Pre-diagnosed fibro - chronic fatigue? So extreme? Deaded.

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi guys

I've made a couple of posts before, I'm basically about to undergo tests/X-rays/bloods to rule out what could be going on with my body and whether it is indeed fibromyalgia. I injured my back 18 months ago and since then the symptoms seem to have gradually escalated...

I've had to manage the various types of pain and seriously messed up sleeping patterns, but the fatigue is something I'm noticing more and more.

I feel wiped out!!! Heavy body, heavy limbs... I can be thirsty but feel like I haven't got the energy to walk to the kitchen. I've been signed off work the past 6 weeks and I suspect there will be another month, without the NEED to get up I find myself thinking "what's the point?"

I've spent so much of the past fortnight in bed, the past 48 hours I emerged for the loo. Noticing the colour of my urine due to how dehydrated I was.

I'm very much aware it's not good, make yourself move etc... but it's all relatively new to me, plus the balance of pills in given ( some of these can make me lethargic too, but I feel the same without) My back issues aren't resolved by movement, rest is the only relief when my back is really bad (spasms/intercostal neurologia)

Having worked in a manual job fir so long undiagnosed, i had to have some get up and go, as hard as it was. I was also always a person who could survive on 4 hours sleeps and feel fine!

I feel as though my body is possessed. I've lost control.

So my question is can anyway relate to this amount of lethargy/tiredness/exhaustion? 😴

I've felt like a prisoner lately. I have a partner who works mon-fri, 6-6 so imagine a lot, family live far away and I haven't lived here long enough to have good friends. I know isolation and lack of movement isn't good fir you... I know all that... but I still find myself half dead thinking "who cares/it's not worth it/I can't"

Is this relatable?

I'm hoping for a diagnosis soon so I can get on a path the recovery/a way to deal with it... I'm in limbo at the moment which doesn't help.

That's it, hope that makes sense im currently zombied obviously 💀

Thanks, 💙

2

Hi sorry to hear you are feeling so rough, , unfortunately this chronic fatigue is part of fibro and something I suffer from a lot in addition to the other symptoms. Good you are having tests done I think that is always a positive thing and rules things out etc

I do find however tired you are that it really helps to do something however small as it gives you a boost even if it just walking to local shop and back etc.

Best wishes to you x

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I may have missed something but backs can often be the cause if lots of other problems so I suggest that if you have not already done so to see a good chiropractor but not a McTimoney qualified one.

Cheers Richard

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Hi KIM, 

Sorry you are feeling so fatigued. We all know that awful helpless feeling. Years ago I had Ross River Fever which is a form of Malaria in Australia. That still has residual affects and that was many years ago. After that I would have bouts of severe weakness where I could hardly lift my head off the pillow. That was scary. So you could have some other underlying condition along with the Fibro. Have you been tested for Lyme disease? Good to have everything checked out just in case. I have found also that wheat can play a huge part in our fatigue. I am a celiac but millions today are affected by wheat intolerance since they put it as a filler in so many foods today. A wheat intolerance can cause all sorts of health problems including terrible fatigue. Digestive problems cause feelings of exhaustion so these food intolerances can play a huge role. I have been off of Gluten since 2002 when I was tested for an intolerance. The test came out extremely high in intolerance.  I found an immediate change in my overall well being getting wheat out of my life. So I would read up on this as well KIM. Emotional well being is also very important in regards to our energy. If you are plagued with worry or fears of some sort, this too will sap your energy. So getting help with this important aspect of your mental health can make a huge difference. Journaling can help a great deal also. Writing down all your feelings and worries can at least get this out in the form of Expressing yourself. Sometimes, thoughts and worries go round and round in our minds and get all jumbled up causing distress. Getting those feelings down on paper or on the computer can help tremendously KIM. You can then think more rationally and concentrate on problem solving.  But don't give up sweetie! You will eventually get there. It won't last forever. But take loving care of yourself. Let others handle their own issues and problems. We are all responsible for our own choices and actions. Get to the bottom of how you are really feeling and what you feel responsible for. Often we take on other people's issues and try to solve them. That is really none of our business. Your 'business' is to manage your own life and responsibilities. Never despair. Things could always be much worse. Really! Try to see what is good in your life and not focus on what is not going the way you would like. There are many hidden blessings that we may sometimes take for granted. Things will improve with time. Warmest gentle hugs sweetie! Maggie xx

