Fibromyalgia advice? Please I need help. Been losing my mind for months!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Around December, I have started to experience a sharp shooting pain in my legs. Something I have never experienced before!!! At the time time was working a job that was at least 10 to 12 hours and was physically demanding on me. At the time, I got the pains I figured it was due to my jon and maybe I needed to take it easy. The pain has gotten so bad I had to go to the E.R. in December. They found nothing unusual sent me home. The leg pain stopped and then I started to have extreme "nerve like" pain on hands and feet. Comdtant, everyday, and throughout the day. A few weeks later I went to my primary. She thought it could be early symptoms of an autoimmune disease.

I was then tested for ALL testable diseases including diabetes, lupus, and rheaumatoid arthritis, my blood results were perfect except for a vitamin D deficiency in which I was given medication for...I have also noticed muly hands crack alot!!! My doctor thoughr after the medication for 2 months I was feel better...NOTHING! I was then sent for a nerve study due to the constant everyday pain I have on my hands and feet since December! The nerve pain found nothing!! I broke down. Been dealing with this for 5 months no medication no answers! Finally my doctor prescribed Gabapetin. I have been on it for about 3 weeks. The pain is still there. Once in awhile i get a day with little to no pain but they are rare. Im now waiting to see a neurologist for another test but I am not sure. My doctor said this will be the last test they do, if it comes put with nothing..they will diagnose me with fibromyalgia since there is np specific tesr for it..and they have did all the ones they could...

I am writing.this post for those who are currently diagnose with Fibromyalgia to tell me if what im experience is similar. I dont know what else to do. I pray someone put there can share info with me.

From the timeI wake up i experience extreme nerve like pain or a pins and needles sensation in hands and feet . EVERYDAY my hand bones and knuckles crack alot!. I dont feel right. Im sad. Im scared. Im worried. Is this fibro? Is there someone out there like me? Please help! God bless and please keep me in prayers!

2

Hiya Alicia, poor you, it's just horrid when you haven't got a name to call all the symptoms you are suffering from...it's like most of us on here...taking years fir a diagnoses...the doctor who diagnoses Fibro is nearly always a Rhumotologist, so if you can see one that would be excellent...the tests you have already had  we nearly all end up having first..we all have very differing symptoms, at different times...the one constant seems to be STRESS, Fibro loves it, so try very hard not to stress out, easier said than done, I know...I was diagnosed 31 years ago now, I'm in and out if remission mostly now, most of us also have other autoimmune conditions too, seems nearly all of us, I have Sorgrens Syndrome, Arthritis, Asthma and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes...they are all syndromes too, just a group of symptoms...I really hope and pray🙏 you get a diagnoses really soon as not knowing what's wrong can really stress you out. Praying for you, gentle hugs from over the seas, be blessed, have a lovely day.😍😘💐also I found that eating PALEO helped me no end-it's a lifestyle, can't talk about on here, I'll get moderated,😢 just look it up.

3

Thank you for yoir support! And response, I really appreciated! I havent had no diagnoses of any other auto immune disease, yet. I live every day in fear and worries tryna get my life back and feel normal. I was hoping to find people with similar symptoms mines so I wouldnt feel alone. Glad there is other people here who can help me . God bless.

4

Hi Alicia, the advice and comments from Christine are bang on, and I felt exactly like you 6 - 8 months ago only I had been diagnosed and it was hard to accept. It was people like Christine, and well Christine herself whose words and advice helped me, I was tempted to overdose on pills due my mental health being so unstable, still have bad days but talking, and looking for self help therapies help. I tried acupuncture and intense massage gave me some relief, but the cost kept adding up and my acupuncturist who was recommended wanted to focus on other areas like dealing with my ibs, insomnia that it just got too much I had to stop going. She was good but wouldn't listen to me, I wanted to deal with my pains before anything else I know it is all connected, but when we feel unstable we want to deal with those feelings first. Even though you have not been diagnosed look at things you can to de-stress, when we're not focusing on pain relief comes, try yoga or pilates? Sending you well wishes

5

Thank you for your response!!! Does ylur pain sound similar to mine!? Is fibromyalgia pain an everyday thing like im experiencing? Thank fpr your time. God bless!

