Chronic pain and staying active. How do you manage?
Replies
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I have had a bad back since I was 7 years old. Off and on I have backpain. I did a lot of 'back'exercises, but the last three years I had a constant pain in my back and hips, especially when I was lying in bed, so I didn't sleep well for three years. Two weeks ago I found a site about alignment, and I started with a few simple exercises (calf stretch, hip lift, not the usual backexercises, in fact they were meant to relief menstrual pains) and that same night I could sleep without pain!!! I find these sites extremely useful: http://www.katysays.com and http://www.alignmentmonkey.com
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I have had a bad back since I was 7 years old. Off and on I have backpain. I did a lot of 'back'exercises, but the last three years I had a constant pain in my back and hips, especially when I was lying in bed, so I didn't sleep well for three years. Two weeks ago I found a site about alignment, and I started with a few simple exercises (calf stretch, hip lift, not the usual backexercises, in fact they were meant to relief menstrual pains) and that same night I could sleep without pain!!! I find these sites extremely useful: http://www.katysays.com and http://www.alignmentmonkey.com
Heh sounds amazing and terrifying at the same time. None of the exercises strained your back at all? Thanks for sharing!0 -
My journey is posted on my profile, but in summary, I was in a car accident 3 years ago. After a few months of chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical therapy, my PT put me in the pool. That was the first time my body experienced movement without pain since the accident. I started water exercise classes 3 times a week and quickly saw progress in mobility and muscle strength. Soon I was able to add gentle yoga, and eventually spin class (no impact). I tried Pilates and a couple of other things, but alas it was too soon. Finally, last year I was able to make headway on the elliptical; again, a no/low impact way to add miles into my week. So proud to share that this past September, I completed a 6 week KAIA boot camp and was SO excited with my progress and my increased strength (core - including back strength, leaner and stronger arms and legs), resulting in lots of foam rolling (LOL) but still not much running. Only in the last couple of month have I been able to add actual jogging into my schedule. I now go about 3 miles 2-3 times per week, in addition to spin 1-2 times per week, and other cardio/strength training activities. A MAJOR accomplishment for me. Through the process, I also lost a great deal of weight that my doctor told me was slowing down my healing (and I gained due to my immobility from my accident), and my back specialist incorporated a few weeks of acupuncture to "push through to the other side" of progressive healing. So long story short, it has taken a long time to get to this point, and I may never be able to train for a marathon, but I am healthier and feel better and stronger than I ever have. That is more important to me than anything else. When I have flare ups, I use my foam roller ALOT, my home "tens unit" machine and lots of gentle stretching. On those days, I walk instead of run, or take an easy bike ride to loosen up the back, hips, and glutes, or even move back into the pool. But for the most part, my pain has been minimized with very little use of pain meds. My specialist had suggested the possibility of back surgery early on in the journey, but I was committed to exhausting all options before choosing surgery. I now know I will be able to continue to age in an active manner. I am looking forward to traveling, hiking and lots of adventures into retirement, which is still several years away. And maybe, just maybe, I'll put a marathon on my bucket list one day. I was one of the lucky ones I guess. But maybe you can glean some ideas to help you as you make choices of your own. Feel free to friend me if you want to stay in contact. I am always happy to share my experiences. Best wishes to you!0
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@mamacoates Sounds like we have taken the same approach. I just haven't felt that surgery was an option yet. Some how I have a weak core, (Twins and didnt know about core strengthening) and I suppose with the alleged pars fractures, (I havent seen them yet) I was just in the wrong set of circumstances for muscles to turn off and others take over. Ill be ecstatic when everything works again. It is nice for the moment to have hope that I can train for a Half, maybe october of this year.
I just have to change my mindset a little from cardio/endurance to strength training.0 -
Be patient. You will make progress over time and then you can re-evaluate your bucket list.
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Just wondering how everyone is doing. Any new advice? I think I'll opt for the surgical repair.0
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Hello! It is really hard to stay fit and healthy when you have a pain condition. However staying healthy usually helps the chronic pain condition. I know because I have a nerve pain condition called erythromelalgia. My feet and hands are always burning and I am always in pain. It comes in 'flare ups' for me. I get a lot of support and help from my friends and family. I also do my best to know my body. If I need a day off my feet I do the best I can and on days where I am not in so much pain I try to cook healthy in big batches so I can reheat meals on bad flare up days! Good luck! Let me know if you need any tips!!!0
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Hey... I've not read all of the comments but just thought I'd share my thoughts. I have a congenital malformation of my cervical spine, and damage from an accident. I have nerve damage, and all sorts of other stuff which leads to constant pain.
If you have spine issues, it is probably best to avoid high impact activities. I know that running, or any jumping or such can cause a lot more pain for me, and can make my spine worse. Stick to low impact stuff, and maybe try swimming or aqua aerobics. I've also found that being active and working out has helped me feel more in control of my body. Before I felt limited and like the pain controlled my life. Now I know I am in control. The pain is there, yes, but I am not going to let it run my life.