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Hi and thanks, I know you're right. I ultimately need to just do it! My back was undiagnosed for over 12 months, then I saw a chiro who said I have annular tear/disc bulge/myasofical and intercostal pain... so I've always been scared of 'pushing it' in case I made it worse. (Obviously a little walk won't, but bigger/nicer things) 6 months after seeing chiro, I saw a snr nurse, 2 weeks ago she mentioned fibro and told me she doesn't think I have a disc problem.... Needless to say I'm frustrated! I just want answers now so I can look at moving forward, to know if there's risk of making it worse... my jobs on the line. Thanks for your helpful words. Linz

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Hi,

I've been seeing a chiro for 6 months but have recently been told by my dr "it's not working - it shouldn't take this long"... which I know is true, the chiro said that! I think I improve being off work the most, but still hurts to lift (imtalking... a kettle! Lol sad but true!)

What is a mctim... chiro? I don't know the difference.

Thanks for your response, Linz

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Hi magpie,

Thanks for that lovely reply! I haven't been tested for anything yet, starts Friday. I can definitely relate to stress/worries having an effect as well as pain, my bf always says that to me. It's such a good idea to write it out, get out my feelings and thoughts - I used to do that as a teen and I think I'll start again. This place helps a lot too! Thanks!

And it's interesting you say wheat, fir a long time I've had severe bloating when i eat (most things!) and it was only recently ibs/fibro was pointed out. Wheat definitely has an effect and this week I've eaten a sandwich for dinner each day because of sheer exhaustion! I have to eat to take the painkillers on a night, otherwise I wouldn't bother feeling like this. Which I know isn't right.

Not taking on other ppls problems, so true, it's mainly work I've stressed with. Feeling like I'm but believed and being made to feel guilty, being pressured into going back before in better. I tried to put my foot down this time. Even being off sick the boss would normally cotact me twice a week, I know there's checking up but I'll call you, don't ring me 3 days into a 4 week absence... sorry, mini rant ha.

Thanks for your support!💜 Linz

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A McTimoney chiropractor hope I've spelt that right has not been trained to use the range of techniques used by a straight chiropractor. This may make no difference in your case but I would have a preference for someone with the full skill set. It is worth checking before you make an appointment.

All the best Richard

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Hi Richard,

Oh yeh he's brilliant! Top of his game and has various techniques he uses depending on the patient. The only thing I don't understand with my back is the inconsistency- I can always feel pressure, but sometimes more than others, pain varies greatly. I thought that a disc bulge, nerve pain... the pain would be pretty consistent. It doesn't even depend on when I see him or my treatment. Maybe it's a naive way to see it. I feel more like there are flare-ups if anything. I can have a solid week of one type of pain and the next it's barely there, instead it's somewhere else. I'm just confused!

Thanks for your time Richard

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Well unfortunately as you have found sometimes there is not a logical answer and that is one thing that I am understanding with FM which my partner has had for many years. I do have some conception of how difficult it must be to live with.

Best wishes

Richard

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Bloating is definitely a sign of an intolerance. You could try eating gluten free for awhile and see how you feel. Wheat intolerance can contribute as well to Depression. Our bodies are trying to fight an intruder so it can cause all kinds of symptoms including mental ones. There are more GF options in bread nowadays. Worthwhile giving it a try Linz. Yes your emotions can also cause tension and pain in the body. So addressing your worries and stress can help a great deal. Be more communicative about your needs sweetie. Set specific boundaries and expect respect. We 'teach people how to treat us' has proven to be true. The more you take care and respect your needs, the more others will treat you with more consideration and respect. One day at a time Linz! x