Struggling to cope

[Bassetranger22]

It is likely that I have had fibromyalgia and elhers danlos syndrome since 12 years old. My stomach and face balloon up every time I eat or drink, my weight has shot up and most of my joints dislocate. I work full time but cant cope with one full day and am worried as I have had to stop my medical career and am in limbo atm. I don't know what to do. How will someone employ me in this state? Does anyone else have the same problems? If so please give some advice, feel very much on my own.

[Holychild1]

I am sorry you are going through this!!! I have not had the same issues. But I have had some major problems recently to where it was hard for me to pick up a pencil, walk, or do anything. I went to the doctor and got as much help as I could. Then I took benadryl because most of my problems stemmed from stress and anxiety. Benadryl helped a lot but made me drowsy. It took weeks of tears and trying to find ways to help myself from the internet. But I was able to finally get better. Keep your head up and keep fighting to stay independent. I work a minimum of 96 hours every week. But when I was having all those health issues.... I was only working like 74 to 82 hours those weeks. Anyway... There is hope. Find what works. If you can... Work with your doctor to find a solution. If you need... You can buy braces to stabilize your joints. You can wear compression stockings, sleeves, and/or gloves. I have a compression glove for my wrist and thumb for one hand and a brace for the other hand that stabilizes my wrist and thumb. I have compression sleeves for both arms. And I try to be very careful with my movements so when I feel a joint slipping... I stop and adjust. Also... I have to be very careful when I sleep because that is when I have dislocated my shoulders the most.

As for diet.... I combined the Whole 30 with the FODMAP diet to help me. It is an elimination diet and clean eating. It is also recommended that you keep a food journal. Also... I was living on anti-inflammatory medications. But there are all natural ways to help. Tumeric is a good source for help. Google is my best friend when it comes to trying to find ways to help myself.