Alone with Fibromyalgia

[Nick]

Hi Marie,

Earlier this month, I spent one week in the equine clinic as a volunteer. I loved working in the clinic and learned a lot from the more experienced colleagues.

This week, I started seeing a physiotherapist. She was really friendly and gave me some advice on how to decrease the stiffness in my muscles. I learned some new ways to stretch my muscles, especially the back muscles. I'll go to see her again in two weeks.

Thank you so much for your great advice on how to lose weight! My goal is to lose 15 pounds. I've lost 7 pounds in three weeks, so I'm happy with the progress. As you recommended, I've eaten more apples and garlic and I've had green tea more often than earlier. I've also spent more time walking outside and riding my bike.

You're right when saying that losing weight can help you exercise and reduce discomfort. This is exactly, why I want to lose some weight. I can already breathe a little bit better and exercising causes less discomfort and pain than when I had more fat around the waist.

How are you, Marie? I'm so sorry to hear that you're still struggling alone! I'm here for you, and I'm sure you've made many other friends on this forum, too, but it's not the same as having someone around, someone who understands and cares, in the place where you live...

Sending a lot of love and blessings your way! <3

 

[Marie219]

Hi Nick,

I am going to write again this weekend or even before; these days we have been very busy with programs because of having important visitors from Europe. Tomorrow evening we are going to have many people for the celebration and I am still practicing the organ for the songs that we are going to sing.

Thank you so much for your loving kindness.

 

[Marie219]

Hi Nick,

How have you been and how about your seeing the physiotherapist and your exercise program?

Last month, I finished my final editing on the first book for my spiritual father and have already submitted it to the publisher; now I am working on the second book for him. This evening, I have a little time and would like to share with you and the members of this forum about my attempt to explore the possibility for reversing Fibromyalgia.

Sharing # 1

As we know, although we experience the pain in different parts of the body, the issue is in the brain and central nervous system. Fibromyalgia sufferers are hypersensitive to pain, we perceive pain in our body when there is nothing physically wrong with our muscles. But our pain is real, it is due to pain sensitization.

Fibromyalgia is potentially reversible if we can accept that our chronic pain is related to stress and we need to change the things / to do the things in order to reduce the stress - to reduce the pain.

One of the things that we can change / do in our daily life is, with our will power, to think positively and not to worry. Worry doesn't help at all; our body reacts to worries, frustration and sadness..... with muscle tension and spasm.

For the past two weeks, something serious has been happening to me, I started to worry; my anxiety, apprehension - my negative feelings - brought Fibromyalgia symptoms back again, I experienced terrible muscle spasm, burning pain....... etc. But as I begin, with my will power, to practice positive thinking and change my attitude in dealing with it, I start feeling better, at least, no more burning pain in my hands and my back.

Yesterday, I was talking to my spiritual father on the phone. He asked me:"How are you?" I answered:" I am not okay with my Fibromyalgia pain....." With so much compassion and kindness he said to me: "Oh you poor soul!....." This is his expression, he is a very loving person, like a father to me. I enjoyed talking to him, after our conversation, my pain was gone.

Next time, I will continue to share with you and the members of the forum my learning and experience about the possibility for reversing Fibromyalgia.

Thank you ever so much for your friendship and your kindness.

 

[TiredPittie]

Hello! I am very sorry to hear about your experience. I truly hope that you can find some comfort here and it helps you feel supported and less alone. I am new here myself and already feel like I am finally understood!

Sending gentle hugs your way.

 

[Nick]

Hi Marie,

I've been fine, thank you. My physiotherapist is wonderful. She's helped me decrease the stiffness and pain in and around my back, thigh, and leg muscles. The main goal of the program is to prevent the atrophy and strengthen the back muscles, while improving also the functionality of thigh, leg, and abdominal muscles.

The exercise program has been really tough, but I'm glad I started seeing a physiotherapist. The fibromyalgia pain is still present all the time, but the program of physiotherapy has made me feel more optimistic about my future. Today, I had the fourth appointment with my physiotherapist. She taught me a few more exercises for strengthening my back and abdominal muscles.

Especially, my knees, elbows, and shoulders have shown signs of increased deterioration (increased pain and crepitus) due to the exercising and underlying chondromalacia, but I know I need to keep working for an improved muscle condition because if I don't, my muscles are going to continue atrophying. It may take half a year, or longer, to reach the level of functionality that I'm aiming for, but I'm very motivated to do the daily exercises because I feel there is a real chance to reach my goal.

Congratulations on finishing your editing of the book! I'm really happy for you. I've started writing my first novel (currently working on chapter 3). I intend to finish writing in June 2020 and publish the novel in the same year, too.

