My MCP and PIP of my right hand ( and now my left too!) were swollen painful and stiff as soon as hubby went away for a few days for a meeting.
I have left home without a warm breakfast these two chilling mornings. Soaking in hot water seems to help, but I am no where good enough to handle a kettle.
Soldier on. To my colleagues, I am normal. Thank goodness I have always made it a point to be slightly ahead in my work and now I hope no one notices I have to slack a bit these two days.
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New study on alexander technique for back pain - BMJ report
What is already known on this topic
- Combined manipulation and physiotherapy-supervised strengthening exercises helps functioning moderately (1-2 activities no longer limited by back pain)
- Preliminary evidence suggests that massage and lessons in the Alexander technique might help in the short term
What this study adds
- Six sessions of massage, prescription for exercise and nurse counselling, six lessons in the Alexander technique, and 24 lessons helped with back pain and functioning at three months
- Lessons in the Alexander technique still had a beneficial effect on pain and functioning after 12 months
- Six lessons in the Alexander technique followed by exercise prescription are nearly as effective as 24 lessons
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What to do when you have a fibromyalgia/rheumatoid arthritis flare?
A flare is not fun. No, there is nothing much you could do. You are sore and painful in many places, fatigue, and perhaps even having some brain fogs. Typing, like what I am doing now, may be quite limited too.
For me, a flare days means I move from bed- sleep or trying to sleep, to getting up to make myself some food (important - hunger creates more fatigue and fog, in my experience), doing something to kill the boredom - read, watch television etc and most importantly, my self-healing rituals. I call them rituals, as there are no scientific basis to most of these. This is the list of things I do
For me, a flare days means I move from bed- sleep or trying to sleep, to getting up to make myself some food (important - hunger creates more fatigue and fog, in my experience), doing something to kill the boredom - read, watch television etc and most importantly, my self-healing rituals. I call them rituals, as there are no scientific basis to most of these. This is the list of things I do
- Take my medications - NSAIDS. This helps to lessen the pain and swelling.
- Rest a lot - sleep.
- Keep comfortably warm/cool. Sometimes I feel very hot during flares, and I will try to keep cool.
- Take a hot bath/shower. The hot water relieve the stiffness.
- Use hot towels - put it at places where there are taut bands/points. See my earlier post for details.
- Acupressure and massage. I usually DIY, if my fingers are alright. I also use other objects to help. I find that the acupressure points are remarkably similar to trigger points. Acupressure is Eastern, while trigger point therapy was developed by Western trained doctor. I found this book by Clair and Amber Davies helpful: The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment for Pain Relief (Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief)
. It is less than £10 from Amazon UK, a very good investment.
7. Stretch. This keeps you supple and relieve the stiffness. I normally only do this late morning, after the hot bath, and start with simple moves.
8. Eat well. This can be difficult sometimes- loss of appetite or no energy to prepare food. I eat lots of fruits (get it delivered, or get someone to buy it), or at least drink a lot of fresh fruit juices. I know how difficult this is, especially when the flare is prolonged. Fruits are really heavy and expensive if it is delivered. I also try to make sure I maintain my omega-3 intake- through pills or those tinned mackerels!
(Note...it takes a long time to put this post together. In between, I slept, ate, stretched, and soaked my fingers in hot water. I hope it is of use to others.)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
14 days since the DIP started to swell..
It had been 14 days since my DIP on my ring finger started to swell. I remember really "noticing" it on Thursday, 5th June, when it became painful at work.I was probably there since Wednesday. As usual, before any "symptoms" started, I was drinking like a parched camel finding an Oasis. When I weight myself that day, I noticed I "put" on 2.5 kg in 2 days. Clothes seemed tighter, and shoes - i need to get my "big" shoes. (I keep shoes of a few sizes. Yes, RA is a perfect excuse to buy shoes).
It was a pain. I ran out of diclofenac. My rheumatologist refused to prescribe me new ones- she said "I did not need them"- that was what the nurse told me. Well, she is the doctor, therefore she was always right. My standby supply of ibuprofen ran out on Sat and I had to go and get it from teh supermarket!
