[Laelle]

I am new to this forum, but have a question for those of you with fibromyalgia.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1992 and it didn't bother me too much in the beginning, but as I have gotten older and stayed overweight, it has gotten much worse. I am now in so much pain that I have to limit how many days I leave the house to do anything (I work at home), because if I go more than 2-3 places when running errands, I am practically incapacitated the next few days. I can hardly get out of a chair to let my dogs in and out.

I got a flu shot in 2005 and afterwards for at least a week I had a lot more pain and stiffness than usual. I blamed it on the flu shot, because nothing else about my routine had changed. Last year I skipped the shot because I was afraid of a similar reaction. I am considering getting a shot again this fall since I am making an effort to be around people more - my daughter moved out about a year ago and since I work at home and live alone, I just get too caught up in depression and feeling sorry for myself. But is it worth it? I wonder if the shot actually further compromises my body and does more damage than good, since I have such a strong reaction to it.

Has anyone else experienced this? By the way, I am 55 years old and weigh about 298. Sometimes I wonder if I am blaming the FM too much for my aches and pains, when it could be from being overweight as well.

Thanks,

Laelle

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

LAELLE ~ I was just asking this same question of a lady (PURPLE) in our thread who is a nurse (in the PHYSICAL CHALLENGES monthly October red sticky). She said she had a vaccine and her muscles felt stiff and sore for a while afterwards (she has MS).

My DH and I have been debating about getting the vaccines, becuz we seem to be catching everything these days (maybe our age; 60 & almost 49). My Dad (who is 74) and step-mother (69) get the vaccine every year, but my Dad says that they catch the flu every year anyways.

So, it is hard to know what to do; esp when you already have so many physical challenges to begin with, plus other health issues and weight problems on top of all that. I know that we can all have aches and pains in our muscles and joints that come with age; but how much is age and weight factors, and how much is FIBROMYALGIA, or MS (PURPLE), or SPINA BIFIDA (me) and/ or injury related (also me)?

That is likely very difficult to access accurately; I do know that if I lose some weight that I do feel better and more mobile, but I still have those days that almost floor me (ie back pains, muscle pains, and joint pains that keep you indoors for a few days), so I know what you mean. I have to rest and wait these times out; then continue on from there when I feel better.

As for the flu vaccines, I am going to do some more inquiries before we take the leap, so-to-speak. I'll be watching this thread to see what info comes up ~ ROSEBUD

[Ellen]

LAELLE: What does your doctor recommend? Flu shots are not a 100% guarantee that you won't get the flu, but they can help if you have serious health issues that getting the flu might make critical. My husband got one yesterday at work for free. They told him to get plenty of rest the next couple days to allow it to build up the immunities. Perhaps if you plan for it, with plenty of rest, it will help. Also, do you try to get regular, gentle exercise? I have read that moving more my hurt at first, but will gradually build up your stamina and you end up with more energy and able to move more. Just a thought.