New to Site

I was diagnosed in November 2010 between my primary care and my neurologist. I am 40 years old and have also battled degenerative disc disease since my early 20's of which I have had to laminectomys and one fusion. I too like so many get so frustrated and often wonder whatever did I do that was so horrible in my life to be given the body I have. For years I suffered from endometriosis and after 4 surgeries finally last year had a full hysterectomy. For years I have suffered from depression primarily diagnosed by my primary care but have recently finally chosen to see a psychologist and psychiatrist for counseling and more. Approximately, 4 years ago I finally got so upset by my weight I sought treatment and was fortunate enough to have insurance cover my Lap Band surgery and am happy to say I have maintained a 80lb. weight loss. I really thought that getting the weight off would solve a majority of my aches and pains. Needless to say it didn't. I have worked the majority of my life up until last year when things have just gotten so overwhelming, intolerable pain you name it. I finally reached a point I simply could not work through it. I was self employed the last 7 yrs. which at least afforded me the ability to only go in a couple of hours as able. Just 2 weeks ago after 5 days in hospital I was also diagnosed with IBS ( I know lucky me right, like I don't already have enough going on) The fogs I find myself in are ridiculous and the insomnia for over 5 years lets just say has taken its toll. I have lost interest in doing things with family and friends, I have more bad days/hours than good. So far my doctors have me on Gabapentin 4x's a day, ambien 15mg. at night, amrix 15mg. 2 at bedtime, a Tens unit, Lidocaine patches 3 a day, Cymbalta 60mg a day, xanax as needed due to panic attacks (generally caused by my inability to cope with day to day things and feeling overwhelmed with needs of kids and inability often due to pain to do what I feel in the moment I should be able to as a mother). Thankfully I have a supportive husband who does what he can to help. I have had so many tests between mri's, cats, injections, physical therapy, xrays, blood work ups you name it. It in itself is overwhelming having had so many doctors appointments sometimes as many as 4 in one week for months just trying to feel better. I finally filed for disability and as I'm sure no one is surprised but was denied back in April and now am on the long waiting list for a hearing (from what I hear from attorney could be 2012 before I even get a date) and needless to say I'm not optimistic from things I have read and heard. I know my age really works against me but what can I do. I worked through it for years longer than I probally should have just to try and contribute to my family and simply reached a point I can't anymore and finally after years broke down and am finally trying to seek the medical treatment to try and find a way to cope and manage my day to day. It's no wonder so many of us have MDD which they also diagnosed me with last month. I realize I'm going on and on and for that I apoligize. I have never written on a board before and it just feels like there is so much we all have to get out after so many years of frustration, costs, pain and loss.

Hi Mobrook and Welcome to the family. This is a really wonderful group of ppl. Believe me, we do understand. I found myself saying 'Yeah' w/ almost everything on your list. I have had FMS all my life, have DDD, OA, IBS, and several other things. I had to have an hysterectomy a few yrs back. I just couldn't deal w/ the hemorrhaging all month, every month, weakness, and anemia. It also seemed to be the final thing to kick the FMS into HIGH gear.

I've lived w/ insomnia all my life. I take rx for a cpl of med issues I have, but for pain and sleep, I stick to OTC - Tylenol Arthritis, Advil PM, etc. I have had toooo many reactions to meds, so I try to keep it simple.

I wasn't able to return back to work. I had to apply for SSD, was turned down 2x. After the first time, I got a lawyer. I finally had a hearing and I won. I'm still waiting for my back pay. Hopefully, that will show up while I'm among the living. LOL

I will suggest a few things, read as much as possible about FMS, books, articles, the posts here, Fibro 101 - the second post on the first page. A goldmine of information. One of our Mods, Sherrine, spent a lot of time compiling this post and it is a treasure - and so is Sherrine! We need to exercise, walking, gentle stretching, swimming in warm water, NOT body building stuff. That would kill me. LOL  Remember Knowledge is POWER!

It's good that you are going for counseling, that should help you get some ideas to help you. I have a problem w/ stress and anxiety, too. Several of the lovely ladies here helped me when I had some ER worthy anxiety attacks.

One of the best things you can do for yourself, you have just done. This forum is a blessing!! We all have found a home here, advice, great info, friendship, kindness and we have all gotten stronger - TOGETHER.

Don't apoligize about your post, sometimes you just need to get 'it' out, hope venting helped to reduce your stress.

God bless.  Alice.

FYI: My disability was not granted 2 me because of my FM. (In NC). It was because I also have Meneire's Disease.This
causes dizziness,nausea,balance difficulties(all the time)ringing in ears and hearing loss.U "never"know when it's gonna
hit either.Also causes cramping & upset stomach.Because I couldn't find a job that would permit my being able 2 go lie
down if a spell hit; the judge granted the disability.But I had 2 fight myself.My PCP said I'd never get it because I wasn't
"old"enough.

Hi, Mobrook, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined the family.  We all know what you are talking about and have lots of suggestions, too.  You see, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another so we need to try things to see what helps us control our pain.  You will learn from all of us what helps us and then you can try things out and see what helps you.

 

I take ibuprofen with food, extra strength Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, and vitamin D3 supplements to help with my pain and fatigue.  I add to that gentle stretching exercises found in Fibro 101, daily gentle exercises (I walk and swim), and gentle massages.  I also pace myself.  The work all gets done but in a different time frame.  Oh, there are also links in Fibro 101 about the vitamin and supplements I mentioned above.  It will explain how these work in your body.

 

I do have disability.  I received it the first time I applied but I was a recent widow and was unable to work.  I also have a severe hearing impairment and am legally deaf.  I'm sure this helped me along.  I was 52 when I got it but they had to go back two years to when my husband died so I did get a good size lump payment.  I'm so thankful for this.  BUT, we do have members who have gotten disability with just the diagnosis of fibro.  It isn't easy but it can be done.  Also, fibro is starting to get recognized as a true illness.  That will help things along.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine