I didn’t always hate taking a shower. Before I had Fibromyalgia I probably even loved it. It has always been the thing that wakes me up in the morning and makes me feel good. However, now there is more of a love/hate feeling towards the shower. If you have Fibromyalgia or any other chronic pain condition, you probably already know what I’m going to say. If you don’t have a chronic condition then you are in for a treat; a peak into the daily torture I go through.
So, since I have to go to work still and I love my co-workers, I have to shower. It is still the thing I need to wake me up that early in the morning. My day starts with me sitting on the edge of the bed, taking an inventory of the pain. I know this sounds weird, but I have to acknowledge it in my brain before I stand up or it catches me off guard. Once I take some deep breaths and some self talk (“ugh, I don’t want to”, “shut up and do it”) I get up and let the dogs out. Then I go into the bathroom and get into the shower. Since I’m so stiff and in so much pain, the hot water is soothing. I do what I need to do in there and then I do some stretches.
You might be saying, “Suzanne, you stretch in the shower, why?” Yes I do everyday because I have to. This is the best place for me to get a little stretching in and wake up my muscles. Since my goal everyday is to do yoga before I leave for work and that NEVER happens, this is my time. Now that was the easy part of getting ready and believe me, it wasn’t really easy for me.
Once I am out of the shower and dry off and get my PJ’s back on (yes, I put those back on) I have to rest. Oh I forgot one important and taxing part- I have to brush my wet hair out so it doesn’t dry in tangles. This is the part that takes the most energy. Now with all that done, I have to go sit on the couch and rest. Heaven forbid the days that I couldn’t get out of bed on time because of exhaustion or pain because I still have to go through this process regardless.
Once I have rested a bit, now comes the hard part, I have to brush my teeth AND blow-dry my hair. I know this sounds stupid, but it is so hard to do. Think of it this way, if you work out a lot, lift weights or do a bunch of push-ups, you get sore right? Then if you try to lift your arms, it is difficult, even painful? Well, this is my daily life and I didn’t lift any weights- we won’t even speak about what it feels like when I have done some push-ups (yes, I can do some push-ups).
Now that I am good and exhausted, it is time to go to work. When I was home on medical leave, there were many days in a row that I didn’t even shower (embarrassing I know). It took all I had some days to make it from the bed to the couch. This is why we (chronic illness sufferers) are called “warriors” because most days we fight past all that I just mentioned and get through our day. It is ok if we are not able to, but when we do it can feel like a victory over an illness that is trying to take over our life!
I would love to hear your comments below. If you are Warrior- how do you get through your morning routine? Is it similar to mine or different, I would love to know. Are you a Warrior supporter? I would love to hear how this article helps you better understand the person you are supporting. As always, gentle hugs to you, push when you can- rest when you need it.
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It’s such a shame people don’t understand what it’s like to suffer with chronic conditions. I’m a nurse so understand how these invisible symptoms can have an effect on your body. Take my hat off to you for getting through this everyday, must be so hard! Hope this post helps other appreciate what you and other symptoms are going through. Thanks for sharing
Louise, Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your kind words, in fact it is words like your that help keep me going.
I know what you are saying. I put off getting in the shower as long as possible. And I get angry when people try to rush me.
I also have to decide which shampoo I need because my scalp is probably itching like crazy. If so I use Dawn with out any parabens. If it’s not itching very much I use head and shoulders. i don’t have dandruff, just itches. Then after it’s the hair dryer and lotion and curling iron. Painful. And if I get too hot I’m shaking so badly I can’t put on my mascara. lol And I hate getting hot which is bad because I live in West Texas. Hot all the time. My face is red and hot from what ever it is from this fibro crap. It is torture sometimes just to take a shower.
thank you, Suzanne. Your kind words helped me understand why I now, 30 years post diagnosis, HATE to have a shower. I have to force myself, and didn’t know why. Your confession and how you cope helped me enormously.