It was a pain. I ran out of diclofenac. My rheumatologist refused to prescribe me new ones- she said "I did not need them"- that was what the nurse told me. Well, she is the doctor, therefore she was always right. My standby supply of ibuprofen ran out on Sat and I had to go and get it from teh supermarket!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Two days after another gym session
I spent another 45 minutes in the gym 2 days ago.
Now I see "results" of my workout:
Joints: swollen.
Muscles: sore.
Sigh. Sigh. The body is broken but the soul is not. I will have another gym session tonight! Perhaps all I need is just a little sports massage.
Now I see "results" of my workout:
Joints: swollen.
Muscles: sore.
Sigh. Sigh. The body is broken but the soul is not. I will have another gym session tonight! Perhaps all I need is just a little sports massage.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Hurt by peanuts
I love peanuts-In fact I love any type of NUTS!
But nuts are a luxury nowadays-Many types are expensive. Because of the health benefits, nuts are increasingly treated like health food. I eat them because I love it.
However in the recent years, eating nuts could be tough. No, I still have my teeth intact. It is just that my jaw joints would hurt. Yup, that is fibromyalgia plus Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even peanuts could hurt. My jaw joints HURT when I chew them. They feel sore!
But nuts are a luxury nowadays-Many types are expensive. Because of the health benefits, nuts are increasingly treated like health food. I eat them because I love it.
However in the recent years, eating nuts could be tough. No, I still have my teeth intact. It is just that my jaw joints would hurt. Yup, that is fibromyalgia plus Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even peanuts could hurt. My jaw joints HURT when I chew them. They feel sore!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What keeps you awake at night?
As I am preparing for another interview, and struggling with " to tell or not to tell", I also had to prepare for some answers to questions like "why do you want to do this"?
My two previous jobs were more in the commercial side, and people are often skeptical why you would give up jobs with more earning potential and "glamour" factor for less glamorous ones. And bear in mind, the person sitting across the table, who is fielding you the question, may have been trying to break into where you came from-unsuccessfully. In sort, there are skeptics out there who need to be convinced that you are sincere.
Why do I want to make this move? It is difficult to describe. It is a kind of feeling that I have to do something more "meaningful"? Something more meaningful, esp when it may benefit other people with various types of illnesses? If you know that I had been really ill, and I am still not feeling my best, you may "understand". If you are like me- been through hell , you will think what my career choice now is perfectly natural. But how would you know if I can't tell you about my colourful medical records?
How do I describe?
What keeps me awake.
Yes, I think I have to make a move, because I did not like what kept me awake. Apart from the aches, pains, and "ouch, I/he-hit-my-badly-inflamed-joint(s) moments", things at work could keep people awake.
While I was doing a job which directly impact the patients, my worries were where can I find the support ie money to do it. I would toss and turn, trying to find ways to make things work better etc.
While I was at the commercial sector, after proposing or doing something which I am sure benefit other patients, I had to ensure what I do would have some commercial benefits (anything without commercial interest should be aborted asap- no hope!). I would also be awake wondering whether my "great" idea is congruent to the objectives of the person(s) making the decision. You got to know their "personalities", their personal priorities aka agenda. Being kept awake by these things is totally worthless and useless.
I did not like what kept me awake at the commercial sector. I did not like lying awake wondering about meeting people's or a company's money making or a person's career boosting objectives. If I were to stay awake, I would prefer being stressed about how to benefit the patients. As an "old woman", I would not allow my beauty sleep being taken away by concerns about lining people's pocket.
Will a normal, healthy person understand my "what kept me awake" argument?
My two previous jobs were more in the commercial side, and people are often skeptical why you would give up jobs with more earning potential and "glamour" factor for less glamorous ones. And bear in mind, the person sitting across the table, who is fielding you the question, may have been trying to break into where you came from-unsuccessfully. In sort, there are skeptics out there who need to be convinced that you are sincere.
Why do I want to make this move? It is difficult to describe. It is a kind of feeling that I have to do something more "meaningful"? Something more meaningful, esp when it may benefit other people with various types of illnesses? If you know that I had been really ill, and I am still not feeling my best, you may "understand". If you are like me- been through hell , you will think what my career choice now is perfectly natural. But how would you know if I can't tell you about my colourful medical records?
How do I describe?
What keeps me awake.
