Re: a hot tub. My Doctor wrote a prescription for one. Our tax accountant said we could take it as a medical expense on our taxes
Laurie - just a quick WARNING about hot baths or hot tubs. I do not know the reason, but submersion in hot water can FATIGUE somebody suffering from FM. For example, I already had FM when I bought my first condo. The tub in the master bath was tall and angled at the back allowing for a bath pillow and a VERY COMFORTABLE bath complete with candles, music and my wife feeding me grapes off the vine (okay, so part of that did not come with the condo).
After thirty minutes of bliss, it was time to stand up, dry off and get down. Unfortunately, I discovered as the water drained from the tub, I was unable to stand. My batteries were not charged - someone turn the energy switch to the off position - My gas tank was on E --- whatever example works for you, I was stuck in the tub like Winnie the Pooh was stuck in Rabbit's door.
My county has amazing swimming facilities available to all residents. My favorite is an indoor complex that has two "therapy pools" which are basically two large hot tubs that could fit fifteen people each. They are truly amazing but I have to watch myself, particularly if I am driving my daughter or her friends. If I spend too much time in the hot tub, all the benefit I got is erased by all the new fatigue and I am now a dangerous driver.
The thing about fatigue is that I can't gut my way through it like I can with pain. I've had fatigue as my major issue for more than twenty years and I still haven't figured it out. But here is what I do know. Stay away from extended submersion in hot water - not hot baths or hot tubs. I have spoken to thousands of people with FM (I was on the board of a non-profit FM group for about twelve years and led two support groups) and you would be shocked to hear how many people have the same reaction.
If you get relief from if, congratulations. I'M JUST SAYING TO BE CAREFUL!
Thanks for listening.
Marc
Good Morning Marc! I usually shower, but when I am hurting, it's the bathtub for me. You needn't worry about me taking hot baths, because a couple of weeks ago, I had a lot of trouble getting out if it because my hips were hurting. Now, I had a choice. I could either scream my head off hoping someone will break down the door and save me like a hero , OR I could just clench my teeth, struggle to get out of the tub myself. I would rather '''grin and bear it.'' So, I took a deep breath and said to myself, ''go for it!'' I I started to stand up and I looked like a newborn filly trying her legs for the first time. Although it just about killed me pain-wise, I somehow managed to get out of the bathtub and started chuckling, because I really did look like a newborn filly trying to get steady on her legs. Well, needless to say, I won't be taking anymore baths. It was hard to realize this, as whenever I am not feeling well, like, Flu, cold, Fibro or in a crappy mood) I would take a bath. No way now!! You know, in thinking about all this, I really do feel grateful for all I have, Marc. Yes, I have FIbro and other health concerns going on, but I am still here, feeling okay and I do know it could be a lot worse than what it is now. I do get depressed sometimes in thinking about myself having an an illness. Sometimes (but rarely) I kind of feel sorry for myself as well. Especially if I am in a lot of pain. I agree with you on the fatigue thing. I have had fatigue, starting in my 30's from the Fibro and I still have it to this day. But it varies. I have great support from this website and friends and family. So, I can't complain. They don't judge me, as they have seen what a really painful day I can have. I need to stop here, as I am meeting friends for breakfast. It's just down the street, so I am going to TRY to walk there! LOL Laurie
HI Charlie - I go to my girlfriend's house several times a week to use her hot tub. It's easy to get out of as opposed to trying to get out of the bathtub. I can't take baths anymore because I increasingly had trouble getting out of it. I love exercising in the water and so wish I could feel that way all day long!! Because I have had pain for over 30 years, sometimes I forget what it feels like to NOT have pain. When I get into the hot tub it's like a brand new experience for me!! LOL There is so much I could do in my life if I didn't have this pain. Aside from the Fibro, I try to count my blessing, because I know there must a be so many people that are worse off then I am. Once in a great while, I start feeling sorry for myself - but it doesn't last long, because I know that feeling would really be a negative thing for me, if I let it last too long. Hug! Laurie