New and sad and overwhelmed

Hi. Was finally, finally diagnosed today after months of illness and symptoms and thousands of dollars worth of tests to rule out everything. Not once did fibromyalgia cross my mind because of an insanely itchy rash that kicked all of these symptoms into motion. I've been bedridden and hospitalized and seen so many doctors and finally today a consultation with a new rheumatologist resulted in a much awaited diagnosis, but I am having trouble wrapping my mind around what this really means. I am 40 years old and I called my mom first because sometimes I just want my mommy, but she said she was happy with this diagnosis as if it was a cakewalk compared to other illnesses. What? Really? Not happy about any of this. Not happy to be sick or have a chronic illness diagnosis. I am so sad I can't see straight right now. Thanks for letting me vent. If there is anyone here who has dealt with rash and/or itching, please share.

Thanks so much!

Hi, Owchihuahua, and welcome. I developed fibro the day I took my last prednisone for...a rash! It was a flat rash on my stomach and was quite itchy. I honestly never gave the rash a thought until you mentioned it...and I've had fibro for nearly 26 years! So who knows? I was two weeks shy of my 40th birthday, too.

But I can tell you this, through trial and error, you wil find what will help you keep the pain under control and you can live a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness. I know because I have.

I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol. Malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements to help with pain and fatigue. The only prescription medication I take is a muscle relaxer that has helped me significantly. I walk daily as a gentle form of exercise. If you sit or lay too long, you will be stiff as a board and have more pain. I also pace myself when doing things. It all gets does get done but in a different time frame.

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. Good starting links for you are called Symptoms and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. Also there are links about the supplements i mentioned and how they work in the body. You just might see yourself there.

I know a diagnosis of fibro is frightening but, as Karen said, there really are worse things out there. I have traveled overseas several times, parasailed, stood on a glacier in the Canadian Rockies, rode on Splash Mountain at DisneyWorld with its 55 foot drop, and much more with fibro. I just have never allowed fibro to rule my life. I have found ways to work around fibro to do the things I really want to do. So you do have a good life ahead of you with many great memories.

I have a positive attitude and that has helped me about as much as medication. I do look forward to each new day because it could be a good one. You see, fibro waxes and wanes so that is good. I also try to keep stress out of my life as much as possible. That isn't easy but every little bit helps.

We do understand what you are going through so don't worry about venting. Sometimes that really helps. We also have wonderful members who love to help one another and, as a bonus, really do care about each other, too. I think you will like it here.

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 to the forum!

I too am newly diagnosed, but have suffered for over a year now with pain.

I can understand how you feel. I too was so upset, and I bawled my eyes out for days. It does get better once you have the support in place from places like this forum, and of course at home. Your Mum is right with being happy - you have a diagnosis finally. I remember thinking the worst and thoughts ran through my head about all sorts….even cancer. Thank goodness it's only Fibro.

Big hugs to you all the way from Australia.

Try and be positive, and take each day as it comes.

Tori :)

Owchihuahua, welcome to the group. Love your name. Hate having to meet you under these circumstances.

My body started rebelling when I turned 30 after I fell from a height of about 4 feet backwards onto my bottom/low back (even hit a rock). I had no way to break my fall. I think I was lucky not to have broken my back. My health problems started after that, but I didn't get a diagnosis until I was 41. I had no idea what was going on, but I finally saw a rheumatologist and was diagnosed.

Hello owch,

Sorry to hear about the issues you're going through. I believe fibromyalgia can be helped (not cured) with doing things naturally to help yourself along with prescribed meds to see if they help you. I can't take medications for the many syndromes of fibro. They generally make me feel worse and they give me lots of side effects. I still am in constant pain and I get my flares but I know I'd be worse if I didn't do the following:

Try and take optimal care of yourself through diet, daily light exercise, stretches, supplements, a good night's sleep, and try to keep your stress to a minimum.

Diet: My fibro symptoms become worse if I eat the wrong foods. I feel somewhat better when I eat the right ones and I sleep better too.

Daily light exercise: To release those feel good hormones and help relieve stress, to keep yourself limber and less tight. Exercise is good for depression issues also especially those walks outdoors.

Stretches: To help deal with the tightness.

Supplements: I take a good multivitamin, krill oil, and vitamin C.

Sleep: I would have a very difficult time sleeping if it wasn't for the sleep supplements I take.

Stress: Exercise helps with this and talking with a good friend. Coming into this forum and sharing also helps.

Due to my back and neck injury along with my fibro, I have to limit how much I do. For example how long I sit and where I sit, how long I stand, how long I walk, how much I lift, and how long I socialize.

When need be I see my chiropractor who is knowledgeable about fibro and I spend the money on a neuromuscular massage therapist.

Good luck to you.

Welcome,
I was told I had fibromyalgia this past summer after I kept complaining to my rheumy that I was still hurting after my Lupus diagnosis.
It's a battle some days, but we're all survivors.