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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
 Posted - 07/22/2006 : 05:38:38 AM
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Hi All. I've really gotten a lot out of reading your posts and just wanted to share a little bit with you. This past year has been physically tough for me - finally diagnosed with "Fibro", that mystical pain syndrome. I have to say, on my worst days, if I could make myself pick up my knitting, it somehow eased my pain. Maybe it was just the inherent relaxation I feel when I knit. I don't know. You would think quite the opposite would be true. It could even be a sugar pill effect, I don't care. I just know that when I'm feeling poorly, if I can just get to sit and knit for a bit, it may just help me relax enough to ease the pain. Anyone else have similar experiences? I would love to hear about it.
Chris
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
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lella
Permanent Resident
9044 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 06:22:52 AM
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I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the early 90's, after years of trouble. It started in 1970 when I broke some bones in my back. I have always knit because it does helps me to relax. I don't think as much when I knit, so the emotional tension that triggers tender points to flare is lessened. I've found that Tai Chi also helps me and improves balance. I'm also a production jeweler, and that will produce a lot of tension in your neck and back. I found that knitting doesn't do that for me. Good Luck getting everything you need to make life easier. Remember, being your own advocate and working with your rheumatologists will help you get what you need.
lella[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/9971/omelet.gif[/img]
My Blog
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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 07:39:54 AM
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Thanks, Lella. I recently had a bad fall because I lost my "balance" I didn't even connect it with the fibro - time to haul out those books again! My son does Tai Chi - I'll ask to borrow his dvd. Thanks for that info!
Best,
Chris
quote:
Originally posted by lella
I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the early 90's, after years of trouble. It started in 1970 when I broke some bones in my back. I have always knit because it does helps me to relax. I don't think as much when I knit, so the emotional tension that triggers tender points to flare is lessened. I've found that Tai Chi also helps me and improves balance. I'm also a production jeweler, and that will produce a lot of tension in your neck and back. I found that knitting doesn't do that for me. Good Luck getting everything you need to make life easier. Remember, being your own advocate and working with your rheumatologists will help you get what you need.
lella[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/9971/omelet.gif[/img]
My Blog
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
Http://scottsmountaincrafts.etsy.com |
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Dances with Needles
Chatty Knitter
197 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 08:53:56 AM
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I was diagnosed with fibro about five years ago. I knit to keep everything in my hands flexible and because if I don't I hurt a whole lot worse.
DWN |
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Rho
Permanent Resident
1564 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 11:32:02 AM
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another fibromite here - I think I can trace the beginning for me back to 1980 when I had gall bladder problems and finally had surgery. I'm flaring right now because of the weather I think because I can't think of anything else that could be causing it right now. Couldn't be the stress in my life right now exacerbating it and my ulcerative colitis could it? 
But I find that knitting helps me too - I think it gets us into a meditative state which relaxes us.
rho
http://rhosknittingwoes.blogspot.com/
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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 12:25:11 PM
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I don't know exactly when mine started - I do know I too had gallbladder issues and was diagnosed 11 months after my gallbladder was removed. Knitting definitely keeps me limber, less stiff and gets my mind off things - it's funny, the summer before I was diagnosed, I thought my arms and upper body hurt from knitting too much - when I said that to my rhematologist she cracked up. It amazes me how we tend to excuse aches and pains out of hand, until our whole bodies hurt. I really appreciated the feed back on this.
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
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kimkrafty
Permanent Resident
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2006 : 8:44:29 PM
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I've found that I'm able to knit when I can do almost nothing else. Sometimes, however, the pain in my hands is too great.
Kimberly, knitting in VA
http://kimberlyskorner.blogspot.com |
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lella
Permanent Resident
9044 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 12:26:35 AM
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You're welcome Chris, and I hope you will do a little Tai Chi. It's very gentle exercise. A DVD is just the thing.
