feeling down

[Thornthorpe]

A months ago my mobility was not very good struggling to walk far ,so after a chat with physiotherapist and watching a new treatment ideas for fibromyalgia.i came off antidepressants and started swimming two to three times a week and other gentle exercises, in the hope mobility would get better . To my disappointment it is no better cannot walk any better and more pain in hips and lower back , are also having talking therapy but nothing seems to be helping really had hopes it would help with walking .

[hazelcats]

I am quite new to working with fibromyalgia, so I probably cannot give you advice as such. What struck me is your achievements in not only coming off antidepressants,but also that you find the mental strength and the physical strength to swim 2-3 times a week. They are both amazing and positive things to do for yourself. Whilst I hope someone more knowledgeable can help you, please give yourself credit for what you have done so far.

[Thornthorpe in reply to hazelcats]

Thank you , My GP changed my antidepressants and I just felt strange had weird thoughts and just losing myself when I asked why I felt that way he just upped the dose . I was behaving oddly so made decision to stop taking them slowly . As for the swimming it’s my happy place now I am stiff and clumsy out of the water but when in the pool I can bend my legs and back without pain it’s just a shame it’s not helping to stop the stiffness when I am out of the water ,I just long to walk without stiffness and pain , and sleep for longer the a couple of hours a night beginning to realise those days have gone .

[MrsMouseSJ in reply to Thornthorpe]

Hello, I read your post and this response with some sadness. I, too, am in your position. I can still move about fairly readily in the pool but this doesn't translate to greater freedom of movement on land. Indeed, sometimes things are worse post swim - hip, back and knee pain - because I have unwittingly overdone it - my body doesn't seem to send accurate signals to my brain when I am horizontal and swimming; instead I get some sort of temporary and very addictive high. So I really need to work out and stick to my safe limits, a challenge I am still grappling with. But there are positives: mentally I feel better for an occasional swim; and my stamina has slightly improved. Hopefully you will be able to make this work for you, too . Best wishes.

[Loobielu]

Hi, I just love the fact medical professionals want us to exercise our way back to health! Like we are just lazy and have brought this on ourselves 😤. I agree there are benefits to keeping mobile while pacing but it's simply not the answer for most of us x

[Brigga]

I’m sorry that you’re feeling down but you’ve done really well with your swimming. Honestly it’s a relief for me to read this because I’ve had the same experience with walking. I tried building up my stamina and doing a bit every day but it makes all my pain worse. I think sometimes we blame ourselves and think somehow we’ve brought this on. I always think, if only I could lose a bit of weight, if only I exercised more but reading other people’s experiences reminds me that there’s no magic solution xx

[Judithdalston]

Not sure whether you meant ‘a month ago’ or ‘a few months ago’ but I started swimming 15 months ago thinking if I could manage 10-15 mins most days just moving in water it would be better than a few years of nothing due to an almost zero ability to walk. Long Covid has made worse, say by 25%, all my previous chronic diseases, including fibromyalgia, leaving me with extreme postural hypotension. I fortunately found it easy to move in water and actually swim 45/50 mins 5x a week now, not that it has improved my ability to walk or altered my BP/HR, but it gets me out daily, and stretches spine and limbs which would otherwise be scrunched on sofa…so stick with it. Incidentally for decades I have visited a very gentle McTimoney trained chiropractor every 6/8 weeks to realign my spine etc…she refers to this as an MOT, but she has also helped from being completely seized up, and extreme pain… such delicate manipulation treatment may help you too. Unfortunately as we get older weeks of immobility takes many months to restore. Good luck.

[saj01]

HI... I know how disappointed you're feeling. It is early days and swimming is so beneficial, it really does lift the mood. Do try to keep it up and given time, your legs will get stronger..

Take care xx

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello, I agree with Hazelcats the achievement with coming off your medication and giving the swimming a try out is so postive and sounds like when your in the pool it really helps, do you take someone with you when you go swimming ? as I know the feeling about trying too climb out . Stiffness and pain is horrid, without my warm baths I think I would struggle. Sending my best wishes and well done xx

[Nipper11]

Bless you , I am struggling with mobility and currently walking with sticks .

What has supported me is buying a sit-down bike i use at home . This has supported me in building strength in my legs /knees and back. I found it hard to stand up for very long however i can feel improvements only small ones for now but there is change which Is great.

I have osteoarthritis in both legs and waiting for knee surgery for my legs. 🙃 of couse my fibromyalgia doesn't help. I also use a tens machine to help with pain.

You done so well and perhaps the next steps for you is to look at chair exercises which should support movements for your muscles. Take a look at YouTube.

Be positive whatever the outcome because little steps will create change . Never worry about what you can not do. Always look forward to what you can do.

Look at ways you feel confident about you mobility so far be happy you with what you done. and there's more you can do to keep going.

Many members on this site live with the challenges every minute of the day and therefore you are never alone because everyone will understand how you feel right now. Keep going because your worth it . God bless and good luck x

[Africanmonkey]

Sorry but I think I have the same problem. I am now strapped up on both of my knees and my hips and lower back muscles are in alot of pain every day now and I struggle to get to sleep every night