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Anyone Have Bipolar AND Fibromyalgia?

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Posted 3/26/2006 7:34 PM (GMT 0)

I'd very much like to hear from anyone who has BOTH BIPOLAR DISORDER AND FIBROMYALGIA! I was diagnosed with both Bipo and Fibro 10 years ago and know I've had both all of my life. As a layperson/patient, I am writing a book for and about those who have both conditions. I've met so many people that have both and am interested in ANYTHING you have to say about your experiences.

I am on Lamictal, fine at first, but have become terribly anxious with an uncontrollable appetite.  Will see my Dr. in two more days about this.  For me, the only way to get throught this is to keep telling myself that the bad stuff is ONLY temporary, which it is.  My fibro is pretty much under control but 8 years ago I could barely walk and I use a cane to keep my balance.

Posted 3/27/2006 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Wow FibroBipoGal,  I am really sorry that you are faced with so many challenges.  I just wanted to pop in here and welcome you to Healing Well forum.  So welcome!!

Posted 3/27/2006 5:17 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you, Elisha!

Darned right, cats are like potato chips!  I have two cats now, just lost my oldest one, age 17.  Been depressed since this happened but am getting better...

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal each other is listen to each other's stories."       Rebecca Falls

FibroBipoGal

Posted 3/27/2006 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Dear FibrobipoGal,

I have both . Iam just in the beginnings of Fibro. Mine flares up most when I'am really stressed out. It can be bad in my legs but have most of it in my arms and back. No one can even touch me when it's in my back. My mother and my sister have it too. Mine started soon after my 6 year old daughter was born. I was going through a tough time with my husband ex now at the time. He beat me when I was 9 months pregnant and I had him put in jail. Was going through court battles with him about visitation . That was the straw that you know what they say. I was abused as a child and never picked the right man to be in my life. They say that most of the Fibro sufferers are from a very rough upbring and past. That has definitely right when it comes to me my mom and sister. I don't know what all you want to know. Maybe you could email me some questions you would like answered.

Sincerely, memejts
Posted 3/28/2006 1:42 PM (GMT 0)

memejts,

Thank you so much for answering me! You are the first one.  I think you are so right about most of us having very rough backgrounds and pasts. Expressing emotions in my family was forbidden. Both of my conditions flared up when I was in a miserable job that I hated; the story of my work life for most of 40 years of working in offices! That was my last full time job, as I quit and was unable to work, am on SS Disability now.   I''ve also heard that something totally shocking, an auto accident, ANYTHING that we just cannot accept and that hurts us terribly can cause these conditions to appear and really zap us. I have always had terrible judgement when it came to men, two early marriages in my 20's that were awful, one emotionally abusive, next one was an alcoholic. Still single after 30 years, have just about given up on men. I'm sorry for what you went through. We don't deserve it! We are exceptionally sensitive and vulnerable individuals, I don't think we realize how much; I think all who have BPD and fibro are. One of my sisters had a rough life and now is happily (I guess) married, but has mild fibro and lupus. I see signs of BPD in both sisters but not my brother.  Rheumatoid diseases run in my family (my mom). Right now I have a bad back sometimes and knee pain just began this winter, perhaps due to the weather changes. I will have to think about questions I'd like to ask you and  I DEFINITELY want to keep in touch with you. I'll bet that you are a very creative individual, an artist, craftsperson or writer of some kind, maybe even a musician?? We usually are. One of the worst experiences in my life was having my daughter go live with her father when she was only 11. Professionals advised me to let her go because they said I'd have problems with her later if I didn't. She returned when she was 16. We are wonderfully close now, thank God! I have finally realized that along with meds, I really need a therapist to support me in getting through life. Am coming out of a deep depression right now. You are giving me hope that I can write my book. I am also writing children's literature but am a beginner and sometimes I cannot write at all. I invite you to write to me at my private email, which should now be listed in the list of members, if you would like to. (Click on "Members." If it's not there, let me know.) Have you heard of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?  It is new and very good, teaches us living skills, but I quit it for lack of patience.  Meanwhile, I will work on questions for you. I think that just sharing with each other will be wonderful. for now, please write any old thiing at all that you feel like writing to me. Thank you again,

Sincerely, FibroBipoGal

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal each other is listen to each other's stories."       Rebecca Falls

Posted 3/28/2006 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
memejts, P.S.!!
My email is listed on page 004 in Member list near the top of this page.
FibroBipoGal
Posted 4/5/2006 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
FROM FIBROBIPOGAL.....Just reiterating my question:  I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAS BOTH FIBROMYALGIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER, WHAT YOUR PROBLEMS ARE, HOW YOU COPE, ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY.  PLEASE DO NOT REPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE BOTH CONDITIONS.  THANK YOU!

