Im already looking around for another PCP, after discussing it not just with you guys but also with my family we decided that maybe someone with more experience treating fibro and all the other little quirks that came with it , and someone who will take me just a little more into consideration, Id like to be able to walk thats my goal for the year, Id like to stop missing birthdays and events so to shopping for a PCP here I go.
I too was advised to start exercising but that water exercises would probably work best for my condition. As I have no access to a pool my husband and I decided to try yoga. BIG MISTAKE. We only did one of the 13 yoga positions to learn the basics. So 13 positions over 25 minutes while watching the DVD. The next day the pain in my lower back was debilitating. I needed help out of bed and had to walk with a cane for the next six days. I am 45 years old with a “Type A” personality. Before the FM took over my life, I was a very active person in constant movement. Hard to keep me still as I could always find something to do. Now I move at a snails pace with pain shooting through my lower back and both legs as I walk. I have sought out a therapist to talk to as I can see depression setting in. My FM diagnosis is very recent and so I am still in shock on how this could be happening and what I did to bring it on. My parents keep telling me to “slow down” and that I take on way too much stuff in my life but I have always been this way. So I took a stress test online thinking that everyone was out of their minds. To my surprise, I scored in the top ranking with the outcome of “there is an 80% chance or greater that you will get sick soon due to stress”. Wow - So sorry that I am rambling but I am now trying anything and everything to figure out the cause of my FM so I can start working on fixing the issues that cause my “Fibro Flares”. I am very lucky that I have an understanding husband who will do anything to help me, including rescheduling his day to take me somewhere.
You and I both are down to snails pace. I cant believe that I'm like this and now I haven't even hit 30. I live a relatively stress free lifestyle, my only stressor is my frustration when I "fail" to do basic things. I dislike being so dependent I suppose I'm still trying to find a quick fix to restore me to my former health. I just am shocked that something that nagged me in my youth but was ignore-able is so able to bring my life to a complete stand still where my entire focus is just not triggering it bad enough to leave me bed bound.. but I hear its manageable with the right doctor and the right combination of therapy.. and you are so right having a supportive family helps my husband is not embarrassed to help me out the restroom or out the bed, couch or seat when my body hurts so bad too its stiff to move, or to go with me so that I dont have trouble spitting out what i need to tell the doctor
Kas, you are indeed fortunate to have an understanding, supportive husband. Many members here do not have that. So, you and your husband have found out that the speed of the Yoga DVD is far too fast for either one of you. Even though your doctor advises you to exercise you have to experiment to find what works for you and do it at the speed that works for you. Doctors are passing on to their patients what they have read is important, but because they do not have fibromyalgia they don't know what works. That is where we have to experiment and find out for ourselves.
As your FM diagnosis is very recent yes I can believe that you are in shock. I think your parents advice to slow down is very important. Find your speed. Taking on too much in your life sounds like many of us who are Type A personalities. It takes time and self talk to learn to slow down and learn to say No to some things. I have spent my adult life taking on too much so I am still working on that.
I am so glad that you found this community. It's very active and we learn best from each other. That doesn't mean that we will all react the same to meds or pain, but we can learn from people who have been living with fibromyalgia for a very long time. As I look back over my life I can see that my fibro started in childhood with the stress of preparing for piano exams and competitions. I am now 70......and I am still learning what works for me and what doesn't. Keep posting, keep asking questions and keep reading the information on this site.
Gentle hugs
Rachel