Any fibromyalgia suffers out there?

[woodka29]

As a fibro myself exercise is really hard, but I want to get fitter, and healthy.

[DB13]

ME too! Zumba has helped me tremendously! I can't keep up with the younger ones ( I am 58) but I do what I can and have a great time doing it! Using the muscles helps with the pain!

[woodka29]

Hi
Im 63, in Scotland and really need to lose some of this weight, I bought Zumba for my wi machine so I too intend to use Zumba, but the fitbit has really helped and it sort of pushes me to do that little bit more, not attempted any exercises yet what Ive done is walking just around the house a bit more, and its working so far, thats my first week over.
I think my fibro with the exercises will get better, had a terrible year last year, don't want to repeat that, and now seems the right time to tackle it.
Thank you for getting back to me, regards Kath x

[eliz3]

I have fibromyalgia, lupus, and sjogren's.  I do Zumba class at my gym and yoga/pilates class, too.  I don't try to keep up with the younger ones, just do it at my own pace.  I overdid last week and ended up in a pain flare for a few days, but am better today and did classes gently today.  I really like them.

[woodka29]

Well done you, am just not fit enough to actually go classes, but want to get stronger.

Butterflyhugs Kath x

[lisaaggie]

 I have fibro for the last six years or so.  I have had the fitbit since mid June.  I just need to remember not to go all out.  With that being said, my stamina has increased.  My walking mpg  has increased.  I have learned I can not work out four days in a row.  

lisa

[GrannySue]

Hi - I have fibromyalgia.  It came on after a car accident 18 months ago.  Medication has really helped and I am now far more mobile.  I work as a secretary, so spend a lot of time sitting down (which is not good).  My fitbit has made me more aware of how much I move around and has encouraged me to do more.  It has also given me information about my sleep patterns, which is really interesting!

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@woodka29 wrote:

As a fibro myself exercise is really hard, but I want to get fitter, and healthy.

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[ErinScott]

I had a cervical spine injury several years ago and was left with nerve damage and chronic pain. I found that starting out with small walks helped, and slowly worked my way up to longer, more intense walks. I started swimming again ( I was an active swimmer before my injury) and just took it slow and didn't push it when my pain flared up. Now I'm lifting weights, and going to the gym for low impact exercises. For me it is important to know what will hurt me (certain lifting things, and high impact stuff) and finding what I can do, and enjoy, and then working my way up to longer and more intense workouts. 

I'd recommend starting slow, trying some different things, and then listen to your body. When you feel like you could push harder, do it, and when you are too fatigued or in intense pain, then slow down and rest. Don't let yourself get discouraged if you have a bad pain day but instead celebrate the times when you feel good, and strong. I know this can be hard! Maybe make a diary, or poster to document your "wins" (times you did something you couldn't do before) and look at it to help stay focused on how you are improving overall. 

You can do it... And you will feel so good knowing you have control, and that the pain doesn't rule you. 

[wildfern]

As a fellow sufferer, I can tell you that the more you do---the more you can do.

[briana928]

I was diagnosed with fibro 8 years ago (24 now). I was incredibly active as a teenager until I got sick. I went from 3 dance classes a week and dance team to nothing. I noticed my Fibro became much worse when I was about 20. A year later I made it a point to start exercising. I started really slow and worked up in intensity. Some days it was so hard to get moving, but once I did I (even if it was just walking for 15 minutes) I felt better. Unfortunately I had to greatly decrease exercise after losing too much weight (I wasn't trying to lose any weight!) and not getting enough calories (medication killed my appetite). Since then I've reverted back to no exercise and my pain level has increased. I bought my FitBit on Sunday and last night I did treadmill and cycling for the first time in 2 years. I'm excited to see how this will help motivate me to get healthier because I know it will make me feel so much better!
One day at a time 🙂

Cheers!
Briana

[AnnesGT]

Hi everyone,

I just joined Fitbit this week; diagnosed with Fibro in 2010 after a tick bite and being diagnosed with RMSF while in NJ!  My job is mostly sedentary, but my passion on the weekend is active as a photographer. I'm hoping that Fitbit will encourage and help me.  Though, I have found that I was in more pain as I moved along therefore everyone was always telling me to sit down and naturally I fought them.  Not sure if I was doing more good than harm.  Reading your stories has encouraged me to push along.  Thanks!

~Anne

[AnnesGT]

Has Zumba really helped you?  There are so many times that I want to do more than walking, but the pain is just ridiculous.  I have tried the aerobics and stretching, though working through the pain wasn't happening like I wanted it too.   Fortunately, I have been able to work, although it has been difficult. 

[itsmiso]

Hello! 

I also have Fibro. For me, mornings are the hardest. Sometimes I can't walk in the morning. Some days, my entire back spazzes out. Here are some tools that I use to help control pain and help me function.

• heating blanket
• heated mattress pad
• warm showers
• epsom salt / magnesium flakes soaks in the tub
• icy hot with lidocaine
• muscle stimulation
• massage (I cry through it, but the massage actually helps long term)
• gentle stretching / yoga
• finding a fun mobile game or book to read to distract and relax your mind

I hope this might help you,