I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, after seeing various medical professionals for over 3 years, had various treatments, paid thousands to a chiropractor, and tried so many meds. Now because there's nothing they can do it's fibromyalgia. I work full-time and my employer is not supportive at all, I'm in pain I just can't describe and feel like my life is not worth it. I have thought about death lots in this last year, and nobody understands how I feel. I guess I'm just trying to reach out, I hate the pain I hate my life!
Just remember that you're not alone...We walk the same unpredictable path everyday.
Hugs🤗
Welcome to the site. Everyone here knows and understands your pain and frustration. There are good days and bad. This is a place to vent as well as to get advice.
Most of us are elated when we get diagnosed at first because we have a name for it and now people will realize we are not crazy or making it up. Then reality sets in. People still don't understand what you are going through. While the testing phase and habitual doctor appointments has ended you now have to find a treatment plan that will help you. We are all different and you will read about different meds, supplements, and treatments here. It's like getting a diagnosis. You have to keep going until you find one that works for you. Don't give up. We are here if you need us!
Oh you poor dear! We all can understand your anguish and pain. But please don't take this as a life sentence! It is a manageable condition and you will definitely find ways to cope. I have had this condition for over 30 years now and I can still find things to be grateful for in my life despite trials and disappointments. You will have better days, I promise you. Flare ups often come after some extreme stress or emotional upheaval. Please remember that there are people in your life who genuinely care about you. It is true that in the business world, bosses usually do not show genuine compassion or empathy. They just see a production issue and profit. So don't get discouraged because of your boss's insensitive attitude. Many with FM have to face this situation. You are not alone as Emma mentioned sweetie. So many are struggling with this chronic condition among other issues. Just try to be kind to yourself and be balanced in your expectations. You must recognise your limitations. You need to realise that this is a chronic condition like many others, such as Lupus, etc, and you need to state that as a fact. It is recognised in the medical journals and the research is going on. So never apologise or be afraid to state your needs and limitations. Inform yourself regarding any program or govt assistance that can help you in this regard. Never despair my dear! Things always seem dark when we are in pain and feeling worthless. We all go through those times. But this too shall pass. Just take good and gentle care of yourself as you would a beloved friend. No doubt you have lived through some very trying times in your life and many distressing situations like many FM sufferers. The body can just cope with so much. So not surprising that we end up developing these kind of conditions. You can do this! One day at a time. Never presume that things will not work out. Life has many twists and turns. Tomorrow is always a brand new day. Sending you some warm gentle hugs! Maggie xx
Hi Oompa, I understand everything your talking about. I have also had feeling of suicide because the pain is unbearable. I have 3 kids and a husband and I thought about how me taking my life would effect them. I cried out to God because I had a strong feeling of suicide. I look up scriptures to help me. I read (My soul find rest in God my hope is in Him.) This verse helped me. I also ask for referral for a psychologist and was referred christian counseling to try to seek ways to help cope with pain. I wasnt look for a pill but ways to cope and someone to listen. The pain is horrible but your life is worth it. What gets me through is knowing someone is worse off than me with no limb, not able to take care of themselves. I use inspirational music so I sing through my task the pain is still there but it occupy my mind. I use scriptures to encourage me. It's depressing going to the doctor office and being in pain 24/7.
I was in pain and working for almost 1 yr before diagnoses. I was working full time and had to stop working because I weak. I tried aqua and physical therapy and I was still in pain. Never lower than a 5. I was of work from Nov 2014 to Aug 2015. I worked at a job last stressful but I was still in pain I was give Cymbalta, Lyrica,Gabapentin. Not effective. i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in Aug 2015. My Rheumatologist referred me to the pain clinic I had steroid injections, butrans patch which help for about 1 month with some pain. I been on Norco, fentanyl patch you name it. Still no pain relief. I worked in pain using icy hot and biofreeze which helps cool the area. I had to use it a least 2x a shift. Still in pain. All my test are normal . Shows at little inflammation. I tried stay active and exercise regular and again had to icy hot just to exercise. Stay horrible pain all the time. Pain in neck, shoulders,back,hips, knees, inner ankles and heels. If cold my hands are stiff and painful. I have been in constant pain 24/7 since Nov 2014. I want scream and cry. I feel miss understood. I feel like the doctors are insensitive and not hard enough. All my doctors are giving up on me. Read my recent discussion and you will see why.
Hi there,
I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of years ago. When I was first diagnosed the pain and the collapsing as well as the ibs was just horrendous. I thought my world had come to an end. I'm only in my forties and to top it all, my bladder stopped working and have since had to self catheterise, which I can promise is no picnic!
I have learned to take each day and to just be grateful each day. Things will improve for you. There are different meds that your GP can prescribe to help you. There is amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin just to mention a few. Hang on in there!! Things will improve so much.
Good luck.
Sam x
Welcome to the group !
My name is sadie and I'm 36 I was diagnosed in Jan of this year after two years of non stop pain which happened after the birth of my third son ! I thought I was going mad and the pain was all in my head ! Which obviously it wasn't ! I wanted to end my life on a few occasions and went to the doc for help which referred me to a mental health nurse ! Which did not help at all. I'm now on quite a few meds and to be honest my life I can get threw. Meds are not for everyone but pregabalin has made the constant everyday pain not go but put it to a minaum. When I have a flare up I do have dif meds like tramadol, zapain but when the pain is at its worst unfortunately I do have to take oramorph which I have to be bad to take it !
