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Exercise

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Greenville, SC

Many people talk about exercise with fibromyalgia, and it seems to me that it's so easy for some. I began having symptoms of fibromyalgia in 2014. I was wearing a size 14 in women's jeans. Today I wear s size 20. I was running a mile easily in 2014, I was lifting weights. I could walk to my neighborhood zumba class, complete the class, and then walk back home. Now, I get so fatigued and in pain that completing a work out takes hours, to days before I recover. I don't have time to lay in bed… read more

July 18, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members deeply connected over the heartbreaking reality of trying to exercise with fibromyalgia, sharing how weight gain and debilitating... Read more

Members deeply connected over the heartbreaking reality of trying to exercise with fibromyalgia, sharing how weight gain and debilitating post-exercise pain have fundamentally altered their lives, with many describing going from active lifestyles and smaller sizes to struggling with basic movement and weight increases of 50 to 100 pounds. Several members offered practical strategies they're currently trying or have found helpful, including walking slowly with assistive devices like walkers, water-based exercise to reduce joint stress, tracking food with apps like Noom or Weight Watchers, staying hydrated, and cautioning against diet pills due to dangerous side effects like spiking blood pressure. A recurring theme was the profound grief of losing one's former active self, the frustration of needing to recover for days after any physical activity, and the shared determination to keep searching for gentle movement options that work despite the relentless pain and exhaustion.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member

This is one thing that I am worried about is exercising and the affects it might have on me.
Once my body gets much better so that I am able to do squats and lunges with small barbells.
At the moment I cannot get to close to the floor because I haven't been able to get up off the floor without assistance.
Too scared to exercise at the moment and it was great to read of your personal struggles.

From what I have been told is eat plenty of protein meals because I have lost so much weight.
Water exercises are really good, because the water supports your body.
Once I can exercise because I would like to get my butt back to being shapely again. Slow and Steady wins the race.

Have a Restful and Relaxing Week. Many Blessings to You and your Family.
✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️

July 18, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

Be careful of taking diet pills I tried that to try and lose weight and it made my blood pressure skyrocket. I was walking around the neighborhood with my kids bc I can't workout like I used to. But it has been helping but just very slowly. Before I was diagnosed with fibro I was in a size 9 jeans now I can't get comfortable in anything but stretchy type pants. But I believe the walking does help bc the pants are getting looser on me. Right now I can't walk unless I use a walker bc of the herniated disc in my back. I also have asthma so I have to go slow and it's so hot here in Florida. But I hate the cold. I used to live in Ohio I could never be in that type of weather with this illness. If you try any diet pills keep an eye on your blood pressure. Just so you are aware if it's affecting you in the wrong way. Just try and keep a positive attitude. I'm sure we will both get the weight to go away we just have to find the right way to do it.
Hope this helps,
JulieMyers🙃

July 20, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

I used to be in the gym 4-5 days a week back in 2004. My gym days slowed down to 2-3 a week for a variety of reasons. At that time I was a size 12. I started soul line dancing around the same time I began going to the gym so that helped me keep my weight off. All of a sudden the flu-like symptoms I was feeling kept getting worse and more frequent. It went from occurring once or twice a month to once or twice a week. It had been happening for several years before I started going to the gym but none of the specialists that I was seeing could determine what was wrong with me. I quit going to the gym and due to severe osteoarthritis in both knees in addition to the pandemic I haven't been line dancing in about two years or more. I do miss it as it was a lot of fun and good exercise. My rheumatology specialist recommended aqua therapy but my insurance company gave me the run around. Other doctors have said that I should try yoga or Tai Chi which is on my list of things to do after I see the orthopedic specialist about my knees next week, clean my house and put away six bags of clean laundry lol.

August 18, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was always fit and was size 10 when married husband. Now s 20. Its ridiculous but even my gyno told me everything you're on causes weight gain. Thats when started w me lyrica i put on 40 lbs if i remember right. Now it does hurt to exercise. I have to keep moving tho - we all do.

July 18, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member thanks for sharing your story. It's hard to manage and sometimes I'm like how the heck are you supposed to get better in terms of weight-loss ... I feel like if I could lose some weight I'd feel better. Idk what I'll do about it..🤷🏾‍♀️

July 18, 2021
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