Anyone diagnosed with FIBRO but don't believe the diagnosis?

Hello Healthenigma and welcome!
Sorry you found us but youre in a great place! The folks on here have fibro and many have multiple health issues. The thing you will notice is that we all have a positive impact on each other. If you haven't done so yet please check out fibro 101 the first thread. It's Chalked full of great info.

Ok. ... so. .. I've had fibro for 13 years now and yes it can be challenging. I like you have no fibro fog, no chronic fatigue, no headaches and no insomnia. (Knock on wood). Like you I have pain as my biggest problem. I have it in legs, arms, hips, lower back and so on and so on. I do have sore spots or tender points that can be terribly sore and painful but other times they are not. I like you was diagnosed by a rheumatologist. I had all the bloodwork and some xrays and nothing. They were All normal. I did not want the diagnosis either because everything I heard about it was negative, frightening and scary.

Well. ..here I am 13 years later still in pain EVERYDAY. ..BUT the difference is I've learned to control it with what helps me. I take tramadol for pain, magnesium and malic acid and I exercise and work 50 hrs a week as a store manager for a cellular company.

No one wants to have fibro, but you can learn to be in control of it and still lead a good life. You will through trial and error find what works best for you to help take the edge off your pain.

Stick around with us and keep posting. Others whom have been where you are now will be around soon. You will meet some amazing people on here whom will inspire you. Questions? Ask... we will do our best to support you and point you in the right direction on your journey. Take care.

Hi, Healthenigma. Nice to meet you.

I was actually very relieved to get the diagnosis, because a doctor was finally taking me seriously - first off, he believed me, and then told me he could help somewhat - and he did. I had most of the hallmark symptoms, though pain was and still is definitely the worst. (I didn't have depression, either.)

Almost all my pain is on my left side, due to spinal issues and who knows what else, which is weird, but I've learned to live with one side feeling totally different from the other. Michael is so right - it's trial and error as far as learning what helps you...we're all individual that way.

I hope the Lyrica helps your pain. And I hope you'll keep posting so we can get to know you.

Debbie

Hi, Healthenigma, and welcome! Well, Michael and others covered your questions very thoroughly! I don't have depression nor do I have dibilitating fatigue as some do. I also sleep better than most and I can count on one hand the number of times I've had a headache...and they were extremely mild! The main criteria for fibromyalgia is having pain in all four quandrants of the body at some time or other and also that other illnesses that share the same symptoms as fibro have been ruled out...which does fit what you told us. There is no good test for fibro. It sounds like you have an excellent rheumatologist and they did all that before giving you the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If I were you, I would trust their diagnosis and move towards the acceptance part. Of course, if other symptoms crop up, be sure to go back to the doctor. Not everything is caused by fibro.

I found that out a few years ago when my back pain got worse and worse. Fibro isn't considered a progressive illness. It got very bad and then I had bad leg pain, etc., and could barely walk. I saw my rheumatologist and was diagnosed with another problem along with fibro. I was put on the correct medication and, actually, I haven't felt this good in years!

Like Michael, I use magnesium malate (malic acid/magnesium supplements). I also use vitamin D3. There are links about these in Fibro 101 and how they work in the body. Actually, calcium and magnesium are important for muscles and I take these things. I also use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, and a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin. I only take half of what was prescribed to me and am doing really well on it.

I also walk and/or swim as a daily exercise. Gentle exercise is VERY beneficial for fibro. If you sit or lay too much you will be stiff as a board and have more pain. I also do daily stretching exercises and I pace myself when doing things. All of the above help me be in control of my pain. I have had fibro for decades and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.

I also am a positive thinker. This has helped me almost as much as medication in dealing with fibro. I look at what I CAN do and I count my many blessing. I don't bother thinking about things that are difficult for me to do or negative things. That only makes me unhappy and doesn't solve a thing. But focusing on the good things in my life brings me joy....and energy! There is a great link in Fibro 101 about maintaining a positive attitude when you suffer from chronic pain.

Well, you have heard about Fibro 101 several times now in this thread. LOL Please read it. You will learn a lot about this illness and that is important.

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