HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

new & needing advice

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/8/2010 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
blush  Newbie

 Hi there, I'm new so be patient with me.  I'm 45 yrs old, & I was diagnosed with Fibro

8 months ago(in Feb, 10) At the same time I also tested positive for RA.  In Feb 2006 I was diagnosed w/bi-lateral breast cancer.  I had a dbl mast., chemo, rads & all that goes along with it.So I thought everything was going well until I noticed a lump on my wrist that wouldn't go away.  Went to a hand specialist then was sent to rheumatologist. This diagnosis has left me devistated.  Just when I thought I was done with drs. and on my way to recovery. I'm in pain all the time. My wrist looks like it swallowed a golf ball.  My rheumy can't tell me if it's FM or RA that's causing all the pain.  I have trouble remembering things, ( is that normal with FM?)  I sometimes feel like my brain is mush. My husband has to remind me to take my meds constantly.  I can't concentrate, my vision has gotten worse. My knees are giving me problems, I have bulging discs (L4 & L5), degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel & ulnar tendintis.   I'm really scared how quickly things are happening to me.  Is there any hope of reversing any of these symptoms?  I'm trying to get disability because I haven't been able to work.  I keep getting denied. I'm extremely grateful for any words of advice or encouragement.  Thank you cry

Posted 9/8/2010 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, flwrchild, and I'm sorry you're having such a hard time! We are a friendly bunch here. By the way, what is causing the lump on your wrist? Not more cancer, I hope?

Pain all the time, to some degree, is unfortunately a reality of fibro. Trouble remembering things is extremely normal - we try to laugh about it all the time, not that it always works. My brain feels like mush, too - though in all honesty, it always kind of has - it's just worse now. Sometimes I think I've always had fibro.

Anyway, there will be others along to welcome you, so hang on!

Debbie
Posted 9/8/2010 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forums flwrchild. I'm sorry it's pain that brought you here, but you've found a good group of people who know exactly how you feel.

If you haven't already, read the post called Fibro 101. It's an extremely valuable resource and you're sure to learn much from it. From your description, I'd say that yes, your Fibro diagnosis is right on. What have your doctors said about the swelling in the wrist? Is it because of the lump, or in spite of it? I hope that they have scheduled some more tests for you, to truly determine what's going on.

In the meantime, you are going to be experiencing a lot of things...some pain, some frustration, and a whole lot of questions. I hope your doctors are working with you to help you, and that you're not having to fight them for pain meds or tests that might help.

Feel free to come here and vent when you need to. Make sure you do some exercise and/or walking and/or stretching every day. If you don't keep moving gently, your Fibro is more likely to flare up. Exercise in the water is especially good as there is no pressure on the joints or muscles - I do AquaSize and it's great. For your knee pain, you might want to ask your doctor about physio, to strengthen your quads, which will help ease the pain

hugs,
Pam
Posted 9/8/2010 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi flwrchild and welcome to our fibro family, we have a very supportive group of people here who are always willing to help out with questions if we can. Im sorry you have fibro but I just want you to know that you can still have a good life. You have fibro it doesnt have you. There is going to be good days and bad days but I have lived with fibro since I was very young and have still managed to live a productive life. I have raised a family of 5 children and am still married to my wonderful husband who has Multiple Schlerosis. I was able to work up until October of last year the the extreme fatigue made it impossible. I wont say it was easy and it is still hard at times but it is doable.
The lump on your wrist, is that caused by the RA, because I have never heard of anything like that with fibro.
Also wanted to tell you to do a search for Allsup they can help you with your fight for ssdi.
Once again welcome and feel free to ask questions, vent or just offer advice.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 9/8/2010 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
OMG, Thank you all sooo much.  YOu have no idea how much it means to me to get your responses so quickly.  I know now I've found a good home for my concerns.  I do swim & walk my dog at least 5 days a week.  I don't know what's causing the lump on my wrist. Oncologist ruled out any cancer, thank God. Rhuemy doesn't think it's RA because it's not symmetrical ( not on both wrists). Although my other wrist hurts in same area there is no lump.  We thought it might be a ganglion cyst so we tried the old fashioned, although a bit brutal, method.  Which is slamming a book on it to burst it.  Well, it didn't work. My rheumy is great though, he never denies me pain meds and we are doing a trial and error of meds to find what's right for me.  I'm on 400mg plaquenil daily, 5mg prednisone, 300mg neurontin,20mg fluoxetine,1 mg ativan, 2.5 mg femara. For pain I take percocet as needed. Also daily vitamins of vit. C, calcium w/D, green tea extract, black cohosh & evening primrose(for hot flashes). 

