WOW, so many posts about exersize and an update.

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all the help and support. I think I finally have the

answers and I am developing a plan for a healthy lifestyle living

with my disorders. Yep, disorders. I went for my first month check up

for the methotrexate. Well, all was good with the meds, I have some

improvement but not enough. I am still in a temendous amount of pain.

So, after looking over my history of developing IBS after my gall

bladder surgery. A history of hormonal migraines and the current

trigger points, he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. Not surprizing

since I read the pamphlet, but I am not happy either.

A little history from the last 10 years, I had 2 broken arms at once

from a fall, 3 knee surgeries from torn miniscus'(2 on the left),

sinus surgery, 5 years of hormonal migraines, gall bladder surgery

(resulting in IBS) and last year a hysterectomy because of the

headaches and a benign mass in my uterus. I also suffer from Post

Traumatic Stress Disorder and Anxiety attacks with flashbacks. I have

been in therapy and on medication for over 20 years. I am doing ok

with this, not great but ok.

I now have 4 disorders to manage, and I WILL! I have PTSD,IBS,

Reactive Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Am I bummed, oh yes. Am I

depressed, definately, but do I have a will to live, OH YES! I have a

wonderful family and want to live life to the fullest.

My plan for now, continue with therapy and my medications for PTSD.

Eat a healthy diet that helps me manage my IBS with the minimal dose

of Questron. Take my methotrexate, anti-inflamatory, and tramadol as

needed for pain. I have added flexeral at night for sleep and muscle

pain. It is working so well. I am sleeping through the night without

waking up in pain. And REST, REST, REST when I am not working. My DR

said this is imperative for the first few months. On my weekends, I

will do about 6 hours of daily work or visit over the holidays. Since

I have a busy work week, I am to rest after I drive home. And I

agree, but I do walk around and move so I do not get stiff.

I will start the New year off with a NEW journal, implementing

exercise 2-3 days a week like swimming and the walking tape (low

impact) at work with my friends. And continue my other therapies

above. If I journal nightly, I will see over weeks what is working

and what is not. Patterns that help me, and I can adjust my exercise

as needed. Maybe someone else would like to be my journal partner and

we could email each other with our progress. I am open to partnering

up with a friend.

Again, thank you so much. This board is a blessing and help for me.

Kay