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Posted 6/29/2011 6:06 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to introduce myself. I am very new to the diagnosis, 3 wks ago. I was put on Savella and have to say I have not had the side effects that I have heard many have. I have Tramadol for pain but that is because I specifically asked for non- narcotic. I have been suffering from my symptoms for over 2 yrs but was afraid to say anything for fear the doc would think I was crazy. Only when it started disrupting my schooling did I finally seek help for it. I am a full time respiratory therapy student and I will do what ever it takes to finish my schooling and succeed in my field. I am married to a wonderful guy who is very understanding, although not too helpful :).

It is my understanding that most people's pain starts in the upper body. Mine, however started with my legs and they still give me the most trouble. I have constant burning pain and often what feels like bugs biting me. My upper body does flare up at times. The headaches I have had since I was a small child so I will not say they aren't awful but I learned at a very young age how I have to deal with those. There are days that I just cannot bring myself to get out of bed but I am hoping that the savella will help me with this as I make my way.

I hope to get to know some of you. I think it is very important to have a support system that can understand you. There have been many points in my life that I needed one and do not know how I would have gotten through otherwise.

God bless.
Meesee
Posted 6/29/2011 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Meesee~

And welcome to the Fibro Family! You sound like an amazing woman with all you are involved in and you still keep going.

My first major fibro pains were in my legs also. I would especially notice it when I went to the library...sounds silly, huh?...lol But the books I was looking for were always on the bottom shelf. When I squatted down to find them my legs were in screaming pain and I almost couldn't get back up. I also had trouble with my neck/shoulder area but never associated it with fibro. But over time I've learned that it's just another part of the picture.

DO finish school You can and I'm sure you will. But also make time to let your body rest. Exercise and movement is a must but so is thorough rest!

Keep in touch!
Chutz
Posted 6/29/2011 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Meesee, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined the family.  Fibro started in my toes and worked it's way up my body in a 45 minute period of time!  This is the strangest illness and everyone is different and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another, either.  So, you have to try things to see what will help  you control the pain. 

 

I use a couple of things that aren't medicine.  One is malic acid/magnesium supplements and the other is extra virtamin D3.  These have helped me with pain and fatigue.  I did talk to my doctor before I started this.  I was deficient in vitamin D and many people are!

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  Good starting links are called Symptoms and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia.  There are also links about the vitamin and supplements I mentioned above and how they work in the body.

 

You do need to keep moving with fibro or you will be stiff as a board.  There are some good stretching exercises that you can do sitting down on Fibro 101.  I do these periodically throughout the day.  I also walk and swim as a daily exercise.  These are gentle exercises as well as yoga and I'm sure there are others, too.  I'm just lazy!  wink

 

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

Posted 6/29/2011 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You ladies for your welcome. I will be checking out the Fibro 101. I had a ton of bloodwork done on Monday so I am waiting on those results. They did the typical tests along with checking all my vitamin levels, iron level, and are running an ANA. All together I had 12 different tests run. I guess we will see how they come out and adjust my regimen accordingly. I try to stay as active as I can I walk my dog everyday and I do low impact pilates. Unfortunately I also spend good amount of time sitting with class and studying and let me tell you I pay for that! But all is for the betterment of myself so I will cope. Thank you for pointing me the direction of some useful information and I appreciate your kindness. I wish there was a support system available to me when I was diagnosed with my liver disease. I have Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) it is essentially a death sentence but I am beating the odds right now by leading a healthy lifestyle and following instructions.

Meesee
Posted 6/29/2011 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Meesee, we have a Hepatitis forum on HealingWell, too.  You might want to go over there and check that out.  I think they talk about various liver ailments.  All the forums here are great!

 

Sherrine

Posted 6/30/2011 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Meesee, I'm new here too. I feel like my legs are often worse than my upper body too. Are you young? It sounds like you're in college. I am too so I know what it is like going to school with fibro. I hope to get to know you too. :)
Posted 6/30/2011 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, I hope you learn a lot. Knowledge makes a huge difference.
Posted 6/30/2011 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the group!
It also started in my lower body for me, my hips and klegs especially, my hips are still the worst even now.
Upper body started later but i must say the flares are often more on the upper body, but i think this is mostly because i have started getting used to the lowe body pain, so i don't notice it as much as when it's in my shoulders for example.
I admire u for pushing through in college! I know stiting all day can make it all a lot worse. I have an office/desk-job so i know how it is. Luckily about 30 procent of the time i havbe to run small errands outside so it gives me little walks, they always help :)

I hope you feel very welcome here, let me assure everybody here is very helpfull and they have loads of good tips and advice on a variety of subjects!

Fiona
Posted 6/30/2011 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Marrissa I am 34 so not all too young turn I am a Respiratory therapy student and love it. Thank you everyone so much for making me feel welcome. Do any of you have times where you realize that subconciously all of your muscle are tightened. I do this very frequently when I am in the greatest amount of pain. I have to make myself breathe and relax my body.
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