Swimming is helping

[PAULINE15]

I have started swimming three time a week, to get to the pool is up two flights of stairs by the time I get to the top I have to rest, and wearing a mask make’s it Worse, but once I’m in the water I feel no pain till I have to go back down the stairs, I know I should use the lift but trying not to , I can do two days together but if I do a third I’m in a lot of pain so have to pace myself but it feels good that I’m managing to do some exercise.

[Jian77]

Well done going swimming. I know what you mean about feeling no pain in the water. I'm exactly the same, but the minute I exit the pool my legs almost give way. It is all about pacing ourselves. I have various aches & the pool is only way I can exercise without causing excessive pain. I then have the problem of trying to get dressed afterwards. Do you or anyone else have problems getting dressed?

[PAULINE15 in reply to Jian77]

There are large double changing rooms I put my bathers on before going and only wear things that are easy to get on and off just to get me home then I can rest if need be before I shower.

[Hidden in reply to PAULINE15]

Congratulations on getting into the pool, Pauline. I too can only swim as a form of exercise. It is incredible the power of water and pain. I can still manage an hour's swim five days a week but pulling on one piece of cloth afterwards can last ten minutes as I need to pace myself and slow down the breathing. Sometimes I laugh at myself because FM can be unreasonable. I swim an hour effortlessly, no fatigue but try getting dressed Swimming! Swimming is the only pleasure left in my life so I only skip it when I flare up. I hope you keep up. Have a lovely day.

[phlebo123]

Hi Pauline, I find swimming very beneficial also! I am lucky that my local pool has nice warm water ( I can't tolerate cold water on my skin, it's too painful!) I am going swimming this afternoon, I can usually manage about 40 minutes, but then I start to get numbness and pins and needless in my toes and that is my signal to stop! I am so pleased that you are enjoying your swim....... It would be great if we could form a fibromyalgia swimming group xx

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

So glad to hear you are enjoying excercise in the pool , shame about the steps but if there is a lift think to yourself how well you have done whilst in the pool, I hope they are keeping it nice and warm for this time of year. Well done xx