Chronic Pain and Chronic Fatigue...

[Kome]

 Hi! I'm new to the Fitbit Flex. I just got it for Christmas. I got it because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, along with some other health conditions. My goal is to get an average of steps for day/week and then go from there and try and up my steps by a little bit each week. I have a hard time staying active because of the fatigue and the work I exercise the more I hurt. It's REALLY hard to get motivated to do ANYTHING. I spend a lot of time in bed and on the internet or watching things of Netflix. Just wondering if there was anyone out there dealing with pain and fatigue and if you had any suggestions. I'm not looking for natural remedies for how to fix my pain, but thanks for the thought. Just wondering with others do for exercise that deal with things like this. Thanks! 🙂

-Kome

[Odyssey13]

Welcome to the forums @Kome

There are quite a few people on the forums with health issues.

Fibromyalgia is something I have had for a long time and all I know to do is fight each day. There are days I don't feel like getting up, but I make myself do it. Some days are better than others and each step is a victory.

You might want to start a journal. Log how you feel and how active you are daily. It's a way to see that there are good days and a way to know possible triggers for the bad days.

For me, if I forget about the fibromyalgia and do too much scrubbing of the bathroom, the next day it hits me hard. Remembering to do some tasks over a period of time helps.

Baby steps are often better than no steps at all.

Just sharing this with the community is a new beginning for you. Keep on going, no matter what. Never quit.

[GrandmaDeb]

I'm in the same boat as you with Fibro, some arthritis, asthma, etc. When I overdo it, I seize up and am down the next day.

I try to do stretches, even before getting out of bed. Of course stretching well before exercise, and as often as I think about it. I stick with low impact exercises and don't overdo it with weight lifting...that is, when not working or being mommy and Grandma to young ones. Busy life!!

Just got my Fitbit for Christmas and am excited about getting on track and shedding lbs. I was shocked to see I put in 2.5 miles on Christmas day without even leaving the house, lol. Setting realistic goals is a challenge since I want to be that person that runs 5 miles at the crack of dawn every day. Yet, here I am wondering if I'll ever hit the 10,000 step goal!

I was just searching for a group to join when I came across your post. Still trying to learn how this fitbit thing works! 🙂

[Stephen1227]

Yes, welcome, Kome. I too have fibromyalgia, and live with regular pain and fatigue.  For me, loving support from family and friends, walking, stretching, swimming, prayer, helping others (I teach first grade), daily prayer, a mostly vegetarian diet, 2 tablespoons of flax oil every day, and and a positive attitude help me.  And, weekend naps! 

[otherfamilydoc]

I can relate especially to the older Fitbit users with multiple autoimmune diseases. My worst problem is Sjogren's syndrome with its debilitating joint pain and fatigue, although I also have systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and my newest problem: CVID which is common variable immunodeficiency disease that left me with only about one third of my immune system functioning. I've been disabled for over 20 years much to my dismay. My type a driven personality that got me into Veterinary College years ago I had to set by the wayside so that I could cope with fibromyalgia along with all of the rest of my illnesses. I too believe in daily prayer, telling God throughout the day all the things I am grateful for, meditation, resting when my body needs rest, trying not to overdo at any one task, correct nutrition, continuing to help animals in the ways that I can, continuing to teach animal owners about proper animal interaction when I can, and reaching out to my wonderful friends when I need a shoulder to cry on . The first thing my internist and I wanted to work on with my Fitbit flex was to increase my number of steps from 1000 to 1500 and then 2000 per day. Unfortunately at 1500 and beyond my ankles became increasingly swollen and painful and walking was just too much of a challenge. So I am back to 1000 steps per day and extremely thankful I can walk this much!