Thank you for sharing about your attempts to find a way to reverse your fibromyalgia. I loved to read your explanation about fibromyalgia pain. Hypersensitivity to pain is indeed the main problem with the muscles of all the people with fibromyalgia.

You wrote also really well about the connection between stress and fibromyalgia pain. I know based on my own experience that when I'm really worried about something and more stressed than usual, the worriedness is followed by more severe pain in my muscles and all the other symptoms of fibromyalgia are felt more intense as well.

I'm happy to hear that your positive thinking and your attempts to decrease your stress levels have made you feel better and you don't suffer from as severe muscle pain and spasms as before.

Thank you for your friendship and love. <3

 

[Marie219]

Hello! I am very sorry to hear about your experience. I truly hope that you can find some comfort here and it helps you feel supported and less alone. I am new here myself and already feel like I am finally understood!

Sending gentle hugs your way.

Hello, welcome to the forum, I have been thinking of writing to you, to thank you, all these days. I usually welcome newcomers immediately but this time I know I am late.

Thank you so much again for your kind words, I hope you find friends and support here. When you do exercise, which is very important, just do little at a time and stay in the safe zone of your physical ability, then, increase gradually so as to attain benefit.

 

[Marie219]

Hi Marie,

I've been fine, thank you. My physiotherapist is wonderful. She's helped me decrease the stiffness and pain in and around my back, thigh, and leg muscles. The main goal of the program is to prevent the atrophy and strengthen the back muscles, while improving also the functionality of thigh, leg, and abdominal muscles.

The exercise program has been really tough, but I'm glad I started seeing a physiotherapist. The fibromyalgia pain is still present all the time, but the program of physiotherapy has made me feel more optimistic about my future. Today, I had the fourth appointment with my physiotherapist. She taught me a few more exercises for strengthening my back and abdominal muscles.

Especially, my knees, elbows, and shoulders have shown signs of increased deterioration (increased pain and crepitus) due to the exercising and underlying chondromalacia, but I know I need to keep working for an improved muscle condition because if I don't, my muscles are going to continue atrophying. It may take half a year, or longer, to reach the level of functionality that I'm aiming for, but I'm very motivated to do the daily exercises because I feel there is a real chance to reach my goal.

Congratulations on finishing your editing of the book! I'm really happy for you. I've started writing my first novel (currently working on chapter 3). I intend to finish writing in June 2020 and publish the novel in the same year, too.

Thank you for sharing about your attempts to find a way to reverse your fibromyalgia. I loved to read your explanation about fibromyalgia pain. Hypersensitivity to pain is indeed the main problem with the muscles of all the people with fibromyalgia.

You wrote also really well about the connection between stress and fibromyalgia pain. I know based on my own experience that when I'm really worried about something and more stressed than usual, the worriedness is followed by more severe pain in my muscles and all the other symptoms of fibromyalgia are felt more intense as well.

I'm happy to hear that your positive thinking and your attempts to decrease your stress levels have made you feel better and you don't suffer from as severe muscle pain and spasms as before.

Thank you for your friendship and love. <3

Hi Nick,

How are you doing with your physiotherapy program and your physiotherapist ? I hope there is great improvement and your muscles are strengthened. I am glad that you do exercise daily, keep up the good work and you will definitely reach your goal.

I am happy that you are writing your first novel, I enjoy writing though it takes a lot of time and patience; you will have your joy at seeing your book coming out at the end.

I have been thinking of you and all the members of the forum, this time I am late because all of a sudden, my post traumatic symptom - fear came back. This started about a month ago. Each time, when I began to feel better, my symptom was triggered and this happened four times in the past one month, that is, once a week. Fear is a terrible suffering, it is worse than my Fibromyalgia. This fear has caused me the ringing in my ears (for the first time in my life). When the fear is severe, the ears ring louder, so I have been struggling with Fibromyalgia and Post traumatic fear.

In people who have Fibromyalgia, the pain system is ready to fire at a much lower level than the others, however, the symptoms are always reversible.
I was taught to have a plan and work diligently in order to reach the goal.

The contributing factors to Fibromyalgia: stress, changing in weather, temperature drop, humidity, excessive physical activity..........all need to be addressed, otherwise the symptoms would return.

My ear specialist asked me: How stressful is your life? I replied: Very stressful. He told me to minimize the stress as much as possible - both physical and psychological stress, because it can cause hearing loss.
My attitude and my way of thinking can contribute to healing, and can also make it worse - don't work it up, as my friend used to say.

My experience tells me that when I am turning my focus on something else, doing something that is interesting, something that I enjoy, both my Fm pain and PTSD fear disappear.