Rho, yes. From what I've read, I had to research to even get doctors to consider that what I had over the gout and psuedo gout was Fibro and my immune system was flailing around trying to reset itself and get out "invaders". It just goes after itself with a vengeance. Sometimes it is after surgery, just as you point out. The one condition is connected in some mysterious way to the resultant Fibro. Your body just got overwhelmed. Stess makes for the flares. The flares make more stress.. round and round. We are in pain and get rotten sleep. Because of never being able to go into deep healing sleep we don't heal properly. The sleep issues have to be fixed, too.
Kimberly, when the pain is too great in my hands, I just have to rest them, too. In a flare, it gets everything. Everything hurts so much you can't believe it.
Dances with Needles. Yes, gentle exercise that doesn't make things worse, that's knitting. There's a few other all over things, like Tai Chi, and even the stretches that joggers do but very, very slowly and gently, with consideration for the joints. Also, I do the slow movements of ballet warm ups, only not as extended. I do exercises with my arms and hands before I get up out of bed in the morning, and also pull up my legs and turn the hip joints gently, too, for improved balance before getting all the way up.
Wear good shoes.
lella[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/9971/omelet.gif[/img]
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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 05:25:56 AM
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We should probably add knitting in there - keep a small item of knitting on your nighttable - do the stretches and then knit a few rows before getting out of bed!!
I also have Restless Leg syndrome and Migraines - apparently the three go hand and hand and hand. I've always been very sensitive to people touching me and have had "sensory" issues especially around that TOM, but last summer just did me in - it was a severe flare up, I didn't know what was wrong with me and thought I had MS. The MS thing came back into my mind a few weeks ago, when I lost my balance and fell down an entire flight of stairs. My next visit to the doc will certainly be asking her to explore that further - but now that I know balance is an issue with fibro too, I'm not as panicky. Knitting helps with all of that too - when I find myself fustrated and upset or angry that I've got this, poor me, it helps to get my mind off it, relax me and calm down.
Gentle yoga helps too - but I haven't done that in quite some time.
Chris
quote:
Originally posted by lella
You're welcome Chris, and I hope you will do a little Tai Chi. It's very gentle exercise. A DVD is just the thing.
Rho, yes. From what I've read, I had to research to even get doctors to consider that what I had over the gout and psuedo gout was Fibro and my immune system was flailing around trying to reset itself and get out "invaders". It just goes after itself with a vengeance. Sometimes it is after surgery, just as you point out. The one condition is connected in some mysterious way to the resultant Fibro. Your body just got overwhelmed. Stess makes for the flares. The flares make more stress.. round and round. We are in pain and get rotten sleep. Because of never being able to go into deep healing sleep we don't heal properly. The sleep issues have to be fixed, too.
Kimberly, when the pain is too great in my hands, I just have to rest them, too. In a flare, it gets everything. Everything hurts so much you can't believe it.
Dances with Needles. Yes, gentle exercise that doesn't make things worse, that's knitting. There's a few other all over things, like Tai Chi, and even the stretches that joggers do but very, very slowly and gently, with consideration for the joints. Also, I do the slow movements of ballet warm ups, only not as extended. I do exercises with my arms and hands before I get up out of bed in the morning, and also pull up my legs and turn the hip joints gently, too, for improved balance before getting all the way up.
Wear good shoes.
lella[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/9971/omelet.gif[/img]
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
Http://scottsmountaincrafts.etsy.com |
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linann
Warming Up
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 05:31:58 AM
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I can't remember the last time I was able to sleep a whole night through. I was diagnosed with fibro about 6 years ago. I have had numerous surgeries and worked as a welder with a lot of heavy, muscle straining lifting.
If I exercise, mostly just stretches and walking, I seem to be able to keep from flaring so much.
I have had 3 shoulder surgeries in the last 2 years. Rotator cuff injuries at work. One on the right shoulder and 2 on the left. More areas for pain. Oh Joy Oh Joy
At least I have knitting to help with the pain and with keeping my sanity. I have gotten hooked on socks lately. Still do scarves, mittens and hats as the grandkids are always wanting new ones to match their new winter coats. Eventually they will all reach their growth and won't change coats all the time, or not.
Linda |
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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 07:24:20 AM
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Linann,
My rhematologist prescribes Neurontin for me - it helps with the sleeping issues I had - I'm on a very low dose and I think she will increase it on my next visit. I have to say, it helps with the flares and the RLS and sleep issues. But it does nothing for the incredible morning stiffness.