[Stephen1227]

Hi otherfamilydoc.  Just read your post, and am touched.  You have my admiration and respect.  You are clearly a strong person, and your focus on what you can do and on your blessings is beautiful and inspiring.  I try to do the same.  It helps a lot!  As I type, I my body aches from fibro, and I am quite tired, but I am grateful for what I accomplished today, and all of my other blessings.  This makes me smile in spite of physical pain.  Each day is a chance to do our best. You are a great example of that!  Keep on keeping on.  God bless.

[Paulette3028]

I have arthritis and take over the counter arthritis for pain along with Glucosamine Sulfate tablets and Vitamin D.  My rheumatologist said that the more I push through a little of the discomfort, since my arthritis is in my ankles as well as other joints, the less pain I will actually be in.  He was right.  I can't say, I am pain free, and some days I probably push the step number too far, but for the most part more walking equates to better management and less overall pain in the arthritic ankle.

Just keeps me moving forward.  I have never been very overweight, but a few less pounds also can't hurt.  I got my Fitbit in August, but in the last 18 months have taken off 13 pounds....it doesn't seem like a lot, but it does have a big impact on my joints.

[natalieinjeans]

As a few people said, start super small. Baby steps. The second thing is that you need to be extremely clear on what you want when you are setting a goal - "I want to be healthier" is great, but is extremely generalized and not easy to track. I love my fitbit because I can set realistic step goals for myself each day. My goals might be way lower than the average around here, but they're just right for me. Don't try and change anything huge, or everything all at once. Good luck!

[OneEmi]

I've been where you are & still live with the high pain level. I got so depressed & hurt so bad I stayed in bed too. Surprised I didn't starve to death. So I feel you. They named it fibromyalgia but it's HELL. I found a pain management Doctor who really helps me. Obamacare has ruined insurance & the addicts have ruined the world for those who REALLY need the drug to help. I pray a lot. I make myself get out of bed. I thank God that I CAN get out of bed and I MAKE MYSELF MOVE. I'm starring at 8,000 steps I haven't gotten in 2 days because of a flareup. So like some have said. Baby steps. Remember because you have (I hope) one good day you don't over do it. I was grand at over doing it and paying big for it. I still do! When I have a good day it's like Christmas morning & I can conquer the world! Then I need resurrection day to come! Just get up! Sit in the chair! Get up! Walk in place! Sit down! Get up. Stretch. Take a hot bath in Epson salt! Just MOVE. And Pray.

[Marydu]

Apparently constant pain can cause depression, plus living the life I lived (past tense) - anyway besides my body falling apart, my mental health ain't all that great either. I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I have been on every antidepressant in the world - they did nothing. This doctor has prescribed something different. I feel like what I think normal people feel like. I do not feel like I am drugged, I am not overly happy - I have down days like the rest of the world. Then a while back I decided I was so very normal and "fixed" that I did not need those pills any more, so I stopped taking them. Naturally, I did not discuss this with the doctor, I know everything - right? I've been posting that I just can't get motivated to go for a walk - well, along with that, I couldn't get motivated to do any housework (and if I don't do some every day, I'll get buried and never catch up), then I couldn't really remember when I had showered or cleaned up in any manner. A little over three years ago I finally got baptized and I go to church often - not only on Sunday, but during the week - it helps - I wasn't doing that either. Apparently I am not, and never have been, in charge of the universe (that was a shocker). It was not my fault my mother died, it was not my fault my father died (I was 19, just married to the first of several jerks), it was not my fault that my brother and a bunch of assorted relatives decided to shoot themselves in the head (every once in a while - not all together - "family adventure" type thing - one cousin then announced that suicide runs in our family - guess I was supposed to go buy a gun or something. I am more the type to hang around and share my misery - no one gets off the hook) anyway - apparently every bad thing that happens or happened or will happen is not my fault! So, Saturday I'm in my blue funk, and thought, I don't really want to go to Mass tomorrow! That "woke" me up. To get that far down is right next to "let's have a drink" - oh, I'm also a non-practicing alcoholic. Recovering alcoholic sounds like I'll "get well" then we can all go out for a drink to celebrate!! So, I say non-practicing alcoholic - goodness knows I practiced enough - starting at 15. The first thing I learned to "cook" was a bourbon and coke - at the age of 8 - for my mother and her friends. Then with 7 hip surgeries, bunch of back, neck and every optional body part removed or fixed - I have an orthopedic surgeon who really isn't sure how come I am not in a wheelchair - so I really don't think alcohol would be a good idea - I can barely walk on flat ground sober!! Oh, forgot about the part of mixing alcohol with my meds - problem over - I'd die from that! I have to take such high doses of meds and boy can I hold my liquor - I cannot even grasp the idea of buying one (1) bottle of wine - that just does not computer in my mind - and only 2 would make me nervous - then there would be the driving drunk to get more booze problem - see, drinking, besides killing me or permanently ending up in the wheelchair - is just too confusing. I also realized besides not being in charge of the universe, I am not a doctor. So, yesterday and today I took my morning pills. Guess what? I feel human. Long way to say I listened to my doctor - what a concept?!!

