Diagnosed finally

[CarrGomm]

After 20 year's finally diagnosed with fibro and hypermobility after appointment with rheumatology. She said I'd done well to manage the pain for so long. I'm 66 and still work for myself as a carer/companion. I'm scared to stop as I may not get going again. As I'm retirement age I can join my local gym at a cheaper rate where I can access pilates and swimming. I do find that exercise helps but it was costing me a fortune to go swimming and attend pilates classes. People think that I can't be that bad if I can exercise like I do but trust me I have day's when I am absolutely wiped out with pain and fatigue. I just refuse to let it defeat me. Take care everyone ❤️

[Ninapod]

Well done for keeping going even when it is tough! Like you, I find exercise helps me both mentally and physically - I have to do something everyday because it helps my mood and I am terrified that if I stop I will just seize up. I mainly do swimming and walking my dog. Sometimes I am completely exhausted by the end of the day because I have overdone it - it is difficult to get the balance right.

[CarrGomm in reply to Ninapod]

Hi Ninapod I also find getting the balance right but if I push too hard I am forced to stop as the fatigue really gets me so I'm gradually learning when I need to stop but I hate not being able to finish what I've started. I have found that regular small breaks say 30mins with a cuppa helps me to keep going a little longer. It's just finding what works for you. 🙂

[NaturalDyer]

I like your positive attitude. I've been housebound with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 20 years and now diagnosed with fibro too at age 62, but every day I do the maximum I can even if that is just getting dressed or making my own food. Like you I refuse to let it defeat me. x

[CarrGomm in reply to NaturalDyer]

Hi Naturaldyer, my heart goes out to you. As I've been a carer for 40 years I often visited people with what was then called ME It was so debilitating for them and I hoped that I would never experience it but look how that turned out!!!! So sad to hear that you are housebound this is such a cruel illness I hope that you have loads of support in place. Stay positive it's the only way to be . 😊

[Southport-beach]

Like your other replies, I just keep going. I work as a gardener and domestic cleaner. It's hard physical work so I end up very tired and sore. To try to ease some of the pain I try to fit 30 mins of yoga/pilates exercises followed mins meditation as often as I can. The gentle stretching helps and the quiet meditation (I use the Calm App) helps me to relax. I've just come back from holiday in Crete where I was very lazy, so I'm finding going back to work really hard, painful and tiring.....serves me right for stopping work for a few days. I seem to lose stamina and muscle strength really quickly.

[CarrGomm in reply to Southport-beach]

Thank you all for your replies. Southport beach I too have just returned from Crete and was very lazy😂 However we did walk quite a bit. I love my garden so hubby is building raised planters for me to continue doing what I love as this year I really struggled with the pain. I also had a routine lung scan last week for no other reason than it was offered in my area. I occasionally feel breathless mainly at rest and my Dad and Brother had copd. I have mild calcification of a coronary artery and mild emphysema !!!!! Great I reach retirement age and my health is not as good as I thought. More reason to stay fit and as healthy as possible, I dont smoke but lived in a fog of cigarette smoke while growing up. Stay positive everyone and keep going. xx