hi Suzanne, thanks for your article, i can relate with everything
early Jan 2014 i got sick on a tour bus??and was diagnosed with diabetes as high as 25.7?dr’s want to admit me in Hospital, now i am a:
#degenerativediscdiseasewarrior (Atlas, Axis, T8 vertebrae and down to my buttocks, legs, feet, hands and fingers)
#diabeticneuropathywarrior
#chronicfatiguewarrior
#sciaticanervewarrior
#ibssyndromewarrior
#fibromyalgiawarrior
#chronicpainwarrior
#diabetic2warrior
#psoriasiswarrior
#ptsdwarrior
PLEASE understand that getting better from an illness like this can be very slow or never – people with the above and other chronic diseases have so many systems in their bodies out of “equilibrium”, and functioning wrongly, that it may take a long time to sort everything out or never, however i thank you from the bottom of my heart that you took a few minutes reading this
•• being in hospital recently, someone asked me: “are you afraid of dying?” i said; “no, i died when i left home, if i had any fear in me, i wouldn’t have survived what i went through the past few years ••
today i am 90% bed bound and *salute* all in chronic pain and with a chronic illness
•• to Abba Father all the glory for keeping me sane in the midst of it all ••
??Shalom??
I hate to take showers, I used to love them. They are so painful now it’s like someone is slicing me open with glass and they exhaust me. I have to take tub baths and they’re tiring.. I don’t even want to leave the house because once I’m ready to leave I just want to take my meds and climb back in bed
Does anyone else have the problem of breaking out in a drenching sweat when standing in one spot for too long or have days when you have to leave the grocery store without finishing your shopping? I feel as if I’m going to pass out.
Yes I do..if I can’t get in an out . I have to walk away and leave
I’m also one of those warriors like you.. I’m 59 and I struggle everyday. Most people don’t know or understand, but I do. I live it everyday. The scalding hot shower in the mornings loosen me up so I can make it another day. I work 12 hour days don’t sleep much. Have restless legs. When I’m awake i go 90 to nothing and when i go to bed i hope i can sleep more than 2 hours. I got tired of explaining what fibromyalgia is. . If i ever stop I’ll never get back up. I feel your pain. Hang in there. Thank god for scalding hot water.
Prayers coming to you.
Tammy
Thank you Suzanne
My precious daughter is a warrior. Without posts like this we supporters do not have a good understanding of what our warriors go through.
Hi Cristy,
I am so sorry your daughter has fibro! I am truly grateful though that you let me know how much this article helped you understand better. My biggest goal is to build a community and help others understand. So, thank you so much for commenting. I hope your daughter can read my blog as well and find comfort in not being alone and maybe some tips as well.
I love taking a shower in the morning a give me great Relief the hot water gets me going. I to have to assist my pain in the morning see where I hurt because I just cannot get out of bed I have to watch my arms both arms hurt me really badd my Lower back my ankles hurt my knees hurt but once I get in the shower and get out I can’t even Dry myself I have to stand under the fan to get dried I have so much inflammation on my wrist that it’s even hard for me to brush my teeth brush my hair I can’t fix my hair in the morning today is Saturday June 11th at 11 o’clock I am gonna go get a perm and my hair because I can’t even fix my hair my hair goes up to my bra in the back so it’s kind of long I have a lot of here and I can’t fix it all so the perm helps me a lot everyday is a struggle but I love waking up in the morning early having my coffee going outside listening to the rooster
I have a Canary’s I love to hear them singing I just love the morning when I thank God each day that I wake up The best thing for the fibromyalgia is just to get up and move going your bike even if you’re just doing gardening. And drink lots of water Have a wonderful day???♀️??
Pre FM – I loved showers! Now with FM (year 8 of diagnoses) I hate them. For me the biggest part I don’t like is the temperature change from the room (say 70 degrees) to the water, it’s like overstimulation of every pain receptacle of my body. Then the aerobic activity of washing hair and body and then it’s the temperature change again in getting out. I too have to rest. I don’t rush a shower but no matter how long I take, it’s still like an intense work out. I wish it was refreshing. I wish it was invigorating. The only thing I like is the smell of my shampoo lol.
Hi I’m Anne and I live in Australia. I have Fibro. This is the second time I’ve had it with a three year break in between bouts. I have a problem with heat including hot water so it stings my skin which makes having a shower painful. So no relief there. And all of my other senses are heightened so the smell of the shampoo sticks awfully.