 

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal each other is listen to each other's stories."       Rebecca Falls

Posted 4/6/2006 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
FibroBipoGal,

I taught I had posted previously but I guess not lol. Anyway, I have both but what I wanted to comment on was what you said about it starting after an accident that you don't want to accept.

For me that's exactly what it was.. I had a small rear end collision which all started in my neck and real strong headaches. I was a business owner and I didn't want to leave everything I had worked so hard to build up. I figured the pain would leave me within a week or so. The thing is, I couldn't afford to be slowed down therefore; your right, I didn't want to accept it.. umm, it makes so mush sence.

I couldn't keep up with the things at home anymore; daily task, daughter, husband, my business and the friggen paperwork just overwhelmed me. I started just going to work with clothes I hadn't washed really but just hung them back in my closet and the rest is history.. it all went down hill from then on.
Posted 4/6/2006 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't want to accept it.. after 6 months I had no choice and asked for help from my lawyer. I told him I could go on no longer and if he didn't help me I would need to file bankruptcy.

Well, 2 years later I was still working in my business slowly going down to next to nothing when I eventually quit in May 04 and bankrupt in Nov 04. Fired my lawyer june I think. Still fighting the big bad insurance company just to get treatments after they denied them all once I fired that idiot I had.
Posted 4/6/2006 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
I blame my doctor. She wouldn't fill out the paperwork to give me time to recover in order for them to pay me at least a small amount while I recovered. The lawyer wouldn't do the leg work to find another way. We already had lots to go on and to investigate starting with missing reflexes. Right there and then, it proved something was wrong.

Now, this past monday I found a doctor who wants to help me. She says "no wonder your in pain".. because I din't get proper treatment at the beginning.. my spine is going in an S. She said bones in my head are not even as well as one of my eyes is in my head more than the other. Same with my ear.. one is higher. Everything twisted because my head was turned on impact.

I got very frustrated trying to juggle everything with no help from anyone.
Posted 4/9/2006 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, sorry, you've been through a lot, Soulsbreath. I've found that having the right doctor - and lawyer makes a huge difference. They must understand where you're at, be empathetic, and express sincere interest in really helping you. If they don't, dump them fast!  There are some bad ones out there that shouldn't even be practicing.

Did you mean that you have BOTH bipolar disorder AND fibromyalgia? If you do and if you'd like to write to me at my private email address, please do.  It is in the member list.  I'd like to hear anything you have to say.  I am writing a book about having both conditions.

FibroBipoGal

 

"One of the most valuable things we can do to heal each other is listen to each other's stories."       Rebecca Falls

Post Edited (FibroBipoGal) : 4/8/2006 6:25:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/10/2006 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
I will do that FibroBipoGal.. right now ain't a good time thow but I'll get to it for sure;

Oh boy, are you sure you want to hear all that haha! Yea, I know, you wouldn't ask if you didn't.. I just hope your not the type taking everything on your own shoulders :)

Bye for now & I'll get to it asap.

Souls
Posted 4/10/2006 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, just to make sure.. I checked the diagnostic on my psychiatric evaluation.. yes, I have both fibro and bi-polar. As well, I sent you "my story" of how it all began for me..

Hope it helps in some way.. do feel free if you need extra details in other areas..
Posted 4/10/2006 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Okay.  Thank you and hang in there!

Posted 4/12/2006 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I also have Fibromyalgia and Bipolar Disorder as well as some social anxiety, SAD and post traumatic stress.  I think of it more as one condition with many facets.  I'm off work and have been for awhile, I'm not sure when I will get back to work or if.  I'm well educated and a bit of a perfectionist so being off work has been hard on me and my family, I'm also a single mom.  During my time off though I've been able to tap into my artistic side, either through music, writing or even cooking (I've also gained weight).  Too bad a loss of appetite wasn't a symtom for me.haha  The hardest thing for me is having an illness/disability that isn't apparent to an outside observer.  My family members especially don't get it.  I leave literature lying around or put it in their hand but somehow it still evades their consciousness.  All I know is at the end of the day I'm the only one who makes sure I take my meds, or take is easy when I need to, and am taking all the proper steps to have a fullfilled life.  I have let people close to me impede my growth or my recovery whatever you want to call it, but not any more.  I think I've got off on a tangent somehow, I'm sorry.  I will leave it at that but will be back, Thanks, Nan

