Boy do I feel you! I have been in bad pain for 9 years but the last 2 years. I has in every doctors face saying send me to another doctor. I am my own Advocate and I never stop fighting for myself the past two years. I Was finally diagnosed with three chronic diseases and fibromyalgia was one of them..

I was in every doctor's face I mean

I know how that goes! I had one doctor tell me to take sugar pills and pretend that they were oxycotin so that the pain would go away because it was all in my head and then he sent me to a therapist when I was already seeing one. It took going to like three doctors and finally I went to my PCP who told me I should have started with him. He gave me a series of test and said I had Fibro and gave me some ideas on what to do about it. I was already a member of DS on the bipolar and PTSD boards I just added one to it lol. You'll find great support here! So welcome!

Thank you both for your replies. I actually typed a long reply and it didn't send. Ugh! So I'm gonna shorten it. I also have Graves' disease which is an autoimmune disease it attacked my thyroid which caused a goiter so I had to have my thyroid removed in 2013.. Then in 2012 I had my first spinal fusion on my lower back. In 2014 I had another spinal fusion that time in my neck. I have degenerative disk disease had bone spurs both surgeries which had to also be removed. In 2008 I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands.. In May I had my thumb joint removed in my right hand and replaced with a tendon from my forearm that was rolled like a honey bun and had pins put in to hold it in place they were removed after it was healed enough. I'm exhausted all the time.. I have really bad anxiety attacks.. I could go on and on. My family dr referred me to pain management which is where she finally diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. Funny I had to read it on my paperwork they print out at the end of my visit.! My pain dr never actually told me..

Sorry for rambling on its just the first time I've connected with others having fibromyalgia.

Yeah I forgot to say in my first post I have thyroid disease also and Raynaud's disease. Please don't feel like you're Rambling. We are all here for each other.

Welcome to the group!! It is very common for people with Fibromyalgia (FMS) to have other health issues.

FMS is recognized by the . Centers for Disease Control, the National Arthritis Foundation and the World Health Organization. Also, it has its own diagnostic code. It is not a figment of your imagination. Anyone that says that to you is uninformed.

I'd like to recommend that you purchase the book "Fibromyalgia for Dummies." It is available on Amazon. The book will give you a comprehensive overview of this complex illness and a lot ways to try and manage it. This is our go-to book on this board. And, it is a good educational tool for any naysayers in your life. Knowledge is power.

We have daily check in every morning hosted by our lovely spokesmodel Leo. It is fun to read and a great way to get to know everyone and for us to know you. Feel free to join in or lurk. You are not alone!

Thanks so much.. I will look for the book. I look forward to hearing more about talks experience with fibromyalgia and dealing with it.. Or ways to deal with it

Also please feel free to add me to your friends list I'm learning this site slowly.

I was 19 when I was diagnosed. They told me it was in my head also.. My Mom spoke firm to the doctors and said if she says she is in pain then my daughter is in pain. Hang in there

Thank you!

Welcome to the group. After having symptoms since the late 80's, and finally getting an official diagnosis in 2010, we moved to another state. I've not had a very good experience with finding a new doctor here, and finally had one I had high hopes for back in late July. On my last visit, he told me that depression causes so many symptoms and that was primarily my issue... I've gone full circle in 25 years. So frustrating. This group offers a lot of good advice and lots of support. Again, welcome.

Depression increases the perception of pain which is why it is so important to treat that issue. Anything that can be done to alleviate the symptoms of depression goes a long way towards managing pain related health issues. Take care.

Hello, belatedly! Ditto all of baove, nd welcome:-) For what it is worth, I know someone IRL with Graves, and if that is not managed, ahe experiences what anyone here would call a fibro flare. So if underlying issues are bad, well.... Yeah, not so happy.
Luck and healing to you, as we all ride the unmerry-go-round of fibro together:-)

Welcome to the group. I was diagnosed with fibro one year after the birth of my twins. I was told I was exhausted and working out too hard. I have since been diagnosed with Lupus, Raynauds, and Sjogrens disease. We can all relate to how you feel and I am here for you.