Am I the only man here with fibro?

Yes, I am a 17 year old guy who was diagnosed two years ago. Its tough having your life pulled out from under your feet. I live in missouri, and had a huge growth spurt that set me into a downward spiral. I was a High school pitcher and it all started with a little back pain and running out of breath abnormally early. I didnt think much of it, but within two weeks I was completly destroyed. Constant shakes and convultions. Sever shooting pain that jumped all over my body. The docs I was seeing started saying Ms or ALS and started reffering me all over the country. From then on I saw many more specialists, all of which were dumbfounded or told me I was a nutcase. I never felt so let down with out medical system. I was finaly diagnosed with fibro by my home town family doc. Since then its been a steady diet of Ultram. Ive tried to live as normally as I can going in cycles of week long bed rest and being normal enough to small things again. Yes, there are some guys with the disease out their, they are just few and far between.

I to have it it for many years and have been from doctor to doctor. I also live on Ultram/Tramadol. Problem is I am getting immuned to the stuff. It is just not as effective for me as it used to be. I am in chronic pain. I cannot concentrate enough to read a newspaper. I use to have problems sleeping, now I am sleeping all the time. I get such a wave of exhaustion that goes thru my body, I literally can't move.

I get that way some times. When I do start to feel less effected by ultram, my doc will perscribe something else like vicoden for a month or two. Then I switch back. Seems to work pretty well, as well as it can for having to take the stuff for the rest of your life. I used to feel guilty about taking pain medication, but I dont care about the perception any longer. Its the only way I can get by with a half-way normal life, so whats the point if you dont feel like living at all. I hav'nt any guilt any more.

hi fellas,
there are many men with fibro. sadly few of them feel brave enough to speak out. i am proud of all of you for coming here and offering your support to each other. ya'all probably get tired of chick talk all the time here. giggle. breasts and periods, babies and menopause, housework and husbands.
be well my friends.
peace,
bluelakelady