Fybromyalgia??

[Sherileigh]

I'm in the process of figuring out (with DR's..lol) what's wrong with me. I've suffered from chronic pain for at least 6 years now, back, hips, legs, feet, neck, arms. Also chronic headaches and jaw pain. I've tried everything to make these things go away. It's only now that I'm realizing these things are most likely related. I've also struggled with breathing, often times I can't get enough air in my lungs...which can be quite stressful. There's also some issues with memory loss, dizziness...skin sensitivites...yep, I'm a wreck! lol. I mean I'm a fully functioning adult, I work full time, I have a baby, I go to school. I'm just in pain more often than most, and I don't sleep very well because of it. I'm going to see my DR next week and he will be running some more tests and referring me to a specialist. Fibro also runs in my family. It just astonishes me that fibromyalgia never even crossed my mind. And now that I'm reading up on it, it seems to match what's going on in my body.
Anyway I just wanted to see if there was anyone out there with fibromyalgia that could shed any light, maybe share what their experience with this is? Or even tell me if this sounds like what could be going on with me. I feel like this would answer so many questions for what's going on in my body.

 

[pheobe]

Hey hun,

My mum has fibromyalgia she was diagnosed after many years of random but reacurring bouts of pain, lack of sleep etc; just like you are describing. I believe the condition is very similiar to having ME without actually having ME iykwim??

There's different options for treatment if you are diagnosed, especially as this is a rather 'new' condition to be diagnosed with. I think it might be interesting that this goes along with clicky jaw which in itself is a symptom prevellant when suffering from stress or depression. Alot of docs will attribute Fibro as a neuropsychiatric condition and offer counselling.

Whether the doc you see attributes the condition to a physical condition or a psychological condition you'll probably be advised to excercise which could help either way, studies have also shown that a healthy diet with lots of fruit and veg and minimal stimulants like caffeine or sugar can help alleviate symptoms

Might also be worth trying to think back to when the issues started and what was going on in your life, were you stressed or worried about something? My mums started a short while after being diagnosed with cancer, she never really came to terms with it and has struggled to cope since it seems in her case the fibro is the stresses way of working itself out of her body, she was offered counselling but never took it and the fibro didn't improve. Since I went back to work she has been minding Niall 3 days a week and she has a new lease of life I think this is because a) her mind is not constantly playing over the stress of what she#s been through and b) she gets plenty of excercise running round after my boy lol

Hope this helps, Good luck hun
xxxx

 

[Sherileigh]

Yeah I've read reports about that being linked to stress etc...I don't really believe this is the case for me. My major back pain started after going on a trip for 6 weeks to south america. Was an amazing trip! lol. I was single, carefree, great job, super athletic and very healthy. My DR said it's hereditary and it does run in my family.
I do exercise as much as I can, but I know there are limits to what I can do as I'm in a lot of pain if I do too much.

 

[Calasen]

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 2 years ago after suffering for 10 years in severe pain. I went through many many different doctors and specialists before I got a diagnosis as it is still a relatively little known condition theres still very little known about it. Many theorys abound as to causes either from trauma (mental/physical) or severe stress. Theres even theories it is also virus based but still dont know how it is caused and the same really goes for treatment as they are still trial and error over what works for the individual. I am unable to work and had to retire from teaching early due to my fibromyalgia and from what you have said honey it does sound a likely thing for you.

Where abouts are you honey? there are lots of forums and support groups around for Fibro sufferers.

If you wish to chat feel free to msg me anytime.

 

[MrsRabbit]

I have had it since I was 15 so 11 years. I also have arthritis and a chronic pain condition.

I went through lots of testing, rehab and drugs. Then I was a moody 16 year old and I was DONE with pills and doctors and being a sick person. I went vegan and changed my whole life style and outlook. My first remission lasted until just before I turned 20. Then I was in remission from about half way through my pregnancy with my son until he was almost 2. My symptoms and pain came back with my daughter's pregnancy - full force.

The hardest part is my migraines. I can handle other pain - I'm used to it but the pain in my head, can't see, light and sounds hurt - the vomiting, chills, poops, high fevers. I was in the ER a couple days ago after trying to get through it on my own for over 2 days. How can a woman be a mother when she's like that?

My advice - keep moving. The worst thing is to sit around - I have lost range of motion when I couldn't walk or move [13 weeks of bed rest keeping DD baking] and I am still trying to get my head to turn to the left side. I hurt either way so I might as well move and keep my body from stiffening up and becoming useless. I do take stuff for pain when I simply cannot function or when I am too stiff to move.

I do hope to become vegan again - right now with my children's health it's too expensive. I have decided to go dairy free again. I have realized by body hates it and it's not worth it.

 

[Sherileigh]

Thanks Ladies....
Calasen I'm from Canada. I'm going to see my GP next week and he's going to start the referral process, which I'm told can take awhile. I'm trying not to start anything that might help with the pain until I have a diagnosis. As far as painkillers, major diet changes etc...but I am doing Yoga twice a week and trying to fit in a third class. I've really started to recognize my limitations, instead of trying to push past them and end up shocked that I'm in pain! lol. I feel soooo much older than my 34 years! I can only imagine how you feel MrsRabbit, you were quite young! Honestly I've probably been suffering with aspects of it for a long time, just never knew!
I will update this next monday after I see my DR and find out what the next step is...

 

[MrsRabbit]

My body feels older. Some days I feel very old.

I'm Canadian too.

 

[Sherileigh]

My grandma is 86 and she's in better shape than I am. I threw my back out a few months ago and had to ask if she could come over and watch LO if it didn't get better the next day! lol. Sad.

 

[Bittersweet]

my mum has this, after many years of chronic pain particulalory in her shoulders and back. She was offered medications which she refused as she wanted to try and alter her lifestyle first as she knew taking the meds they offered (i dont remember which though sorry ) would make her drowsy and alter her life as she knew it.
She does alot of excersize eats lots of fresh fruit and veg and she sees a speicalist at the hospital who keeps her under observation to see how shes doing.
Shes alot better now than she was previously and it doesnt affect her doing many things-shes an avid golfer. She does still get pain but she manages it each day and i never know how she does it

good luck hunnie
xx