You're right - knitting is sanity! Take care!
Chris
quote:
Originally posted by linann
I can't remember the last time I was able to sleep a whole night through. I was diagnosed with fibro about 6 years ago. I have had numerous surgeries and worked as a welder with a lot of heavy, muscle straining lifting.
If I exercise, mostly just stretches and walking, I seem to be able to keep from flaring so much.
I have had 3 shoulder surgeries in the last 2 years. Rotator cuff injuries at work. One on the right shoulder and 2 on the left. More areas for pain. Oh Joy Oh Joy
At least I have knitting to help with the pain and with keeping my sanity. I have gotten hooked on socks lately. Still do scarves, mittens and hats as the grandkids are always wanting new ones to match their new winter coats. Eventually they will all reach their growth and won't change coats all the time, or not.
Linda
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
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topaz_stone71
New Pal
48 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 3:05:23 PM
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| This is not a plug but in my experience, Cymbalta is awsome in the treatment of fibromyalgia. I care for many people who have fibromyalgia and this drug seems to help a great many. . . |
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Knitwit Robyn
New Pal
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 10:04:48 PM
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Hi Everybody,
Topaz, I'm on Cymbalta also, and it helps SO much, but the side effects are h*ll! I have to take it at night so that the dizziness wears off before I start my day.
I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I'm told I have much in common with Fibro patients. Recently, to get ready to have a spinal stimulator implanted, I had to take "Coping Skills Training" (Medicare would not pay for the implant without it). The Coping Skills training was a waste of time, but Knitting has been SUCH a great way of coping with the mind-numbing pain. I have a tendency to wait until the pain gets bad before I take a pain killer. While I'm waiting for the drugs to kick in, I knit. It's such a great way to relax, and I swear, the pain meds seem to work better when I'm not so tensed up!
Wishing you Pain Free days,
Robyn
Well-behaved women rarely make history |
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craftybernie
Gabber Extraordinaire
United Kingdom
398 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2006 : 11:24:55 PM
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I am a chronic pain sufferer and since I started knitting again in April this year I have found my attention span has increased and I have even managed to read 3 books in the past month (something I haven't been able to do for years!)
I would agree with you regarding gentle exercise and Tai Chi. I find that I have less pain when I am relaxed and I find Tai Chi absolutely hypnotising. I attend a chronic pain management course in Liverpool last year and that was one of the things we learned to do. The exercises are simple stretching exercises but they do make a difference. I can't run a marathon or walk very far, but I am now very flexible (I can almost touch my ears with my toes!). LOL. The exercises are also good for your overall health (heart, lungs, etc....)
Also, simple relaxation techniques such as breathing are very helpful for pain. Maybe when knitting we are calmer, so our breathing is better and therefore we relax and have less pain! I'm not a doctor but it works for me.
Best wishes..Bernie
"You're just jealous because the little voices are talking to me!"
www.craftybernie.blogspot.com (my knitting blog)
www.fairystuff.blogspot.com (my handmade flower fairies)
www.knit1blogtoo.blogspot.com (knitting bloggers webring)
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Scootergirl
Warming Up
85 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2006 : 04:41:50 AM
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thanks for that info. I did some research on that med. and I'm honestly not to the point where I would consider the side effects of that over what I'm already taking. I'm a little leary of anything that can potentially do liver damage. But it's great info to have in the fibro arsenal.
quote:
Originally posted by topaz_stone71
This is not a plug but in my experience, Cymbalta is awsome in the treatment of fibromyalgia. I care for many people who have fibromyalgia and this drug seems to help a great many. . .
Jewelry for your Fiber!
My Shawl Pins and Markers
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Knitwit Robyn
New Pal
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2006 : 7:44:56 PM
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Hi Everybody,
Again today, I was just amazed at how my knitting got me thru a bad time. Today was a "bad foot" day. The RSD started in the left foot initially, so when it starts hurting, it REALLY hurts! I got a bunch of knitting done.... am making little roses for the top of a baby hat.... and I was almost astounded at how much better I could handle the pain as long as I had my needles in my hand. I'm SO blessed to have found this ancient, beautiful craft.
