Accepting that FM is REAL

Hi all,
I've been lurking here for a long time and decided it's time to become a member as I can use some support and hope to help others in the future as I did with my Chiari.

I was diagnosed with FM over 15 years ago. For several years I went through the typical, "it's all in your head", stuff. I was finally diagnosed by a podiatrist who referred me to a rheumatologist for conformation. At the time all the others doctors I dealt with would roll their eyes that FM was real.

I had symptoms that didn't fit with FM and for another 5 years was told, "it's all in your head". Even a neurologist told me I just needed to relax and meditate. In May, 2000 I had brain surgery for Arnold Chiari Malformation at UCLA medical center. The skeptics were right, it WAS all in my head!

After my surgery my top of the line NSG told me this would solve all my problems, FM was a junk diagnosis. The odd symptom was gone. but the FM symptoms remained. A few years later when I went to the NSG for a follow up I was told my problem was my weight and if I lost the weight I would be fine. So, I lost 100lbs. Guess what, my knees were happier, but my fatigue was worse and all over body pain (especially in neck and shoulders) were worse.

Fast forward to this last year. I have tinnitus so loud it impacts my hearing. My whole body buzzes as if in tune with my ears. Brain fog, extreme fatigue, blah, blah, blah just like everyone else with FM, but I still had doctors that if I said anything about FM not being real they would quickly agree. I had been TRAINED that it was a junk diagnosis. I had an awesome pain doctor who unexpectedly died this year (young guy) and I felt as though I lost the one person who was my advocate agreeing my pain was real.

I figured I must have MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, etc... because FM isn't real.

Long story, sorry, but it brings me to today. I've seen a new doctor, a rheumatologist (hadn't been to one in over 10 years, I just saw other specialty docs while looking for answers and my regular GP). She had a talk with me about how studies are showing how real FM is. I've been embarrassed to say that I have FM. I felt people would think of me as a lazy, depressed hypochondriac.

I am now in the acceptance phase. I have fibromyalgia. It's real and not in my head. I feel REAL pain, I have REAL fatigue and all of the other dozen or so symptoms I deal with daily. I'm a woman, I'm almost 49, I take care of myself and I thank you all for giving me the forum to tell this.

Connie

Welcome ticopuppy! I am glad you decided to jump in. I hope you find this very supportive as much as I have. It really has turned my life around. I finally got fairly good control of my fibro. It's so nice to have this feeling. I do have to give credit to not working a real job anymore. I think being away from the work stress made a huge difference in my health. It was nice like tonight I over done it. I was able to go lay down in a warm bed. When your working you don't get that chance to go to bed anytime. I know I am very blesssed to be home now. I count my blessings all the time.

I have learned so much here that my health has turned a 360 degree. I have got a treatment plan that came from here. I just now need to improve on my diet. Lol

I think we are going to see some changes with fibro in the medical field. It has just been added to the disability claim list I hear. I hope we continue to see you around.

Welcome, Ticopuppy, and thanks for sharing your story. I think doing so helps us, and for me, I try to see who else shares my symptoms.
This is a very friendly forum. Glad you are here!