Finally diagnosed

Hi all.

I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after many years of experiencing symptoms. When I first developed symptoms I was in my 20s and had small children and the doctor brushed it off saying it was normal for a young mum to feel tired. At 26 I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroid Disorder and was told once the tablets took effect I would feel better, but I didn't. When I was 29 I started going through early menopause and that was blamed for the symptoms. Then I was told I had Bi Polar disorder and pumped full of anti depressants that really didn't help at all. How would they, when I was being treated for the wrong illness!

Then in my 40s I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and have used a CPAP machine ever since which helps a bit.

Somewhere in amongst all this I had an accident and damaged two discs in my neck which gave me even more pain in my neck and shoulders.

Well I am now in my 50s and FINALLY I met a doctor that took me for serious and took a heap of tests and referred me to a specialist who diagnosed Fibromyalgia.

At first I felt angry towards all the doctors that brushed me off.

Then I felt sad when I realised I would never get well. Although after having the symptoms for nearly 30 years I figured they were here to stay, but I think a little part of me still hoped one day I would find a cure.

Now I am starting to understand why I feel so tired after doing normal things like a day out shopping. I realize I will need to make some changes to how much I take on so I have enough energy for the really important things.

I am currently single and have four adult children who have pretty much always known me to be 'sick'. When I told them I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia they seemed to think it was no big deal because Mum has always been like this and has somehow coped. I was hoping for a bit more sympathy, but I guess in a way it was a compliment from them. After my marriage broke down I moved town and have tried to make new friends but sometimes I get the feeling they think I am a bit strange. Always too tired to go out and have fun. When I explained to them about Fibromyalgia they responded with a blank stare and mumbled about so and so that has that and seems to do OK.

So I thought I would try the good old internet for information and have been impressed with what I have read so far. There are so many symptoms I have experienced for years and thought I just needed to eat better food or get more exercise or just get my act together and now I am reading about other people experiencing the same things as I have.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story and thanks for all the good info and advice. I am expecting to be back here frequently in the coming weeks.

But now, fibromyalgia is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American College of Rheumatology, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization...just to name a few.  There are doctors out there devoting their careers to finding a cause for this illness...and then a cure.  I hope I'm around to see this, too.  So keep the faith.  I do believe help is on the way.

I'm a widow with three adult children and they never knew me when I was well.  I don't even remember being healthy for too long.  But they do understand because they have watched me for years, seen me struggle to do things.  They want to help me but most of the time I tell them I can handle it.  Stubborn?  Yes!  But being a perfectionist, I wanted things done the way I thought they should be done. 

The good news is that you can still have a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.  I hope you are finding things that are helping you get control of your pain.  I wish there was one thing that we could take and it would help everyone but that's not the case with fibro.  What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.  We have to try things to see what helps us.

What works for me is ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements, and a muscle relaxer.  This, along with walking daily as a gentle exercise, daily stretching exercises, and pacing myself when doing things have helped me live a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.  Sure I have crummy days but I do look forward to each new day with anticipation because it could be a good one.  Yep, I'm a positive thinker and that has helped me almost as much as medication in dealing with fibro.  I look at what I can do, I look at all the blessings all around me, and I do smile a lot.  (It makes people wonder what I've been up to!  )

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.  There are links to the supplements I mentioned, too, along with a link of symptoms and even a link about maintaining a positive attitude when living with chronic pain. 

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

Hi.  I'm really glad you found your way here, because we offer each other so much support.  (Of course, no one is happy about having Fibro, but that's another story!)  Since we do, we can at least enjoy the camaraderie! 

I'm in my 50s too, and like you, I've been dealing with this since I was a new mother in my late 20s.  I was lucky enough to find a great doctor within about 5 years, who I still go to.

But those years were tough!  I was brushed off as lazy, whiney, looking for attention, etc. etc.  I met a lot of real unfortunate doctors....one doofus even told me, "Get your husband to take you out for Mexican food, because the spices will clear your sinuses and you'll be able to think better."    

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  It sounds like you have a lot to deal with, and yet you still have a great attitude.

Debbie