The Exercise Paradox - Fibromyalgia Message Board

BigTex · 01-25-2003, 10:28 PM

We all have been taught that exercise is supposed to help with ones' energy level. However I have noticed that when I exercise for two to four days in a row my symptoms intensify. I become more fatigued, my headache intensifies, etc. Has anyone else noticed a correlation between exercise and subsequent worsening of symptoms? Thanks BigTex

kathym43 · 01-26-2003, 08:58 AM

Yes, I was released from physical therapy for that reason. It even hurts me to go grocery shopping! On top of that, I'm too tired to exercise. Stress also makes my symptoms worse. Would anyone know what type of exercise to start out with? Thank you, Kathy

Dawnsmist · 01-26-2003, 02:27 PM

Hi. In order to understand why we hurt when or after we exercise we should understand what our body needs to sustain that activity. It is a biochemical called ATP--(molecules of energy.) I will try to explain a little without going into a complete physiology lecture. With fibromyalgia we do not store or make this component effeciently. It is all in cellular activity. We do not metabolize the proper amounts of oxylates, calcium, ATP, and phosphates as people who are FMS free. With FMS our cells store phosphates. During cellular osmosis our cells do not let out the phosphates and also retains fluids in body tissues such as in the fingers, ankles, etc. When we exercise our cells also build up hypoxia and lack oxygen therefore supressing vital synapses (electrical charges) to motor neurons. (The thing that makes your muscles move with ease and precision.) Anyone ever notice that the sometimes your movements are "jerky?" The hypoxia can build up during exercise. It may not be felt for hours, days, weeks or later--due to the stored phosphates that have not moved out of the cells. The body will experience "fibro lumps", muscle aches and pain. Exhaustion. Our silly cells are diluting necessary ions and have the biochemicals messed up which are needed to push fluids and chemicals in and out of each cell of the body. On top of that we have a lack of oxygen in a certain part of the brain that is fairly constant--(therefore brain fog, or fibro-fog as some like to call it.) Some researchers would like to think we have a genetic defect. Others want us to believe it is due to bacterial, viral, or allergy related that cause the symptoms of FMS in general. What ever it is, I like the cellular idea because it explains what the heck is or is not going on--in my body.
As for exercise: Walk if you can. (40 minutes, pick up the pace later, sart at just a few minutes per day until you get there.) Do mild stretching exercise in warm water at body temp. Do not over do it--easier said than done. Or find a good book on MILD Yoga stretching exercise, not contortions! Don't stay in front of the computer or one spot more than twenty minutes at a time. If you lift weights start light, quit before you hurt.
Just a little simple advice from one who has been there. (I was such a busy little bee for such a long time.) I would feel good one day and gave it ---- then hurt so bad two days later. Give yourself a break, we have a long road ahead. But think of miracles in the future. Sincerely, Dawnsmist

DecLady · 01-26-2003, 03:02 PM

Yes...the excerise thing can plague me to no end...But, before I had even been diagnosed, I had started doing simple hatha yoga postures. Some days I can go farther into the poses than others, but I keep doing them because I believe that movement is so crucial to my well being. I have been more limited with walking as I also work and cannot manage both. But, in spring I will be leaving my job and will start walking ( right now in Wisconsin it is bitter cold...I don't want to walk that badly!LOL). I intend to start small and work my way up to at least 30 minutes a day ( crossing fingers here!) But, I am also aware that my body may or may not cooperate. Right now I find that I can no longer do a weeks worth of grocery shopping at once! I can't walk that far and expect to feel great!

HopeFloats · 01-27-2003, 06:38 AM

Stretching - from top to bottom - and simple exercises are good. Low-impact aerobics is good too, but not sure you can manage this. I enjoy doing interval training... mixing high-impact aerobics with stretching. Managed to do a complete workout 2 days ago (after complaining of not being able to do so for weeks due to illness) and felt better for a day. Now, back to general tiredness, but seems to be expected (I notice I get more clear vaginal discharge during those days I feel particularly tired and eye-achey/headachey. Wonder why).

Yes, walking is good, but avoid climbing stairs. A surgeon specialising in arthritis once told me climbing is awful on the knees and can lead to or worsen osteoarthritis of the knees.

Don't exercise everyday, unless your exercise is really mild. The body needs a break for tissues to repair. That's why athletes never exercise a few days before their big event. Four to five times a week is good. Everyday is only appropriate for the very fit/strong.

Good luck!