Can you tell me why exercising does not help with Fibro etc...Can you give me medical proof which I already know exist that exercising in the manner my daughter thinks is harmful sometimes even tears muscle tissue.I have Fibro,Myofascail Pn Syndrome,8 Herniated Disc,Spinal Stenosis,IBS,TMJ,Arthritic Knees and Feet,29 oral surgeries which have left me with bad equalibrium. I also have a muscle in my knee which was born with a fold in it.There fore you cannot extend it the full way because the muscle is too short.I know and understand that aqua therapy and things like that are good.I know that the little bit of watering my yard and things like that are good too.But I spent 3 years in physical therapy at Mayo Clinic and was told by my therapist that when he felt like I was able to start exercising.Mostly doing stretches at first.I would start and then my muscles would not allow me to go any further due to pain.How can I get the information or just getting it from you and showing her that people like us do not have normal muscle function.I know that I have read a few books by Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland the importance of exercise.But I am sure she didn't mean to walk the distance of a football field to get to a kids soccer game and then have to sit in an uncomfortable chair.And walk half the length of a football field in order to use the bathroom.Or walk in thick sand at the beach to get to a kids surfing lesson at 7:30 in the a.m.I went to a doctor appt yesterday and spent all night massaging a muscle in my right leg.I have to see another doc tomorrow and I know if I do not rest I will be in pain.I have tried so many things in the past and I know what works for me and what doesn't.I had a great kind of mix of a massage therapist and physical therapy.She was great at getting me broader range of motion but she moved out of the state.And I cannot afford expensive massage therapist.I know that there is a Silver Sneakers program but less face it.Not too many of us end up there.It takes all I have to shower and get dressed.I am hurting before I get to the door.But my relationship with this one daughter is getting better.I think I am much less depressed since she has shown she would like to have a relationship with me.I told her of my plans to try and get an electric scooter or walker that rolls with a seat so I can get to the destination in order to enjoy the soccer game etc...I am in the process of trying to get one or the other.I told her that doesn't mean I have to stay in it all the time.I cannot even read anymore because I cannot hold my arms up that long.Even my flesh hurts.I sometimes sat in Church with 2 pillows,a stool and a scarf around my neck as the A/C blew on the back of my neck causing pain and I could never just sit that one hour without having to get up and move around.Does anyone else have these problems.Yes sometimes I over do it in the yard.But my husband is the only source of income we have and he just turned 50 and has started having back problems of his own.He works 12 to 14 hour days and six days a week.All outside.I will not take a chance of aggravating his back.And make us both disabled.It is so hard for people who have always had good luck and never had pain in their lives.They look at us and think well she looks good and talks good she must not be in pain.And most of us do the "The Good Sport Syndrome" just to get through family functions so we aren't attacked verbally.But if these same people see you on crutches or in a wheel chair they do not seem to go along the same manner of thinking.I mean some peole have cancer and do not hurt as much as we do.And please if you do have cancer do not take that statement to mean that you are not in pain I am just trying to make a point.I have already been told by a neuro surgeon I need back surgery.But he said it would be one surgery after another until my whole spine is fused.I think it is my decision whether to have surgery or not.I have never known one person who said they had back surgery and was well from then on.So can you help me out with this question.Can you explain why we cannot go to the gym and work out.Thank-you for reading this lengthy question.I hope you have some answers for me so I can continue to have a better relationship with my daughter.I have been so much better mentally since she has started to meet me halfway.I would love for her to understand why I cannot live my life according to doctor daughter.This is Jo and I hope everyone has a blessed day.
Q: How can I prove to my daughter that exercise is harmful if you have Fibro etc...
I can't explain this frustrating problem - no one can actually - researchers still don't know why exercise is so damaging for many FM and CFS patients, but I certainly share your frustration. The only thing I can suggest is to lead your daughter to credible sources that she will hopefully trust.
Check out this link from the National Fibromyalgia Association (http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5271)
It goes over how to exercise with FM. Note that it does say exercise is good for FM patients but also notice how detailed the instructions and how careful you have to be to enjoy the benefits - this is not normal exercise! Its small amounts of very carefully managed exercise.
Whatever type of exercise you engage in you should be sure to be stretching as well -that's important for loosening up those contracted feeling muscles that so often occur in FM.
Good luck with your daughter - it's tough battling a chronic disease and one's family members at the same time.
I believe on the contary; doing nothing is the worst thing you can do for fibro. They key is to find what works for you. There is a balance between doing too much and not enough. It depends on what kind of exercising you are talking about? Even something as simple as walking or even better warm water swimming is helpful to fibro. You have to find you limits, and you can't do that without trying. You are going to have good days and bad days there just isn't any way around that. There is no easy answer to fibro, there is a lot of inforamtion out there and it can be confusing. Find a doctor who knows about fibro, maybe a med can help. Just don't say to yourself there is nothing I can do that helps; becasue there is always something.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
