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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Leland, NC

I have an ongoing battle with my husband who is really on my case about exercising. I keep telling him that it's very difficult for me to exercise in the traditional sense but walking, stretching and yoga are all fine (some to most days). How do I get my husband to understand that weights, cardio and that sort of thing really does more harm than good? Or that some days it's just impossible to even walk around the block? He's got it stuck in his head that not exercising enough has caused my Fibro… read more

March 5, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone struggling to help their spouse understand that fibromyalgia requires a different approach to exercise, with... Read more

Members rallied around someone struggling to help their spouse understand that fibromyalgia requires a different approach to exercise, with many agreeing that traditional workouts can worsen symptoms and that some days even simple walking is impossible. Several members suggested practical strategies including bringing the husband to a doctor's appointment, sharing educational videos from medical professionals on YouTube, printing out symptom lists, and clearly explaining how stress and pushing too hard cause flares and next-day payback. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of not being believed or understood by loved ones, the importance of setting boundaries around what feels supportive versus harmful, and finding acceptance both in one's own limitations and in the reality that some people may never fully grasp the complexity of living with fibromyalgia.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I had my husband read up on it and he seems to understand a lot better. But I am blessed with a husband that really supports me.
Hang in there dear. Gentle hugs

March 5, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Get him to watch some lectures from doctors on YouTube there's loads on there that say exercise when able but you have to listen to yourself no ones fibro is exactly the same I completely understand how hard it is when your partner doesn't understand sending hugs 🤗

March 5, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

This is true. I certainly didn't mean that we could convince anyone of our agony. One thing you can comment to your husband is, I'm sorry you feel that way, and drop it. I have found that many times just to try to keep some sanity is laughter. Funny tv shows and movies. You tube is fabulous to laugh. I go on sometimes and just search, make me laugh, or laughing babies. Or I'll go to favorite tv theme songs and favorite songs that make me feel good. Yesterday was a miracle for me. Actually weird. No pain or fatigue, went out to breakfast, walked some in the mall, did some light housework which I can rarely do. But today woke up with a flare and certainly didn't want to get dressed and go out, but we had a funeral to go to for a neighbor and had to force myself. It made me feel proud of myself because I thought of someone else and paid my respect. I take one day at a time, and if I can't do a day, I do even a minute at a time. This site is here for you; it's a safe place and you can vent all you want, we all understand. God bless you. Hugs and Blessings.

March 7, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Unfortunately I don't think some will ever understand Fibro!! Hell we don't even get it half the time. I suggested my whole family read up on it but I seriously think if any of them did, they either forget how bad it can be or else choose not to believe it! Fibro is a very complex sickness with far too many ailments to even remember how it effects us everyday and yes we have the odd good day and too many bad days! I honestly think you will waste too much time and energy getting them to try and understand it!!

March 6, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. I am truly blessed that my husband is so kind and understanding. One of the things that you can do if you haven't already is research the net on everything you can find about fibro. I've come across some sights that lay out lists of all the different symptoms and how debilitating they are. No one can really understand unless they walk in our moccasins, (my husband is Native American). I, too, have a hard time exercising. Even walking in my condo, up and back, up and back, just for a few minutes can help. I will pray for you and your husband. Keep in touch. Hugs and Blessings.

March 5, 2017

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