But at least this time my Fibro isn’t as bad as last time! So m happy with that..
Thanks
Anne
I have the same problem with the temperature changes. It is so nice to hear from others who have the same problems with showers. I also have to rest after getting out of the shower and can no longer dry my hair. I had already had Fibro for about 8-9 years and it had gotten pretty bad, when I had a near fatal car accident that left me with severe chronic pain and some other problems. It also made my Fibro even worse. I don’t know if anyone else has looked at the stages of Fibro, but I am in the last and worst stage. I applaud all of those who are doing all they can to hang in there! Vanessa
I am glad you put it in writing. It’s a good reference. Also, i dont work. So for me i take a shower once or twice a week. I use disposable wipes in between. It works for me.
Me too! Having to “rest” when you get out of the shower is a must!!
Suzanne, thank you for putting this article together. It is sad that we go through so much and yet, there are still non believers out there that scoff when I say I need help to get dry and must rest after my shower. Everything you mentioned in your article is me to a T. It is good to know this is not ‘just me’. The level of the exhaustion and pain we go through from the minute we wake up.
Keep sharing your struggles with FM, it helps so many of us, just knowing we share the same struggles.
So sorry you have the same struggles. It always gives me comfort and breaks my heart to know I’m not the only one. Also, thank you so much for the encouragement to keep writing. Feels good to know I am helping others. Take care of you!
I would love to be able to pop into the shower, but standing up for more than 30 seconds is very painful. I would love to have a bath, but can’t climb in or out of it. Only recently diagnosed but had these pains for five years. Docs kept telling me it was arthritis.
I loved reading this, it validates so many things for me. I haven’t wrapped my head completely around what this all is yet. I have been sick since 2012 but not diagnosed until a year and a half ago. One of the things that caused me so much pain strangely enough was the weight of my hair. (Crazy right). A few years ago I shaved my head to support a friend who has lymphoma, and it changed my life. I no longer get headaches and my scalp no longer feels like it’s bruised all the time. Add in that I never have to brush or blow dry and it’s the best thing I’ve done for myself. 🙂
Oh my gosh! Here I think it is just me who struggles so much with the exhaustion of this. And I am very tempurature sensitive. I could go back to bed for an hour and then maybe fuction better! Thanks for not making me feel alone!
It’s so hard to explain to anyone what it feels like to suffer through things like a simple shower. However you have hit the nail on the head! I too have a love/hate relationship with the whole shower experience. I have such pain when I raise my arms to wash my hair. It does help to go at it one arm at a time and let the other arm rest. I try to make my time in the shower as quick as I can because I know soon I will have to tackle the blower dryer hell. I feel for you all. We are all warriors. I just wish more people understood us. Stay strong.
For so many years I was told I was depressed. Nobody talked about fibromyalgia. It is so nice to know it’s not in my head and and surprising to read that others are going through stuff I go thru. I know the exhaustion well but I have a problem with heat so my showers are with warm almost cool water. I remember stretching in warmer water but my showers are not conducive to loosening muscles. I miss that. I am surprised others need a rest after shower just like I do.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing your story. I have Fibromyalgia. It is super tough! I have been in so much pain and things are too difficult for me to do most days I had to stop working. In regards to a shower… ummm. I had to start taking my showers at night. It literally takes me half the day to get rid of the pain. Literally.
Hope things get better for you.
I wish people understood the pain involved in this disease! My spouse calls me LAZY because I can’t lift and sometimes can’t walk! I wish he could understand how bad it hurts!
This was such an interesting post to read, thank you so much for sharing what its like for you to do what is such a daily, mundane task for many. You truly are a warrior and so inspiring for doing this everyday! Keep going, you’re amazing
Thank you Molly. You don’t know how much it means to me that you took the time to read my blog. Also, it means so much that you subscribed. I hope that you enjoy my future posts as well. Thank you for the support! You are my 20th subscriber, so sort of a milestone for me.
Enlightening! Thank you for sharing your routine and the strength you have in handling those items that present challenges that non-warriors take for granted.
Thank you so much Rudy! I really appreciate your kindness.
