Whats the best way to learn your limits?

[thenewmrsmills]

I'm fairly new to fibro, and I'm struggling to learn my limits so end up pushing myself too hard. I still want to have as normal life as possible but don't want to end up in more pain.

Does anyone have any tips?

[Gailbt]

I found trial and error is the best way! I know if I've got 2 nights out in a row, I rest up as much as possible before hand but know I'll be out of action for a whole day afterwards. x

[thenewmrsmills in reply to Gailbt]

Thank you xx

[BlueBunny]

Listen to your body, sounds simple but it can take months to master, sometimes we are to busy rushing around to stop and focus on your body or even yourself instead of others. Food, stress, sleep & triggers take time to figure out.

Best of luck xx

[thenewmrsmills in reply to BlueBunny]

Thank you xx

[Hidden]

I keep a journal - log my activities the amount of time, levels of energy drain and pain levels. One of the many things I discovered is how cold wind affected me where it triggered a flare up which took days to recover from. I found that on many days my energy would drain after a certain period of time whether it was physical or mental energy used, each day is different though there are definite patterns. Many days I have been unable to do much due to pain, fatigue and fog. I try my best not to go over my limitations. Seasons effect limitations. I know what I can and can't do most days. Sometimes there seems to be no rhyme or reason for a flare up. I think it's important to understand how this effects you on a personal level. My aim is to try to control my symptoms and not let my symptoms control me. Easier said than done I know. I've been on boom and bust for 3 years before I was also recently diagnosed. Hope this response is not too lengthy! I'm due to go to a CFS Clinic to learn a bit more on pacing (8 weeks).

[Hidden]

some days the limmites are different however you will learn xx dont be hard on yourself rest when you can relax often enjoy quiet time live when you need too relax ... good luck x gentle dyslexic hugs

[lollypop]

hi thenewmrsmills,im newbie too,its hard to stop at times,the only way i can stop myself is to go on the bed(or in it)otherwise i just say"just do this"&before i know it iv gone on&on&on!!rest up when you can thats wot im trying to do!hugs xx

[Hedgehog]

I too want to be able to keep going and not give in to FM I was only diagnosed with it this week but consultant said I have probably had it for years!!

I do tire quite easily and find that I have to have a lie down or sleep in the middle of the day, but I feel bad if I haven't done the housework or made a meal for the family.

Its seems to me that if I don't do it then it doesn't get done, my family sympathise but don't take any of the load off me, consequently my house this weekend is a tip, my husband is away for the weekend and my eldest daughter who is home from Uni just sits on her laptop most of the day,

Sorry feeling a bit sorry for myself today.

[anjie in reply to Hedgehog]

Oh sweetie...I can totally relate...

hubby moans about the state of the house...I tidy up and then feel ill so he tells me to rest....I rest and he moans about the state of the house.......and on it goes!!

I just ignore him now!

[Hedgehog in reply to anjie]

Ha Ha probably what I should do, my daughter did help out today and helped with making tea, she is going to clean up too !!!! feel guilty about moaning about her earlier !!!! Hubby will just have to learn that I'm no longer Superwoman!!!!!!!!

[anjie in reply to Hedgehog]

damn right!

[anjie]

I find every day different...listen to your body...if it's saying 'no', stop.

I know that's easier said than done...

[Hedgehog in reply to anjie]

I know I feel b ad if I don't carry on. My place of work is quite bad to work in just now, keep hoping I'll be made redundant!!!!!!

[anjie]

I'm sure that places of work have an obligation to place you elsewhere in work if you are no longer able to do the job any more...don't quote me but I would look into it.

[Hedgehog in reply to anjie]

Have already been told my job is surplus to requirements and that there is no other position for me, even though I have worked there for 6 yrs!!! would rather be made redundant

[pennells]

Hi I am new on here, this has changed my life as it has with all , i was a energetic person always on the move , now i find it hard to have the enthsusium hope i have spelt that right , to get up and do anything, i am dreding getting old , that my biggest fear, how to manage this and have the achs and pain with old age, this week after several mouths of not having the get up and go , i have joined a sewing class, i start on tuesday, i am looking forward to it , but know i will stuggle to get up and get my self ready to go, to me its pushng your self , i had a lovly job were i was working in a high dependancy unit , i left to get my self sorted as i did no know what was wrong with me, , i was told that i could come back anytime , i did go and see the manager and she said she would contact me, never did, i have always tryed to be strong but this has tolaly thrown me, the change in my life , my friends that i thought was friends no longer keep intouch as i cant get around like them,but i am lucky , i have one that has stuck by me all the way , she helps me to keep going , if you are handy in sewing or any crafts try and join a club, i found this one by chances, i was out at a craft show and met a lady , she told me that she has to pack up work , after a little while i asked her why , then she told me she had fibro, i flung my arms around her she was the first person i had met with this , i thoughtit was all in my mine, it was true and it does exsist, some else has it , i dont feel so alone now , i am meeting her on tuesday at the sewing classes, its made me feel better and i hope to talk to her to fined out how she is copine , try and find some were to go , some reason to get up in the morning , and get people back into your life that living at the same pasts as you ,

[soulsusie]

Pace, for instance iron 3 shirts one day, 2 shirts on the third day and 1 on the 5th day. Once you have your meds sorted and you become stable on them, Pacing is the real answer, only do what your body allows you to and also you must start to listen to your body more. I worked at 150mph and because of my conditions I had to accept that I could no longer carry on thats my personal point, and also we all suffer at different levels none of us are the same.

Hugs

Sue

[Hidden]

Pennells, you should do so , because some day your fingers may not be able to do all that sewing I'm afraid, some day your shoulders might hurt to much to do it, but as long as you can accept that, and know some days you will feel a little better and a little more energetic and happier, Good luck xx