take regular breaks when doing household tasks for example 30 mins tasks then rest for 15 mins

[GrumpyTired]

Hi Sunnyseas,

I often feel increased pain upon rest/pausing in general. But it's also true the more I overdo it, the more stiff I get when I rest. Try to find a better balance between the two. If i'm at work i use 2 hour blocks, with 10-30 min rests between, at home with houshold stuff i use 30 min blocks etc.

[harmony2]

Same here. Was having significant problems even bending my fingers. I was Checked for RA, which my mother has a raging case of for about 40 years now. Thank God it came out negative. Can be Fibro, especially in a flare.

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Aches stiffness can make you miserable I know , differently a soak in the bath after tea eases my muscles , I am using a rub in pain gel on certain areas as too much meds upsets my stomach, I have to try stretching when I get up and can sit up on my mattress with good supportive pillows as sitting too long on a chair is not comfy, my doctor has giving me codiene for pain which really helps and kicks in quite quickly but gives it on the understanding I use it for days when I really need it , so that’s what I do, heat I find great so hot water bottles or heat bag in microwave . Xxx