Thank you so much for sharing. It makes me realize that I’m not alone. The not wanting to shower. Sweating to death while in a store etc. you are inspiring others who really need insurance that they are not the only ones suffering from this. Thank you and keep the faith.
Joyce
You are hilarious. Love the details!!! I agree most people would not understand I know I’m guilty of that. My mother suffers with a vascular disease and after multiple amputations I’m still like. Change your diet and this all will go away. It’s not that simple. Congrats on trying to be normal when some people would just give up. That’s respectable and I’m sure there are people out there that can relate 100%. Keep it up. LOVE THE BLOG.
Thank you sweetie!
Hi its amazing how you describe it, that’s exactly how I feel, especially about holding the hairdryer, I used to wonder what the heck was wrong with me before I finally found out that it was fibro. You are a true warrior. God bless you.
You are so sweet Lita. Thank you. I am sorry that you have it as well. You too are a warrior-keep fighting!
Fibromyalgia attacked my mother body more than 3 years ago after her knee surgery. She has been in a wheelchair for about six months, and she used a cane for another six months. She did not even know how to walk anymore. We fought the fibromyalgia with a lot of pain pills and tears not until we had to give a try on natural formulas, we purchased a herbal treatment from totalcureherbsfoundation.com which help her a lot and bring her back to normal again, the herbal formula reverse the symptoms grammatically and she’s totally free from the Fibromyalgia that cost her pains for ages .
That is so wonderful for your mother.
I was a mortician and had to lift all the time and can no longer do it for the same reason as you but my day would start just like yours except I would start out for I would start out for a 24 hour day between working and the on call time and can’t do that any longer so I trying to get my disability because of chronic pain. I won’t write a whole dissertation here but anyway you know the story.
Hi Connie,
Thank you for commenting and sharing your experience. I totally understand how hard it is to work. I’m in that not sick enough not to work, but sick enough it is a challenge place. I hope you get your disability but I also hope you find a way to control your symptoms so you can have a better quality of life. Always here if you need to talk.
Gentle Hugs- Suzanne
Thank you for writing about this, my MD looks at me like I’m insane when I share this problem with her. I thought maybe I was just lazy. Thank you.
Hi Michelle,
I’m so sorry you are treated that way from your physician. You deserve better- you are NOT lazy!
It’s so hard for me to get in and out of the shower I only do 2 or 3 times per week!
I totally understand! Many fibro warriors only shower as often as they can.
Thank you for this article. I thought it was just me, I am glad to know I am “normal” so to speak anyways. Your honest account of what we go through everyday made me feel not so alone. I appreciate your candor. Thank you.
Hi Patricia,
I’m so glad that this article resonated with you. My blogging journey is all about helping others feel less alone. So thank you so much for commenting!
I have lived with fibro since my teens, I am 45 now. Back in those days fibro was just a taboo, most Dr thought it was in your head, let alone family and friends. I experienced it all, family and friends gradually didn’t want to know.
Let’s get to the point. When I have a shower or bath. I suffer afterwards, the drafts and cold make me in more pain. I feel the whole day is full of pain and struggle. So I totally understand when you say (when I was on medical leave I didn’t shower) I have been employed lost my job due to sickness leave so many times I can’t get back into employment. So I am unemployed, I wash as much as I can in the mornings. I shower only in the evenings. Only when I feel strong enough too. Many peoples reactions will be “you dirty women” I totally agree. What I have to say is. I would rather be a dirty women, than a women in so much pain that I am bed ridden, and someone look after me.
Fibro effects everyone differently. I respect everyone that lives with the condition. I have cervical spondylitis, and chronic migraines. So I have cut my hair off to make drying time quicker.
My last words are do what you can, when you can, if you live with fibro. Pace yourself and don’t beat yourself up. As there are many people that still don’t understand the effects of the condition. Last but not least, enjoy the good days, and try to rest and do what ever you can to ease the symptoms on the bad days. Take care, my thoughts are with you all that have fibro xx
First, I am so sorry that you have had to go through this for so long. To not have people believe you makes the whole thing so much worse. I for one really appreciate all the advice you have given here in your comment. I also have an interview series if you are ever interested in doing a video interview with me let me know! Gentle hugs.
