Stress/fibromialgia

[Garden987]

In reply to the question regarding stress. Have been unable to locate post. Yes, stress certainly adds to our condition. Have read several articles relating to stress. I have. Spent my life I. Fight or flight made (I am 80) and have discovered it exacerbates it. Am feeling quite poorly today - yet another. UTI. Stress can cause chronic illnesses so what do you lovely people do to deal with it? I find even a short conversation tires me out and as I live alone have no one apart from my daughter" I am also totally isolated which causes stress. Could do with some help but there is none where I live. All good wishes to fellow sufferers. Mary

[Bobthecob]

Hi Mary, sorry to hear you are feeling unwell and isolated. I have ET and have had it for 19 years. My body does not appear to respond to stress very well either, I have reduced my days at work, walk as much as I can take my vitamins B12 helps with fatigue. I find exercise walking and stretching (chair yoga followed on u tube). I hope this doesn't sound too twee but I try to have something to look forward to even something small like a cup of tea and a biscuit, looking how the plants are growing. I avoid conflict and arguments, it makes my heart beat too fast. Hope this helps. Wishing you well

[Cja1956]

I’ve always believed there is a link between your emotional state and your physical well being. I used to be a special needs teacher and I developed fibromalgia in my early 30s. I also was in a very unhappy marriage and I developed arthritis in my early 40’s. I divorced at age 48 and was diagnosed with ET 3 years later. I’m 63 now. In the last 11 years I’ve been in a very happy relationship, found a new profession, but there’s always going to be new stresses in your life. I agree with bobthecob. You need to find ways to reduce your stress and put yourself first. I work less hours, walk more, take vitamins, and even went to therapy last year for a few months for depression. I hope things improve soon.

[Garden987 in reply to Cja1956]

HI Cja. I don't work - 80 years old. I have ET and Fibro. Can't walk more than 30yards and feel unwell most of the time. All my family are dead other than my daughter who helps when she can. I would love to walk I the woods. Hate TV and shopping. All my neighbours work so I don't see anyone from one day to the next. My fatigue is really bad and even an hour's conversation with my daughter tires me out. Seem to spend time either in bed or going for hospital tests. Keep getting repeated UTIs and. Heat infections although Immunologist says it's OKAY. I had a very traumatic and cruel early life, divorced after 30 years. There is virtually no support where I live. Saw a psychiatrist who asked me if I thought I needed antidepressants.I said no. He said you are exhausted.Right.Have had counselling which helped with my past but even those sessions tire me out. There is no one to talk to so there seems no solution. Feel very disheartened and lost. Thanks for your reply.

[Cja1956 in reply to Garden987]

I’m so sorry to hear about all your woes. I just started reading again. Do you have a library nearby? I know it sounds trite, but you need to find something to take your mind off of your troubles. If you can only walk 30 yards, then try to increase that a little more each day. You need to find something that brings you joy each day. Please keep us up to date.

Take care.

Cindy

[bordeauxgirl in reply to Garden987]

Hello Garden987, Could you ask Maz to find you a message buddy to write to, you seem very proficient with your computer and I know that sitting on my computer (quite a lot) and speaking to friends helps me to take my mind off all my PV aches and pains helps. Good health and luck to you. Chin up is east to say but this could help you .x