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Fibromyalgia and Yoga

Fibromyalgia and Yoga

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It was six years ago that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was working as a designer in one of the largest closet companies in America. My job was extremely stressful, I spent many hours in my car driving from appointment to appointment and my boss was probably not the easiest person in the world to work for. Little did I know this was all leading to a physical breakdown. By the time I wised up and gave my notice to my employer I was in melt down. In the mornings it was all I could do to crawl to the bathroom. My legs hurt so badly at night I could no longer endure the covers over my legs, which resulted in a maximum of four hours of sleep at night. I would sit at night alone in my living room and just cry, the exhaustion was one of the worst symptoms. Simply going to the grocery store was agonizing, I would have to sit and rest half way through my shopping. Embarrassing as it now seems I ask my doctor for a handicap sign for my car, which she refused. I now understand why she refused me, but at the time it just felt like another slap in the face.

I was misdiagnosed several times, told there was nothing wrong with me, diagnosed correctly, but the doctor was so cavalier about the diagnoses I would not listen to a word he said. I did find a doctor that agreed with the doctor whose diagnoses was originally correct, but she was of little help with any constructive program for a healthier and fuller life. She did, however, recommend exercise and that is why she would not give me a handicap sign for my car. The only problem was I knew I could not exercise until my body felt better.

Finally, I took the bull by the horns and started researching on the internet. I found out my disease was not the end of the world, but there were no easy answers. I discovered that there were many researchers that believed some people have candida along with the fibromyalgia. At this point I thought I have nothing to loss, so I went on a very strict diet for candida sufferers. I lost thirty five pounds and began to feel a little better. All the articles I read seemed to agree that some form of exercise was needed and my doctor had thought an excercise program could help. I decided the most appealing exercise to me was yoga, because of the stretching. I had started doing stretches before I got out of bed in the mornings and noticed that they helped my body feel better; I noticed the stiffness was not as severe. I joined a gym, started a yoga class and my life improved in leaps and bounds.

I found a wonderful yoga instructor,This is one of the keys, finding a good instructor; she encouraged me, helped me with my practice and inspired me. Before I new it I was in teachers training. Yoga had become a way of life for me and I knew I would never be without it again. There are days I’m still in pain, have flares, and sometimes my students experience a little fibrofog, but the flares are not often, I stretch through the pain, and I can now laugh when I have a bout of fog,

In know way am I telling you to do exactly what I have done, I am not a doctor. I’m just telling you not to accept your pain, do a little research, and don’t give in. Life may never return to normal, but you can lead a more fulfilled and comfortable life again.

There is an article by Doctor Timothy McCall M.D. He is the doctor who writes articles for Yoga Journal and if you would like to read this wonderful article you can find it at:
www.yogajournal.com/health/1301_1.cfm

To see how you can help your suffering, we offer a variety of classes. Like our restorative classes for people with illnesses like fibromyalgia and injuries.  Yoga Class Schedule