Wow… I feel like you stepped into my body… for me the part about having to rest after particularly resonates. I force myself to go out for a walk with the dog everyday so I don’t end up bed bound again. As you can imagine, once the weather turns people look at me like I’m dressed to go to the artic because I’m wearing sallopette ski trousers to prevent the wet or cold getting through (with sexy thermal leggings underneath ?), steel toe cap boots so the leather doesn’t fold or run making my feet hurt more than normal along with a thermal top, under a jumper or hoodie, under a waterproof Coat three sizes too big so the elastic doesn’t leave me feeling bruised for weeks. Then getting back to the car and having to sit on the heated seat just to feel it warming my back so I can drive back home, to sit and take another rest…usually needing another shower but just can’t face it. Hats off to you attempting the yoga in the shower as I keep saying I’m doing the class but not got there yet… we need more people like you to describe the hidden aspects that we feel ashamed & bored off and can’t face talking about it. Keep it up!!
Hi Kae,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I started this blog to build a community and help people feel less alone, so thank you for commenting. I know how hard it is for fibro warriors to exercise but for me it is the biggest thing that keeps me going. I am careful with my exercise though and listen to my body, if I need to go slower or do less I do and I don’t feel guilt over it. I totally understand what you are saying about the cold too- it makes the pain so much worse. I have a video interview series if you ever want to tell your story, just reach out. Take care of yourself- gentle hugs.
– Suzanne
My coping strategies mean a stool in the shower and one outside the shower. I use a toweling robe just kept in the bathroom so I don’t have to dry myself. I wrap a small towel around my hair and sit on the stool to dry it while my robe dries me. Even with these coping strategies I still can not persuade myself to shower more than twice a week, but then I do have other medical problems and am getting old!!
Hi Coreen,
Thank you so much for these tips! I love these ideas and I always love hearing how others are getting stuff done. I appreciate your comments.
Gentle Hugs- Suzanne
Those are awesome ideas, I’m stealing them ??
You are absolutely correct!! People think, “ Omg, how hard is it for you to just get in the shower?” But it’s not just the shower, it’s that and everything else that comes after. And then I’m too exhausted to do what I’ve been getting ready to do. It’s so frustrating. Thank you so much for putting this out there. Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air to have someone actually know and understand the reality of our day. I wish you nothing but the best. ❤️
It was like I wrote this myself- with the exception of brushing out my hair bc I have a pixie cut! LOL Thank you so much for writing this! I felt like I was the only one who had to lean against the shower walls to rest a little during the process! CBD oil has saved my life with dealing with the pain, but every stage you wrote about is so true- painfully true!!
Hi Kelle,
Thank you so much for commenting! I have a round face and I don’t know if a pixie cut would look good on me, but there are so many times I wish I could just cut it off for sure. I’ve been resting between my shower and blow drying now to help me get through it. I am also so happy to hear that CBD has helped you. It is nice when we find some relief.
Gentle Hugs- Suzanne
We have bought a shower chair. Just can’t handle standing all the time. Then with the sprayer wand I manage to get to it done. Amazingly I used to feel refreshed after a shower I know I did. Just never feel refreshed anymore it so thankful to be alive. I have a loving, supportive family and a God I lean on constantly.
Hi JIll,
I’m so sorry you have to go through what I go through. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I am glad though that my article made you feel less alone, that is what I am hoping to accomplish with this blog. Thank you so much for commenting.
Gentle Hugs- Suzanne
Suzanne, funny to read the words I say in my head. Some days are so hard the shower I know exactly what you mean. If I looked the way I feel inside I’d be on the 11:00 news. Now it’s even hard to walk. Fibromyalgia can be isolating, if you let it. So we fight
Hi Nancylee, I feel the same way. I’m glad you don’t let it isolate you. That is one of the reasons I started this blog so people like us don’t geel alone and isolated. Gentle hugs to you.
My neighbor has Fibromyalgia. We are not friends, but I’ve watched it take over her for the last 9 years & it is absolutely heartbreaking. I can’t imagine & think the world of all of you for getting through the day ♥️
I also have fibro. Along with arthritis and neuropathy. I’m in constant pain. I know what you go through. I shower at night when my husband can help me in and out of the shower. I feel for all of those with chronic pain. Breaks my heart for y’all.
