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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Fife, Scotland

I have found that on the whole I have lost a lot of my strength, even opening heavy doors can be a struggle. I can understand this when I am having a bad day, but even now on a good day with low pain, my strength is half what it used to be.

May 5, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing significant muscle weakness with fibromyalgia, describing difficulty with everyday tasks like... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed experiencing significant muscle weakness with fibromyalgia, describing difficulty with everyday tasks like opening jars, carrying shopping bags, lifting grandchildren, and even holding phones, with many noting that strength loss persists even on lower-pain days. Several members shared that gentle movement helps more than complete rest, recommending light exercises like resistance bands, isometrics, swimming, and physical therapy approaches while emphasizing the importance of finding personal limits and taking breaks to avoid overdoing it. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of feeling weaker and less capable than before, coupled with frustration that muscles seem to waste away despite continued use, yet members found solidarity in knowing they are not alone in this struggle.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Definitely!
Strength training is as paramount as good nutrition and supplements to our health.

Even while relaxing, exercise arms and shoulders with little or no weights, tennis balls, bands, even a towel.
Try regular isometrics, too, especially to strengthen hips, and legs.

We need to fight bone mass loss, so that we don't fracture ourselves.
Many of us are deficient in Vitamin D, especially, as we get older.

My Best!
LET

May 5, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I definitely agree with everyone. I used to do cardio and strength training daily and I think it's really due to lack of activity. We try so hard not to hurt, we do less and less. I seriously can't believe the muscles I've lost. So yes, I believe we should do some sort of exercise, maybe not weight training but possibly PT stuff using bands and such can help us stay stronger without killing us or making us feel like we are dying. I think someone says just moving your arms or legs around once in awhile can make a difference. Baby steps and never overdo it, you definitely will know if you have, but personally being a late boot camp coach, I think it's possible to do this, just find your personal limit and commit to doing it, take a break when you know you need it. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. In fact, I agree, I hurt a lot more when I do absolutely nothing. Anyone agree?
Thanks for sharing and reading. Hugs ♡ ♡ ♡ Shilo

May 6, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes most definitely I am extremely weak all the time I can't open jars the refrigerator is a chore just about anything makes me feel so inadequate because I can't do anything because of the pain its so detrimental arghhh can't take it anymore 😥😥

May 6, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I'm the same . I have always had a physically heavy job. I tried to lift something it was as if my arms had the inability to lift. I just couldn't lift even life objects. On a bad day my legs have difficulty getting upstairs or stepping hostels into shops it makes me feel useless x

May 6, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member, that is such a great description. That is exactly how I feel now. I have just been noticing over time how weak ive become, I can't pick up/lift things that I could before.

May 5, 2017

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