Fibromyalgia and Tai Chi

I've had Fibromyalgia for 20 years and I am currently working towards lowering my pain levels and increasing my mobility.  When a good friend was looking for someone to go to Tai Chi classes, I was interested.

​I decided to sign up for the 12 week classes and crossed my finger and toes and prayed that my body would survive!

​The first few weeks were utter hell, my body felt like I had regressed further into a flare up.  my pain levels went through the roof and my husband was more than a little concerned for me.

​I set my mind to committing to the whole 12 week class, telling myself that it was gentle exercise and that it would be a huge achievement if I was able to reach the end of the 12 weeks intact.

​I swear after week 4 I was ready to quit!  My lower back had gone into spasm and it really hurt to move even slightly.  I was using my heat pad constantly and having to use over the counter pain relief just to take the edge off the pain I was in. I could hardly even wash my legs and feet in the shower because I was so stiff!!

​Just doing the housework and taking care of my kids was wiping me out.  I needed more sleep. Come 9pm at night and my body had had enough. I more or less crawled off to bed each night. My husband was starting to think I was crazy to put myself through this but I was determined to see it through. 

​I have just completed week 12 and the difference I feel is quite unbelievable!  My pain levels have stabilized and are now lower than they were before I started the Tai Chi.  I have more energy and feel stronger in my core.


​Yes it was tough and not something I would care to repeat but it has definitely set me on the road to remission.  I cannot wait to tell my specialist what I have managed.  Especially after 6 months ago he told me to be realistic in my goals with regards to remission.  He cautioned me that I may never progress towards recovery or any kind of remission!!


​The question is will I stay on the road to remission??  I guess only time will tell but I will definitely continue practicing Tai Chi!! :)