Start slow, do what you can, and push yourself when you have good days. Get advice from your doctor, and then a trainer (if you can) on what stuff you are safe doing, and what might damage you more. Then just go for it and be proud of yourself for taking control back!
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You make a good point. Last month my husband sent me to a woman for a massage who also has a yoga studio, and had rehabbed herself back from a bulging disc in her neck. I think she's the one to see.
FYI, a bulging disc is considered a neurosurgical emergency. If you don't get to it ASAP, it will resolve on its own and you can't bill for that!0 -
I stay very active and push through the pain...but I don't run. It's just too hard on my body.0
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I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.0 -
meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have the very same symptoms. AS is the first thing I though I had, but like you said docs don't bother checking if your female. I go back in a few weeks and am going to push for AS consideration. I think mine is compounded by pars fractures. @LoneWolfRunner also has AS, and logs a respectable number of miles.0 -
You guys are all heroes in my book. I am very lucky suffering no more than fifty-year-old aches and pains.
I pay attention to joint pains and modify as needed. Don't add to the damage!
Yoga has been great for me too for injury prevention and core development.
Walking is always good.
My favourite Weight Watchers instructor was crippled up with arthritis but yet the most positive person I ever met. She described her moment when she decided she might as well be active and in pain as laying in bed in pain. Imagine the effort to get out of bed that first time.0 -
meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
@meganmickmeow -- this sounds all too familiar (I have both). I agree 100%; this is not only a man's disease.
I find that my pain level is significantly lower if I keep moving -- whether I like it or not.
As for running, I would highly recommend sticking with hiking, walking, and add elliptical training to the routine. This was key for me to be able to run again and actually run 50+ miles per week (until a recent knee fracture). But, I'm back up to 35+ miles per week and building back up slowly.
I also treat my AS and PsA with Humira. It works fairly well for me too. I am trying everything I can to avoid transitioning to Remicade
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meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have the very same symptoms. AS is the first thing I though I had, but like you said docs don't bother checking if your female. I go back in a few weeks and am going to push for AS consideration. I think mine is compounded by pars fractures. @LoneWolfRunner also has AS, and logs a respectable number of miles.
@Elise4270 -- I also have AS; please PUSH your rheumatologist the next time you have bloodwork done and remember that you are the customer. If they cannot provide you the service you need, please find a new rheumatologist.0 -
60 minutes Yin Yoga for the Spine. - Duration: 56:34.by Ekhart Yoga You tube0
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Hi everybody. This is my second post on MFP. Its great reading everyones stories. Chronic pain feels so isolating at times.
I am 30, and came of my motorbike at 19. I took the full impact of a 4x4 with my right foot. Drs tried to save my foot and I had many reconstructive surgeries, but 18 months after my accident the bones in my foot began to shatter and I made the decision to have an amputation. I was advised to have the limb removed below the knee rather than at the ankle as it is easier to fit a prosthetic limb further up the bone.
So here I am-31 in July. I have been wheelchair bound for 2.5 years. Because there was such a long time between the accident and the amputation I suffer with phantom limb pain (and really annoyimg itches!), also I was very unwell at the time of the amputation-I was receiving introvenous antibiotics and was very run down. I spent 6 months in hospital. After the amputation I had complications with my stump and a heamatoma, this made learning to walk very stop start and loooong!
I could go on and on....but here is where im at now. 30 surgeries, including having my stump opened up to remove nerve endings and having to relearn to walk for the third time. Chronic pain in stump has left me unable to weight bear through it at all, I also have the complications of osteoarthritus in my good knee (down to years of using crutches) and recurring carpel tunnel in both wrists. I may also have arthritus in my right hip joint-it hurts alot when I am upright. I have CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and possible fibromyalgia.
I want to stand. I dream of walking. I dream of playing chase with my six year old. I want to dance with my husband. (Not that hes keen lol!).
Anyway. Im around 1 stone down after having a rough start weight wise to the year, been logging obsessively for a month and finally beginning to see results if I can lose weight I hope to become more mobile..just a little bit would be lovely
I aim to work out every other day-fatigue allowing of course.
I have no friends here yet <sob sob>, and I would love to be in contact with some of the people on this thread, or indeed anyone who is battling chronic pain along with losing weight
I was 18stone9lbs, I am currently 17st7lbs. Im 5'11.
Sorry for the epic post!0 -
meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have PsA but not AS, and my doctor put the kibosh on running. Then again, the joints in my feet are hopeless and I do also have degenerative disc disease, so that might have added to her decision.
I totally agree with you that exercise helps LOADS.
I'm on Humira too, and agree: some days are easier than others. Weight training does help with building the muscles to support the joints for sure. And I love just walking. That helps my SI and knee joints (also a real mess) a LOT.