This group saved my life believe me it's so nice to have people who understand you and what your going threw. My partner who says it's the lazy deiase and that if I exercise more it will go ! What a idiot ! We are no longer together as this drives me mad !
I have three children 16,12,2 all boys and I do work 32 hours a week ! I'm a payroll and accounts manager which is not physical but my mind sometimes goes blank lol which is not good when I'm processing pay!
Anyway you life is worth it all are lives are worth it ! We are amazing 😉 we live with it everyday but we are still here we should all be proud x
Dear Oompa, I am so sorry to hear how hard finding things at the moment and it is a moment even though it might be a long one. What I can say to you that the wonderful people on this site are so supportive. When I am struggling I pop on here and it helps so much to have people with the same problem and understanding. I am in pain all the time usually I can cope but today I feel like crying but on the bright side I went to the cinema yesterday with my daughter and grandchildren. So the days when I feel not to bad I try to do something the days I struggle I TRY to go easy on my body and rest. You will get your ups and downs but we are all here to listen to you. Take care and sending gentle hugs xxx
Thank you Magbie2me,I'm actually sitting here crying reading the comments, I just don't know what to say. My family don't really understand, and just think I'm being miserable, I find it so hard to get into relationships because I don't have a social life anymore and then I think who'd want to be with someone who is limited. I just want the pain to go, I want to feel confident again and I want to stop taking medications that make me feel rubbish.
Hi Sam6990, it is so overwhelming reading these comments, I have been on the meds you have mentioned increased the doses and still nothing. Ive had injections, acupuncture, even paid to see a chiropractor. Nothing. I don't know if it's all related but I feel the urgency to go toilet is so bad I'm so close to wetting myself and this scares me, I have no love life, no children, I have nothing, and it's horrible. I know there are people worse than me and my life, but it's hard and I struggle to cope.
Thank you sue21108, I want to be able to do everyday things, but I go to work with a brave face and when I'm home all I want to do is sit and do nothing but even that's hard to do.
Sadie1980, I get foggy mind too, I asked work for reduced hours and they refused, I even look for new jobs but it's so hard. I work in a college as a tutor working with challenging young adults and enjoy my job, but like any jobs it comes with its stresses, I suggested how I could be supported but even though my role has an assistant, that assistant is not allowed to support, even though they are aware of my situation. I just get the feeling they are looking to get rid of me. I've thought of going on the sick but don't want to let my students down. I hate this
Thank you kikirae,I've looked to God often but nothing works, tried lots and just getting fed up
You sound like an amazing and courageous person sweetie. Depression often goes along with FM. I don't know if you are taking an antidepressant but that may be of benefit to you. I cannot give you any advice on medication since I have never taken any except for Ibuprofen when I get a migraine. I have approached the condition holistically with some supplements and mainly nutrition. Organic Collagen powder has really helped with my pain. I drink green smoothies with Kale, Spinach, a bit of banana or blueberries, carrot, chia seeds for omega 3, a bit of Maca powder to balance hormones, probiotic, and rice milk or almond milk. Other ingredients can be added as well. I add this all to a NutriBullet and drink it every morning. I have learnt that nutrition deficiency can cause a great deal of symptoms. B complex is an absolute necessity for us since our nervous system is greatly affected. Doing our best to balance our bodies vitamin and mineral needs can have a major impact. That is what has helped me cope and manage this condition all through the years. Keeping a 'feeling' journal has helped greatly as well. Getting out our emotions helps us to reason better and think more rationally. Give yourself the support you need sweetie. Family cannot always relate. Learn to value and respect the amazing person you are. Warm hugs! Maggie xx
Thank you Magbie2me, your words mean a lot along with everyone that has taken the time to comment. I was prescribed an antidepressant more to help me sleep, but it made me tired more than usual, and with a full-time job it was hard. I have spoken to a counsellor looking at ways to deal with the stresses, didn’t really help. I am willing to try alternative methods and gp doesn't mention B complex. I've been in pain for so long, just wanted some relief. Thank you for your very kind words.
I'm fed up with pain and doctors and ineffective too. Don't lost hope. I have read through other that it takes our professional to help get the help they need sometimes. Try looking for new Rheumatologist and check their reviews. I know persistent payoff. I been trying to get into U of Michigan because doctors do not what to do. I have been begging my neurologist for help and very insensitive to my pain and conditions. My Rheumatologist referred but I call for my appointment. I was given 6/16/17. Way too long. I finally call 2 days ago ask my rheumatologist office to call they give them May 22 and than my rheumatologist call yesterday and I call today. I been in horrible pain, barely able to walk and do basic task burning and tingling all over my body. Migraine daily sharp pain in my etc... Everyday something new. May health has declined so much on 6 months its unreal. I understand I leave the doctor office crying and disappointed every time. Hope I get answers I need. Just wanted to share to encourage you to keep hope and seek other options for care if you not getting treatment and answers you need.
Thanks kikirae for the reassuring words. Something has to give. I hope you feel better too.
I thought I put U of M called me today. Mr rheumatologist told them to put me 1st on there cancellation list. I have been calling almost everday the last 2 weeks. Prayer and persistent.
Thank You praying for answers from U of M in 2 weeks.
Oomph like Maggie I can't take meds and have had to try other methods. Have you tried sam e? It has helped with my mood and doesn't leave me with the side effects of antidepressants.