Mommies with Fibromyalgia

[SoyLatte]

Just wondering if there are any other pregnant mommies out there who suffer from Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 2001 and would love to compare pregnancies with others who also deal with this "fun" fact of life.

 

[Dorian]

Hello, me too. I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago.

So far, my fibro has taken a back seat. My muscles still get tired very easily and I have pains in my chest occasionally. But other than that, most of my pain has gone away.

Is this your first pregnancy with fibro? It is mine.

 

[SoyLatte]

It is my first pregnancy. I found that a lot of my symptoms seem to have taken a break for all of the usual pregnancy ones to cause havoc instead. I've read a few theories as to why, hardly any research or studies on Pregnancy with Fibro(big surprise there!) some think it has to do with the added Relaxin(the bodies natural muscle relaxant) in the system allow some muscle aches and pains to calm down.

Were you taking any medications before your pregnancy? I got off every pain killer and sleep aid cold turkey about 5 years ago.

 

[Dorian]

I took Lyrica on and off for about 1 1/2 yrs. Then my Dr switched me to Savella. I was on Savella for 3 wks, before I knew I was pg!

This pregnancy wasn't planned, or I wouldn't of been on anything either. I just hope the Savella didn't harm anything.

Maybe if the Drs/scientist start studying fibro and pregnancy more, they can come up with some better drugs to help us when we aren't pg

 

[Digby]

Hi, I have fibro too and I'm expecting my first LO. I gave up all my meds cold turkey as soon as I got my BFP (I was on tramadol, ibroprufen and alverine citrate for associated IBS). So far it hasn't been too bad - however, as soon as I hit 12 weeks I started to get some fibro pain in my neck, shoulders and lower back on the left. Not agonizing but makes me worried how things will progress, and it's making it hard to sleep.

 

[Dorian]

Oh boy Digby, I hope that it doesn't get worse for you.

I've read on a fibro forum, that a lot of women get their pains back around the 7th month. Some really bad. I hope that doesn't happen to me!

 

[Sherileigh]

I have fibromyalgia too. Diagnosed last year, but suffering with it for about 10. This is my second pregnancy and it does get a lot better when pregnant. I also think it's because of the relaxin. But some issues are still there....some random pain, it's hard to always tell what's just pregnancy and what's fibro. I have trouble breathing which I've read somewhere is relating to fibro. No DR of course has diagnosed that, they don't really know why I have issues breathing, but that certainly doesn't get better with pregnancy.
I went to see a nutritionist around the time I got pregnant with this LO and she wanted me to remove wheat and sugar from my diet. She said those are HORRIBLE for people with fibro. She said that they can actually see the fibrins (?) in someone's blood with fibromyalgia and this is from issues with digesting wheat and sugar. Anyway I haven't been able to stay off while pregnant. But will definitely give it another try after I have the baby. I did follow it for about a month and noticed a HUGE improvement, but did also get pregnant in that time, so not sure which was helping me.

 

[Dorian]

Thanks for the info Sheri! Wheat is a staple in this house. Especially if it's freshly ground. I don't know if I could give it up! LOL But sugar I have been using a lot less of. I try to use honey more, or just not make something sweet....hard to do when your dh has a huge sweet tooth!

 

[SDeeDun]

Hi i just found out im pregnant and have fibro am very worried as we have only just got fibro under control and now docs have taken me off all my meds! was wondering how you are getting on and if you have any words of wisbom

 

[Dorian]

Hello SDee. I'm sorry you have this infliction too it's no fun.

I think it's much more important now to do things more slowly, to give more housework over to dh and kids, or whoever you can to help. I use a chair a lot, sitting down to load the clothes in the washer and to fold them. Things like that.

One household chore that really gets me ouchy is sweeping! We don't have any carpeting, all wood floors. So I take it one room at a time/day. Instead of all the same day.

I also take a nap every day, and just rest/relax after dinner. I played board games with the kids on my bed, or read.

Resting is so important. It helps to make sure you don't overdo stuff.

As for me, I am now 31 wks along and what is bothering me the most is the extra weight of baby. At least, I hope that's all it is. My pelvis area/lower back/upper thighs are hurting a lot more. I hope it's not SPD. It's so hard to tell what is from fibro and what isn't.

 

[broody.k]

Hi Guys,

I have just found out I am pregnant with my first (really early days).I have fibromyalgia and was diagnosed 7 years ago. This was a planned pregnancy so I had come off my medication. I have been using acupuncture to help manage my pain which is working and plan to keep using that. I feel rubbish at the mo but not sure what's pregnancy, whats the filthy cold that i have had and what's fibro. My pain not too bad but fatigue high and headaches and just feel a bit blugh! I am very anxious about both pregnancy and being a mum with fibro and any tips or people who understand is great!