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meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have the very same symptoms. AS is the first thing I though I had, but like you said docs don't bother checking if your female. I go back in a few weeks and am going to push for AS consideration. I think mine is compounded by pars fractures. @LoneWolfRunner also has AS, and logs a respectable number of miles.
Holy... what???? My rheumy checked for it. Definitely PUSH for it. @amwcnw also has it.
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Realise I may not have actually answered the question OP-sorry!0
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The past year has been life changing. My original primary doctor blew me off but thankfully I had a friend/coworker that was the public health commander on our base who was able to get me a referral off base. My blood work was crazy. I find that the days I don't walk my back hurts more! I am thankful for a fantastic primary doc and rheumy. My rheumy must had expected AS on my first visit. hlb-27 pos and my CRP was 126.8. He never once said it was a man's diease Humira seriously gave me my life back!! While I am not happy seeing others have it does make feel like we are not alone:)
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This has been an eye-opener for me. I got AS when I was 14, but wasn't diagnosed until I was 22. So a lot of time on crutches. I was always told it was an exclusively male disease, but I am seeing now that it is not. AS pain is wicked stuff and as you all know, substantial pain over a long period of time changes you. My AS pretty much stayed out of my spine and settled in my hips where it destroyed both of them. I had the right replaced when I was 24 and a re-do on it when I was 44. I got the left done at the same time.
About four years ago, when I was 53 I decided I was going to do something I had been told for decades that I would not, should not, could not do: run. I discovered for me I need to be in minimalist shoes to run and my legs and bag are happier when I wear them the rest of the time too. I know that may of you may think that running is impossible (and for some, it truly may be) but like @CodeMonkey78, I finally got tired of the AS (and other crap... I also have osteoarthritis) kicking my butt and pushing me around. I had always focused on weightlifting, but running lets me also heal my spirit. Thanks for starting this thread, Elise.0 -
@mrsjb1984, no need to apologize! Your story is an absorbing read, probably not as thrilling to live through as it is reading about it. I my wish is a return to greater mobility and freedom.0
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LoneWolfRunner wrote: »This has been an eye-opener for me. I got AS when I was 14, but wasn't diagnosed until I was 22. So a lot of time on crutches. I was always told it was an exclusively male disease, but I am seeing now that it is not. AS pain is wicked stuff and as you all know, substantial pain over a long period of time changes you. My AS pretty much stayed out of my spine and settled in my hips where it destroyed both of them. I had the right replaced when I was 24 and a re-do on it when I was 44. I got the left done at the same time.
About four years ago, when I was 53 I decided I was going to do something I had been told for decades that I would not, should not, could not do: run. I discovered for me I need to be in minimalist shoes to run and my legs and bag are happier when I wear them the rest of the time too. I know that may of you may think that running is impossible (and for some, it truly may be) but like @CodeMonkey78, I finally got tired of the AS (and other crap... I also have osteoarthritis) kicking my butt and pushing me around. I had always focused on weightlifting, but running lets me also heal my spirit. Thanks for starting this thread, Elise.
You're welcome. But I selfishly did it for me. I was so tired of feeling alone.
No one can understand what a chore it is daily to reconcile the pain and keep pushing forward, or putting your shoes on, or going to the bathroom. No one understands how the little things cause pain. I was tired of being dismissed.
I needed you (and several others) to lean on, keep me focused and fighting.
Thanks everyone.
I'm glad to know you made it through hip surgeries and didn't give up. I'm afraid of surgry but its looming ever closer. I have osteoarthritis too, right hip, back, and right thumb so far.0 -
mamapeach910 wrote: »meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have PsA but not AS, and my doctor put the kibosh on running. Then again, the joints in my feet are hopeless and I do also have degenerative disc disease, so that might have added to her decision.
I totally agree with you that exercise helps LOADS.
I'm on Humira too, and agree: some days are easier than others. Weight training does help with building the muscles to support the joints for sure. And I love just walking. That helps my SI and knee joints (also a real mess) a LOT.
@mamapeach910 -- I also have DDD (along with AS, PsA, and OA) and my back has been rebuilt three times. Every one of my docs has told me that I would never run again. But with the help of walking, hiking hills, and elliptical training to strengthen the muscles around my joints, I am able to run again and run long distance races.
But I am a VERY stubborn SOB. Part of my goal was (and still is) to prove EVERY one of my doctors wrong, have a more active relationship with my young daughter, and feel normal for as long as I possibly can.
If you really want to do run, it can be done. It is EXTREMELY hard.. but it is an achievable goal. Just start with a slow, "nursing home shuffle" and you'll be amazed at how far you can go from there!0 -
CodeMonkey78 wrote: »mamapeach910 wrote: »meganmickmeow wrote: »I have ankylosing spondylits and probably psoriatic arthritis too (the treatment is the same so as long as I'm getting treated I'm ok! Lol ). I need to stay active and limber as I can so I keep a good range of motion and being active helps with the pain.
