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coming to terms on falling apart

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Posted 9/2/2012 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I am a new member and I am coming to terms with what I may have.  I have not been Dx(ed) but I may have Fibromyalgia and/or Psoriatic Arthritis.  My Rheummatologist hasnt decided what it is yet.  I have tried several drugs and they have not been helpful with the swelling and joint pain.  I do get body fevers, with no actual fever, and feel like I am getting the flu.  I also get sensitive skin like sandpaper.  It is usually after a big activity like camping with the family or visiting the water park.  lately after my last visit to the water park I could not get up and my joint pain has been really bad.  All of my joints hurt but my hands seem the worst. My body feels hot to the touch in the areas that are hurting.   I feel like I am too young for this chronic pain and I suffer with depression so this is not helping.  I am really needing to work, but the pain of my good days are keeping me down.  If I take percocet I feel great but I suffer after from the activity that I did when I was on it mad   Should I push thru the pain?  and the faux fevers?  I also have sever back and neck pain that put me in hospital because I cannot move.  I feel like Im falling apart.  Now I'm being told that I should apply for disability?  Not sure if im ready for that.  Its only been 3 months since these symptoms.  15+ yrs for Psoriasis.  Any advice would help.
Posted 9/2/2012 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Artist welcome to the fibro forum. I was wondering if your Dr. Tested you for things like lupus? Your symptoms does fall in line with Fibromalgia. Getting this diagnoses doesn't mean your career is over. Having a good fibro regimine is very important to feeling better. I was in similiar shape with horrible pain. I was unable to function before finding this forum. I began to read other post and learn how to manage my fibro. It wasn't too long before I started seeing some results. I am happy to say that I finally have control of my fibro. It doesn't control me anymore.

Once you get a diagnoses, start educating yourself as much as you can. Try some treatments for fibro. You will see some might work and other times they don't. Don't over do, as you know it will cost you in pain. Doing simple excercise is good for fibro. Heat and rest when needed works well for me. Vitamin supplements seem to help me the most.

I hope you don't give up on your career. You can get control and continue to work. You might have to modify your life to stay on top of the fibro. There are certain activities I do less of because I know it will cause pain. I hope you continue to visit with us. Let us know how we can help you.
Posted 9/2/2012 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Artist.

We aren't doctors here, so we really can't tell you what you SHOULD do. The first thing I would suggest is reading the "Fibro 101" post, because it is packed with really good information of many kinds. You can pick and choose what you need to know about first.

Fibro is indeed a strange beast...too much fun (!) or too much anger, (which I'm experiencing tonight), or too much walking or sitting or cleaning or - well, just about anything, in my experience - can cause it to spiral out of control. There often seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why, and that's one of the hardest things to deal with.

This is assuming you have fibro, of course. It's important to rule out other things first, because it so commonly mimics other diseases and syndromes. Fibro 101 has a link, "What Else Could It Be?" that you might want to check out.

I know it's hard when you feel your body has turned on you, but try not to panic! Gentle stretching is always good, walking in moderation, water exercise - these are all safe. Start slow, remember baby steps!

We are always here for you. Hope to get to know you better.

Debbie
Posted 9/2/2012 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Artist, and welcome!  Artist, you are not falling apart so don't tell yourself that!  You have an illness that you need to discover.  You could have fibro and something else but once you get a correct diagnosis, then you will be able to face it head on and find what works for you go give back your life. 

 

Right now, not knowing what is going on with your body can be a very depressing thing but, instead of being depressed, how about becoming a sleuth!  I love detective shows, novels, etc.  I love searching for the keys to things (except for my car!  smilewinkgrin ).  When another illness or symptom pops up in me, I start my search.  This drives me to find answers because, after all, who is more interested in my health than me!  This, in turn, puts the focus on investigating, trying new things to help myself, and it takes my focus off the pain and consequently I don't deal with the depression that comes with thinking about my pain.  I'm a woman on a mission!  Look out!   yeah  

 

I did exactly that this past winter.  I ended up seeing another doctor, a rheumy with a fabulous reputation in my area, and discovered that the excessive pain was caused by something besides my fibro.  I was put on the correct medication and I'm sooo much better.  I have researched this illness and know what drug to try next if what I'm taking starts to fail me, too.  It's my "ace in the hole".  I'm a Type A personality so I am always prepared...even though I was never a Boy Scout!  tongue

 

Just YOU taking control of your health issues will help you.  You can't sit back and hope the doctors do.  Modern medicine is not an exact science and doctors are overloaded with patients, too.  You know your symptoms.  You listen to yourself.  You are bright so you can do research and ask your TRUSTED doctor about what you find.  Become pro-active in your health.  That is very important with any illness you may have.  Become a person on a mission.  Take the energy away from your depression and apply it to finding answers to some of your issues.

 

Have you read Fibro 101 yet....the first thread on the forum?  If not, that is a great starting place.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  You just might see yourself there, too!

 

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

Posted 9/2/2012 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi artist, welcome to the forum...so sorry for your pain.

Everyone who deals with chronic pain knows that it is not easy...it does become easier to live with once you deal with all the emotions including anger. I think we go through a grieving process of losing our old self...it is only normal to be upset. It takes time to accept that our body does not function like it once did.

There are still times I ride that emotional rollercoaster, but I think that is normal. The best thing we can do for ourselves is try to live with a positive attitude, taking one day at a time. In time, you find what works for you.

Distracting pain by doing things you love really helps. I try not to dwell on the negative and focus on things that make me happy.

I'm in the process of weaning myself off of percocet...three weeks ago I had lung surgery to remove a lobe that had cancer. Keeping myself busy doing things that I enjoy has lessoned my pain. The mind is a very powerful tool...we are much stronger than we know. Believing that good things can happen is always the first step. You can enjoy your life in spite of hardships.

I'm glad that you have found this forum...there are many caring people here who do understand pain and here to help one another.

I'm hoping that you will get a diagnosis soon and will find some wonderful pain relief. I take time everyday to meditate and practice deep breathing...it helps with stress. Walking is also wonderful.

Grieving the loss of good health is normal...but whatever you can do to be proactive in making yourself feel better helps. I wish you well :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 9/3/2012 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your caring advice and help!! I am blown away by this illness and the thought of never being pain free. I gave birth to two wonderful children w/out drugs why can't I handle this? I am taking all of the advice here and I appreciate every word. I truly never understood this syndrome but I can see that my medicine has been lacking. I have very supportive family and friends. Some don't understand ,but hope I get better. I have a new community that understands what I am going thru! This more than I can ask. Thank you for the support. Deepwell I will look into the Curamin further and I know vitamin supplements will help. new doctor tom I will be in touch. thank you.
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