I never thought I would be able to exercise with Fibromyalgia. Getting out of bed seemed like a physical feat on it's own. How on Earth was I supposed to supplement my weight loss if I could barely get myself to the bathroom?

In a previous post, I discussed my weight loss plan involving Calorie Counting on my Fitbit. Well, as it turns out when the Fitbit tracks my calories burned it adds to it every time I exercise. So if I go for a long walk, my calories burned will jump up. I can even walk around my house and it still counts as exercise so long as I get my heart rate up. This shocked me. Just walking around, gently and at my own pace, could increase my calorie burn. That let me eat more and still meet my weight loss goals. I thought it was a bit of a joke, that my fitbit was lying. But every week I continued to meet or exceed my weight loss goals by adding more steps. I was so pleasantly surprised and empowered that I started walking more when I wanted a snack. I felt motivated to push myself because I knew I had something that worked. This changed my beliefs about exercise and I felt more confident that I could really keep this routine up.

Around the time I figured out the whole stepping burns calories thing, I was instructed by one of my doctors to try a water fitness program. She wanted me in the pool, exercising gently once a week. I scoffed. That was out of the question. Getting to the pool, let alone working out for almost an hour, seemed impossible in my condition. Then my mother, who is recovering from major abdominal surgery, agreed to join me in this program. It would help her recovery, I would have a ride to the pool and I would have the support to keep going. Still, I didn't know if I could do it, if I could push through the pain.

Here's a list of some of the activities the doctor requested I complete:

• Forwards Walking 5 Mins 
• Backwards Walking 5 Mins  
• Side Step 5 Mins  
• Single Leg Balance 10 X Each Leg  
• Squats 20 X  
• Hip Flexion & Extension 10 X Each Leg 
• Arm Circles 10 X  
• Calf Raises 20 X

Getting in the pool changed my tune real quick though. I don't know exactly why, but I felt so soothed by the water and the weightlessness. My nerves calms and my muscles relaxed. The pain was lesser and when I began doing the stretches and basic aerobics the doctor requested, I found that while challenging the routine wasn't hard. Furthermore, when I added the workout information to my Fitbit, it helped me burn extra calories! After a few weeks, the pool program became a regular thing and I loved it. Spending the time with my mom and enjoying the water, I enjoyed it all.  Sure, instead of a regular "work out" I get a "swim out", but it works for me. The only thing I don't like is how heavy and sore I feel getting out of the pool. Too bad I can't live underwater, maybe my fibromyalgia pain wouldn't be so bad!

While exercising used to be entirely out of reach for me, a few small changes made it a regular and easy addition to my lifestyle. I'm very shocked to say that I'm enjoying it. Turning 24, setting these goals for myself, it's really changed my perspective. I can't wait to see what else this year brings!

-Dana.


Have you found any gentle exercises that work for you? Do you like aquafit programs? Have you ever used step counters for weight loss? Let me know what works for you in the comments!

Wow, time has honestly flown by for me. It's been over a year since I was officially diagnosed with Firbomyalgia (May 2016, initial Diagnosis, August 2016 Confirmation of Diagnosis by Rheumatologist). Like always, I've spent much of my time reading medical journals and searching for treatment options. Below I will list all that I've learned in this last year about how to treat the pain and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. A few of them I have tested myself and there's one that I can honestly say is my absolute favourite so far.

CBD Oil
This is a big one amongst the "all natural" crowd. However, even those who don't care where something comes from rave about it. Cannabinoid oil is an oil derived from the cannabis plant that can contain little to no THC (the ingredient that makes you high) while providing extensive pain relief and acting a sleep aid.

(I have yet to try this one out myself as I'm waiting for the Cannabis Act to pass next summer, but you can find out more from WebMD, the US National Institute of Health, and CBD Oil Review.)

Low Dose Naltroxone
This one I have only really heard rumors about in my fibromyalgia communities. I think more research needs to be done, but from what I hear it is provides both pain relief and alleviates the symptoms of depression.

(Here is a study on the effectiveness of LDN on fibro patients and here is an article breaking down said study.)

TENS Machines
Did you ever think that electrocuting yourself was a good idea? Yeah, I didn't either until I learned about using TENS units for muscle and nerve pain. I originally was looking into getting physiotherapy, but then I found out that many physiotherapists use TENS units on their patients and charge $80/hr. I could buy my own unit on Amazon for less than that and use it whenever I wanted! So, I did just that.

After owning one for over a year now, I have to say I don't regret that purchase one bit. The TENS unit sends little shocks to your muscle in rhythmic patterns to help loosen them and get them to release any tension. On some of my worst days, I've found it to really help the cramping in my arms, legs and back.

(You can learn more about it here or check out the ones available to buy on Amazon.)

Trigger Point Injections
I saved the best for last as this is currently my favourite treatment out of everything I've researched. After the intial diagnosis from my doctor, I asked to be referred to any specialist who specifically treated Fibromyalgia. It took seven months of waiting, but in December of last year I was finally allowed to join a special pain clinic in my area called CHANGEPain. They offered classes in fibromyalgia and how to live with chronic pain as well as a variety of treatment options. After my introductory class, I was recommended to start the trigger point injections. This is basically a Western medicine version of acupuncture that the BC government has recently agreed to cover under their provincial insurance plan.

Now, I know. The name of the treatment sounds a bit scary. It does use needles, which concerned me. But when you're struggling with chronic pain, the desperation for relief can push you through any fear. Either way, it isn't as bad as it sounds. Trigger point injections are a simple procedure, often performed by accredited Anesthesiologists, occasionally general practitioners may offer the service in more remote locations. The treatment is really basic: the doctor will take a small dry or slightly medicated needle and poke it into the fascia (the tissue surrounding your muscles) to decrease pain and release tension in the muscles. While yes, the experience can sting, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  I get the needle treatments about every two weeks now, and I have definitely seen improved function and movement. My quality of life has improved drastically since I began TPIs. This is something I recommend all Fibromyalgia patients try to see if they too can improve their every day ability.

(To learn more about trigger point injections, are two studies (A & B) as well as an article discussing how TPIs can help.)

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These are all of the new treatments I discovered this year and hopefully this list can be helpful to other fibromyalgia patients out there who may not know about all of their options. Next year I hope to try even more treatments and I will report back on whether they've turned out to be helpful.

Dana~


"Have you tried any of the above treatments? How did they work for you? Do you have more suggestions for treatment options? Post down in the comments below to let me know what you think!"