New here... First post... i'll try to stay awake.

Hi everyone. I have just discovered you and this is my very first post.

I have had an over-active immune system and other health problems my whole life including asthma, eczema, migraines and mild neurochemical imbalances. I have faithfully taken my meds and
lived my life fully... some say TOO fully. I have always been an over-achiever who works 14 hrs a day and runs multiple businesses. I have also always been extremely creative and sensitive.

The past four months have been a shock to me. Not depressed but NO energy most of the time. Some times, i feel like using a walker wouldn't be a stretch. Other times, the fatigue is much milder for a week or
so and i can get some stuff done... alas, those times are usually coupled with horrid pain. Pain in every joint, in my chest, in my back. The pain and fatigue prevents me from sleeping in my own bed beside my own husband. I can only sleep on our couch which is 6 inches of solid foam.

After much testing, blood tests, pressure point tests etc, my doc has diagnosed me as having Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue. So far, the pain is not managed in any real way. Nothing seems to work. I am awaiting anxiously for an appointment with a rheumatologist.

I guess what i am saying is HI and HELP!

Thanks for the welcomes!

No Boo, i actually have closed the daycare i ran, greatly reduced my workload with my other two businesses down to about 20 %. See, i said i would try not to fall asleep! :D I meant to say that these days i can barely get just standard household chores done... as a matter of fact, one of the hardest things to deal with is how i feel like i am letting down my family. I try not to guilt myself but i am cranky and tired all the time and just not there for them like i know i should be. This is really hard on them and on me. I know you can all probably relate.

I have read that often fibro can accompany arthritis? I am wondering if this is my situation too... although my test results so far have not shown arthritis, my joints are constantly cracking, creaking and clicking... started about 5 years ago in some of my joints but in the past 6 months, really has started showing up or worsening in ALL of my joints. Heck, even my sternum cracks when i move sometimes.

Hi, Jane, and welcome!  I'm glad you found us and joined in.  The popping, crunching, and pain that feels like it's your joints could be the tendons and ligaments that fibro affects.  If I make a fist and then open my hand, my fingers will freeze and then pop open.  So, this could be fibro.

 

The back pain, chest, etc. is so much like most of us.  It sure isn't fun.  Be sure to read the Fibro 101 thread...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good information including a list of symptoms and information about malic acid/magnesium and how it works in your body.  I take that and it does help.  It would be something to talk to your doctor about.

 

You will learn how to pace yourself with fibro.  You can't do all you did in the same time frame as you did before this illness.  You need to break things up and do a little, rest, and do a little more.  Your body will teach you just how much  you can do at a time.  I take care of my home and I also do gardening.  Walking is a good exercise to help fibro along with swimming if you have access to a pool.

 

Try reading some back posts.  There is a world of information in them and also, don't hesitate to ask questions.  We are here to help you.  I'm glad you are here and I hope to hear more from  you soon.

 

Sherrine

 

 

thanks so much everyone. i sure will go read up all i can... once i get some rest. ;)

i am so looking into the malic acid and magnesium. i hate the pain but i prefer it over fatigue. I have already learned that i just simply cannot do what i used to. I used to do the work of 4 people before even lunch time... now i can do 1/4 the work of one person. it happened so fast too. Getting used to this new normal is frustrating but i am doing my absolute best to stay positive... one of the reasons i came and looked you guys up! Gotta laugh through the pain, smile when you have sleepy eyes, swim when you have the energy (best pain killer i have found yet) and hug everyone... even if it means to do so, you have to hug much softer, huh?