My Fibromyalgia Journey: Day 1
I wanted to create this journal as a way to keep track of my journey with Fibromyalgia. It is beyond day one but I labeled it as such because this is the first day I am starting. On another note, this will probably be the longest of entries. I am planning on going back as far as I can and catching up. From there I will just be logging my day to day ups and downs.
Many months ago (almost more than a year now) my neurologist "suspected" I had Fibromyalgia. I prepared myself for it by buying books, reading, watching videos and even trying to mentally get myself set for this journey. However since there was no actual diagnosis I was almost in a state of denial. When I had pain I refused to recognize it or deal with it.
I have had signs or symptoms for years now. I have read that Fibromyalgia can be brought on by many different things. I have constantly wondered "was there something I did (or did not do) that could have prevented me from having this illness?" In response.....NO. It is what it is.
For the last two months or so it has gotten bad. I go to work, put on a happy face and do what I do. I come home and literally collapse. I am tired and sore beyond words. February 2 I had enough! I called my neurologist and said you need to see me NOW please~! Sure enough he got me in.
He ran some blood tests to rule out other things and I finally got the call stating I have Fibromyalgia. I was put on some medication but was scared (in all honesty) to take it. I have (over the last 13-14 years) been on MANY medications. I have reached a point where I started to wean myself off of them. I do not want to be medicated all the time.
Last week I was in so much pain and feeling incredibly sick so I planned on going to the urgent care. When I got there I decided I was going to check in upstairs with my neurologist (they are in the same building). They ended up seeing me.
The first thing the doctor asked was if I had started on my new medication. I told him now and I explained why. He told me that if I did not start the medication that there was very little way I was going to get any relief. I caved, not only physically but emotionally and mentally with myself. Sure, I don't want to take medication but how do I know if it is going to help if I don't try. This man is a doctor after all and I am sure he would not give me something that would harm me.
Last week, on Tuesday 3/11/14, I started my first dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin). For the first week of treatment I am supposed to take one twice a day. For the second week it is one three times a day and the following week one four times a day.
I landed in the ER on Wednesday 3/12/14 due to major chest pains. According to what they found in the ER it was nothing more than a Fibro Flare. I was disappointed to learn that the Neurontin would take a week or more to start taking effect, however I relieved to find that there was nothing really wrong with me.
Yesterday I visited with my GP and she switched some of my medication around (being careful not to touch my Neurontin).
As of right now I am pretty stiff and still sore. I have been trying to do all I can to aleveate pain. I take Epsom Salt soaks, get plenty of rest and take my medication regularly.
Thank you for reading and following my journal (blog)...stay tuned for more.
3/18/14
Many months ago (almost more than a year now) my neurologist "suspected" I had Fibromyalgia. I prepared myself for it by buying books, reading, watching videos and even trying to mentally get myself set for this journey. However since there was no actual diagnosis I was almost in a state of denial. When I had pain I refused to recognize it or deal with it.
I have had signs or symptoms for years now. I have read that Fibromyalgia can be brought on by many different things. I have constantly wondered "was there something I did (or did not do) that could have prevented me from having this illness?" In response.....NO. It is what it is.
For the last two months or so it has gotten bad. I go to work, put on a happy face and do what I do. I come home and literally collapse. I am tired and sore beyond words. February 2 I had enough! I called my neurologist and said you need to see me NOW please~! Sure enough he got me in.
He ran some blood tests to rule out other things and I finally got the call stating I have Fibromyalgia. I was put on some medication but was scared (in all honesty) to take it. I have (over the last 13-14 years) been on MANY medications. I have reached a point where I started to wean myself off of them. I do not want to be medicated all the time.
Last week I was in so much pain and feeling incredibly sick so I planned on going to the urgent care. When I got there I decided I was going to check in upstairs with my neurologist (they are in the same building). They ended up seeing me.
The first thing the doctor asked was if I had started on my new medication. I told him now and I explained why. He told me that if I did not start the medication that there was very little way I was going to get any relief. I caved, not only physically but emotionally and mentally with myself. Sure, I don't want to take medication but how do I know if it is going to help if I don't try. This man is a doctor after all and I am sure he would not give me something that would harm me.
Last week, on Tuesday 3/11/14, I started my first dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin). For the first week of treatment I am supposed to take one twice a day. For the second week it is one three times a day and the following week one four times a day.
I landed in the ER on Wednesday 3/12/14 due to major chest pains. According to what they found in the ER it was nothing more than a Fibro Flare. I was disappointed to learn that the Neurontin would take a week or more to start taking effect, however I relieved to find that there was nothing really wrong with me.
Yesterday I visited with my GP and she switched some of my medication around (being careful not to touch my Neurontin).
As of right now I am pretty stiff and still sore. I have been trying to do all I can to aleveate pain. I take Epsom Salt soaks, get plenty of rest and take my medication regularly.
Thank you for reading and following my journal (blog)...stay tuned for more.
3/18/14
Replies
Just catching up. Been really suffering. I\'m with you for the ride. I have to find a new rheumotologist. The I have now is so stupid. A lot of my doctors I have I hate. They don\'t offer me much help. They give me medicine that doesn\'t mix with my other medicines. I only find that out after i get to the pharmacy. So besides being sick I have stupid doctors. Lord save me.