Relaxation - my acupuncturist told me to listen to music before going to bed, music that gives relaxation to my body and mind. I find this helpful for both Fm and PTSD. At night, I use Lavender oil mixed with baby oil to apply to the sole of my feet, my neck and all my Fm points, this enables me to sleep well.

People tell me that exercise is very, very, very important, and I totally agree.
Many times, I prefer walking to other exercise because it is easier to do, less fatigue and less painful. At home, I like to walk up and down the stairs most of the time, except there are days my body is so tired and painful that I feel I am going to collapse when I reach 2nd floor. Still, I do not take the elevator; and I purposely not to learn how to use it so as not to be tempted to use it.

Advent is coming, Christmas is approaching - a season that brings hope and joy to all, in particular to you and to all the members of this forum.

 

[Devon]

Hi, Marie. I am also new here. I have had fibromyalgia for 8 years. Although it is much better, through taking baby steps (eliminating toxins, mainly), I have not been able to get rid of the last 15 to 20 percent of pain. I am hoping that being on the forum will give me some good ideas.

This is what I will tell you about MY hand pain. It may be completely unrelated to yours, though. I have read that hand/feet problems are prevalent with fibro sufferers. This was DEFINITELY true for me. I now do not suffer from hand/feet problems. My hands were cured through carpal tunnel surgery. If you have tingling fingers and/or referred pain up your arms, even all the way to your neck, I would ask to be tested for carpal tunnel syndrome. This surgery made a real improvement to my life.

 

[Nick]

Hi Marie,

I'm sorry to hear that your fear came back. I hope you feel better soon. <3

I think it's great that you've got a plan and you work so determined and with diligence towards your goal. Walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator is a very good choice. I also prefer stairs because standing in an elevator makes me feel uncomfortable.

Lately, the pain in my rib cage has been so intense that I've had some difficulties with falling asleep. Most of the time, it's continuous, moderately throbbing pain, but it can be extremely sharp and violent pain sometimes, making me jump out of my bed, groaning in agony. After a couple of minutes, I only feel the usual soreness and moderate pain, triggered by application of some pressure on the rib cage. I try to calm down and breathe normally, after experiencing such terrible and sudden pain.

I'm doing fine with my physiotherapy program. Regular stretching of the muscles and muscle-strengthening exercises have definitely helped me cope with the everyday life.

The sit ups and back muscle exercises are still very demanding for me, but with an improved breathing technique and tailored exercises, I can bear the pain, when exercising.

The program of physiotherapy has continued to improve my balance and muscle strength, and it has also helped to prevent and relieve the pain.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a flare-up of pain in my hip muscles. My physiotherapist gave me a few more exercises, and after 3-4 days, the pain was much more bearable, so I could already walk quite well.

I wish you a happy new year! I hope it will be a good one, with a plenty of joy and love.

 

[Marie219]

Hi, Marie. I am also new here. I have had fibromyalgia for 8 years. Although it is much better, through taking baby steps (eliminating toxins, mainly), I have not been able to get rid of the last 15 to 20 percent of pain. I am hoping that being on the forum will give me some good ideas.

This is what I will tell you about MY hand pain. It may be completely unrelated to yours, though. I have read that hand/feet problems are prevalent with fibro sufferers. This was DEFINITELY true for me. I now do not suffer from hand/feet problems. My hands were cured through carpal tunnel surgery. If you have tingling fingers and/or referred pain up your arms, even all the way to your neck, I would ask to be tested for carpal tunnel syndrome. This surgery made a real improvement to my life.

Hi Devon,

First of all, I am very sorry for so much delay, it was due to my postraumatic symptom of fear came back so I have taken sick leave for two months, and the deadline that I had for the editing of another book; I have just finished it today. And I have been thinking of replying to you.

Below is something that I would like to share from personal experience:

Fibromyalgia is a stress related condition, our chronic pain is related to stress. In order to bring about our recovery, we need to turn down the pain amplifier, that is, to change the things that turn on the pain amplifier.

Fibromyalgia pain is due to pain sensitization. Stress makes the pain system more sensitive. Pain causes our muscles to become tense, and the tense muscles cause pain. The causes of tension are: anxiety, worries, insecurity, sadness, apprehension, fear..........etc. All these create tension in our mind, our nervous system is activated and our tense muscles are ready for action. My muscles become stiff, painful and difficult for movement when I am in a stressful moment or situation.

We are not able to change the things that happened, but we are able to change our attitude toward them so as to better deal and cope with them. Living with positive attitude helps managing our daily stress. We can identify our stressors and find ways to reduce them. Living in continued stress means living in continued pain, in a pain sensitization state, having pain in continuation, this is what we need to avoid.

