Re: RC: Fibromyalgia

[Sue Brown <sbrown@wamedes.com>]

>Nina Bomar caballos@att.net
>I have been to numerous chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical
>therapists, orthopedic specialists and neurologists!  I have had x-rays,
>MRI's, blood work-ups and nothing conclusive has been discovered.  The
>most recent diagnosis is Fibromyalgia.  If anyone is familiar with this
>dreadful condition, please share your knowledge!
>
>I feel most painful during the night and when I first get up in the
>morning.  I have taken a variety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, but
>nothing seems to work.  My favorite therapy is riding the horses!  I can
>ride and run for hours and I am very happy.  At endurance rides, I feel
>great, as long as I'm moving and out on the trail.  It's once I stop, the
>old bod freezes up?  I am seriously thinking of taking the horse vitamins
>E/Selenium?  I tie-up just like my mare ;-))

Hi Nina,
I have FMS and have for most of my life.  I've also been very active
physically, including not only various different sports, but also yoga and
weight training.  I've learned thru research over the years, to accommodate
most of my physical problems with appropriate exercise, ergonomic
everythings <g>, stretching, an incredible line-up of herbs, vitamins, and
minerals, and *most importantly* good regular sleep.  (All of my good
intentions, however, have not made me thin...drat!! <g>)  After a while you
get used to the rigor mortis stuff (it gets better as you move around) and
you become very religious about stretching exercises and good nutrition.
If you're lucky, you've acquired a group of friends that keep dragging your
sorry a** out to the hills for more riding and exercise. <g>  

The exercise is one of the most important factors.  It has to do with
seratonin, dopamine, and other odd body chemistries (substance P, for
instance) being out of whack...at least that's part of it.  It's important
to get regular exercise in order to stimulate this lagging part of the
system...but you have to pace yourself and not be in too big a hurry to
accomplish big stuff.  It can be done...maybe not to the height or in the
time frame, unfortunately, you would like to go.  

And sleep...research the internet and you'll find a *TON* of information on
this subject, as well as all of the other aspects.  Find out how to deal
with your symptoms individually...and you may have to make some changes in
many aspects of your life, but it's not the end of the world.  Decrease
your stress, be kind to yourself, learn to say "no", exercise and stretch,
eat well (small, frequent feedings), and sleep.  

I'm now 53 and started riding LD last season.  I have ridden several more
LDs this year and am heading to my 4th 50 next weekend...a *big*
accomplishment considering I could've headed to the couch with my ice cream
bemoaning my maladies several years ago. <g>  I don't talk about it much
(but have now told half the world <g>) -- I just treat the symptoms and
keep doing what I like...being with the horses.  I take diclofenac (big gun
anti-inflammatory) regularly and flexaril for muscle spasms...and add a
sleeper for at the rides only (gotta get that sleep!! Take benadryl,
valerian, and melatonin otherwise -- plus there are other supplements that
help other aspects of the syndrome.)  I also have a pain med prescription
and only take those during and immediately after the rides. 

Education is the biggest part of this...and acceptance an even bigger part.
 Not to mention diligence!  And attitude...a positive one, that is.  Go to
your internet search engine and check the internet...there's a ton of
information that can help.

Sue