If anyone notices that their back pain goes away when they are active, and is worse when they are resting please talk to your doctor. Especially if your back pain (lower back pain especially) is waking you up at night, and you are stiff for an hour or more when you wake up.
A lot of women are delayed a diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis or related arthritis because many health professionals still believe it is a mans disease.
I spent way too many years in pain, too afraid to work out for fear of hurting myself more. I turned 30 in January and have decided that I'm going to spend this decade in better shape than the last!
I love to go for hikes, long walks, cycle and some weight training. I'd love to run again, I'm waiting for my legs to get a little stronger first though
As for pain, I try to manage it as well as I can. Since starting a medication called Humira, it's def. a lot easier to manage. It's not perfect though, I do what I can, try to give myself a break.
I have PsA but not AS, and my doctor put the kibosh on running. Then again, the joints in my feet are hopeless and I do also have degenerative disc disease, so that might have added to her decision.
I totally agree with you that exercise helps LOADS.
I'm on Humira too, and agree: some days are easier than others. Weight training does help with building the muscles to support the joints for sure. And I love just walking. That helps my SI and knee joints (also a real mess) a LOT.
@mamapeach910 -- I also have DDD (along with AS, PsA, and OA) and my back has been rebuilt three times. Every one of my docs has told me that I would never run again. But with the help of walking, hiking hills, and elliptical training to strengthen the muscles around my joints, I am able to run again and run long distance races.
But I am a VERY stubborn SOB. Part of my goal was (and still is) to prove EVERY one of my doctors wrong, have a more active relationship with my young daughter, and feel normal for as long as I possibly can.
If you really want to do run, it can be done. It is EXTREMELY hard.. but it is an achievable goal. Just start with a slow, "nursing home shuffle" and you'll be amazed at how far you can go from there!
I will talk to her about it, especially once my weight gets down. Less weight on the joints might change her mind.
One thing... I HATE the elliptical, it just feels incredibly awkward to me, so I will stick with walking and strength training as my preferred forms of exercise for now!
Thanks for the inspiration!0 -
Oh, autoimmune friends, how I have longed to find you! LoL! I have RA, fibro, and am waiting on confirmation of lupus. I have found yoga (specifically DDP Yoga) to be my go to for no impact, solid workouts. Would love to connect with y'all for motivation and support!0
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Fibromyalgia for over 20 years. Water aerobics at the Y in a warm, deep water pool was amazingly helpful. At first I just had years of physical therapy with cranial sacral massag, then worked up to extecise. Light, modified yoga was helpful too. I was incapacitated for a long time. Things are OK now.0
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@Kiku10 glad things are looking up for you and @akdutton2013 glad you both checked in here!
I suppose we could build a bit more of an interactive community here. Those with common ailments can commiserate/connect!
Any one have any particular tips they would like to share with others that may be dealing with the same condition? Feel free to get the ball rolling!
I'm still seeking accurate diagnosis. So far I have confirmed piriformis syndrome. Looking back, I can just about guarantee that I've had it since childhood. No wonder i could NEVER sit up like a normal human being. I thought chairs were torture devices.. So I'm suspecting a physical cause, with the sciatic nerve or sacrum. Its frustrating waiting to be "fixed". If that's even possible.0 -
I am so happy to find this thread. Many people just don't understand chronic pain.
I have had fibromyalgia since my 20s (before it had a name) and arthritis since my 40s. I am 69 now. I have always had back issues and knew I had scoliosis. After years of back pain, I had my first spinal fusion (L4, L5, S1) in 2009. The combination of the fusion and rigid condition of the curvature caused the vertebrae on top of the fusion to get out of line.
In June 2013, I had a full spinal fusion done in a 13 hour surgery. I had an abdominal incision, an incision on my left side in addition to the incision on my back. This surgery fused T5 through S1. The side incision cut so many nerves that the muscles don't hold anymore and I have a serious bulge on that side. I had surgery to implant mesh to hold the muscle in place but it was a dismal failure.
I had a lot of issues after the surgery and some knots on my upper back. It was caused by the top of the rod on the right side so further surgery was done to remove some of the hardware and cut off the rod. This was November 2014.
That last surgery seemed to take a toll on my body and I was not active at all. Of course, that has led to weight gain. I finally made the decision to go back on my prednisone and got on some good supplements. Two months ago I could not walk 2 blocks; last week I walked 1.39 miles with a group from our community center.
I find that when I eat the right non-inflammatory foods, my fibro seems to subside. Also as I mentioned, I try to take supplements daily. I listen to my body and rest when it says to.
I try to stay away from pain meds but take 800mg ibuprofen when needed.0
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