Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. I confess that I have been "lurking" here for about a year. There are no "in person" groups local to me, but everyone here seems very nice and supportive. I was DX'd with Fibro about 18 months ago after a 5 year struggle with trying to find some answers. According to two major Neuro hospitals I have symptoms of either MS or ALS, but they could not find any "proof". My second (?) Rheumy finally decided it was Fibro. I was in my mid-30's at that time.
I have been on most meds and had extreme negative reactions to all of them! Even I would think it was in my head, but they were strange side effects like flushing, elevated heart rate, fevers and hives so bad they became open sores, so my Doc assures me that it cannot be "all in my head." Due to unemployment rates in my original career path, I work at a very physical job and have been unsuccessful at finding alternate employment, so for now I struggle through. I am married but do not have children as we held out based on early doctor advise that I would probably be deceased by now. She actually said, "Likely deceased by 35." I was 31 at the time.
Well I am not, but I sure have become an angry person. Fibro took away my career, as the drugs caused me to have such extreme rage that I made irrational business decisions and ended up firing myself. Fibro took away my body, as I can no longer work out 5 days a week, lifting weights and swimming. Fibro took away the family we were supposed to have and before we knew what it was almost cost me my marriage. Fibro almost took my life, as my reactions to the medications were so extreme that for awhile we thought either they or -- in the case of the psychological reactions -- my own hand was going to do me in.
Most days, I only get out of bed because my dogs need me to let them out and if I have to crawl to the door so they can go potty, I will! :)
I have been on most meds and had extreme negative reactions to all of them! Even I would think it was in my head, but they were strange side effects like flushing, elevated heart rate, fevers and hives so bad they became open sores, so my Doc assures me that it cannot be "all in my head." Due to unemployment rates in my original career path, I work at a very physical job and have been unsuccessful at finding alternate employment, so for now I struggle through. I am married but do not have children as we held out based on early doctor advise that I would probably be deceased by now. She actually said, "Likely deceased by 35." I was 31 at the time.
Well I am not, but I sure have become an angry person. Fibro took away my career, as the drugs caused me to have such extreme rage that I made irrational business decisions and ended up firing myself. Fibro took away my body, as I can no longer work out 5 days a week, lifting weights and swimming. Fibro took away the family we were supposed to have and before we knew what it was almost cost me my marriage. Fibro almost took my life, as my reactions to the medications were so extreme that for awhile we thought either they or -- in the case of the psychological reactions -- my own hand was going to do me in.
Most days, I only get out of bed because my dogs need me to let them out and if I have to crawl to the door so they can go potty, I will! :)
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Never trust "we'll talk" in a relationship. Life lesson learned. The other person talks. You are TOLD.***I'm exhausted, ill, and quite done with being strong. So, today's advice:Screw 'em.Like that shower curtain? Buy it. It's your damn view when you clean that bathroom, right?Want that book? Get it. Books good.Need that extra serving? Eat it. Sometimes we've expended a ton of energy and we do...
As fibrolady said most folks w/ fibro go through a grieving and anger phase that may take several years for the person to sort out. It initially took me nearly 4. My husband did not believe I was ill, and like you I had icky adverse reactions to all the meds. Eventually I became a lab rat drop out and was just mad.
But the whole anger and "why me?" mentality we go through does not help us rebuild a life that works with fibro. We can re-conceptualize our lives. We can say to ourselves: "What next?" Then we bumble and inch our way toward finding a way to retool and be happy again for our existence.
Life comes w/ no warranty, and living w/ fibro isn't anybodies idea of fun. We can only do our best. It is a fight and it takes determination and acceptance.
Please continue to ask questions and be active in our group.
The best to you.
I really understand what your going though, like fibrolady said, only other with fibro can really understand what this is like, so I am so pleased you have posted. Having other that understand, and can relate really helps me. Not to say I am not really frustrated with this.
I too have been in a bad flare this year, and can't wait till things settle down. I feel like this may never happen, but I need ti too so badly.
I too have lost so much due to fibro, and have no children as well, and have been through the all the med, with really bad reaction, so I can't do much but hurt, and try to get through the day.
I have learned so much from this group, and the best thing was to take it one day at a time, and not to give up.
I am sending you some caring, positive thoughts.
I'm glad that you have your pups! I have two, also, and they get me to get out of bed and begin each day because I know that they are counting on me and I love them so much.
Fibro does take a lot of life (as we knew it) away from us. It is not easy to readjust one's thinking and redefine one's way of life. I still struggle with this as my life changed drastically too. My suggestion is to take one day at a time and to keep on trying. Do I have set-backs, sure; and I feel them, but then push myself to face a new day.
I'm glad you are here, and I hope you find good info and support!
We have 3 dogs and 2 elderly cats. We rarely watch TV because we have so much free entertainment ;)!
I think you'll be very glad you posted. Please feel free to ask any questions or just vent if you feel like it. We're open 24/7! And we care.
Elizabeth
We're here for you, and I am glad your pups are there. My cat is my official Therapy Animal, it's amazing how great pets are for us!
Leo