Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia

WelshBlue

After years of struggling with the curse of Fibro' I've just been diagnosed with Polymyalgia to top the daily fun up

Do any other Fibro' sufferers have the Poly' on top ?  

My docs won't prescribe steroids because of possible side effects with mental health, and making mine worse.  Any tips on coping/ exercise to ease the pain ?

My life was pretty stagnant before getting the Poly' ... I'm not vegetating more than I need to.  Or else what's the point ... ?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @WelshBlue

That doesn't sound like much fun at all. Have your medical team suggested any alternatives to the steroids, or perhaps talked through any options for physio? 

I don't have Polymyalgia, but I found hydrotherapy useful for my fibromyalgia symptoms and some unrelated joint issues. The warm water can help a bit with mobility if you struggle to tolerate exercises outside of the pool. 

I find warmth in general can help me tolerate exercise or stretching a bit more than usual. Saving any gentle exercise or stretching for just after a warm bath or shower has been a good alternative for me during any flair ups, or just as a soothing thing for pain if you're able. And trying to stay distracted if you can manage to concentrate!

I'm sure you're already very familiar with some of these tips, but just in case you've missed it I'll link to the list of Resources and tips for those living with chronic pain 

WelshBlue

Thanks @Rosie_Scope ... I'm one of those fibro' fans where heat causes pain ... a cold bath  3 days a week as recommended by my doc seems to 'reset' my body a bit and then it's wash rinse repeat.  Then I'm able to continue the stretching exercises as set out by a Pain Management Clinic.  They help a bit between flare ups.  This year seems a continuous one.  Never known it to be like this before.  But now I don't know how much is Fibro' and how much is Poly' lol  All good fun

Thanks for the input.

I spoke to my Psychologist today about maybe over-riding my GP.  No dice.  Not until I finish trauma EMDR anyways.  If there's a side effect from a pill ... I seem to get it so caution prevails.

I'll just suck it up and keep smiling, making bad jokes and thinking could be worse ... I'll think of one 

D23

menthol gel very good 4 the pain , buy it in poundland ,uwill lov it ?  dave