6

Hi Alicia. Poor sweetie! My heart goes out to you. Well my dear, one good thing is that all those tests came back normal. That is reassuring for you. Having Fibromyalgia is not a death sentence. It is manageable and like others have said, stress makes it worse of course. Your symptoms are common among all of us sweetie. Don't panic. We get some pretty weird reactions at times for sure. But you will have better days, I promise. Remedial massage can help with your leg symptoms. Your pelvic bone may be displaced. An Osteopath has been a real help for me personally. They are both gentle and effective in managing our pain. Our spinal structure can cause many symptoms if it is out of place so you could look into that for some relief. I personally have a great deal of pain and stiffness in my hands and feet. Very common among us. Sharp pains at times in the legs is common too sweetie. Try to manage your worry and stress. You are, more than likely, a sensitive person like most FM sufferers are. We take things to heart more than some. So managing your worry and stress can be of real benefit to you. Talking things over with a trusted friend or family member who is a good listener, can put things into perspective. Getting some books on stress management can help a great deal as well. Apart from the FM Alicia, you are in pretty good shape, even if you don't feel it. So take heart sweetie. You can manage this. I have had Fibromyalgia for over 35 years and I am involved with many things in life such as volunteer work etc. I have grand kids and daughters who have stresses and life challenges and I am able to be there for them. I also have a difficult marriage to a lovely man who has come from a background of terrible abuse and who subsequently has many issues. Life is a challenge sweetie, but you will meet each one. I have times where I just have to veg and take care of my energies. Taking care of you, means also taking care of your family. When you are functioning well, they are happier. So nurture yourself sweetie. Take very warm baths with Epsom Salts which is magnesium. It is very good for muscles. I also use magnesium cream. Vitamin D is especially essential for us as well. So sunbaths for about 10 mins can be very beneficial, as well as supplementing it. It is one of the most important of the vitamins. You can manage this my girl! And all the lovely people here on this board can give you the encouragement and support you need. You are never alone! Warm hugs! Maggie xx

7

My pains are mainly stems from neck and shoulders to the lower back. I've probably in the last few months started to experience pain more noticeable in elbows, have had them before but chronic now. I'm 39 and have had the pains for probably 20 years but chronic since 4 years ago. My experience of fibromyalgia is everyday, with meds I get a little comfort. I'm registered to get counselling so hopefully start seeing some improvement in stress levels

8

What a lovely post. I recently got back together with a lass I was very close to many years ago when she was eighteen but in the years we were apart she has been coping with FM and other problems and cancers.

I'm here to learn more about FM so as to be better able to understand what she is having to deal with but from my understanding it would seem that what the OP is describing sounds very much like FM unfortunately.

Richard

9

Thank you so much for this! It made me cry!! For months I have dealt with this pain and at 21 it is veey discouraging. I have had to stop college till I get an confirm diagnosis and I even cant get out of the bed sometimes! A few months ago, I was treated for suicidal thoughts and I keep trying to stay positive and move forward on life but it is hard to cope with at this moment. I feel so different and in a very ugly way. I dont feel loke my friends no more... isolated. I been to so many doctors in the last 8 months and to get no resolution puts sooooo much stress on me everyday! My cbronic pain is everyday and so are my thoights about this so it makes me stress more! I try so hard to think positive but the pain is a constant battle against me mentally. Im so scared! Im not sure why. I thank God for people loke you guys who responded because everyone I talk to bout this cannot relate. Even talking to my primary I can see the puzzle look on her face and I feel even worse. Its really hars for me to accept the fact that this condition can cause so much pain and issues! Im so early in this, but I feel like no medication can stop it. The thoughts of living my life like this are sometimes unbearable. I thank you so much for your feedback because at the time of writing that post I was at a low point again. You guys give me more hope and make me want to keep pushing forward. God bless. And thank you soo very much!

10

Thanks Richars. My doctor is almost sure that this is what it is. However, she cannot diagnose me until she has done all the test she can. I have been tested for all autoimmune disease, I have done a nerve study test, I have had xray done on both hands and feet...and still nothing. The last step is to see an neurologist. If nothing is found then that will now be my diagnosis. This has been a long journey already. Im in such a dark place at this time but im still holding on. My prayer go out to your friend, I thank you for being such a good person, by trying to understand her daoly complication. God bless you. Thank you.

11

I pray that you get some relief with the counseling. I also have pain in neck, shoulders, and lower back. Driving too long has now become painful. Salonpas patches have become my best friend. Im currently on Gabapetin. It has ease the pain some but it still very painful at times. I am due to try it out for awhile and if not my doctor said I can try lyrica. I hope not, due to some of the reviews I see about it. I wish you well on the journey and hope all gets better. I really appreciate yoj responding to this post. I was scared no one would respond or have similar experiences with me. Thank you and God bless.

12

Hi alicia. I am so sorry that you are suffering. I completely agree with

magpie and christine. I thought I was a long time Fibromyalgia girl. 31 and

35 years. Wow, I was diagnosed 11 years ago. I also started with pain in

my legs so bad that I would cry. Lots of tests, xrays, MRI, blood, etc. I was

finally referred to a rheumatologist and he told me that first visit that it is

Fibromyalgia. I also have been blessed with many other problems. Arthritis,

Costal chondritis, migraines, IBS, etc. etc. I was going to my doctor at

least once a month and another diagnosis was added to my chart. I have a

really good relationship with my doctor. I just laugh about it and tell her that

I can't have anymore issues because there isn't any room left in my chart.