Aside from having a positive attitude in our dealing with life happenings and turning our focus on continual doing good toward the others, it is important to pay attention to our diet, to do exercise - at least walking everyday; and the encouragement of friend/s means a lot to us. That's why we, members of the forum, are here to support each other.

 

[Marie219]

Hi Marie,

I'm sorry to hear that your fear came back. I hope you feel better soon. <3

I think it's great that you've got a plan and you work so determined and with diligence towards your goal. Walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator is a very good choice. I also prefer stairs because standing in an elevator makes me feel uncomfortable.

Lately, the pain in my rib cage has been so intense that I've had some difficulties with falling asleep. Most of the time, it's continuous, moderately throbbing pain, but it can be extremely sharp and violent pain sometimes, making me jump out of my bed, groaning in agony. After a couple of minutes, I only feel the usual soreness and moderate pain, triggered by application of some pressure on the rib cage. I try to calm down and breathe normally, after experiencing such terrible and sudden pain.

I'm doing fine with my physiotherapy program. Regular stretching of the muscles and muscle-strengthening exercises have definitely helped me cope with the everyday life.

The sit ups and back muscle exercises are still very demanding for me, but with an improved breathing technique and tailored exercises, I can bear the pain, when exercising.

The program of physiotherapy has continued to improve my balance and muscle strength, and it has also helped to prevent and relieve the pain.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a flare-up of pain in my hip muscles. My physiotherapist gave me a few more exercises, and after 3-4 days, the pain was much more bearable, so I could already walk quite well.

I wish you a happy new year! I hope it will be a good one, with a plenty of joy and love.

Hi Nick,

I have been thinking of writing to you and members of the Forum but sad things that had happened in life prevented me to do it sooner.

At the beginning of the last week of January, my father was so unwell that I worried very, very much. After a week of suffering, he died last Saturday morning and I began to cry and cry everyday and many times a day; he is the person whom I love the most in my life, my dearest father who is forever in my heart ! With a lot of grief I keep talking to him all these days but there is no answer!

The day after his passing, I got my right hand injured, it was so painful that I was not able to do anything till I went to the doctor the next day for over an hour of very painful treatment. The doctor put needles to all my fingers and my foot, turning the needles over and again...... people could hear that I was crying and crying during the treatment. Now, my hand is getting better so I can work again on the computer. No pain no gain, says the doctor.

These days of mourning are bad for my Fibromyalgia, I slept with sorrow and pain, and woke up with ringing in my ear. I think because of sleeping on the biomat - I have it set with the lowest temperature about 95 F, this helps lessen my upper back pain, otherwise it would be worse.

How is the pain in your rib cage ? How is your physiotherapy program going? I hope you are feeling better. I wonder if biomat would reduce your pain. Certainly, regular stretching of the muscles and muscle-strengthening exercises help you greatly cope with your daily life. A healthy diet is also important to reduce Fibro pain. I like to eat salads and cooked vegetables, nuts and oats, no sugar at all. During Christmas and New Year, I did not taste any chocolate which I like, especially dark chocolate, as I was told that sugar is poisonous and would augment Fibro pain. And I never take coffee.

I pray and hope that you feel better and better each day, and this would be a year of great progress for you. Happy Valentine to you and to all the members of the Forum.

 

[Nick]

Hi Marie,

I'm really sorry for your loss, dear friend. Losing a loved one can break your heart into tiny pieces, but eventually your heart will be healed.

Grief is a painful process that will help you continue your life better after facing a tragedy. If it helps you to talk to your father, who's resting now in eternal peace, you can keep talking to him. He won't be able to answer anymore, but speaking out the things that are burdening your mind, or the things you wanted to say to your father, when he was still alive, may help you process your emotions.

I'm glad to hear your hand got better after the treatment with the needles. The treatment sounds like a horrible experience, though! It takes a lot of determination, trust, and mental strength to go through such a painful treatment.

I'm also happy to hear your biomat is helping you sleep better. It might be a good purchase for me, too.

Your diet sounds really healthy and delicious! I haven't been able to go completely sugar free yet, but I have reduced the amount of added sugar significantly in my daily meals.

I had my last visit with my physiotherapist a couple of weeks ago. She gave me some final advice on how to improve my functionality and decrease the muscle pain. I'm just going to keep following the program of physiotherapy and I hope the hard work will pay off some day. To a certain extent, the program has already been helpful, but I still have a mountain to climb before reaching the finish line.

Blessings and love,

Nick

 

[Marie219]

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[Marie219]

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[Marie219]

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