Overdoing things?

[Sunnyseas]

Hi - I did some vacuuming yesterday and this

has made some of my pains, especially hands, worse today, a struggle opening doors, getting a meal. I’m only recently diagnosed, am I going to have to do less from now on? Was hoping the meds would enable me to do more but it doesn’t seem so. Feeling quite upset & frustrated ;(

[Sunnyseas]

Thank you, I hadn’t heard of the Spoon theory, ss

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

You will read a lot here about pacing. It's about learning your limitations and not doing too much to cause pain afterwards. In the beginning it can be very hard to get the right balance.

Try doing say half an hour (or less if you can't manage half an hour) of housework, then rest for say half an hour with a cuppa, a magazine, or whatever, and then try another 15 minutes of housework and so on, but limit yourself to the amount you do per day. It takes time and it takes practice, but eventually you will be able to know how much you can do.

If you have only just started your meds, it can take a few weeks before they kick in. Sometimes it may not be the right med for you and you may (if it's what you want) have to try something else.

Good luck, and I hope the pain eases off soon. Try bathing your hands in some warm water with Epsom Salts added, as they can help to ease the pains. xx

[CheetieCat]

It's hard finding that balance & movement is so good for us. I find my pain level is so much higher when I don't move enough.

Anytime I have to grip, even just for a minute or so my hands are just an evil pair of so & so's.

Hoovering is a nightmare though, usually takes me 2 or 3 goes at the lounge when I used to blitz the whole house in one!

I'm constantly moving my hands, my feet, stretching my legs, rolling my shoulders, either helps my pain or just takes my mind off it 🤔

Drives my OH nuts, I'm such a fidget 😂😂

Take every day as it comes & do what you can. You'll find what works best for YOU. Be kind to yourself & try not to stress🤗🤗

[moo196]

Morning,

The best thing I have ever done wrt pain in my hands is to give up diet coke and anything else with artificial sweeteners in. Check out every single pack of puddings, yoghurts, squashes and even tomato ketchup. It's crept into everything since the UK sugar tax and giving it a miss has meant I only need to take amitriptyline at night.

Good luck 😊

[Dinkie]

Human nature to overdo it on the days we are feeling more able! The art of pacing - still a work in progress for me even after nearly 40 years Take frequent breaks and stop before the pain starts. Epsom salt baths when you have been busy also help to relax muscles. It's that dreaded fibro sprite who sits on your shoulder saying "go on one more chore" then laughes and demands payback for overdoing things.