Hi Carol, I can appreciate your plight, trying to exercise, while in pain. I had the same problem a few months ago. Have you tried any natural supplements? I drink Tahitian Noni Juice, for my pain. Today, I use a pedometer to count my steps and I am topping out at 10,000 and no pain. Let me know if you're interested in learning more. Peace & Blessings Joanie

I walk in water three times a week. It's exhausting, but not at all as painful or tiring as walking on dry land.

No I haven't even heard of this. I do use a pedometer, we did a 10,000 step thing here at work recently and I find that I can get up to around 7500 without too much pain but that is in bits and spurts all through the day.

Thanks I'll have to look into this...how deep in the water are you doing this?

Okay read into that I'm terrified of the water or at least I have a healthy respect to stay away from deep water. LOL

Hi Carol Ray, I have Fibro too. I have lost about 50 lbs. I have to take it slowly, and not do too much at once--which I tend to do alot. When that happens, I get exhausted, and have to recuperate for a few days. I'm starting back into bike riding again, and I'm really excited about it. I'll just go slowly at first, and build up speed and length of time out. I also take Lyrica for pain, which helps alot.

Dianah

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Hi Carol,

I know exactly what you're going through. Like you, I've had fibro for many years, but was finally diagnosed in 2004.

I use lots of Nikken products to help the pain (the magnetic products are the best!), I take a supplement called Mental Clarity for the fibro fog, and use a Kenko seat and wear the Magsteps to counteract the symptoms. The Magsteps made it possible for me to walk again.

I also get acupuncture treatments, and they have helped a lot. My acupuncturist said that swimming was the best exercise for someone with fibro. You don't have to be a great swimmer, just treading water for 20 minutes will give you a great workout. Walking in water is good too, just be sure to keep your feet flat on the bottom of the pool (avoid calf pains that way). The acupuncturist said walking on a hard surface puts too much stress on the joints, but water exercises are non-impact. I just love it! I go at night so I don't worry about sun exposure and very few people are in the pool after 8:30 pm...those that are just kind of float around. I manage to move continuously for 20+ minutes and it's the first exercise I've ever done that doesn't feel like exercise or work.

It's hard to get motivated because the pain makes you feel like just sitting or laying down; and of course sitting or laying down makes you feel worse. It's a vicious cycle. If you don't have access to a pool, try using an elliptical machine at a gym. I really like that machine! You can really get your heart rate up and there's no impact on your hips or knees.

I've been able to do without pain meds due to the Nikken products and the acupuncture. Good luck! Lets' keep in touch!