Oh - I had to call Customer Service before I started typing this mess - they were great as always!! I explain that I am an idiot - that way they know how big of words they should use - they NEVER talk down to me, they explain or tell me how to do stuff in a way I can understand without making me feel stupid! I know these people are about 100 years younger than I, but they are so great!! I told the guy I was going to post how wonderful Customer Service is! Got to check my banking - then go walk - for real! Scouts honor! Thanks for listening to me............
mary

[aj71]

Hi Kome.
I also have chronic fatigue issues with M.E and fibromyalgia. It is VERY hard not to overstep the mark on a good day and overdo it, without triggering pain and fatigue as a result. Totally understand, you're not alone. Started getting cardiac issues with regular 24/7 palpitations as a result of the cardiac muscle also being subject to fatigue, so I thought a good way of monitoring myself to stay under my anaerobic threshold of 99bpm would be to get a tracker.  Hoping that FITBIT can help! It's very smart and compact on the wrist, compared to a lot of other medical trackers chronic sufferers buy, and I just didn't want an ECG machine strapped to my arm for the world to see. Also being so exhausted means that weight gain is an issue which further complicates health, again hoping to stay on track. Any joy with yours?

[MichaelVictoria]

Hi Jogger!

How is your progress? I found your comment while searching for the best FitBit for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or ME or SEID). I am hoping the info helps, but I'm not quite sure what to do. My doctor has never had a SEID/CFS patient before, there are no specialists within our outside of my health insurance network in my area, and I can't seem to find any graded exercise therapy program so I'm going to have to do my best on my own. Do you have any tips?

Thank you so much!

[AndeLou]

Hi.   I struggle with arthritic joint pain, in my knees especially, and know if I lose weight it will help with the pain, but it gets frustrating dealing with pain all the time!  I have found, however, that after walking on a treadmill, with shoes that have lots of cushion (yet very stable), that if I sit with a heating pad on my knees/shins for 30 min afterwards, the pain from working out is very minimal/manageable.  I will stretch out my legs on the couch, turn on the heating pad, and weigh it down with a heavy, big pillow and it feels wonderful. 

The key for me has been good shoes with lots of cushion to soften the jolt on the joints, and my heating pad.  

As for fatigue... I've read it helps to eat a banana an hour before working out - or some other source of energy - to give the muscles something to work off of.  Your fatigue sounds like it's from your health condition though, but maybe something like that will still help?  

[Dominique]

---

@AndeLou wrote:

As for fatigue... I've read it helps to eat a banana an hour before working out - or some other source of energy - to give the muscles something to work off of.  Your fatigue sounds like it's from your health condition though, but maybe something like that will still help?  

