I hope the change in your meds and some better instructions on how to use them will at least give you some relief. The physio sounds interesting, no harm in trying it out..you never know.
Keep us up to date with how your going :)
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Leigh, I was not expecting any definite answers, but I don't think I was expecting to be right back at the beginning again. Still it is good to know that she is determined to get to the bottom of whatever is going on.
Thom
· 1 year ago
Can thoroughly recommend Feldenkrais. It might seem (and even look) wishy-washy as you say and that's partly because it often involves very small movements in combination with lots of focus and brainpower (there are parallels there with classical Pilates). So to watch a session it doesn't seem like a whole lot is going on. But...!
I was introduced to it about 15 or so years ago when I was suffering from some form of chronic fatigue (never convincingly diagnosed, but boy I knew something was wrong!). It made a world of difference to my physical wellbeing, especially at a time when a simple walk around the block left me feeling exhausted and when (worse!) my brain just didn't seem to want to concentrate for more than 10 minutes at time. Try writing a thesis in that state.
I recommend reading some of Moshe Feldenkrais' books, including the key text, Awareness Through Movement. The other thing to be aware of is that it is taught in two main forms. The first is one-on-one and this is called Functional Integration. This is what I did when I was sick and it has the advantage of being able to be tailored complete to your particular condition and needs. The other is taught in group classes under the name Awareness Through Movement. This is great for anyone, and can be of extra benefit as a supplement for FI sessions.
If you like you can get an idea of Feldenkrais via a podcast series available through iTunes. It's a set of lessons prepared by John Tarr, a Swiss-based American trombonist and Feldenkrais practitioner. Although it's called Dynamic Musician Series, you don't need to be a musician to find it helpful, since he focuses on really fundamental things such as how we sit and stand and use our hands and arms and breathing and using the voice. His intro is especially helpful if you're new to all this.
And the podcast format is great because Feldenkrais isn't something that you can read about and do while trying to follow a book or even your own notes. It works best when the teacher is "calling" the movements and drawing your attention to the appropriate points of focus as you go. In other words, it kind of needs the teacher-as-soundtrack, although you certainly will reach a point where you can provide your own mental soundtrack.
I've gone on a bit - sorry. The short answer is: give Feldenkrais a serious go and try to find a really good practitioner. I know it helped me a lot.
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Thom, thank you so much for all this info on Feldenkrais. I am so sorry to hear that you went through such a rough patch with CFS, it is truly a horrible disorder. I have been referred to a practitioner that works out of the Pain Management Centre at St Vincent's Hospital who is also a licensed physiotherapist as well so I will give her a call and make an appointment and give Feldenkrais a go.
Chris
· 1 year ago
Hi, I've never tried Feldenkrais, but Bowen-therapy has helped me a whole lot with stress related symptoms and pain relief. It's a non-intrusive treatment of the soft tissue in the body, and as Leigh described the Feldenkrais, it doesn't look as if much is happening during the session, but you sure feel the difference the next day. Might be worth while checking out! Best of luck to you!
Riayn
· 1 year ago
If I don't get any joy with Feldenkrais, I will look into Bowen therapy. Thanks for the tip.
Liz
· 1 year ago
I have had several dancers friends who were also serious students of Feldenkrais. Also I have another friend who had undergone lots of chemotherapy and really loved doing the Feldenkrais and said it really helped her. She even said there was something magical about it. Maybe I could find out more from her...
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Liz, I really hope your friend who has chemotherapy is now in remission and enjoying good health. In my brief researching on Feldenkrais I did read that it is very good for dancers and actors to help them move better and at this stage I definitely need to learn how to move better.
Frances
· 1 year ago
October? That's a whole season away. Wow. Sending good vibes your way.
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Frances, it does sound like a bit of a wait, but that is only if my blood results come back clear. If there is anything wrong, I will be going back a lot sooner.
Also, there needs to be time for my medication to kick in and to find out if it is actually working and unfortunately, you can't do that in a couple of weeks.
Jayne
· 1 year ago
Fingers crossed your meds can start to work for you and, yep, I've known a couple of dr's who freely advocate patients to increase their own meds; but then you're a sensible person who could sensibly increase her own meds without a worry ;)
Riayn
· 1 year ago
I have gotten some relief today from the pain which was really, really lovely. I am hoping that it is only going to get better from now on.
Kelley
· 1 year ago
Oh babe, I hope there is a solution ASAP! I hate hearing you sound so down (not depressed! Pissed off down!)
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Thanks Kelley. I am sure that this doctor will find out what is going on, but I am resigned to the fact that it might take awhile.
Nickoal
· 1 year ago
I hate to say this, cos it sounds a bit trite, but I absolutely understand what you're going through. Last May I started having serious health problems, and they only progressed, and I've still gotten no definite answers. I have been to countless doctors, gone through numerous tests, and finally I do know that I have Fibromyalgia, but that is the only thing I know for sure. I've recently been referred to a Neurologist who specialises in movement disorders, who has given me orders for several MRI's and the only thing so far that they can tell me is they are quite concerned that I have Muscular Dystrophy. I see a pain management doctor, and so many more. I don't know anything about this Feldenkrais, but please let me know if you do find out more. I've been told for 8 months that I was just depressed, having mental health issues (which I do, but when it comes to falling, swelling and being unable to function any more - I think there is a real problem!), I was just completely dismissed. I know how hard it can be, and if you ever need someone to speak with, or if you have any breakthroughs - let me know.
