New here, howdy all!

Hello everyone! I'm new here, although over the past few days I have been reading here a lot.

I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia last week. (It'll be a week ago tomorrow.) The doctor thinks I also have lupus and/or arthritis. I also have kidney issues. (Chronic stones and pain)

I decided to finally post today because I'm having a horrible day today. The last several weeks have been bad, and even though I can get out of bed today without too much issue (cause seriously, when can I ever get out of bed without an issue!) I've been in bed most of the day today because I'm severely depressed today. I feel like everything has been dumped on me all at once with very little time to adjust...even though I've been dealing with this for the last 7 years. I'm glad to have a diagnosis, and a chance at some relief, but it's frustrating! Add to that the fact that my immediate family knows, but very few others do and it makes it difficult to deal with people outside of my house. I don't want sympathy, I want understanding. (My mother doesn't even know everything yet.)

Anyway, this is me. A wife. A mother of four.

Hi Abia 79....welcome to the fibro family! You are among others who understand. The people here are very caring and supportive. No one knows what this feels like unless you've been through it. We understand about the pain and frustration and share info to help eachother to get throygh the bad days.

I'm so sorry you are hurting...hoping the doc can get a diagnosis firmed up so that you get the treatment best suited to help you.

We are all so differant as to what meds help us...it is basically trial and error. Most of us find that soaking in a warm bath helps or using the moist heating pads. Exercise is not an option when you have fibro, lupus or arthrits...it is a must!!!

You will find what works for you....I walk to relieve stress and to get energized. I do deep breathing to relax and help out with the pain....meditaion helps too. For fibro, I presently take Savella and use flexeril a muscle relaxer when needed.

If you haven't already, please checkout fibro 101 on top of the page...you will find a great wealth of info there.

Take time to discuss your health with your family.Having a chronic illness can be very lonely and scary if you go through it alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Unless we tell people how we are feeling they have no way of knowing. I'm blessed to have great support from family and friends and of course my fibro family here....support will give you strength.

I'm so glad you have joined us...post often...we care! Please keep us posted :)

Hugs, Robin

I'm on Lyrica-50mg 2x/day, Folbee-1x/day, sulfasalazine-500mg 1x/day, Plaquenil-200mg 1x/day (actually, it's 1/2 a pill twice a day) I'm on OmegaRX 3 pills before meals every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I'm on Glucosamine Plus every Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I don't take either of those on Sunday. I'm also on Potassium Citrate 1080mg 3x/day.

My rheumatologist was only in the room for about 7 minutes total. He came in with a nurse. She sat down at the computer and he introduced himself. That's when he began speaking so fast I barely understood what was going on. Thankfully my husband was there, and was able to catch most of it. The doctor told the nurse that I have Renyaund's, I'm double jointed (never knew that), I have water on my knees (been in therapy for knee pain and hip pain...got an orthopedic surgeon for that), and then babbled. Hubby said it was during this time he said Fibromyalgia. He told me that some women have issues with their pubic sympsis, and pushed on mine...that nearly knocked me out, it hurt so bad. He talked about my feet, my knees, my hips, my elbows, my shoulders...the list goes on and on. He then gave me a shot in the hip, and one in the shoulder.

And then he walked out of the room.

The nurse turned around and said "I know it's a lot to process. That's why I'm here. I'm going to explain it to you." She then told me that he said I have fibro...but that's only about 80% of my pain and issues. He thinks I have some form of arthritis, and he's afraid that I have either Hashimoto's or Lupus, and he's leaning more toward Lupus. She then led me to another room, where another nurse talked to me about my diet and told me to change everything. I'm on a modified Zone diet. I have to eliminate gluten, as well as bad carbs...I'm also not allowed rice or pasta. My whole diet has been turned on it's head and it's horrible! (I'm trying to start my bakery! How can I taste test things?!?!) In addition, I'm not allowed any red meats. Only chicken and fish. (Not good when you own a BBQ joint!) The second nurse then told me I had to buy the glucosamine and omega, and it would be best if I bought it from them because they had the prescription strength.

I then was taken to the lab and had several vials of blood drawn. They also took a urine sample.

From there, I went to have a full body laser scan to check bone density. Then I had x-rays of my knees, ankles, feet, elbows and hands.

I'm lost to say the least. I have Tylenol 3 if I need it. It knocks me out. I have four kids, 14, 13, 13 and 9. They've done enough in this life to help me out. The last thing I want is for them to have to help out more because mommy is passed out on pain relievers. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who helps and his boss and co-workers are amazing! They let him work from home.

I'm sorry, I've gone on and on. I'm just so frustrated right now. I've waited for 7 years to find out what's wrong and although I have a name to it, I have more restrictions than anything.

Hi, Abia, and welcome!  I know it's hard when first diagnosed but some are relieved that now they know what they are dealing with.  Now you can face it head on.  Curling up in bed doesn't help but it does make your pain worse!  You need to keep moving with fibro or you will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  I'm not suggesting you run out and get a ten year contract at the gym.  You just need to keep moving.  Having four children should help you but you need to do stretching exercises and a gentle exercise daily.  I walk for my exercise.  It's a real mood lifter, too.  Get out and enjoy the scenery, the flowers, the critters, etc.  It's a better view than the ceiling of  your bedroom! 

 

The exercise will help with your depression, too.  I have had a few bouts with depression and that's when the walking started.  I would feel better and have more energy by the time I got home and I wasn't as depressed, either.  Then, when I got down again, I'd head out the door.  My dog loved it!  It really will help you.  By the way, I have a rheumatoid arthritis condition so I do know what you are talking about.  But walking shouldn't hurt you and it will keep you more flexible.  Water exercise is another good one or swimming.  Some like yoga, too.  I do have a walking-in-place video that I use for 15 minutes a day when the weather isn't good...which is rare since I live in Florida. 

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  You just might see yourself there, too.  You will find stretching exercises and some supplements that have helped with pain and fatigue, too, so check it out.  There is a link about maintaining a positive attitude that has helped me a lot.  I'm a positive thinker and it has helped me as much as any medication.  Knowledge is power.

 

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

 

Sherrine

Welcome Abia!!

Cheer up and put on some great music! At least you have a diagnosis now, a starting point to begin babysteps to healthy living. We all care here and know how you feel.