Yes, I think I have to make a move, because I did not like what kept me awake. Apart from the aches, pains, and "ouch, I/he-hit-my-badly-inflamed-joint(s) moments", things at work could keep people awake.
While I was doing a job which directly impact the patients, my worries were where can I find the support ie money to do it. I would toss and turn, trying to find ways to make things work better etc.
While I was at the commercial sector, after proposing or doing something which I am sure benefit other patients, I had to ensure what I do would have some commercial benefits (anything without commercial interest should be aborted asap- no hope!). I would also be awake wondering whether my "great" idea is congruent to the objectives of the person(s) making the decision. You got to know their "personalities", their personal priorities aka agenda. Being kept awake by these things is totally worthless and useless.
I did not like what kept me awake at the commercial sector. I did not like lying awake wondering about meeting people's or a company's money making or a person's career boosting objectives. If I were to stay awake, I would prefer being stressed about how to benefit the patients. As an "old woman", I would not allow my beauty sleep being taken away by concerns about lining people's pocket.
Will a normal, healthy person understand my "what kept me awake" argument?
Monday, January 22, 2007
Blogs-and poems they keep us together
When I try to get in touch or chat with Joanne, my fellow fibromite and long-list-of-symptoms buddy, it is not always possible.
Some days, my hands are swollen-which means I cant type much. Some days it is her turn. Some days, it is my crash days, and sometimes, when I am well, she is down. Why dont you just call each other?
Did i mention we dont live in the same countries or time zones? Besides it might freak our family out. We are people who seem to suffer more than out lab tests suggests-may be it is psychological. We both suspect our family members sometimes think that way-secretly, esp when they cant accept or deal with us being sick. So, if we form a band of sick sistas, it probably gonna freak then out!!! Our sick minds will infect each other??
Today I saw "Never Give Up" as her favourite quote! And OMG, that was my super favourite when I was fighting with fate and the school authorities to sit for my exams! Being in an "elite" school meant I was quietly pressurized to give up taking a national exams, as the school could not risk having me fail, and pull down their rankings. I was stubborn and resisted. But that meant I trod down a lonely path. Aged 17. In pain all the time. Living away from home.
I recited this day in day out in my heart-whenever the pain was too much, the pressure too strong, or I was just totally lost in my own tears.
Some days, my hands are swollen-which means I cant type much. Some days it is her turn. Some days, it is my crash days, and sometimes, when I am well, she is down. Why dont you just call each other?
Did i mention we dont live in the same countries or time zones? Besides it might freak our family out. We are people who seem to suffer more than out lab tests suggests-may be it is psychological. We both suspect our family members sometimes think that way-secretly, esp when they cant accept or deal with us being sick. So, if we form a band of sick sistas, it probably gonna freak then out!!! Our sick minds will infect each other??
Today I saw "Never Give Up" as her favourite quote! And OMG, that was my super favourite when I was fighting with fate and the school authorities to sit for my exams! Being in an "elite" school meant I was quietly pressurized to give up taking a national exams, as the school could not risk having me fail, and pull down their rankings. I was stubborn and resisted. But that meant I trod down a lonely path. Aged 17. In pain all the time. Living away from home.
I recited this day in day out in my heart-whenever the pain was too much, the pressure too strong, or I was just totally lost in my own tears.
Never give up
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit
The poem saw me through. Tough exams. Tough teens.
As I got older, this became my mantra. An atheist like me actually loved this.
This saw me through operations, physiotherapy.............. and many more (including my decision to get married!!!).
I think poem is gonna see me through life. 10 years later, this is still my favourite........
Joanne, it is going to be a long fight for us both. Choose our fights carefully. Optimise our energy to bring us the greatest possible happiness.
Why I blog? To let others know I am alive.. and to share poems. :)
As I got older, this became my mantra. An atheist like me actually loved this.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity,
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to see the difference.
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to see the difference.
This saw me through operations, physiotherapy.............. and many more (including my decision to get married!!!).
I think poem is gonna see me through life. 10 years later, this is still my favourite........
Joanne, it is going to be a long fight for us both. Choose our fights carefully. Optimise our energy to bring us the greatest possible happiness.