I really do believe that it's important to try to have a positive attitude. I know

that sounds ridiculous right now. But it helps relieve the stress. I was a very

active person. Exercising, even worked full time and a good bit of overtime

too. Now I dont have a job. I just cant. Sleep is critical. At least a full 8 hours

and 1 or 2 naps. When you have fibro, you don't sleep well, which in turn

makes things worse. Sometimes we don't even realize that our bodies

aren't getting enough sleep. I felt sleepy all the time but wasn't getting the

quality sleep I needed. When you don't get enough sleep your body will

break down muscle for energy. So sleep is important. My rheumatologist

put me on Soma, a muscle relaxer, so I could get deeper sleep. It really

helps. And like magpie said, hot Epsom salt baths are AWESOME! And yes,

try not to stress out about it. It only makes it worse. I also had chest pains

that landed me in the ER as well. They couldn't find anything, so they sent

me to a cardiologist and I had a stress test. I was told that I had a really

strong heart. My body may fall apart but my heart will keep dragging me

along. When I saw my rheumatologist he told me that it is just costal

chondritis. Pain in my sternum and rib cage from fibro. in the connective

tissue between joint and bone. You will have good days and bad days. I

was given prescription ibuprofen which helps on the bad days. So, to sum it

up, sleep, hot Epsom salt baths, some ibuprofen, and help from family or

friends. You can do it. I really hope that you feel better and know that we are

here and understand. People without fibro. just can't comprehend the level

of pain that we deal with every day. But we understand. Much, love, prayers,

and hugs.

13

I can completely understand how you feel Alicia. We have all been there. You sound like you suffer from anxiety. You can do a great deal to help yourself with that sweetie. Cognitive therapy is very helpful. I have found for myself that just drawing a line down and page and putting down all my negative thoughts and fears on the left side and then on the right side, finding a more rational and positive solution. That means you must be completely truthful with yourself but reason as you would a dear beloved friend. You will be amazed at how irrational our thinking can become because of anxiety. There is much you can do to help yourself Alicia. Try to be Proactive and not to feel defeated. That is half the battle sweetie. It is like anything in life. If we drop our arms and get discouraged, we tend to give in to despair. And you may not feel positive or courageous at the moment but if you do the things to help yourself even if it is hard and you are scared; you learn to do it anyway. That is the way you build your confidence and you can see that you CAN overcome these negative thoughts and defeatest attitudes. You are young sweetie and everything seems impossible when we do not have experience of life. But you will gain maturity and you will see that you are very capable to cope with these challenges with your health. Being more positive does not come automatically Alicia. You have to work at it like you would any other obstacle. With time you will see that it is not all you have feared. Fear is a road block in our way, but you keep trying even if you are scared. That is the way that most courageous people face their problems. Everyone gets scared sweetie. But you do things anyway. One day at a time Alicia! Maggie 😘 

14

Lovely that you got back together RichardKen. Your lady must have had a great deal of stress and disappointments in her life. All that stress can be a catalyst for developing FM. I myself cannot suggest medication because I rarely take even a headache pill. Others are more qualified in that department. I try to cope more holistically with a very clean healthy diet and a few supplements. Magnesium is beneficial and Vit D is essential. She can take Epsom Salt baths and soak for a good 20 mins which relieves the muscle pain and cramping. You can help her a great deal sir, by being a comforting shoulder to lean on. She will need much encouragement and understanding in order to cope with this ongoing condition. Love is a great healer RichardKen. If she is able, gentle walks are good out in the fresh air. Movement is important to this condition, even if it can be difficult. Rest is very important also and not becoming overwhelmed with the stresses of life. Sounds like you care for the girl. Refreshing to hear! Many men do not accept limitations in their women. That machoism attitude you know. Sounds like you have empathy. Good on you! Maggie

15

Dear Alice

Thank you for your post. I think I have some understanding of how you must feel. I say some understanding because until you experience it first hand how can one truly understand.

Please try to take some courage from my partner now 58 because due to a horrible marriage she has raised her family of three single handed and on very limited money.

Not only has she had to cope with FM and several other unpleasant things she has always remained strong and positive. To add to her concerns one of her now adult children is facing a very uncertain possibly short life with FM and difficult to control type A diabetes.

She is amazing and I'm so proud of her and you can be as strong too.

Very best wishes to you.

Cheers Richard

16

Listen to magpie and Christine these ladies even though I've never met them have some of the kindest words for people they don't know, it gives me relief to read the comments. I'm not very religious but God bless them! X

17

Awe Alicia what a hard experience you are going through!

My doctors - the Rheumy and the Internist both give me the same advice : to take Vitamins: D3 -5000 iu, B12 when necessary, Folic Acid, COQ10, Centrum Siver Women.

My GCA it is not associated with Fibromialgia though.

Hope you get the answers you are looking for and

feel better soon,

Take care,

iellen

18

Prsyers are heard by God and something very special will be permitted to happen regarding your health.!

Think in what you want to happen regardless your reality!

Thoughts are powerful they are living things.

Wish you the best,

iellen 😊

19

Thank you for your kind words! God bless ❤

20

Thank you! ❤