Kat

 

[Dorian]

Hi Kat, welcome and congrats!!

 

[SDeeDun]

Thanks for the welcome i had spd for my first before fibro diganosise. it put me in a wheel chair for the last 4 months of pregnancy so fingers crossed that dosnt happen again!
I dont have any tips for parenthood other than enjoy it as much as you can
I used to feel bad that my little one didnt always have a mummy that could run and play with him but now he looks at me and says mummy i think we will have a duvet day to day! I have raised a little boy who is senstive to other people needs thats all. I always say im a yummy mummy who sleeps alot!

 

[broody.k]

I'm really stuggling to get comfortable at night already and only 6 weeks. Plus not really going into deep sleep at night. But so happy to still be pregnant and feel very lucky. Can't wait to get passed this first Tri. Probably doing too much never have been so good at pacing!

How are all other fibro mummys and mummys to be going?

Kat

 

[Dorian]

Hi Kat,

I find with fibro you really need to learn to pace yourself! and you'll find as your tummy gets larger, that it's a big help.

I went thru a flare about a week ago. Oh gosh, my hips/pelvis/butt all hurt, and it felt like baby weight about 20lbs, sitting on my bladder. lol

Thankfully, it was just a flare and I'm doing better now. But I find I am lying down a lot more often, taking weight off all that area. It helps a lot. I can't stand for long, so thankfully I don't have to work. So I take house hold chores slowely too, and distribute them thruout the day/week.

 

[scotmum35]

during my first preg 16 yrs ago i was in constant pain but i wasnt diagnosed with fibro at that time and i slept so much and had no energy with the second the pain disappeared but the exhaustion was overwhelming 15 yrs later my 16 yr old back pain has disappeared which is amazing and im still on a benzo for the lack of deep sleep but i am being weaned off before 3rd tri.im finding the exhaustion and trying to do a bit of housework overwhelming and i do worry about how im gonna cope with lack of sleep and a baby but i know my OH will be doing all he can for the baby and me.........i to wish they would do some research into fibro during pregnancy.

 

[Dorian]

Hi Scotmom, yes, you would think that the scientists/drs would start putting some more research into this. Well, maybe they are and we just don't know it yet?? LOL

Sigh~ I am worried about how exhausted Im going to be after baby is here too. Babies take so much work. But having a supportive family really helps alot.

 

[Arisa]

Just wondering if there are any other pregnant mommies out there who suffer from Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 2001 and would love to compare pregnancies with others who also deal with this "fun" fact of life.

hey there, while i do not have it myself I do suffer from fatigue which the pregnancy has made ten times worse although a close friend of mine has fibromyalgia and it worsened with her second pregnancy and she has been told not to have anymore kids as she is very weak and has food intolerances too. Is that part of it? do you guys find you have allergies to certain foods? my friend cannot eat cheese or drink cows milk and she cannot tolerate soy, she has to have rice milk and bread makes her joints ache, she also cannot eat more than a couple of squares of chocolate without feeling dizzy and in pain
she also has to have at least a one hour nap the same time each day otherwise she needs home help to come in and help look after her two boys, poor thing

 

[Dorian]

Hi Arisa, your poor friend. I don't have any food allergies, but I have heard that if you stop eating breads and...hmm, something else, that it does help with the fibro symptoms. Bread is a staple in this house though, I dont' know if I could give it up! LOL

 

[Erised]

I got through my first pregnancy without my fibro playing up all that much. At around 18 weeks I went through a couple of weeks where I had trouble walking, but that went away. Towards the end I had the usual not being able to sleep / sore everywhere when laying down, but pretty certain that's normal pregnancy rather than fibro.

I was incredibly worried about fibro and being a mum. Worried I wouldn't be able to lift my baby and what not. Turns out I'm ok with, as long as I know my limits. She's nearly 2 now, and I still carry her around town. I can't carry her for more than 5 minutes without a sling, but with a sling she's attached to me for hours without a problem. I can't sit and play on the floor for long, so usually don't attempt it as I know I'll suffer from it and have trouble getting up.

At the moment (probably due to the cold) my fibro has been playing up a little, giving me a sore back & shoulders. Hoping that once the warmer weather comes along this pregnancy will be just like my first =)

As for food intolerance, I don't have any allergies. I do have IBS however, which can react badly to dairy products so I need to keep them in control.