Why I blog? To let others know I am alive.. and to share poems. :)
Monday, January 15, 2007
SIMPLE CURRY RECIPE!!! The cheat's way
This may look long, but it is actually very easy, and fast when you got the hang of it. It is a balanced meal, and a great winter warmer. Just cook one "pot" and it could last you days!
Ingredients:
-If you try to get more turmeric into your system, add 1-2 tsp of the powder, and blend into the paste.
1) heat some oil in the pot. Add in the paste when oil is hot. Use lowest heat.
2) fry until fragrant -2-3 minutes
3) Add chicken-"stir fry"1-2 minites
4) Add onion and potatoes- stir to prevent pot burning, until onion slightly softened. Add some coconut cream and water to prevent burning
5) add water until enough to cover all the ingredients
6) Cook with low heat for about 20 minutes, then add "soft" vegetables. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until tomatoes are soft, and "blended" into curry.
Add some fish sauce to taste.
Tip: If you find it too hot, add 1-2 tablespoon of sugar.
Serve with rice or pasta or bread. Baguette is fantastic with this!
To prevent the curry turning stale, boil it again before you sleep, and boil it again in the morning. Basically, the curry could keep for up to 3 days if you do this in winter. You can add fresh vege, [try those suggested "soft vege" as they are quick to cook] and meat or even frozen fish fillet everyday into the broth!!!
It is great to go with bread in the morning. I eat it again for lunch and dinner. Usually for the last round , I will add some oriental noodles, and have curry noodles. Great winter warmer!!
Try it out! And let me know when you improvise this!
If you find this cheat's curry still too difficult, try this sardine curry recipe. It takes less than 5 minutes!
Ingredients:- 1-2 tbsp vege oil
- 50-100gm of yellow Thai curry paste-try to get from Asian grocery stalls (much cheaper!) or sites like this. I use about 3 heaped tablespoons of the paste for 1 pot of curry, about 800 gm of chicken. Put more if you could take the "hot taste". A tub like this will allow you to cook at least 5-6 times
- 800gm of chicken (put only about 1/2 (500gm) if you don't like them too soft)
- 4 medium sized onions-cut into 8
- 1/2 cup of coconut cream, or 1 cup of semi-skimmed milk or 1/2 cup skimmed milk with 2 tablespoon of natural yogurt
- 4 potatoes (add more if you like, but increase the curry paste slightly if you do)-cubed
- 4-5 tomatoes
- Other "soft" vege: eg, okra, aubergine
- (optional)-fish sauce, turmeric powder
-If you try to get more turmeric into your system, add 1-2 tsp of the powder, and blend into the paste.
1) heat some oil in the pot. Add in the paste when oil is hot. Use lowest heat.
2) fry until fragrant -2-3 minutes
3) Add chicken-"stir fry"1-2 minites
4) Add onion and potatoes- stir to prevent pot burning, until onion slightly softened. Add some coconut cream and water to prevent burning
5) add water until enough to cover all the ingredients
6) Cook with low heat for about 20 minutes, then add "soft" vegetables. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until tomatoes are soft, and "blended" into curry.
Add some fish sauce to taste.
Tip: If you find it too hot, add 1-2 tablespoon of sugar.
Serve with rice or pasta or bread. Baguette is fantastic with this!
To prevent the curry turning stale, boil it again before you sleep, and boil it again in the morning. Basically, the curry could keep for up to 3 days if you do this in winter. You can add fresh vege, [try those suggested "soft vege" as they are quick to cook] and meat or even frozen fish fillet everyday into the broth!!!
It is great to go with bread in the morning. I eat it again for lunch and dinner. Usually for the last round , I will add some oriental noodles, and have curry noodles. Great winter warmer!!
Try it out! And let me know when you improvise this!
If you find this cheat's curry still too difficult, try this sardine curry recipe. It takes less than 5 minutes!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Make sure the BRA fits!
After my 4th Alexander Technique lesson, I noticed how strain my neck and upper back muscles were always are. I had always thought the culprit was my laptop. However, in these lessons, you have the luxury to stand for 15 minutes or so, thinking and doing nothing except being aware of your body. I begin to suspect my breasts might be a problem, as the strain was still there while I was standing, and the "heaviness" was there.