I have progressed to the point I’m in a wheel chair due to all I have going on. I can’t lift my legs good enough to step into a tub, even though I shower. Washing my body and washing my hair is exhausting. Not to mention trying to sleep. All of you with this, keep fighting your lives are well worth it!!
Mechelle, thank you so much for sharing. It really does help others to hear they are not alone. Yes, we are worth the fight and we all need to hear that more often. Take care and thank you again.
Hi. First off, I’m so sorry you have FM. Thank you for putting this out there. It’s 100% the truth. I do not have FM. I have what’s called adhesive Arachnoiditis. It is a spinal disease caused by spinal surgeries and epidural steroid injections most commonly. It is a challenge to just do small things. I can relate to this. I’ve tried to explain to my mother who has been with me throughout this awful time. It is completely how I am. I don’t like it. Yes I go times without because I just cannot summon the strength to put myself through it. It’s embarrassing and is not the person I have always been. I am currently trying to tell myself to shower tomorrow’s for a dr. Appointment. But my pain is so high and I’m not sure I can talk myself into it. It’s so hard to fathom this for others. I’m an RN and I never thought pain could be so hard. Thank you again.
Cammy
Cammy, I’m so sorry you have to go through so much pain. I totally understand how you feel. You are not alone – stay strong! All we can do is take care of ourselves and keep going. Gentle hugs to you.
I have this weird habit of convincing myself there is nothing wrong with me. But the truth is it takes me up to 2 hours to do my morning routine, and it is nothing special.
We see, and sometimes hear, how others think. That being like this is just lazy, or being a drama queen (sooo far from the truth!), after a while you (at least I do) start believing they must be right.
The other problem I have, because I think I am a wimp, is I let other conditions go too long. I no longer recognize what is “normal” pain, and what isn’t. It can be dangerous. Thankfully, I have a sweet and caring hubs who watches out for me.
Nora, thank you so much for sharing your story. I completely understand how you feel especially about the pain. I am so glad you have someone to love and support you, that is so important.
Thank you for writing this article. I too struggle with my shower most days. I have super heightened skin sensitivity so after shoving the wasted water guilt aside I turn on the hot water to warm up my shower tiles. I cannot step into the shower without doing this. After turning the water down to the right temp between too hot and too cold (which is a fine line believe me!) I can get in. Then I have to deal with the light saber like pulses as the water hits my scalp. Some time between shampoo and conditioner this may ease up but not always. If I feel strong enough I’ll shave my legs because if I don’t my legs will rub against my pants all day causing enormous amounts of irritation. Now the water that was so painful to start off with has now become my friend and I dread the change to the cold air as I turn off the water and reach for my towel which my husband assures me is the softest one in the house but still feels like the bristles of a brush to me. Ugh!! I wish my body was dry clean only!!
Hi Brandy,
I’m so sorry you struggle so much with the shower too. It sounds like your experience is worse than mine though. I have had times when my clothes hurt my skin even the water sometimes. I am glad you shared your experience though- you never know who it might help! I have been amazed at how many people go through the same experiences as me. It gives me comfort and makes me sad at the same time.
Hugs
Suzanne
I found an Upper Cervical care chiropractor who specialized in getting rid of fibromyalgia pain. He worked on my “atlas”. 3 sessions and I am pain free. Nurse friends recommended him. I hope you find someone in your area.
I tried to explain to a friend how much taking a shower wipes me out. This was my quick answer.
I feel as though I’ve just ran a 10k marathon in 7 minutes. Then at the finish line I was hit by a semi truck hauling 80,000 lbs of sand, that spilled out on me, after it ran over me. Then I still had to get dressed.
I no longer work, as it has gotten to the point I honestly fight to take that shower every 3 to 4 days. I do what my mother always referred to as a who**’s bath. wash under arms, under sags and between your legs.
Then, on the flip-side, I have days like yesterday.. The shower was quick, went car shopping, (btw… bought red Chevrolet HHR),
grocery shopping, out to lunch and actually made a great meal for dinner.
