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.
Just found this group and coincidentally was thinking about the level of exhaustion I feel on an almost daily basis. I am 73 years old and I get in bed at 8:30 PM and to not get out of bed until 9 o'clock in the morning. Of course I am on a lot of medications all of which sedate me. But it is so hard for me not to blame myself and think of it as my fault that I spend so much time in bed. I also tire more easily than my friends and when this happens again I feel like I am to blame. It is just now starting to occur to me that I might be able to blame something other than myself for these problems.
-
We're all troubled.WSo, to remind ourselves we're not at rock bottom (this is a reverse optimism thing I learned as a kid):We are not living on the island of Krakatoa when the volcano goes boom!Yeah, okay, that sucks.***Toay in 1942, Pierre Laval announced that the way to free France was for Germany to win WW2. Pierre did not win a lot of friends. When the war ended, quite quickly he was tried...
-
Another day, another ouchie?My bruised achilles tendon (don't ask) makes my foot numb. Wonky on meds, whacked it.Now, as to fibro:A lot of reports are going around some parts of social media that fibro (and dang near anything else) are caused by post-Covid, post-flu, post-vaccinations, post-pick-something.1. Your risk of death or serious complications beyond "ow, that shot hurt!" are typically...
I used to blame the fatigue on the meds, but generally i'm worse if i don't take them, fatigue-wise. Though you could split doses and see how that works. I rest every day lying in bed for 20 minutes without doing anything. That helps. I try to simplify my life in all areas. When I go out, I only go to one location and do my exercise and grocery shopping there.
Please be kind to yourself, give you a break, talk nice, and rest.
It's amazing how other people think we're crazy/lazy. Especially family members. I just don't seem to measure up to the rest of the world's standards including my family’s.
It's good to know that it's not the meds causing the exhaustion. Because that was another of my questions.
You've reminded me of the importance of being my own best friend and showing compassion for myself and my limitations.
Thank you so much for your post.
Don't feel bad. I'm in my 30's and can't keep up with anyone my age thanks to this stupid illness. They all have successful careers and families and I am on disability. Never got around to having any kids either.
Like you, I lay down around 8 too tired to move much anymore. Don't pay any attention to other people's judgement and criticisms. You didn't ask for this. And you know you try your best. They don't know these things.
Fibro causes a lot of sleep disturbances and it is normal to experience poor sleep on a nightly basis. Most of us here in the group need to take sedatives at night in order to obtain a restful sleep. Otherwise, day time function can be very limited.
Like most chronic illnesses, you will have good days and bad days, so try not to beat yourself up because the bad will pass and good days will resume again. The key I learned is to try and predict possible bad days and prepare or prevent as much as I possibly can. Examples: Pace myself more, have soft clothing laundered and available, have food prepared so I don't have to cook for a few days, space activities out or even cancel some if I know they will be too much, etc.
I relate to a lot of your post, I’m in my thirties & in no way can keep up with others my age, I also struggle with blaming myself too & I don’t know why.
Sending you much support & a Big hug <3
I feel that same lack of ability to measure up with or keep up with the rest of the world’s full rich lives of homes, children and cars and all the rest of it.
And I do try my best just as you said. My life and my daily schedule has been a compromise with my complete lack of energy. I have tried to eliminate as much as possible that uphill battle feeling. Instead as you say I've learned
to pace myself and to alternate between rest and exertion. I used to feel guilty about all of this until I reached age 73 and suddenly felt I had a good excuse lol.
From age 38 to 65 I did not sleep at all. It was only because I got cancer and was started on sleep medication that I began to be able to sleep at night.
I mostly prefer soft clothing, elasticized waist bands and knits or what used to be called jersey fabrics; and when I used to cook I would always prepare for three days worth of food.
I am so glad this is an active group and I thank you so much for your post.
It seems we all have the same exact struggle - trying to live a decent life and at the same time blaming ourselves for our limitations.
But I envy you that you started with this group in your 30s because you will be able to eliminate the unnecessary guilt and struggle from your life and thereby achieve maximum happiness despite the disease.
I wish when I was 30 that I knew what you know now.
I'm going to be 65 later this year and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 10 years ago. I believe that I have had most of my life. I had "growing pains" as a teenager and a history of poor sleep. I was diagnosed after a period of high stress and an episode of severe lower back pain from a wayward SI joint.
Fatigue is a common problem as you can see. There are some things that you can do to help. Eating smaller meals that are high in protein more often throughout the day. Not relying on coffee or chocolate to get you over the hump. A sudden jump in your blood sugar followed by a hard crash is a very difficult recovery. Sublingual B12 tablets with folic acid is a helpful remedy. The folic acid is very important as it helps metabolize the B12. Sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue. I use B12 all of the time. It passes in your urine and doesn't cause a problem. Keeping a regular routine with sleep helps. And, trying to stay active to some degree so you don't become weaker/deconditioned.
As you have discovered, this is an active group with Leo, our resident brainiac hosting the daily check in. I'm glad that you found us.
I have used D-Ribose but find the backlash once it wears off to hard to tolerate. I reserve it for important events such as a funeral that I must attend. It definitely works but for me it isn't a regular or daily option.
Just more food for thought.
Yes, the insomnia was horrible for me - no sleep at all from age 38 to around mid 60’s .... then I got cancer and was put on antidepressant and anxiety medication which I take at bedtime so with the addition of one arthritis strength tylenol i sleep fine and what a blessing it is for me after what I went through in middle age.
Thank you for the advice about the B12 - I will try and remember to ask my doctor about taking it.