By then I learned to be quite "aware" of my body positions, and always felt a certain tightness around my neck, no matter how I "release" it! I am a little too embarassed to ask the AT teacher about my "assets", but decided to check out some new bras, since the bras I have are more than 1-year-old, at least.
I decided to get a new bra, and get a proper fitiing!!
Fitting my bra was tough.
Mine was REALLY asymetric! I have only used a professional bra-fitter once; for my wedding dress, and was very embrassed about it. But this time, I knew I needed help!
To my suprise, thanks to the weight gain, I am not a 38D! WOW! I thought! 38D is just what you need to get more backaches and neck aches!
Having to stare at myself at the mirror for 1/2 hour and having problems with bras fitting both breasts properly made me realised that my right breast is much smaller than the left one, and guess what;
In other words, maybe my right breast did not have as much space to "grow" as the left one! My shoulders were not "open" enough!
Lots of women may have that problem, the arms, the asymmetry. These could have been aggravated as we pile on more weight after getting these niceties like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Maybe, part of fibromyalgia treatment should include a bra-fitting session!
Related posts:
Alexander technique, a new hope for my fibromyalgia
Alexander Technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
Alexander Technique-second lesson
Make sure the Bra fits!
Alexander Technique;4th and 5th lesson
Technorati Tags:
alexander technique; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue
By then I learned to be quite "aware" of my body positions, and always felt a certain tightness around my neck, no matter how I "release" it! I am a little too embarassed to ask the AT teacher about my "assets", but decided to check out some new bras, since the bras I have are more than 1-year-old, at least.
I decided to get a new bra, and get a proper fitiing!!
Fitting my bra was tough.
Most women have asymmetrical breasts, and recent studies have pointed out that the more asymetrical your breasts are, the higher risk you have of getting breast cancer!!
Mine was REALLY asymetric! I have only used a professional bra-fitter once; for my wedding dress, and was very embrassed about it. But this time, I knew I needed help!
To my suprise, thanks to the weight gain, I am not a 38D! WOW! I thought! 38D is just what you need to get more backaches and neck aches!
Having to stare at myself at the mirror for 1/2 hour and having problems with bras fitting both breasts properly made me realised that my right breast is much smaller than the left one, and guess what;
My right arm is always in a more " forward" position than the left one, and impinging/indenting/whatever on my right breast.
In other words, maybe my right breast did not have as much space to "grow" as the left one! My shoulders were not "open" enough!
Lots of women may have that problem, the arms, the asymmetry. These could have been aggravated as we pile on more weight after getting these niceties like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Maybe, part of fibromyalgia treatment should include a bra-fitting session!
Related posts:
Alexander technique, a new hope for my fibromyalgia
Alexander Technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
Alexander Technique-second lesson
Make sure the Bra fits!
Alexander Technique;4th and 5th lesson
Technorati Tags:
alexander technique; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue
Friday, May 12, 2006
Alexander Technique-second lesson
Today is my second lesson.
The biggest take home point I have today is : It is not easy to do it, when you have an actively inflamed, and painful joints!!!
Compared to last week- my first lesson; which was held on a "good day", my muscles just refused to release!!! My poor muscles.
Is it easy for Fibro patients?
Not that easy. Will take lot's of commitment from patient's side. Sometimes, our body just refused to listen to whatever our brains are telling them todo, esp when they are already in pain. It can be very frustrating, and mentally draining to keep on telling the muscles to "release", and it refused! After a while, in my foggy brain jsut did not know what to tell the muscles. Oh ya? Did I tell you that when I "practised" at home, I was tired, and foggy--->>> and fell asleep.
Will Alenander Technique help ME?
Mes??? Yes, definitely. As of today, I genuinely believe that if I can master it, it will help me tremendously. I had a few peaceful night of heavenly sleep after my thigh muscles were relieved. In just 2 lessons, I can really see what damage have been made and why I am permanently in pain.
So it helps all fibro patients?
I am not sure. Is there something like ALL fibro patients? We dont understand enough about the disease yet- there maybe different groups of people with different reasons of having similar symptoms.
Technorati Tags:
alexander technique; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue
The biggest take home point I have today is : It is not easy to do it, when you have an actively inflamed, and painful joints!!!
