I hate having to make choices on what to do. I haven't been able to work for over 4 months, and I have been on energy conservation due to general fatigue and severe muscle fatigue and walking issues.
If I go to the fitness center and exercise in the therapy pool, I will hardly be able to walk, take a shower and get home and then I will be exhausted for the rest of the day. I need to go to the grocery store, too, and it would cause the same issues. Or do I stay home and pace myself, try to get a little housework done, then a little paperwork, then a little housework and maybe have a better day.
I asked my husband the same thing, and he said I should go to the fitness center and do what I need to do and not worry about the rest and that he would get groceries after work today or tomorrow.
Near tears after going to the pool today. I was in the pool less time then before and didn't work as hard, then when I got out I felt like I weighed 500 pounds. Showering and getting dressed was nearly impossible, and now I am home exhausted and so fatigued, I should just take a nap, but I don't want to.
Maybe you need to start easier in the therapy pool if it makes you that bad after. Overdoing it won’t help too much.
I only go shopping once a week, Hoover and bathroom a different day, iron another day… And so on (assuming all hoes to plan lol) It’s hard to pace yourself isn’t it.
It’s great your husband offering to get groceries. What’s he like with the housework? That’s hard for us too and we need help with that. Then you will have more energy to look after your man… See what I mean? Lol. Worked for me!! Haha!
Not sure if you are participating in a class or just walking and stretching in the warm water. Trust me…I was an idiot and went to a a gentle fibro class that was more like an NFL workout! I used to be a softball coach and never worked my girls like that. They were running for 20 minutes increasing the pace every 5 minutes as well as stuff I still can’t do. I looked at the lady next to me and said “these people can’t have fibro” and she just laughed!
I now go and start out by walking slowly back and forth for about 10 laps. That may be all you can do in one day. You’ll need energy to get dressed and showered. I usually sit in the hot tub for about 5 minutes which feels fabulous. Every time I went I added a little bit more. I added lunges very slowly making sure to stretch out my hamstrings and gluts. Some days are worse then others so I adjust according. The key is to not overdo. I am bushed when I’m done and like to nap or rest when I get home. One thing I did get was a robe that I take with. After getting out of the wonderfully warm water and in the cold air - it’s probably 80 but feels cold - I put it on for the walk up to the dressing room. I also wear it after my shower to keep me warm. I think that’s crucial because the cold makes my pain worse.
Take up your hubby’s offer - I know it seems like your burdening him but if it helps you, that is what counts! Hope you can eventually enjoy the pool ~ hugs~ Sandi:)
Thank you everyone. In the past I have done pool therapy with a PT, and have taken Loose and Limber (a very easy class), and gone to the pool on my own to stretch and do some aerobics and had very little issues afterwards. I am at a much lower state now, and on energy conservation, so it makes it even harder. This morning I went on my own to stretch and do a few minutes of aerobics, but mostly it was visiting with friends. I was there for 45 minutes, maybe I need to drop it down to 15 or 20. While I am typing this it dawns on me, that when I am walking the muscle fatigue sets in at about 20 minutes, so I guess it is the same for moving in the pool.
I have been working with PT, and I am exercising using a recumbent bike, maybe on need to sit in the pool and exercise that way. I see my primary on Wednesday and we will see what she says.
Hi Teri - I so understand what you are saying. I have been trying to learn balance for many years. They now call it pacing but it is all the same. We have to look at what we do in the same way most people look at money and how they spend it. Each day you have to reevaluate and consider how you are doing and what you can or cannot do. The issues change as well as your abilities from day to day. Try to be kind to yourself and balance your choices with what they cost you and if it is worth it. Sometimes it is just not worth the cost of a trip out unless you really have to or want to do it. I have written a few blogs on this at http://dahm-fibro.blogspot.com. Check it out when you feel up to it. You may find some ideas there. Above all else be your own advocate and do what is best for you because that is best in the long run for everybody else in your life.