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 Everyone,
Yes, my real name is Randy and I do have a Rabbit that lives cage free in my home. Yeah, he's my little buddy.
I have been experiencing muscle pains and unexplained fatigue since my early to mid twentys. During that time I went through what seems to be almost every test known to man. I went to several doctors and all they could find wrong with me was an elevated bilirubin count in my blood. To put a long story short, I quit seeing doctors many years ago and needless to say I have lost ALL confidence in doctors when it comes to this. Im now 51 and the pain no longer goes and comes or rotate around my body like it did but is all over me almost constantly. The fatigue is worse as well. It seems like the harder I try to function, the worse it gets. So I came here to compare notes with others in the CFS and FM groups.
Out of my experiences with this condition there is one thing that really bothers me, and that is when someone says something like an ex-girlfriend said to me about 20 years ago, You look healthy as a horse! Folks I cant help it. I may look healthy outwardly, but inwardly the pain and fatigue is VERY, VERY REAL. For the most part I have learned to keep my mouth shut however from time to time Ill slip and end up regretting it. As I said to someone just the other day, If others experienced what I experienced for as long as I have they wouldnt be so d**n judgmental toward me! Nowadays, if I am confronted with a bad spirit concerning this from someone, it is just like stepping on a cats tail, Ill back them down on the spot without even thinking about it. Pardon me if I may appear to have a chip on my shoulder but I have taken as much Im going to take anymore from someone who doesnt have a clue what it is to live like this.
There is much, much more I could write here, but for now this is enough.
Thank you for your time,
Randy
Yes, my real name is Randy and I do have a Rabbit that lives cage free in my home. Yeah, he's my little buddy.
I have been experiencing muscle pains and unexplained fatigue since my early to mid twentys. During that time I went through what seems to be almost every test known to man. I went to several doctors and all they could find wrong with me was an elevated bilirubin count in my blood. To put a long story short, I quit seeing doctors many years ago and needless to say I have lost ALL confidence in doctors when it comes to this. Im now 51 and the pain no longer goes and comes or rotate around my body like it did but is all over me almost constantly. The fatigue is worse as well. It seems like the harder I try to function, the worse it gets. So I came here to compare notes with others in the CFS and FM groups.
Out of my experiences with this condition there is one thing that really bothers me, and that is when someone says something like an ex-girlfriend said to me about 20 years ago, You look healthy as a horse! Folks I cant help it. I may look healthy outwardly, but inwardly the pain and fatigue is VERY, VERY REAL. For the most part I have learned to keep my mouth shut however from time to time Ill slip and end up regretting it. As I said to someone just the other day, If others experienced what I experienced for as long as I have they wouldnt be so d**n judgmental toward me! Nowadays, if I am confronted with a bad spirit concerning this from someone, it is just like stepping on a cats tail, Ill back them down on the spot without even thinking about it. Pardon me if I may appear to have a chip on my shoulder but I have taken as much Im going to take anymore from someone who doesnt have a clue what it is to live like this.
There is much, much more I could write here, but for now this is enough.
Thank you for your time,
Randy
I don't have crutches or a wheelchair or a bald head. Obviously I don't want other illnesses and am thankful I don't have to use crutches or a wheelchair. But, it is INCREDIBLY frustrating to not have people take my pain (and weakened immune system) seriously.
The best part of Fibro - my bloodwork is PERFECT. My rheumatologist says that either the tests are not sensitive enough to pick up abnormal results or that Fibro just doesn't cause abnormal results in the current/available blood tests.
The good news - few doctors and even less of the general public believed that CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) was 'real' until recently. Many CFS patients went through what we're now going through with our Fibro. Hopefully there will come a point (SOON) that the majority of people (and all medical professionals) understand that Fibromyalgia is very real and debilitating.
P.S. I used to have two bunnies. They only went to their cages to go to the bathroom. Molly used to sleep in my bed and would cuddle with me on the couch and in bed before sleep. She would bare her teeth at anyone (my parents included) who came near me and spit if anyone continued to move closer. My brother said she had my personality.
I keep telling myself that unless they've walked in our shoes, they really have no way of knowing ,.. but seriously just show a little bit of care and concern. They dont get it.
Anyway, glad you found your way here ...it really is great being around people who have a clue. You should find a good Rhuemy that could help you with your pain. Otherwise, order some books from this site ... they helped me ... here's the one for FMS and CFS ..but also get the one about Candida. http://www.drcolbert.com/index.php?cPath=300_200&sort=1a&page=4
I think alot of us have that same chip on our shoulders. No one tells me I look good any more because I don't LOL but I use to.
I can certainly relate to what you are saying....I became ill with fibro in my mid 20s as well....went from perfectly healthy to debilitating fatigue overnight....now nearly fifty, and the fatigue and pain are always around, even though I look healthy. All medical tests are normal, except a slightly elevated ANA.
If you'd like to read some of our stories about how our fibro began, please check out The Fibro Puzzle, a sub-group of the Fibromyalgia group.....Go to the top of the page and click on Groups, and you should find it....
Again, welcome, and jump right in!!
HUGS from down south :)
You are definitely welcome here and sound just like I did before my last day of work in Oct 2009. "But you look fine." Argh! I so hope you are able to find a Rheumatologist who is able to diagnose you with this awful disease (which is called a syndrome) and get going with some help from a pain clinic. Whatever remedies you chose, I hope you get to feeling better VERY SOON!!! almost 30 years on the clock is long enough.
Huge hugs Randy, and take care,
Eva
My sister used to say you look so good today your cheeks are so rosy, I was having hot flashes ans rosacea at those times and such horrible pain and fatigue that I could barely stand up.
I finally had to tell her, thanks for the compliment but just because I "look" healthy to YOU does not mean that I am. she quit saying those things after that, thank goodness.
Bravo! Good for you for standing up for yourself.
My husband and I both have "invisible" problems.
We get the same attitude from a huge range of people.
Some people get it and some dont.
But here, we all get it. In so many different ways.
So welcome.
hugs
sg1
Welcome to the group, you know being here you're with people who get you!
I'm glad that you're just straight up with folks about how you feel and all, it doesn't help one bit to play the game.
Best wishes to you!
i hope you find the support youa re looking for here and make some friends too
gentle hugs
Andrea
Look at my profile picture. How do I appear to you? Healthy? Strong? Normal? I'm 6'4 215lbs of nothing put usual pain all over!! Brother I know how you feel!!! I'm so glad to see you here as well.
I actually go to counseling for anger management now and its not helping.
I must say though, as of now, my pain has been low for a couple of weeks, except for the "OL" Back! My back always hurts but its not Fibro related. 3 herniated discs.
I'm here to talk anytime you need,
Ralph