Compared to last week- my first lesson; which was held on a "good day", my muscles just refused to release!!! My poor muscles.
Is it easy for Fibro patients?
Not that easy. Will take lot's of commitment from patient's side. Sometimes, our body just refused to listen to whatever our brains are telling them todo, esp when they are already in pain. It can be very frustrating, and mentally draining to keep on telling the muscles to "release", and it refused! After a while, in my foggy brain jsut did not know what to tell the muscles. Oh ya? Did I tell you that when I "practised" at home, I was tired, and foggy--->>> and fell asleep.
Will Alenander Technique help ME?
Mes??? Yes, definitely. As of today, I genuinely believe that if I can master it, it will help me tremendously. I had a few peaceful night of heavenly sleep after my thigh muscles were relieved. In just 2 lessons, I can really see what damage have been made and why I am permanently in pain.
So it helps all fibro patients?
I am not sure. Is there something like ALL fibro patients? We dont understand enough about the disease yet- there maybe different groups of people with different reasons of having similar symptoms.
Technorati Tags:
alexander technique; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Alexander technique, a new hope for my fibromyalgia
My choice of "approach" to my "health problems" had been raising quite a number of eyebrows. Yes, indeed, I can be considered as a "traitor" by my "medical professional" friends.
I believed in the muscle story. Yes, I do. And I think I should be quite qualified by "experience" and "indirect education" (no, I am no physiotherapist, but I know aa whole damn lot little about human physiology and pathology).
Until this point of time, I cannot say I am 100% certain that what I have is fibromyalgia, I can only suspect. Anyway, fibromyalgia itself if not fully defined, there might be many variations or subsets to the condition. Am I having myofascial pain instead? It seems that myofascial pain also could cause very very similar symptoms to what is attributed to fibromyalgia.
What I know is I have a lot of pains, mostly the muscles and at the tendon areas. What I am certain is I have a LONG history of chronic pain. Thanks to my stubbornness and refusal to rest or "respect" the pain, I have been going on a "Use your muscles!!!" mantra whenever my sciatica or rheumatoid arthritis pains are causing havoc. So, is there any surprise that I have over developed muscles where the joints and discs gave way? Yes, parts of them atrophied, but some of them just seemed to get bigger and harder. All these are just a natural part of pathophysiology of joint or skeletal muscles conditions.
Alexander Technique offers a chance to correct those “posture” problems, those years of misuse and abuse of my muscles, which could have contributed to the picture of fibromyalgia I have now. No, I don’t think it is the answer, I think it offers some help to correct one of the contributing factors. And looking at what I felt during and after my first Alexander Technique lesson, I think I should have some reasons to feel optimistic about it.
Related posts:
Alexander Technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
alexander technique
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue
I believed in the muscle story. Yes, I do. And I think I should be quite qualified by "experience" and "indirect education" (no, I am no physiotherapist, but I know a
Until this point of time, I cannot say I am 100% certain that what I have is fibromyalgia, I can only suspect. Anyway, fibromyalgia itself if not fully defined, there might be many variations or subsets to the condition. Am I having myofascial pain instead? It seems that myofascial pain also could cause very very similar symptoms to what is attributed to fibromyalgia.
What I know is I have a lot of pains, mostly the muscles and at the tendon areas. What I am certain is I have a LONG history of chronic pain. Thanks to my stubbornness and refusal to rest or "respect" the pain, I have been going on a "Use your muscles!!!" mantra whenever my sciatica or rheumatoid arthritis pains are causing havoc. So, is there any surprise that I have over developed muscles where the joints and discs gave way? Yes, parts of them atrophied, but some of them just seemed to get bigger and harder. All these are just a natural part of pathophysiology of joint or skeletal muscles conditions.
Alexander Technique offers a chance to correct those “posture” problems, those years of misuse and abuse of my muscles, which could have contributed to the picture of fibromyalgia I have now. No, I don’t think it is the answer, I think it offers some help to correct one of the contributing factors. And looking at what I felt during and after my first Alexander Technique lesson, I think I should have some reasons to feel optimistic about it.
Related posts:
Alexander Technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
alexander technique
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue
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