But, I’m paying now for doing what I would have referred to before fibro as a “light day”… little sleep last night, up every 2 hrs in pain and drowning in sweat. Today will be spent writing, sleeping and take out.
Fight on ye Warriors of Determination!
Hi Bea, I think that is probably one of the worst parts of fibro….the not knowing how an activity will affect you or not. THank you so much for sharing. It makes us all feel less alone for sure. Gentle hugs to you.
The hardest part of a shower, for me, is washing my hair. Holding my arms up and scrubbing my scalp is exhausting and I have to rest several times to get it done. It’s embarrassing to admit that I often go several days between showers. It really helps to have others explain what we with chronic pain go through. Thanks for sharing.
I got fibromyalgia after a bad car accident. I have been in constant pain sense 1999. My pickup was rear ended by a large deer truck hauling steel. I was stopped waiting to make a left tut hand turn when I was hit. It pushed me down the road a full block. I popped out the rear windshield with my head. My body put a soccer ball size dent in the steel cab. My pain is constant just eases up now and then. My feet and legs have very little feeling. I couldn’t lay on my back at all for 10 years. Still hurts from the back of my head all the way to the tips of my toes.
Feels like someone rubbed sterno on them and set them on fire. I am so worn out just trying to get from one room to the next with a Walker. Shampooing my hair in the shower is like torture. But I keep trying, I rarely say anything about being in such pain. This is the first time in all these years I’ve even wrote or talked in depth about it. I truly feel as if I’ve been ran over multiple times a day. L1 and L2 in my lumbar is nearly bone on bone now. I have fallen 3 times. I will NOT stop trying
I truly know your pain. Hugs and Love to you all. Never give up!
Mechelle
The pain, the change of temperature and all the rest are the same. I did cut my hair short (the pixie look) and find if I stand under the heater in the bathroom, it is almost dry by the time I am done drying off. Hope this idea helps someone who is also a warrior.
A shower chair will be your best friend. I started using one last year after a hospital stay. That was a whole different kind of exhaustion that just added to the fibromyalgia exhaustion so the chair was needed. It has changed my shower time completely! I even stretch my lower back, by leaning forward, with the hot water hitting it and it helps release the stiffness. Thank you for explaining your daily routine, it’s a great explanation to show friends and family so they understand it all. Hope you’re doing well!
I used to also enjoy showers also prefibro but now I take a shower and I am so sweaty afterwards! So then I have to go lay under a ceiling fan and cool off.
I enjoy my shower for the most part. There are some mornings the pain is so intense that even the water hitting my legs and feet make me hurt. I too have to rest afterwards. Some days I don’t want to do anything else. I just wish people understood how real this pain is.
Most days, I prefer a bath over a shower. A lot of people have said to me, “I don’t know how you can feel clean when you’re sitting in your own filth.” If they only understand how much more energy it takes for a shower versus a bath…. A bath is relaxing and I can soak my sore body in the hot water. I can take my time and relax. They just don’t seem to understand how hard it is to live in a slowly deteriorating body. I’ve had fibro since I was 14. That is currently half of my life in chronic pain. Some days, I just want to give up. But I have my son to think of who keeps me going.
I just started crying when I read this article. Thank you so much! The pain I feel from showering and brushing my hair is real. And excruciating. I have very long hair and I know it has to go, I am very sad, but what can you do? Thanks for sharing your, story. I still have so many questions, so I will be reading much more
Awe Melody,
I started crying reading that you were crying! I am so sorry about your pain, I truly am. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I felt so much comfort when I began talking about what I was going through and found so many others experiencing the same issues with fibro. It is so weird how fibromyalgia effects people in different ways so it is always interesting to me to hear how other people deal with certain symptoms. You are not alone and I’m not just saying that! You have people to lean on when you need it.