On my next chkup I plan on having him order some tests for my wrist.  Thanks Shirley for the suggestion on Allsup.  I will ck that out.

hugs & thanks,

Debbie wink

Posted 9/8/2010 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
 

 

 

 

Hi Debbie,  Greetings to you from another Debbie, I think you may be the 3rd Debbie on this forum, though it's a guess cause I'm relativly new here too.

 

You will find many kind, caring people here who also suffer with fibro, and many of us have other health issues were dealing with too.

 

I will be hoping and praying the problem with your wrist turns out to be nothing serious. Sounds like you have alot on your plate., Many of us here have alot of challenges in our lives as well, but still manage to enjoy all the good things we are blessed with having, family, laughter, and still trying to do the activities we enjoy as well, only have had to make adjustments, and try not to over do it. With fibro we learn to pace ourselves, and not do too much at once, or we pay later with a flare up, which means having more pain later. Our bodies are different now, so learn all you can, and what works for you, and what doesn't.

With me as with many others here it is trial and error. So do not despair Debbie, it will get better. 

 

 My husband is pretty supportive, and also my kids, even though their across the country. I miss them so much every day, but visit as often as we can, and talk on the phone alot. Oooopppps, sorry, I'm beginning to ramble here,( tend to do that)   I have to watch myself, but it's a battle.  eyes     :-)   It just takes some adjusting to this illness called fibro, and I want to encourage you to read all the info and tips here, I know they have helped me so much.

 

I'm sorry also you are having to fight the disability war. I've just begun it myself.  With all you are suffering with I'm surprised you have been turned down several times, and I'm curious to know why if you don't mind sharing about that. I know the SSA can be unfair, turning people down all the time who are truly disabled. Don't give up the fight though, you will win sooner or later.

 

 

 

Just know you have found people who care in this forum. You can ask about anything thats troubling you, or just vent.  I have found it to be a safe haven to me, and hope you do too.

 

    Take care,and God bless,  Debbie S

Posted 9/8/2010 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Your poor body has really been through so much. So sorry. I know fibro. can cause a lot of pain and the brain fog can be so hard. Flares for me can vary. It can be different everyday. I wish I had a magic pill that could fix all of this.
Posted 9/8/2010 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi.  Sorry you have so much going on right now.  I know it can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. 

 

Fibro fog has had a huge effect on me.  I've gotten to the point where I write everything down I need to do.  I mean everything and cross it off the list when I've done it.  Otherwise, I can't remember if I did it or just thought about it  *lol*.  My family and I have learned to laugh about a lot of it which helps.  I survive at work because I've been there so long and know the routine and what's what.  To remember my med's and not take more than I should, I went to the drugstore and bought one of those daily pill boxes.  Mine has both a/m and p/m spaces for a full week.  Without using this, I would either be forgetting my meds almost daily, or taking more because I didn't think I took them.

 

It will get better as your doc comes up with a definitive diagnosis and as you learn a few little tricks to get through your day.  For the fibro fog, little suggestions as I made above.  For the pain and ability to get things done,  pacing yourself is very important.  For example, I never do a full house cleaning in one day.  I break it up throughout the week.  If I tried to do it in one day, I would certainly feel the pain for it.

 

Best wishes to you

 

Grace

Posted 9/8/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debbie, welcome to the family! This is a wonderful place...lots of caring and
supportive people here. We really do help eachother get through the tough days!

I'm glad to hear you exercise...that's one of the best things for us. I also have
degenerative disc disease and RA along with fibro. I also have a large lump on my
right wrist...it's the RA. I take Methotrexate, a low dose chemo immunosuppressant.
It helps slow down the progression of my autoimmune disease MCTD.

Taking one day at a time helps me. I also do deep breathing and meditation, it's
a wonderful stress reliever and helps with the pain. I also joke about eating
chocolate, at times it really helps.

I'm so glad you have joined us. Post often, WE CARE :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 9/8/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome. I am new here also. I am still trying to learn the ropes here. I also have fibromyalgia and I was diagonis last year but have had this since 1997. My memory is shot to peaces. I don't remember much about my life. I also have a bulging disc in my L5 L6. Disc Degentive Disease, diverticulitis, thyroid disease,pain all over, fatigue, forgetful ness. I feel for you. This is the most horrible thing to have, and unless you have it, you have no clue. When I have a bad day. I feel as though I have the flu, and all I hear myself say to myself is, I am in so much pain, It is worse this time. Which I don't know what worse this time means. Today is a good day today, for me. I have been told that exersice is the best medicine, but heck who wants to exercise when you feel so bad and in pain. I am taking NEURONTIN, it does help some but not totally. I have vicodan for when the pain is so severe, but only eases the pains, ( doesn't touch total pain) My email is if you would like to talk more. I hope that you feel better, and take care of yourself

Sunny's email is in her profile

Post Edited By Moderator (Sherrine) : 9/8/2010 11:07:13 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/8/2010 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Debbie, and welcome!  I see you've already found out what wonderful members we have here!  They love to help one another and, as a bonus, we really do care about each other, too!

