Just wanted to say that I totally know where you are coming from. It is so frustrating to not be able to figure out the underlying causes of our different symptoms. I just had blood work too...ANA very high too, among other abnormalities. I am just now, after many years of trying to deal with it on my own, spending the thousands of dollars for specialists and blood tests, and neurologist wants me to have that painful EMG. I also research everything before I follow a Drs order because they don't take the time so often to listen to all my symptoms so I don't have confidence in their opinions till I research for myself. Hang in there, it sucks having to be our own doctors especially when we are so sick we can barely pick up the phone or sit at the computer to research. Best wishes.

I think you are amazing to work and go to school with your suffering. I think talking to people who know you are venting rather than "complaining" is necessary. I'm so glad you posted.
I, too am sick of being told I'm "negative" when I'm stating reality. People have no idea. For me, the one with whom I was in a relationship has betrayed me for the last time. I've had worse symptoms in the past 6 months. I vented to him a lot. He said he understood my need to vent even as I apologized for "complaining. "
But whenever he gets annoyed at me for anything, he throws it up to me that i vent, and then he calls it complaining.
I have finally decided im too exhausted to ride a rollercoaster with him. I work as a contractor and choose my work commitments, and i have been choosing to do a lot less.
Can't take more.
I too don't have what it takes to see a bunch of doctors. I've given up on getting real help. They won't treat the whole body. As Megan said, they don't listen.
There, see? You gave me an excuse to vent too.
Thank you. Best to both of you.

I can't imagine trying to go to school and work with all you have going on with your health. You are a warrior for sure. I know that it is very frustrating and that the pain is overwhelming. I will pray for relief for you and answers.

Thank you all so much for your words, you don't know how much they mean to me. I am crying reading them, because I hate that you have the misfortune to be able to understand this misery, but also just knowing that I am not alone.

Megan, it's so frustrating spending so much time and money at doctors all the time. I spent so much money and time over the last few years trying to find the right specialist to help me. I got so tired of it that I all but gave up and just hoped it would get better on its own. Of course it didn't, it just continued to get worse. It is so hard to commit the money, time, and energy into advocating for yourself that way, but good for you for doing it! And for doing your own research and educating yourself. I know that all of these doctors are smart and committed and have dedicated so much time to studying medicine, but the problem is in the system as a whole. We train our medical professionals to specialize in one thing and have this narrow view of how to treat things. We seem to forget that the body is CONNECTED and maybe if every organ in your body is revolting there is a bigger piece to the puzzle. If you need to chat about the frustrations of touring every medical specialist in town, shoot me a message! I can relate! Best wishes to you and don't give up! I hope you find some answers soon that lead to treatment and relief!

Wolfgang, thank you so much. I didn't realize how badly I needed to hear those words until I read them. You are amazing too! I'm so sorry for what you've had to go through in your relationship. My husband and I have had a lot of challenges. He is one of the most easy-going and happy people I've ever met, which is usually a good balance for me, but can lead to a lot of frustration for both of us. He just hasn't had to deal with much difficulty in his life, whereas I have dealt with more physical and emotional pain than he has ever had to go through. We seem to be pretty good these days but I think we could still benefit from couples counseling to better learn how to understand each other. I'm sorry that things got to such a bad point for you with your relationship, but I think it also takes a lot of strength to know when something just isn't working and isn't healthy for you. You are strong and it is important to listen to your heart and your body/mind. Let me know if you need to chat, always feel free to vent :)

Autumn, thank you so much! It is so easy to forget my own strength when I feel so weak all the time. You are a warrior too, thank you for the support and strength :) Best to you!

Wolfgang and everyone....I finally let go of a 9 year relationship, a large part having to do with my health issues. My girlfriend was 8 yrs younger, extremely healthy and athletic, and with that, a mentality of " just suck it up", or telling me it was just in my mind. She, too, would complain about my complaining, when I was just trying to explain why I couldn't participate in some physical activities. I had to learn years ago that my friends really didn't, or couldn't listen to all the details of my health journey. Certainly now at my age they have do many of their own that they are overwhelmed with. But it seems like the reality of our lives, to be vulnerable enough to share our fears, frustrations, grief over loss of health and abilities, should be something a partner should be willing to be there for us without turning it against us. I was already ashamed of my health condition going into the relationship, but I feel even worse about myself after realizing even a partner can't be supportive. This group has been a godsend the last week, just to hear that others go through the same thing. We are fortunate in my city to have a great Fibromyalgia support group, but the aren't meeting till June now, so I'm grateful to be able to pick up my iPad while I lay in bed hurting, and know others understand, and that it is not just "complaining". I do try to be conscious and balance with positive affirmations and keep in mind my strengths and what I'm grateful for, but just "being positive" can't change everything. It is part of healing, but along with eating non inflammatory foods, taking the right supplements, mild excersizes when possible, and getting support and understanding from others. Sending blessings to everyone.

It really is a horrible disease and one you can't explain to others unless they know first hand what your going through. Let me tell you that most people with fibro are normally on an anti-depressant. Because of the chronic pain and the ignorance people that do more harm than good. It also helps with the pain. Swimming is a great way to relieve pain too and its very relaxing. You need to rest whenever you can and work when you feel like it. Give up some classes possibly and work part time if you can afford to. We fibro's have to learn to take care of ourselves and be our own advocate of our health.