Fibromyalgia Support Group

I wanted to share my, admittingly yet very short experience with Tai Chi.

I add that I'm totally but totally out of any physical exercising. My doc wanted to think me up an additional heart condition, because some little steps usually cut off my breath and let me break out sweats.

5 years ago I lost my job and ever since I'm literally confined to my apartment at the 5th floor of a walkup.

I don't go out but for grocery shopping once per week, and recently it's even less. I spent already days without any food left !

These years I didn't do anything to change my situation, except for taking pain killers, antidepressant and a number of other chemical dump.

But a recent tragical event gave me a sort of kick and I promised myself that I want to change things, if possible, I must change things !!!

Almost 20 years ago I wanted to learn Tai Chi, but of course I never got around. Today I digged out the book because it's a real need.

I didn't but start like 10 days ago. Before yesterday I had start on the full program of 20 minutes and I found myself in soooo much pain yesterday that I hardly could make a blink without pain. But I didn't stop, even in pain I did half of the program, those stances meant for weak legs and knees and... I felt better !!!! I'm so very proud that I did it nevertheless.

Mind you, I didn't invent sports, I hate any kind of sports, exercises whatsoever, but Tai Chi is different. It's about relaxation and meditation, it's about soft and smooth movements, nothing abrupt or aching.

In this vain, I'd like to recommand this kind of exercise to anybody who saw his/her legs getting soft and loosing little by little its force and stability. Slowly your entire muscle and bone matter will regain strength, provided you do it every day, and even for 3 minutes only ! Consistency is important -like almost everywhere.

Lily, I am so proud of you. It sounds like you are taking charge and getting your life back. You really need to. If you ever need to talk let me know, it is so hard to do things without support and I promise that if you continue on the site, support you will have!!

I hope that you are able to get out more and do things. Please do not go without food. You need that in order to stay healthy to take your meds. Good luck, I am really happy for you. Sit in the sunshine. Do you have a balcony? It would be great just to get some sun shine.

keep us posted on your progress.

Barbara, sorry, I'm crying, thank you so very much for your words ! You really touch me, dear ! You don't know what it means to me !!!!

Yes, I'll try to keep in touch also when I hurt. I'm like an animal who hides away if hurting and waiting for things get better.

But I seriously will try to keep that up.

It's a great hot sunshine over here, but no I have no balcony or of that sort, and I'm too tired to master all the steps. I shall go out tomorrow, I rather leave a short message tomorrow morning (time change -9 hrs Pacific time) before I leave.

And Babs... if you need to talk, I'm here as well !!!! Even in pain and all I can be there for someone in need !!!! {kiss}

I am glad that you will be getting out. I don't think I could do the steps myself. I cannot imagine having to go in or out especially more that once, but I guess in a short time, you would be in excellant shape.

I can't wait to see your progress.

Liz, you are really too sweet, thank you !!!!

ps/ did you read my comment in the Fibro fog topic ? Please do, ok ? {kiss}

Unfortunately I have to verify my words about Tai Chi I wrote in the beginning. It looks like it isn't good for every Fibro-mite.

After I was in tremendous pain before-yesterday after the first 20+ mins of the basic beginner's program, I still kicked myself and did some stances meant for weak legs and knees for like 5 mins yesterday. It's true I was soooo proud of myself that I did it anyway, in spite of the pain.

The night I couldn't sleep of pain, it was the worst nightmare ever. I tried to get up and couldn't, when I managed later anyway, my tears kept on rolling down, out of -------PAIN---------. I think I never felt such intense pain before, and I had my share, believe me !

With that came the great disappointment that I failed my very last straw getting back on track, getting my actual personal life together. Regaining strength in my legs would be prodigeous for me, who has to climb all these endless stairs to get back into my apartment.

I am desperate. While I didn't do anything, it was of course my fault and I couldn't find the mistake but with myself. Now I do (try) something, I fail.

This afternoon I took some sleeping pills and slept for like 6 hours. I did my meditation, but I'm miserable as can be.

If I'm honest often I'd wish to be paralyzed, at least without pain, at least people would see what's wrong with you !

Don't worry, gals, if nobody responds, it's ok, I rather wrote it for myself. Usually I swallow everything without a word, this time I decided to post it on a public board. I don't mind if it's overseen like basically my other posts. Perhaps in some years someone it will find my post and help to regain hope, realizing that other people feel the same.