Just diagnosed

i have Deg disk/osteoarthritis/nerve damage to lower body/hypothyroid disease and NOW fibromyalgia. I'm only 28 and have lived with pain for 10+ years now. I've had flares for 2 yrs desperately trying to get a diagnosis as to why this was happening to me. I had a lot of rude or lazy doctors that blew me off but now I've got the right combo.

I'm at a loss for how to deal with this...

I'm only 28 and with everything else I feel depressed and numb.

Any advice as to how to deal?

Hi, Bunny Girl, and welcome! There is no one way to treat this illness. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. It's more a trial and error type thing. If you have a good doctor that is familiar with fibro and treats fibro patients, they will be able to help. You also will get a lot of good ideas as to things to try to help you get in control of your pain.

I wanted to try a more natural way of treating fibro and it has worked for me. I still have pain but it's under control. I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a muscle relaxer called Robaxin they has helped me a lot. I also walk daily as my gentle form of exercise, do gentle stretching exercises and I pace myself when doing things. I also get a gentle massage once a month. All of this has helped me be in control of this illness and I have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of fibro.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. There are links about the supplements I mentioned above and how they work in the body. All of Fibro 101 is good so do read it.

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

There, unfortunately, is no quick fix for Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease or Fibromyalgia. Degenerative Disc Disease is not a disease, it is a condition. Many people have degenerative changes but do not have symptoms. I am not one. I have chronic pain and I believe the Fibromyalgia amplifies the pain. Neuralgia is another painful problem.

I use ice, heat, exercise as taught in my years of Physiotherapy, Physio in a heated pool has helped, stretches and medication. Ice is good for nerve problems. Try to keep moving but need rest breaks.

I am sorry that you have problems at a young age. Arthritis has no age barriers. The reasons for my conditions, falls, car accidents, viruses, infections (one life threatening), repetitive strain - work was 90% data entry, posture and possibly genetic. Some medications might have contributed to worsening conditions but I am on medication still.

I see you have hypothyroid disease. Are you on medication? I read that people who have hypothyroid and are treated may see a considerable reduction of pain. I had one reading of a low thyroid and then had a follow up. The follow up showed improvement so no meds yet.

Keep working with your new Doctors to find ways to cope better.

Loring

Osteoarthritis in Multiple Joints, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Chronic Daily Headaches, I.B., Hard of Hearing...