Sami34
11-16-2004, 09:43 PM
I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I went to see a chiropractor who did some adjustments on my neck & back last August. Ever since, I can hardly walk, stand or sit, read, eat or sleep. There is no position that gives me comfort at this point.
I'm in constant pain all over, esp my back & legs, and my fingers feel very swollen. I feel like I have the flu all the time. I have terrible coughs all day and night also. My neurologist did some tests (Blood, MRIs, etc.) and he told me I have FMS.
I'm doing some research on finding Reumatologist, Chronic Pain Management Specialsit, a support group, and Orthopedist (I have herniated discs in my neck & back). Everyone used to call me the Energizer Bunny who never stopped. I'm only 34 and I just feel so awful everyday.
Please post me a message [ removed ] with any input or advise you can give me, or even just to talk. I'm very new with this condition. I feel so helpless at times. I cry a lot and haven't been able to get much sleep or eat for the past three months.
I'm in constant pain all over, esp my back & legs, and my fingers feel very swollen. I feel like I have the flu all the time. I have terrible coughs all day and night also. My neurologist did some tests (Blood, MRIs, etc.) and he told me I have FMS.
I'm doing some research on finding Reumatologist, Chronic Pain Management Specialsit, a support group, and Orthopedist (I have herniated discs in my neck & back). Everyone used to call me the Energizer Bunny who never stopped. I'm only 34 and I just feel so awful everyday.
Please post me a message [ removed ] with any input or advise you can give me, or even just to talk. I'm very new with this condition. I feel so helpless at times. I cry a lot and haven't been able to get much sleep or eat for the past three months.
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snowcountry
11-17-2004, 12:19 PM
Hi Sami !
Wow, do you sound like the way I have felt for so many years !
( and I'm 45 )
The only thing I have found that gives me any relief is -- heated swimming pool, I went to PT this was the best relief without any drugs.
I have tried pain killers, they make me feel no pain, but so out of it, so that's not good either unless the pain level is very high I don't take them. I only over the counter thing I have found is aleve, and heating pad for the neck and back pains.
I too was the Energizer Bunny who never stopped, just like you- and so many others with this Fibro thing we have.
I just quit working this past summer, applied for disability and 1st time around approved !
I also was diagnosed with depression & anxiety, you might want to write down all of the way you feel from head to toes and give that information to your dr- now I am getting treatment and maybe some of the pains I feel everyday, just may get a bit better- I have faith and hope that something will work.
let me know if I can be any help - take care & God Bless
Wow, do you sound like the way I have felt for so many years !
( and I'm 45 )
The only thing I have found that gives me any relief is -- heated swimming pool, I went to PT this was the best relief without any drugs.
I have tried pain killers, they make me feel no pain, but so out of it, so that's not good either unless the pain level is very high I don't take them. I only over the counter thing I have found is aleve, and heating pad for the neck and back pains.
I too was the Energizer Bunny who never stopped, just like you- and so many others with this Fibro thing we have.
I just quit working this past summer, applied for disability and 1st time around approved !
I also was diagnosed with depression & anxiety, you might want to write down all of the way you feel from head to toes and give that information to your dr- now I am getting treatment and maybe some of the pains I feel everyday, just may get a bit better- I have faith and hope that something will work.
let me know if I can be any help - take care & God Bless
Sami34
11-17-2004, 02:58 PM
Hi, Thanks for your reply! I wouldn't wish anyone to have what I have but it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one... How did you apply for disability benefits? I was thinking of doing the same but didn't know where to start. I have a small child and I do my best to care for him but it's so difficult. I can barely take care of myself! If I applied for disability, I could perhaps get some help somewhere.
I have a PT working with me right now but not all exercises work. Some hurt and some work ok. I'm trying to get my insurance approval to go see a PT who specializes in Fibromyalgia. HMO doesn't give me a lot of flexibility but going out of pocket is not financially possible. I'm working on switching to PPO but my husband's company isn't allowing it until sometime next year. What a headache! Thanks for writing and I hope you continue to stay well and painfree :) Sami
I have a PT working with me right now but not all exercises work. Some hurt and some work ok. I'm trying to get my insurance approval to go see a PT who specializes in Fibromyalgia. HMO doesn't give me a lot of flexibility but going out of pocket is not financially possible. I'm working on switching to PPO but my husband's company isn't allowing it until sometime next year. What a headache! Thanks for writing and I hope you continue to stay well and painfree :) Sami
DecLady
11-18-2004, 01:15 AM
Sami, I am sorry that you have been diagnosed with this darn thing...but like most of us here..we have all had the same lousy stretches it sounds like you are having right now. Persuing the medical end of this may give you some relief , but also try to take care of yourself as best you can. That means slowing down, resting as often as you can, eating well, sleeping regularly. These basic things seem to offer a lot of help to us all. Then addressing the pain levels with medication, and stretching are also helpful. It is tough to have FMS and have a "normal " life. I was dx'd two years ago and found myself getting progressively worse for a while. Finally , for the last couple weeks I seem to out of that wicked flare state. I wouldn't say I am my old self, but I feel better than I have for a long while! So , have patience with your self...getting better is a long process....and it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what will help you. Because there are so many "cures" that you can read about...I would say that you need to be a good consumer with this illness. Know your body and your sypmtoms, and use things that seem to help you. Remember at this point there are no concrete cures ...they still don't really know what even causes our symptoms..and there are many! So treat the ones you currently can as best you can. I will add this, don't be afraid to change doctors if you go to someone who doesn't take you seriously . What you have is real...you do need help...keep trying till you find some!
snowcountry
11-18-2004, 10:37 AM
Hi
I went to the Social Secuirty website and applied online think it took a few weeks to get it all done, I had been gathering all of my medical records I could get my hands on, I think giving that directly to the SS office helped alot also.
I had been laid off from work starting in June, drew unemployment - and applied in Sept
check out the SS website and if you think you qualify - apply for SSI
hope this helps, I know how you feel !
Take care !
I went to the Social Secuirty website and applied online think it took a few weeks to get it all done, I had been gathering all of my medical records I could get my hands on, I think giving that directly to the SS office helped alot also.
I had been laid off from work starting in June, drew unemployment - and applied in Sept
check out the SS website and if you think you qualify - apply for SSI
hope this helps, I know how you feel !
Take care !
Sami34
11-19-2004, 03:43 PM
Hi, I agree with you. I will try whatever that might help. I really didn't like chiro treatment. It really made me terribly worse! Anyway, where can I get the cream? Is it from the doctor's office or can you buy it at the store? Do you know what's in the cream?
I use eucalyptus bath salt and aloe shower gel and coconut cream. I have no idea if any of them are actually helping me physically but psychologically it makes me feel good so I guess I can say these things are working for me.
My neurologist said that part of this FM is psychological. So I told myself and pretended that I don't have any pain and that I'm perfectly fine! Well... it didn't work. Unfortunately my mind cannot completely 'cure' my symptoms... :rolleyes:
I use eucalyptus bath salt and aloe shower gel and coconut cream. I have no idea if any of them are actually helping me physically but psychologically it makes me feel good so I guess I can say these things are working for me.
My neurologist said that part of this FM is psychological. So I told myself and pretended that I don't have any pain and that I'm perfectly fine! Well... it didn't work. Unfortunately my mind cannot completely 'cure' my symptoms... :rolleyes:
kcgage
11-19-2004, 04:17 PM
I get so mad when people tell me that head thing too. Like, if you have strep throat, a cold, or the flu, if you tell yourself that it's all in your head and for it to go away, does it?? NO! Well, neither does FM!