Riayn
· 1 year ago
Nickoal, I am so sorry to hear that you are going through a rough time as well. I hope you now have a doctor who is not dismissive of your health issues and is trying to work out what is going on. My doctor is leaning towards my problems being a muscular disorder as well. I wonder if most people with fibro really do have muscular issues.
Trekalong
· 1 year ago
Riayn, I was thinking of trying Feldenkrais 20 years ago, not because I needed it, but just to see what it was about. Anyway I didn't. But what I did instead was Tai Chi, and that is perfect. I used to find when I was doing a lot of Gym exercise, this complemented it, so any painful joints I had were instantly relieved. As well I sometimes get a little pain in my wrist with the computer and that was relieved. To be effective, you need to do 30 minutes of a Tai Chi set including a little Shibatsi every day. However I only ever got to three times a week. I just emailed my Tai Chi instructor and she said she has had a few students who have been getting relief from regular Tai Chi with your condition, but be sure to seek a doctors advise as it may not always be right for you. I go to the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and their website is at livingchi.com.au. They used to have lots of classes all over Sydney, but not so much now. Grandmaster Khor is trying to get approval from the Arthritis Council to have tuition built in as a core exercise for Arthritis sufferers. As well, I noted someone mentioned Bowen Technique. I had a problem with my lower back L4/L5 spinal joint and two 30 minute sessions relieved that (with a little physio). As a side effect it also eliminated my Psoriasis discomfort which was driving me bananas. Compared to the results from Physiotherapy, I would say throw out all physio in favour of Tai Chi and Bowen Technique. Initially these techniques soud hairy fairy but are surprisingly effective. Good luck
All Comments
I hope the change in your meds and some better instructions on how to use them will at least give you some relief. The physio sounds interesting, no harm in trying it out..you never know.
Keep us up to date with how your going :)
I was introduced to it about 15 or so years ago when I was suffering from some form of chronic fatigue (never convincingly diagnosed, but boy I knew something was wrong!). It made a world of difference to my physical wellbeing, especially at a time when a simple walk around the block left me feeling exhausted and when (worse!) my brain just didn't seem to want to concentrate for more than 10 minutes at time. Try writing a thesis in that state.
I recommend reading some of Moshe Feldenkrais' books, including the key text, Awareness Through Movement. The other thing to be aware of is that it is taught in two main forms. The first is one-on-one and this is called Functional Integration. This is what I did when I was sick and it has the advantage of being able to be tailored complete to your particular condition and needs. The other is taught in group classes under the name Awareness Through Movement. This is great for anyone, and can be of extra benefit as a supplement for FI sessions.
If you like you can get an idea of Feldenkrais via a podcast series available through iTunes. It's a set of lessons prepared by John Tarr, a Swiss-based American trombonist and Feldenkrais practitioner. Although it's called Dynamic Musician Series, you don't need to be a musician to find it helpful, since he focuses on really fundamental things such as how we sit and stand and use our hands and arms and breathing and using the voice. His intro is especially helpful if you're new to all this.
And the podcast format is great because Feldenkrais isn't something that you can read about and do while trying to follow a book or even your own notes. It works best when the teacher is "calling" the movements and drawing your attention to the appropriate points of focus as you go. In other words, it kind of needs the teacher-as-soundtrack, although you certainly will reach a point where you can provide your own mental soundtrack.
I've gone on a bit - sorry. The short answer is: give Feldenkrais a serious go and try to find a really good practitioner. I know it helped me a lot.
I am so sorry to hear that you went through such a rough patch with CFS, it is truly a horrible disorder.
I have been referred to a practitioner that works out of the Pain Management Centre at St Vincent's Hospital who is also a licensed physiotherapist as well so I will give her a call and make an appointment and give Feldenkrais a go.
In my brief researching on Feldenkrais I did read that it is very good for dancers and actors to help them move better and at this stage I definitely need to learn how to move better.
Sending good vibes your way.
Also, there needs to be time for my medication to kick in and to find out if it is actually working and unfortunately, you can't do that in a couple of weeks.
My doctor is leaning towards my problems being a muscular disorder as well. I wonder if most people with fibro really do have muscular issues.
I was thinking of trying Feldenkrais 20 years ago, not because I needed it, but just to see what it was about. Anyway I didn't. But what I did instead was Tai Chi, and that is perfect. I used to find when I was doing a lot of Gym exercise, this complemented it, so any painful joints I had were instantly relieved. As well I sometimes get a little pain in my wrist with the computer and that was relieved. To be effective, you need to do 30 minutes of a Tai Chi set including a little Shibatsi every day. However I only ever got to three times a week.
I just emailed my Tai Chi instructor and she said she has had a few students who have been getting relief from regular Tai Chi with your condition, but be sure to seek a doctors advise as it may not always be right for you. I go to the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and their website is at livingchi.com.au. They used to have lots of classes all over Sydney, but not so much now. Grandmaster Khor is trying to get approval from the Arthritis Council to have tuition built in as a core exercise for Arthritis sufferers.
As well, I noted someone mentioned Bowen Technique. I had a problem with my lower back L4/L5 spinal joint and two 30 minute sessions relieved that (with a little physio). As a side effect it also eliminated my Psoriasis discomfort which was driving me bananas. Compared to the results from Physiotherapy, I would say throw out all physio in favour of Tai Chi and Bowen Technique. Initially these techniques soud hairy fairy but are surprisingly effective. Good luck