New to Fibro....but not to Healing Well

Hello Everyone, my name is Beckey and I was recently dx'd with fibro. I originally joined HW because my sister was a member. My sister is damouthy1 (Shannon) and we live together with her children and my husband. We call this the "House of Pain". When I joined, I started in the Chronic Pain section because I injured my lower back over 3 years ago and have suffered since! I have spinal stenosis at L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1. Recently, I have just been getting worse. In May, I had what was suspected to be an RA flare! It was horrible and it was different from the other terrible stuff (unknown fibro at that time) that was going on!!! It was all in my joints.....I had, what I thought was the worst ear infection EVER, but it turned out to be my jaw joint.....that along with some other things, like grinding my teeth so bad at night it wakes my husband, led to my dx of TMJ. My SED rate was 57. Then later when I had an RA test it also came back extremely high....it was also 57, but my doc told me on that test 35-45 was high and over 45 was extremely high! So my next journey was the Rheumy....3 weeks later... where the test came back very high again....but because he was not "feeling" the RA in my fingers and could not see damage in the x-rays yet....he would not confirm RA! He did, however dx me with fibromyalgia. My sister has had that for a while and kept telling me that I had it also....I think she cursed me! LOL He wants me to come back when I have another flare.....can't imagine doing that though.....the flare was soooo bad and he is a 3 1/2 hour drive from my home! That's what I get for living in Nebraska...or so the Rheumy tells me! The best part was when he said...."but I am leaving in a couple weeks, and I will be gone until August 21st....so we can not have a flare during that time!" If I had it my way, I would not have another one at all!! The fibro flares are enough....thank you! So, I am in a holding pattern on a low dose of steroids waiting to see what happens with that!!

Anyway.....I am looking very forward to getting to know you all....I noticed there are some folks here I already know from CP! HW has been a life saver for me....well I think it stopped me from having a complete breakdown, at least! There are so many wonderful people here! Sorry for my long post....worst part is I already condensed it quite a bit!! Wishing everyone a LPD and low fibro fog!!

Take Care,
Beckey

Hi Beckey and welcome to our fibro family. Sorry you have to be here but this is one of the best places to be for supportive people. Dont be afraid to ask questions we will do our best to answer them. I will be praying that you dont have another flare for a long time too.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Thanks for responding Robin and Shirley! It is nice to meet you both! Do I have questions....???? Only a million, but I can't even begin right now. I am just very frustrated with everything! Just over 3 years ago, I was working on my feet 10 hours a day on concrete, staining and varnishing wood trim for homes.....prior to moving here from Colorado, I worked as a dispatcher for the Colorado State Patrol for 8 years, which required me to be on my toes and to use my brain. Now I feel like I can not do ANYTHING. Physically I am a total mess and mentally I am an even bigger mess!! I hate that my sister has even more stuff then me going on right now....but it is nice having someone who understands going through this with me! We had our spats growing up, but probably less then most sisters and we are very close! My husband (hubby #2) is a wonderful man and always stands by me! The only problem with him is....that he is a fixer and he can't fix this!! I also have a 21 yoa daughter who lives in Colorado....she has had her problems, but has grown up a LOT and is a very caring child! My nieces and nephews make me smile daily....and stress daily..LOL...but as long as the smiles outweigh the stress, we are good!! Not to mention 3 dogs and 4 cats! My dogs are amazing, with such distinct and wonderful personalities....So as far as love and support, I am very fortunate.....but this forum is still one of favorite places! :) :) :)

Sorry.....when I do feel a little better, I tend to ramble in my posts....because I miss posting a lot when I feel cruddy....which has been a lot lately!

Take care all!!
Hugs,
Beckey