Newbie

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site and have enjoyed reading and relating to your discussions.

I was recently diagnosed with FMS but I am sure I have had it for many years. Originally my PCP diagnosed me with CFS and referred me to the rheumy. She diagnosed me with FMS with a fatigue component. Not sure what the heck that means. My fatigue is truly overwhelming. She also feels that I have some other autoimmune disorder going on. Testing really has not yet revealed anything else. I am seeing her again tomorrow and I have no idea where to go from here. All I know if that the fatigue is terrible! Seems I have 1 good day followed by 3-4 bad ones. I quit my job in April to take care of my health. I have always put everyone else above me. I am finding it hard to be home all the time and it certainly does not help with my depression. However, there is no way that I could work right now. I was employed FT for the past 36 years so I am a little lost.

Sorry for rambling but I was hoping that you might have some suggestions for what I should pursue with the Dr tomorrow. I truly need some help to muddle through this maze. Anything you have to offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Welcome buddy boy to the fibro forum. Sounds like your on to a good start trying to improve your health. Not working will be to your advantage right now. It doesn't mean you can't go back. I wish I had stop way before I got so sick. I am off work due to my health also.

The fatigue and pain is very common with us fibromites. We all are so different in how our bodies respond. Some can work 40 hrs. and others like me can't. The fatigue can be treated several ways. It's a good thing to have things check out that could be causing fatigue other then fibro. I just got over severe fatigue and found out it was my thyroid to low. I feel so much better. It could be anemia or lack of sleep. My Dr. Says the fatigue is from poor sleep. Sometimes trying a sleep aid does the job. It could be just chronic fatigue syndrom. There are some meds that I know others have taken for it. I would recommend going to the chronic fatigue forum and see what others are taking for it. I have to treat mine with mostly natural methods. I had to stop work and I rest when I need to.

I would recommend making yourself a schedule for home. I plan my day out and try to stick with it as much as possible. It helps, especially if you have to much time on your hands. Staying fairly busy keeps me out of the poor me syndrom. Lol

It took about a year before I really felt good. I learned most all my remedies from this forum. I am happy to say that I feel good. I finally feel like I have good control over my fibro. Read and educate yourself as much as you can. Let us know how your appointment goes.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 8/28/2012 12:26:04 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks to all of you that replied and offered me a little encouragement. I had my follow up with the Rheumy yesterday. After much discussion, she still believes that I have some type of auto immune disorder in addition to the FMS. We agreed that I would stay on the 90 mg cymbalta but we are going to try a "trial" of 1 month on prednisone. My blood tests have indicated that I have inflammation in my system and she thinks it is the immune disorder that is being allusive. She is hoping that the prednisone my put me in remission from whatever flare that I am having at this time. It is simply an experiment to see if it will help me. Until other symptoms become more apparent or prominent, it looks like I am going to be chasing another demon. One good thing, she says I need a vacation due to the amount of stress I am under. Gatlinburg.....here I come!!!

On a good note, I have felt better today. Hoping that this is the beginning of something good. First day in quite awhile that I haven't had to nap through the day!!! Hooray...pray this is just the beginning. Again, thanks for your support and concern. Hopefully I can be here for all of you too! Blessings to all.....

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I have been tested for thyroid, anemia, RA, lupus....pretty much the gamut of things they would test. The only indicators at this time are elevated Sed rate and CRP. The trial is for 1 month starting with 10mg per day/week and reducing weekly from that. Her hope is that it might put me is "remission" from some of these horrible symptoms. One month only....so we shall see if it helps! It is so frustrating to have all these tests and seems nothing ever shows. Not that I want to have anything....just want to know what it is and how to treat it. I will keep you all posted on how this goes until the next visit with rheumy in a month. Again, thanks for sharing and being there to listen. Hope you all enjoy a nice holiday weekend!! Kathy