 

You sure have been through the mill, haven't you!  It does sound like fibro and, yes, we do have memory problems.  We call it fibro fog.  We learn to write everything down and make lists and check things off as we do them.  We also learn to laugh at ourselves.  That is the best medicine.  Two days ago, I tried to start my car with the key to my freezer....again!  You'd think I'd have learned that lesson the last time I tried it.  Nope.  Won't turn on the car!  turn

 

I did have a lump on my wrist!  Not as big as a golf ball, but it did get close to the size of a marble.  It was on the bone on the inside of my wrist...right where my thumb meets my wrist.  Boy, was that ever sore!  It was warm to the touch and even the skin was slightly pink.  But, I did have problems moving my thumb and if you touched that wrist, WOW, you could scrape me off the ceiling!  It was on my right wrist and I'm right handed so I had great difficulty writing....to the point I was teaching myself how to write with my left hand.  I couldn't open jars or lift things either.  I did baby it, continued taking my ibuprofen with food, and you know what?  It started getting better!  It took months but now it is totally gone and I have absolutely no pain there.  I don't know what was going on but it's g-o-n-e now!  Hopefully that will happen to you.  I have never been to a rheumy and stuff like that I never mention to my doctor.  I know.  I'm bad.

 

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot.

 

I use ibuprofen (600 mg) with food and extra strength Tylenol to help with my pain.  I also take malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements that help with pain and fatigue, too.  There are links about these in Fibro 101 and how they work in the body.  They have helped me and some other members, too.

 

I'm glad to see that you do exercise.  That is wonderful!  If you sit or lay too long with this illness, you will be stiff as a board and in more pain.  So you are doing great!

 

You do need to stop worrying, though.  That is causing more pain for you.  You are worrying about the future and no one knows what the future holds!  Who knows?  They might find what causes this illness tomorrow!  Wouldn't that be wonderful?  So, we just take one day at a time and look forward to the new day with anticipation.  We all can handle one day! 

 

We also will help you learn how to work around fibro and have a full and enjoyable life.  I know I have!  Attitude plays a really big part in how  you will feel.  So, look at your many blessing and don't think about the bad stuff going on.  That will only pull you down and make you feel worse.  You will find that if you find diversions, the pain fades some in the background.  Genealogy is my diversion.  I'm sure there are things you like to do that will keep your mind occupied and not thinking about illness.

 

I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from  you soon.

 

Sherrine 

Posted 9/8/2010 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you again everyone.  Your responses are overwhelmingly wonderful.

I have gotten to a point now where I am writing everything down.  I have to get used to doing just small portions of stuff every other day or so.  I used to go full out all day cleaning or whatever.  Now I know I can't do that.  I pay for days afterward if I do.

YOu know, it really didn't make sense to me why SSA denied me.  It was rather confusing, they said it had something to do with the fact that I hadn't NOT worked for the past 6 months.  Which didn't make sense because it had been over 6 months since I worked when I applied.  I'm still cking with them every other day or so.  I have a friend who helps people fight for their SSA so if need be he will go to bat for me.

I'm definitely going to get one of those pill containers that sounds perfect.

Although I've had alot to deal with I feel blessed that I have the support of my family, friends and now all of you.  I feel validated in what I'm going through. 

God Bless, Deb wink

Posted 9/8/2010 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Deb, we were writing our posts at the same time.  Be sure to check out my post that is right above yours.  I told you about my painful wrist.  Maybe this is what is going on with  you.

 

Sherrine

Posted 9/9/2010 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherrine, Your post was very helpful. I'm heading to Hi-Health to get the malic acid & magnesium today. I did read fibro 101, very informative. After doing some research I'm pretty sure the swelling on my wrist is do to my RA. It's hard trying to figure out sometimes which bothers me more, the RA or the fibro. Like today, I feel like someone is hugging me really hard, my ribcage & back hurts.
I have not tried just taking ibuprofen & tylenol. I've always taken either vicodin or percocet for pain. I will try doing the ibu & tylenol, and if get's too bad opt for the latter. I would like to not depend on the hard stuff so much. Well I'm off for a walk with my doggy. Thanks for your help, & the laugh. Starting the car with the key to your freezer? Priceless!! :) lv2all, Deb
Posted 9/10/2010 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Sherrine,

Did you find that the Ibuprofen/tylenol regimen worked immediately? (like within an hour or so) Or do you feel like it's a cummulative effect?  I tried it today and found no relief from my pain & stiffness. sad   I'm trying to cut back on the percocet.

Thanks, Deb

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply