My story

My fibro started when I in HS. I used to have trouble sleeping and then when i started applying to colleges I began having shooting pains all over my legs. I went to doctors, did all the blood work and they found absolutly nothing. The acute shooting pains subsided but I would randomly get pain in my arms and chest, which i learned to ignore. Once I entered college I began having muscle twitches, which started in my rib cage. I shrugged them off but then they progressed to my arms and legs. Again I went to doctors and did the tests, and nothing. I worried for a long time but began to accept it. I thought I was going mad and everytime there was an obvious twitch I would try to show people just so they knew I wasn't making it up. Fast forward a few years and the pain which I had chronically had in my shoulders (since i was 12) became unberable, to the point I would need to sit or literally vomit from the pain. I finally went to get a steriod shot, and that is when I finally was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I told the doctor about what has been happening and told him i had constant soreness (as if i ran 5 miles the night before) and the slightest pinch felt like i had a bruise on that spot. Since my diagnosis, I have learned to accept and live with my fibro. The worst times for me is during the cold or when im driving, when i tense my muscles, they cramp and HURT. Many times I couldn't go out with my friends because of pain and exhaustion. It was frustrating for friends because "I'm tired" response gets old. I am in my 20s and am petite and "in shape" but my body doesn't feel that way to me, it feels run down and heavy and tired. The one thing that helps is working out, but the initial trip to the gym leaves my body so so sore that I need to literally fight back tears through the cramps and pain. I also accept the feeling of soreness everyday. Sorry for rambling, it's good to get this off my chest. I will be entering medicine, and worry about the long hours of standing and how I will be able to handle it. (esp during surgery rotations) 

Please note, I am sure my condition is better than some of the other people on here, I am able to work and even work out, it's just something i live with everyday and need to share.

I have never taken medicine for fibro, and want to avoid it as long as I can. Just wondering if anyone can relate to this story.

 

Thank you so much for your response. It is great to be able to speak with someone who can relate. Many people don't take it seriously, and that is the most frustrating part. I hope when I become a physician, I will be more understanding than the number of doctors that written me off due to age or the fact that I am a woman. that has been the most frustrating part of all of this, feeling like no one believes you.

Hi

I am also new on here but yet to see a consultant. Your words are very touching

Thank you all for responding. Sherrine - that is great that you have found things that help you. Definitely can relate to pacing a bit and trying to move around as much as possible. Being sedentary usually results in soreness and pain. I agree that with this syndrome, (along with countless others) the patients usually need a customized treatment plan.
I was wondering if any of you have cramp like acute pain? For example, I was been driving for about an hour and then when i parked had to turn around and stretch and get something out of the back seat. When i do that i get a terrible cramp in my shoulder/arms. It feels like you have been lifting 50 lb rocks all day and then stretched.

Thank you all for the support.