Posted 4/12/2006 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
hello, nan, hoping u are well,i am new to this site, but am 42, cleve. ohio,mother of 2,disabled nurse. icaught your post, and i have bipolar and fibro!!!!!!!!!!!! for many yrs now actually, plus other probs. such as epilepsy,asthma, hypothyroid, ibs,think thats all!!LOL!! would love totalk to you sometime, i am usually in chat rooms evenings, abt. 9-11pm my time-ohio,as i said im new to this andnot sure how else to hook up with you, sorry!!!but hoping maybe i can be of some help or support to you,please let me know and we'll chat, ok?? :-)   well take care, be well,good luck too. signed, fellow sickie-LOL, brenda sue.
Posted 4/12/2006 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
hi fibrobipogal!!!!,please see my response to nan, to repeat i am new to this website,but have bipolar, fibro, plus epilepsy, asthma,hypothyroid, ibs, etc!!!im 42, cleve.ohio, on multiple meds.i am really enjoying the chat rooms for all the friendship and support they offer,maybe i can do the same for you??????????please let me know if you want to talk, i go to chat rooms most eves. abt. 9-11pm ohio time.i wish you the best luck and good health, take care, be well!! :-)   hope we talk soon, fondly, brenda sue
Posted 4/16/2006 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, NANBLACK, thanks for your post. Re your family understanding, don't waste your time. I tried, but have given up on that. I even emailedt them a 7 part series about what Bipolar Disorder is all about. I feel they can't possibly understand, also that they are scared of the whole issue because it is in our genes, on my mom's side of the family. Found this out when a cousin was diagnosed with Bipolar.  I'd be scared too, if I were them. They never ask me how I'm doing. That says it all, for me.

Sounds as if you are handling things well. Most of us seem to be very artistic, creative beings and I'm glad to hear you are getting into that. I had to laugh about your gaining weight remark. I just gained 15 pounds. YES, at least loss of appetite should be one of our many side affects!

I would love to hear from you if you would like to email me. I'm in the Member list. I'm writing a book about having both Fibromyalgia and Bipolar Disorder and would love to have your input. Thank you.
FibroBipoGal

Post Edited (FibroBipoGal) : 4/16/2006 9:14:55 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/16/2006 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BRENDA SUE, Thanks for your post. Please see my reply to NAN BLACK. I would love to hear from you. Please email me if you'd like to communicate. I would welcome your input and ideas for my book on having both Fibromyalgia and Bipolar. I'm in the Member List.
You certainly have a full load to bear and are a very strong woman!  We all are, since we're still here and posting on this great site. I've been disabled for 10 years and had to quit working then, when I was 55.


Best Wishes,

FibroBipoGal.

Post Edited (FibroBipoGal) : 4/16/2006 9:26:21 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/9/2006 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
I have both.  My fibro pracially went away when I found out I had Celiac disease and started following a Gluten-free diet.  I guess I was misdiagnosed for 10 years.  1 out of 133 has it, but the medical community thought it was 1 out of 2000 in this country and didn't start testing for it until recently.  Perhaps people diagnosed with bp and fibro could benefit from a simple Iga Igg anti gliaden blood test. 
Posted 7/13/2006 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes! I am bipolar and have fibromyalgia.  I take mirapex for my fibro at night and it was working well until my bipolar condition exaccerbated; now the fibro has exaccerbated also. I have been under stress at work and have been working long hours and feel exhausted and I ache everywhere. now I have insomnia, can't get comfortable in bed, just ache all over.  I have a doctor appt next Monday, hope to add some other med.  I used to take baclofen for the fibro and it worked well.  Maybe I will ask if I can take it and the mirapex.  I also grew up in a house where expressing emotions or opinions was forbidden.  All that suppression over the years has to have an effect.  Good luck and let me know if you have any suggestions for me. 

Posted 7/24/2006 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everybody...I'm new here.

I've got Fibromialgia, Coxakie viral disease, Bipolar and temporal lobe epilepsy....now. it sounds terrible, but actually I'm doing quit fine. I only use lamictin and lots and lots of magnesuim and vitamins. All 4 works together. When I get a coxakie attack, my fibromialgia gets worse, My bipolar depression gets out of hand and it all trigger temporal lobe epilepsy. Since I've been on lamictin and magnesium, I have a life for the first time. I get lots of spasms, but I keep "excercising" and with that I mean walking a little everyday. When I do nothing, I can't move, so I keep going!
Most of these things, especialy bipolar, I fight with positive thinking and coping skills. When I get a coxackie attack, I increase magnesium, coz that make the fibromialgia worse. Later you learn to know your symptoms and learn how to deal with it. When I started to treat coxacki, my fibromialgia got 80% better and so does my bipolar.It is only my temporal lobe epilepsy which is difficult, but since I've been on Lamictin it is very much under controll. I'm just so so tired sometimes, but I'm doing fine. The more meds they gave me, the more I got worse. My docter can't belief that I'm doing so fine. I got fibromialgia from coxakie and my sister has lupus(SLE) and even she is doing fine by controlling her cortizone herself.

Positive thinking is the winner in this all, but sometimes like today it is so hard and I feel I can sleep and never wake up again.

My main coping skill is my pc!...LOL!
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