I’ve been trying not to write about how bad my joints have felt, because I didn’t know why, and also because I hate it when people whine about their illness all the time. As it turns out, I have Lyme disease. I’m hoping it’s in the early stage (a piece of information I don’t have yet). So I’m going to be taking tender care of my joints for a while. I’m quite pleased to know that I don’t have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis or anything else equally life-altering.
I thought after November’s foot surgery I’d certainly be back to a more active practice by January or February, but I didn’t feel like it. So now it’s going to be restorative for a while longer.
Regular downward facing dog does not feel good on my wrists, elbows, or shoulders, but I’m doing fine with rope dog and Dolphin (what IS the Sanskrit for that one?). Twists are fine, but not the seated on the floor kind. Inversions seem to be OK too, although tricky to get into. I look forward to the day when I can work on Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) and Vasisthasana (side plank) again.
I’m happy to know what I’m dealing with and how I can go forward. I know I’ll be impatient about it, but not as much as not knowing.
Practice Notes 
Have you looked at the fibromyalgia section in Yoga As Medicine? There are some poses there that you might find you can do just fine – they’re intended to help you do yoga even with joint and muscle pain…