I got the 2nd opinion from a rheumy - Fibromyalgia Message Board

JustMeBeingMe · 01-29-2005, 04:17 PM

Hello All,

As some of you may remember, my husband didn't believe that I have fibro and thought I was using it as a ploy to avoid certain household chores. He went as far as asking me for a divorce. I appreciate all the response and support I received from that post.

The rheumy certainly agrees with the first diagnosis of fibro. What blows me away are his recommendations. I totally agree with sticking to little or no caffeine, which I have been doing for a long time, and cut off the alcohol, which will be hard, because I use it regularly, but I am doing it and am happy to do so if it will help. And, he says I need to get into an aggressive aerobic exercise program 5 tines a week for 45 minutes a day. I explained to him that I stretch almost every day and practice a short form in Tai Chi, my range of motion is about 90% - but he says that won't cut it. I asked him about diet and he said there isn't any kind of diet that would help me at all.

WOW! These two things are totally opposite of everything I have heard and read regarding fibro. Has anyone out there been capable of doing aggressive aerobics for that long for that many days a week? I have heard some of you mention that special diets seem to help. Could you give me more information on that?

As far as my marriage goes, we haven't spoken to each other in a while. He, of course, won't apologize and I wouldn't forgive him if he did. I believe I truly want to be rid of him. I have proposed going to a "mediator" which would save on all kinds of dollars, but he hasn't agreed or disagreed to that yet. I do need to get rid of the stress he generates in my life and I am thankful I have so many friends - new and old - who are supporting me on this. It will take time before anything is decided, but I have a better attitude about everything now and know what kind of "baggage" I need to take with me or leave behind in order to enjoy my new adventure in life!

Thanks for listening,

Becky

JenniferEvelynn · 01-29-2005, 05:00 PM

HI there Just,
First of all, I'm glad you're realizing that you need to get rid of stress - mainly your mariage. I'm sorry, that sounds awful, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Sounds like your marriage is over. It will be a rough road for a while, but once it's over it will be a huge relief. I've been through it myself.

As for what your dr said.... What the heck is he talking about?????? Aggressive aerobics??? One attempt at that and I'd be done for! With the pain, stiffness, fatigue, etc, if I was aggressive with ANYTHING I'd be down for the count and not back on my feet for a week! I think walking is the best thing for those of us with FM. A steady, non-aerobic pace (after the inital protest from your body) can do good things for you.

As far as special diets, I think many of us find that cutting down or eliminating sugar helps us. I definately feel worse if I consume sugary junk foods. There are plenty of opinions on this site as to what foods are or are not good for FM, as well as opinions about herbs and vitamins. Everybody is different and everybody's FM is different. My advice? Ignore that doctor's advice!

God bless, Jen

fibrolady · 01-29-2005, 05:15 PM

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{please write your own posts - do not copy from articles or brochures}

FMS is not rare. In fact, physicians are only now recognizing how frequently this condition appears, especially in women and often mis-diagnose FMS.

So I am not surprised to hear that your husband doesn't believe you. Until very recently, most doctors didn't believe us either. Read more about what I have to say about FMS in other postings. Good luck and get rid of hubby if he doesn't come around because FMS sufferers need lots of support and understanding.

kcgage · 01-29-2005, 05:23 PM

My doc suggested exercise as well. I actually do feel better when I get out for a walk or some light form of cardio.......but aggressive????Uh, I don't think so. He also suggested yoga, which I will be trying on Monday.

When my doc told me to exercise, he said to do it for 5 minutes one day, then rest the next day. If you're okay, then increase it by 1-2 minutes after that, still resting a day in between. Once you're up to 30 mins, try it every day. I'm still working on that.

But no, I have NEVER heard of aggressive cardio workouts, or that often. Just do what works best for you. Fibro is so individualized that what works for one of us, may not work for another.

Good Luck

bluelakelady · 01-29-2005, 05:43 PM

hi becky,
you have been doing alot of examining within. good for you! the difference in the way you sound in your post now assures me there is a self reliant woman emerging. hooray!
silence is golden. better to say nothing than to indulge in harsh words.
i have tried a trillion diets and suppliments. exageration. these days i make sure i eat one healthy meal a day and choke down something even if it's just a slice of toast. i do indulge in candy and i bake. exercise has been the key for me. if you are already active, dance may be okay. you are smart enough to stop when your body says to. i would suggest you try water aerobics first. less impact and all that warm water feels nice. if you have health club near you they usually offer a discounted rate if you have a script from your doc. start slow and work your way up. the message the doctor attempted to convey is the vital need to be active. building stamina and toning muscles as well as building them. i did 10 laps in the pool last week. i started with 2 and thought that would kick my fanny. it did. 10 did not. and that's only 3 weeks of swimming two days per.
your words convey the healthy resolve you are coming to. i salute you! you can do the alcohol thing. shoot, if you have been doing it every day for a long time you just may discover you are bored with the whole process involved in drinking.
peace,
bluelakelady
peace,
bluelakelady