---

The idea in pre-workout carbs is indeed to make sure you have enough glycogen stored in your muscle tissues (so you have enough energy to get the most out of your workout). Likewise, post-workout carbs will replenish your glycogen stores and favour recovery and muscle growth. Bananas have a relatively low glycemic index, so you would indeed need to eat it well ahead of your workout (to give it the time needed to make it into your bloodstream). For post-workout, you would want something with a high glycemic index. However, all this would apply to someone who has low energy because they’re in a depleted state (in terms of nutrition), not to chronic fatigue caused by a medical condition. 

[bcalvanese]

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@Kome wrote:

 Hi! I'm new to the Fitbit Flex. I just got it for Christmas. I got it because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, along with some other health conditions. My goal is to get an average of steps for day/week and then go from there and try and up my steps by a little bit each week. I have a hard time staying active because of the fatigue and the work I exercise the more I hurt. It's REALLY hard to get motivated to do ANYTHING. I spend a lot of time in bed and on the internet or watching things of Netflix. Just wondering if there was anyone out there dealing with pain and fatigue and if you had any suggestions. I'm not looking for natural remedies for how to fix my pain, but thanks for the thought. Just wondering with others do for exercise that deal with things like this. Thanks! 🙂

-Kome

---

I did a little googling about this and it seems that regular exercise is one of the best things a person can do for all of it. And depression too.

Get out of bed, turn off the computer, turn off netflix, and get out there and exercise.

You are going to be in pain either way, so why not go through a period of more pain to be in way less pain in the long run?

Sounds like a win win to me.

[brownoscar]

I also have Sjogren's syndrome. I do not have other autoimmune diseases, so I am grateful for that. I really have low blood counts, but I don't seem to get sick often. Before I started with a Fitbit, I started water aerobics. The class left me wiped out but I kept it up for 3 days a week for 3 years. I used a heart rate monitor to log my progress. I have also been lucky enough to find a combination of medications that work and I cook most of my meals from scratch. I spend a lot of time resting on the couch, but still manage to get 8,000 to 10,000 steps most days now. I belong to a great gym where I take classes, many with folks my age (64). I started weight training and mat pilates a couple of years ago. I feel as strong as I did when I was in college. 

As a reference, I have had the disease since 2000 and in 2008 I found I could barely walk. After visiting many doctors, I had some physical therapy. They said I had absolutely no core strength at all. That is when I decided to take ownership of my own health. Since then I have made real progress. Good luck to you. Water aerobics may help with your stiffness and ankle problems until you can build up some endurance.

[MichaelVictoria]

Thank you for your info!

[MichaelVictoria]

That is true (mine is a medical condition), but I still appreciate the
thoughts!

[FortWorth]

I need two full knee replacements.  Have needed them for years.  I'm not a vain person in any way.  Yet, for some reason that line that will be on my knees signify's old age to me.  I simply do not want it done until I have no other choice.

I used to take ibuprofen.  I had a physical two years ago and my doctor said it was starting to affect my kidneys...so I went cold turkey.  She gave me some prescription pain killer.

Two of my siblings were drug addicts so I have always watched what I take.  I want nothing addictive in my life period.  So whenever a doctor is offering up anything...I usually decline.

Ibuprofen was helping..until it was no more.  

Anyway, so I went totally cold turkey when the script wasn't doing anything for me.  My husband had a massive bottle of aleve hanging around the house.  I decided to start taking them.  Now, I take 2 tablets a day in the am to help my old rickety body start moving.  That's it.

Basically the key to my success so far is simply to keep moving.  While it hurts to get started you find out it hurts far more to stop moving.

Those commercials about a body in motion stays in motion are true.  Now my biggest problem is the shooting pains that wake me up when I am trying to sleep.  

Just start small.  Don't compare yourself to anyone else.  Eventually it will get better and easier.

I can attest to that, I'm bone on bone in both legs.  I need an Achilles repair currently in my right foot.  Hopefully by the end of this year that will get fixed again.  

It is mind over matter in my mind.  Granted that cannot fix everything but it can sure help your psyche.  

[Groov1r]

I'm more for natural remedies, because I'm afraid for my body to get used to some drugs for relieving pain..