Hello everyone

I'm new here. I've been suffering from a lot of issues, different ones over varying amounts of time, and recently have been feeling at my worst. My family doctor is concerned that I might have fibromyalgia (although we're not really sure what it might be and want to rule things out), and I am waiting to see the rheumatologist for the first time later in September. I'm just trying to hang in there for now and take care of what I can.

Just a quick list of some of my symptoms (mainly just to share since I don't have much more for a "getting to know me" type of post):
- I have had a long period of time with severe depression and anxiety issues, although I have been a lot better the past couple of years.
- Severe exhaustion, and never feeling rested.
- Lack of strength and fitness. There are times I can barely lift my arms or do even the simplest things. A year and a half ago I was close to jogging for 40 minutes (I had been building up to possibly trying a 5K), and then suddenly I could barely jog even 3 minutes. Since this spring, I was even struggling with walking and I was always a very strong and fast walker.
- Pain in muscles and joints... varying levels and locations. I've noticed as time goes on, the locations tend to be about the same although some days are better than others.
- Sensitivity... sometimes even the lightest touch almost feels like jabbing or sandpaper.
- Feeling like I'm on the verge of getting sick or getting a fever, even though the thermometer gives me a normal reading (I usually tend to run low on this thermometer, so who knows if it is a slight fever) as well as ending up drenched in sweat when I feel like that.
- Forgetting words and details, and having issues focusing and remembering things.

I am not currently taking any medications except for a Vitamin D (I'm deficient with D and need to see how that's going). I'm very fortunate that I have a very understanding husband who has a pituitary tumor. He was told for years that everything was "all in his head" until he had trouble with one of his eyes (it was pressing against the optic nerve), so he always listens to what I say and feel. We have also been with our doctor for at least 15 years or so, and he knew something was up with how I was feeling and the things I was going through. I'm sure I'll continue having great support and help.

This looks like a very helpful and friendly place, so I wanted to go ahead and sign up. Oh yeah, and I chose my name because I love mockingbirds and the little "wing dance" they do always puts a smile on my face. I tried to think of something different to use for this forum, and wanted something positive... that was the first thing that came to my mind. :)

Best wishes to you all!

Just remember, those same people who seem to be getting fed up with your friends who think  "my aches and pains and this it's all in my head"..those people probably would never be able to deal with what you are going through.  We are the stronger people.

I have no answers for either of you, just keep at it.  It seems often times it takes wayyyy to long to be diagnosed.

Thank you everyone for the very nice welcome :)

I know there's a chance this may not be fibromyalgia, or it might even be a mixture of a few things... and that it also might take a long time to find any results. I'm just glad to have a place to "compare notes" so to speak (I've already discovered a few things that have helped me out just by reading a few threads or doing specific searches -- even if it just means learning I'm not alone).

It's also nice to have a place to come and chat if I need to, since the only person I really have to talk to about this is my husband. I don't know how any of my friends feel about my situation, or if they're just feeling so bad for me they don't know what to say, but lately I've been feeling ignored even when I'm not talking about my "aches and pains" :/ Just a tad frustrating since I've always felt a little in the background to start with. I'm actually very quiet about my personal life, but every once in a while it's just nice to be acknowledged.

So, it's nice to meet you all. Best wishes to you, and I look forward to learning more!

Welcome- I hope you will learn a wealth of information because I did. It's a great place to have, especially during those difficult days. I hope you find out what going on in your body soon.