Gentle hugs friend
Suzanne
Hi My name is Miriam and I live in Massachusetts, I just got diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few months ago and I’m struggling with this:( it’s been very hard for me to accept that I have fibromyalgia. I can’t hardly get up in the morning and I’m in horrible pain throughout the day. Medicine don’t work I try to do stretches and when I’m done I’m in more pain. I’ve been stressed and have anxiety up the roof:( I’ve been going to work in pain and come back worse. Since I’m a preschool teacher I’m always running around never still. I’ve been a teacher for 20 years and on this month I had to resign from my job , I couldn’t do it anymore, I’m extremely sad but I decided that I have to do what’s best for me. So I know and understand your pain. God bless everyone that suffers from fibromyalgia and give them the strength to continue on.
Hi Miriam,
I completely understand where you are coming from. It has been years since my diagnosis and I still have a hard time accepting it sometimes. I have tried so many different medications with only bad side effects and no real results. The only thing that has worked for me is changing my diet. It is hard and I fall off the wagon all the time but then I pay the price. My only advice about the exercise is go slow. I found that regular exercise is a challenge but has helped me tremendously. Everyone is different though so no matter what you do, just start out small and give yourself plenty of time to recover. I’m so glad you found my blog and I hope we can have more conversations soon.
Take care and gentle hugs,
Suzanne
Hello my name is Jenilyn, I myself take a shower-bath one is because I can’t stand to long in the shower but still need to get it over with, 2 I relax in my warm bath so I can get the drying and redressed part of my day done. And I will admit my shower-baths can last from 45 min to an hour and a half. I get many looks and strange commits about it but my response is, if I dont do it that way I won’t be smelling too pretty. Just thought I’d let yall know. Thanks Jenily
Showers have been off the menu for me for years. Instead I take a bath. A shower feels like an assault… when I explain to those without fibro that no one wants water being thrown at them, they just look confused, I wash my hair once a week (which is surprisingly good for it) so I don’t need to do anything to it. I’m lucky that I have clothes on everyday, ‘doing’ my hair would simply be a bonus.
I’m sorry for the pain and exhaustion I and all of my fellow warriors must endure. It’s good for those of us with fibro to connect with each other, otherwise how would we know that we are totally losing our minds!? ???
Gentle hugs to all!
I have trouble drying myself after a shower.
I dry the parts I can sort of manage then I use my hairdryer to dry the rest. Works well.
I have had fibro for many years. Don’t really know how many. Just typing this I have to stop and try to remember how to spell simple words. Talking with people, I can’t remember words. I am retired now and usually shower every 2 days. Need to take a break afterwards. Started that when I was still working. I developed bursitis in my left shoulder from drying my hair. I had my hair cut so I only spend about 15 minutes ont it where it used to take 45 minutes. I retired early due to pain and fog.
When the water first hits me on a fibro flare up day, it feels like thousands of little needles hitting my skin, horribly uncomfortable. After a minute or two, it gets better though. Wrapping up in a warm bath sheet after the shower helps. I get a massage with cbd balm on the trigger points after my shower (thank you, wonderful husband!). The rest of the day is VERY action-limited due to pain and brain fog. Just going to pee is exhausting. Thankfully, I am retired due to medical disability, but realizing the rest of your life will be like this really sucks. Doing random acts of kindness lifts the spirits. Living in nature helps, too. But why can’t they find a cure for this neuro nightmare?
I take showers now on Tuesday, Fridays and Sundays. Like you I have to sit and rest after. I comb out my wet hair and let it air dry. I don’t work anymore. I put it up in velcro rollers for about half an hour and I’m good to go. But I don’t go. I will try the stretching in the shower but I will pray I don’t fall! 74 next month. Hate fibro. Robbing me of everything I was going to do. 16 years of having this. I try to be positive and keep myself busy with handwork. But me eyes get blurry after too much close up work, some days because of the fibro. Everything is because of that!
If one more person says well we all get older I will scream!! Yes some is age related but but I know the difference. Laying in bed now with a heating pad on my back and feeling the tingling in my feet and legs from the neuropathy. Praying tomorrow will be a good day.
I try to have a shower at night because I have to lay down after (not sleep but my body is too exhausted after) I have to be having a really good day (or have no choice) to have a shower before going somewhere. I’m also allergic to our tape water (fluoride) so try to limit having a shower to once a week (thankfully my hair doesn’t get greasy) I also just chuck it up in a clip (some days I don’t even remember to brush it first)