Hugs and wishes for PFD's to all,
Robyn
Well-behaved women rarely make history |
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lella
Permanent Resident
9044 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 09:44:11 AM
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I liked the suggestion of doing a little knitting before getting out of bed in the morning. I'm going to try that. I lift weights for my wrist, and do strength exercises for it; so after that I can try the knitting. I knit in bed at night when I can't go to sleep. Bernie I agree. Knitting really does help one to focus the mind away from the pain. Robyn, yes, it helps the whole body, this lovely knitting stuff.
Linda, that is a lot of surgery. I hope that you regain full use of your shoulders. Walking is really good, though I can't walk very far or fast. I just walk around a short block sometimes but in the Fall, winter and Spring. Summer's just too hot. I walk around my house. The dog thinks I'm nuts but he's used to it now. Aren't socks great?
topaz, I've never found antidepressants- and believe me they tried every class of them on me- to be anything but trouble but thanks for the suggestion as it's helping quite a few with all these newer diseases. My personal experience is the more the fibro was treated, and by doctors who would listen, the less desperation I felt- I had no depression, just real desperation.
Here's to good sleep, gentle lives with less stress, and happy knitting.
lella[img]http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/9971/omelet.gif[/img]
Come See My Blog
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pixie_day
Chatty Knitter
130 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 12:03:31 PM
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Another fibro sufferer here. I was diagnosed 3 years ago but have had it for 8 years. Mine came after I had an IUD. The biggest things I have found are diet (which has also been the hardest for me), exercise, and sleeping pills. I get migraines and every side effect ever listed on a drug I get, so I had to try a great many. I am not big on taking a lot of medications, so I look for alternative relief (which does not necessarily mean taking natural pills).
Mindy
I jumped on the bandwagon. http://swimmomknits.blogspot.com/ |
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Dances with Needles
Chatty Knitter
197 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 9:31:03 PM
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I ended up with the Fibro while working at a battered womens shelter as the night manager.(Stress, Stress) I never found that antidepressants helped, I did find that sam-e in 200 and 400 mg doses has helped cut the frequency of the flares. I take a couple of other supliments to control ADD, and they also help with the flares, as does arthritis strength tylenol. The thing that helps more than anything else is having the outside temprature less than 75F. With it being regularly between 95 and a hundred, I lurk in the basement during the middle of the day. I also found that gentle sympathy from DH actually made me hurt worse. I found that trying not to mention being in pain is a good coping strategy, as self pity is a dear little sin that always makes anything I am dealing with harder. DH knows when the flares are up, he says it comes through in my voice. We have agreed not to mention it and if I find myself in a state past misery, I stop and rest. I found the diatery piece for me is to avoid bell pepper in any form. even a very small bit brings on a flare. What other pieces of food wisdom helps you all?
DWN |
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Rho
Permanent Resident
1564 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2006 : 08:44:58 AM
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Dances you are lucky that your DH can tell - -mine is a totally oblivious male (I think that is part of the make up of most men--being oblivious that is  ) but my girlfriends say they can tell by my eyes or my voice (If I am in good voice at the time) and by a dent I have in my forehead that looks much deeper if I am not feeling well (got that running to greet my dad coming home from work and ran straight into the door LOL)
rho
http://rhosknittingwoes.blogspot.com/
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pixie_day
Chatty Knitter
130 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2006 : 11:40:44 AM
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My DH can tell some of the time depending on how bad I am.
Mostly I have to avoid all yeast products which includes pretty much all processed foods thanks to maltodextrin and those similar. If I eat autolyzed yeast or bread, I will have pain within an hour with the peak two days later including the brain dead parts.
We also try to keep the sympathy at a minimum in my house. But I have a bad tendency to go the other way and not admit when it is getting the best of me. I am hoping as my kids get bigger (9 and 3 now) this will be a little easier.
Mindy
I jumped on the bandwagon. http://swimmomknits.blogspot.com/ |
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Knitting through pain
