Hi all. I am a 37 year old mother of 2 and have had some major health problems over the last 5 years (thyroidectomy, total hysterectomy, depression). There is ALWAYS something. For the last 2 or so years I have been feeling horrible. Very tired, joints and muscles aching(extreme pain in hands - hard to open jars, etc), unexplained twitching, forgetfullness, etc.. It would hurt to lay certain ways, turn my neck, sleep on any other side than my left, and sometimes the simplest touch hurts. EVERYTHING HURT! My doctor did a blood test for the RA factor and it was negative. After months of tests and complaining, I GAVE UP. I came to terms with the fact that I was just a hypochondriac but recently things have gotten progressively worse when a major bout of vertigo sent me back to my DR. She referred me to a rheumatologist..I went today and after an hour long interview out came the potential diagnosis of fibromyalgia. FINALLY, a possible culprit for all my pain, mood swings and whining - not that I would wish this on anbody but at least I may not be crazy after all. He is doing blood work to rule out RA and Lupus and put me on neurontin and some pain pill..I want to say Dermaxx but that is my dogs medicine...LOL. My memory is horrible. I am just hoping and praying that I get some relief from all of this. I want to be able to keep up with my kids and do things that a normal 37 year old does. Is that possible with fibromyalgia?
Glad you finally found out was wrong. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. But I just knew I had this for almost 2 years. My lupus came back positive. But I still don't rule out Fibro at all. I have most tender points and my pain is around the same spots. I don't even have ANY symptoms of Lupus except for muscle pain. That's it. I'll have to wait till I see the rheumatologist in Feb!
I thought I was a hypochondriac too before I finally had all the tests and doctor visit that finally confirmed that I had Fibro. I had such a vast array of symptoms, yet, they always seemed to cluster/occur at the same time, I remember commenting to a friend saying, "I wonder if there is ONE illness that can cause ALL the problems that I suffer from". Sure enuf, there was/is, Fibromyalgia. In a way, I was glad to know there was actually a name/reason for all that I suffered. On the other hand, the more research I did relevant to FM, the more I didn't like the dealy of having such an ailment. The main thing that bothers me are the intensity and duration of the flareups. I think I may have had some degree of FM most of my life and only with age, it seems to have intensified.
The main thing is to hang in there. There are some really gross days but there are good days to look forward to also. Those are the days I celebrate, re-group, plan out coping mechanisms. Those days, I try and enjoy as much as possible without overdoing/over exertion. Some folks with FM get quite a few "better" days. I pray/hope that for everyone. I think my dealy seems worse because of age issues added to the equation.
Try and find things to enjoy everyday...sometimes, little things mean a lot on bad days. One thing that helps me a lot is having this forum where I can come to and realize I am not alone in this. Hugs/Blessings Del
Finally! Good for you that you persisted. I know it becomes tiring try to get answers, but you did a good job at keeping on top of things. I believe you can keep up with your kids, but some research on your part will be necessary to obtain the ultimate "you". The doctors are so divided about what causes FMS and what to give their patients, that it becomes a search to find the right thing for you. A couple of good books to read are "From Fatigued to Fantastic" by Teitlebaum and "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" by St. Amand. Both of these doctors are knowledgeable about FMS and have good suggestions.
Throughout highschool I'd been told by doctors and friends alike that I was a hypochondriac. Doctors thought it was all in my head and I think friends threw the term around callously because I was always complaining of some random ailment or another. It was such a relief when I was diagnosed with fibro when I was 21. I felt sort of "in your face!" about it, too. lol I snicker at the irony of the joy of finding out you have this uncurable ailment that will make you feel poopy, but it really is such a joy. It's such a relief to know that there is a reason that you do feel so poopy and that now there are people taking your problem seriously and believing you. And what's more, you no longer have to question yourself! Isn't it great! Congratulations on your diagnosis! I hope you find some relief from the meds.
I have just joined the forum and did a quick scroll down to see what had been posted. Your title caught my eye and it was the first message I read. I couldn't really believe what I was reading as I could have signed my name at the bottom of your post(except for the age issue and small children!) At least now I know that someone else understands!
Last edited by KERRYBLUE; 01-22-2009 at 03:12 PM.
Reason: spelling mistake
BROOKS...I went thru the same thing. One doctor suggested I see a shrink. All my blood tests were normal. One specialist suggested and aids test or an infectous disease specialist. Another said it was my thyroid and when the thyroid meds did not work, he wanted to give me anti depressants. I am so glad that the drug companies and advertising their meds for Fibro on TV. Now people realize that it is a real disease.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement! It is soooooo relieving to know I am not alone. Stress levels are high form me right now which from what I am reading, definately can make things worse with Fibro. In addition, although I am married, there isnt much family support going on so it is nice to know that I can come on here and vent and read and feel like I am not so alone in this whole process.
Heh define "normal 37?" I have been diagnosed since 1992 I am 47 now , there are no set ways for all of us. It is kinda a pupu platter of symptoms and you learn to cope when each one hits there are days when even my hair hurts, there are days I am fine ( less often ) I have never met anyone who has fm exactly the same . We do have similar symptoms like my ana is also positive but I don't have lupus i went that route too They can make you a little more crazy Sometimes I think the fibro fog is a gift so I don't remember all the negative stuff. I suggest you try and stay as active as you can tolerate and listen to your own body when it tells you to rest listen to it. My girls are now grown and they understood when I couldn't do all the stuff I used to.. but make the best of what you can. When I had to use a cane to walk I use to have my girls decorate it to match my outfit.. I hope that you can get some help from these boards there are many wise people on here that have battled this monster and have good advice good luck to you
Miz
Sure enuf, there was/is, Fibromyalgia. In a way, I was glad to know there was actually a name/reason for all that I suffered. On the other hand, the more research I did relevant to FM, the more I didn't like the dealy of having such an ailment. The main thing that bothers me are the intensity and duration of the flareups. I think I may have had some degree of FM most of my life and only with age, it seems to have intensified.
