I think you're right about the different things we panic over that seem strange to others. I think there is a hypervigilance factor in fibro because we have to watch over so many aspects of our condition.
I panic about being on time for appointments, and I have started scheduling them only in the afternoons. If the medical scheduler gives me flak, I tell them I have fibro and my muscles don't work well until at least noon.(I don't mention the effects on the mind.) Once they know why I only do afternoons, they accommodate me.
The benefit of this is that I can take all morning to get ready - and yes, it does take me all morning! Feed the dogs, med one dog, feed the cats, med myself, feed myself, shower, get dressed, and remember the sequence of what needs to be done before leaving. By allowing myself extra time, the anxiety goes down.
I agree it's so nice to have discussions with others who understand!
I hope you are able to cuddle under a throw blanket as the rain moves in!
We did a repair renovation throughout the house, and after a year I still have boxes to sort through. Still, no matter what, I try to do at least a box a week. Eventually I have to get through to the end!
I also do housework of my choice every day to keep myself moving. I have to do it anyway, but some days all I can do is dust. On a really good day I can push a vacuum cleaner! No matter what, the accomplishment feels great!
Since I have other conditions which limit the type of exercise I am able to do, I have an exercise bike which measures distance, speed and time. I try to challenge myself in one aspect every day. I also breathe better after using the exercise bike. Whoa! Oxygenated!
There are many ways to exercise, and each of us will find what is best. Capefibro is right - we need to keep moving as best we can!
You are right - stress is a big flare trigger! It activates our nervous system to go into hyperdrive. We can worry about anything because fibro people tend to be hypervigiliant as well, looking around for what might go awry.
I will have to look into reflexology more often. There are places opening in my area which offer foot massages. I wonder if they are doing reflexology. Also, I am more comfortable touching my own feet than having someone else do it. Do you do the reflexology at home as well?
Kefir is actually much better then yogurt. It colonizes the gut which yogurt can't. It is a much better probiotic with many more strains. I have been reading a lot about it and am giving it to my cat too because she has gut motility issues.
I try to replicate how she does it but it doesn’t feel anywhere near as good as when she does it. Probably due to the fact that I’m able to lay down and relax and enjoy it. Massaging my feet myself does help and I concentrate on the areas of the feet that relate to areas of my body that are hurting. Example - sides of the big toe - if when you massage them and it hurts, it’s because your neck is probably hurting too. By rubbing the pain away helps the pain in your neck. I can’t remember all right now - and may not be accurate on the example - I’m so foggy from a brainstrained day! I massage my feet nightly and it all depends on how sore my hands are. The arthritis flares up and I can’t put a lot of pressure on it. You can also do hand reflexology. If you google it they should have a chart that shows you what areas are affected. Enjoy!
Somewhere in my home is a book on reflexology, but I can't find it. I do remember printing out charts of hand & foot reflex points from the internet. I will try it. I would get some lotion and a comfy chair when doing this and always remember we're not the reflexology professionals. A little self-forgiveness is OK when we don't do it as well as them! :)
My neck always hurts, as does the rest of my spine. That's what happens when a computer chair rolls out just as you are about to sit. My butt landed on the floor and my whole spine shook. This on top of fibro.
I hope you get to take a break, maybe a nice warm bath to get away from brainstrain and arthritis. I've got arthritis too - knees, feet and thumb. I love the feel of warm water washing away all stress and pain, and giggle as it goes down the drain. Brainstrain down the drain. All pain down the drain. It's a fun fantasy when you have to finally get out of that nice warm water.
You are wise to be open to new ideas yet still check with the doctor because of other meds. Sometimes we can miss an opportunity to try a solution, other times we can go it alone and cause even more problems. I never worry about bugging my doctor - there are many compatible treatments out there.
That's great that you are working out. Maybe going every 3 days would allow for recuperation? If I went 4x/week, it would take all of the following week for me to rebuild my energy! Alternating and doing an easier exercise routine may help. Even if you do the same number of reps, take more time to enjoy the stretch. If the reps are too much, do fewer of them. I can understand enthusiasm at the gym - I love working out! I am not able to do it anymore because of other issues (spinal injury, osteoporosis, etc.). I was able to go without aggravating the fibro monster by staying under his radar - slower, fewer, alternating, but most of all taking the time to enjoy!
What is kefir made from? I ask because I have numerous allergies. I am interested in knowing more.
I have always been told that after having antibiotic treatment, follow up afterwards with yogurt because it replenishes the (good) bacteria in the gut. It seems to have worked for me.
I was having gut problems when they took me off dairy. I had to use probiotics. When I gave them up and went back to yogurt, the problem disappeared.
It is made from milk but is 99% lactose free and is supposed to help with lactose intolerance among many other things like gut issues and immune system problems. You might look it up. I buy Lifeway plain. Yogurt can't repopulate your gut like Kefir can. It is supposed to also help with allergies.
Hi Scribelle- just re reading all the messages on this discussion and noticed that you aren’t doing Tai Chi because of balance. My instructor, going back in 4 weeks, teaches chair tai chi as well. Not sure if that would work for you but wanted to mention it might be an option.
Gentle hugs
Barb. (B2chi)
Because of osteoporosis - a remnant of surviving cancer - I have to be very careful of falls. I have a balance board that I use in the hallway, where I strengthen my balance muscles.
I am also searching for a CD with a short form t'ai chi. When I master balancing muscles, I want to go back to the full movement. I had one that was terrific, but after 15 year, it has finally died from use.
Where is this instructor who teaches chair t'ai chi located? I am interested in knowing more! It is taking awhile to get waist muscles to balance, and I miss ta'i chi so much!