CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES: DURING YOUR CH... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES: DURING YOUR CHILDHOOD DID YOU ..... ?

TheAuthor profile imageTheAuthor697 Voters

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264 Replies
lozzles profile image
lozzles

I was particularly bothered with my achilles tendons when younger.

MsBookworm profile image
MsBookworm

After suffering aching in my limbs I was diagnosed with rheumatism at 13

mono3 profile image
mono3

Re childhood I was neglected emotionally and put down. And it continued. Illnesses asthma and eczema. Whooping cough and I looked thin and neglected. As an adult lack of confidence has caused more strain and I think trauma and stress brought on the fibro.

in reply to mono3

*hug*

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to mono3

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to TheAuthor

And the same to you for your kindness and tireless work. Mandy

Frankiebeee profile image
Frankiebeee

I believe while not diagnosed at the time I used to get childhood migraines with auras that also affected my skin to the touch (numbness or a sensation that to a 4/5 year old felt like a 'glove' covering my body, which is what I continued to call this illness as a child) and visual disturbances (in the 60s they didn't seem to really investigate a lot of minor/non-life threatening illnesses further) - who knows if the skin touch sensations were something else related to FM

Tinky13 profile image
Tinky13

Meningacoccal meningitis with septicaemia as a toddler, had chickenpox, measles, german measles, constant middle ear infections & tonsillitis throughout childhood, diagnosed with Hyperactivity Disorder at 5 years old.

'Fed' numerous antibiotics, tranquilisers & other drugs until I got to the age of 12 & refused to take them any more.

Diagnosed with Asthma at 11 & pumped full of steroids for 5 years (until I refused to use them unless NEEDED - ie ventolin).

Glandular fever at 14 / 15.

Had traumatic experiences through childhood, but not a traumatic childhood per se.

Had viral meningitis twice in adulthood, also diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, CFS, had pre cancerous cells removed, & had minor subdural haematoma. Loads more but too much to list.

Have never really known 'good' health.

Be a kindness to shoot me really.

Tinky13 profile image
Tinky13 in reply to Tinky13

Oops - forgot - suffered migraines throughout childhood, less common now (maybe once or twice a year).

anneraham74 profile image
anneraham74 in reply to Tinky13

I also got migraines as a child and still get them now

glochessum profile image
glochessum in reply to anneraham74

I also forgot to mention that I suffered terrible migraines as a child.

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Tinky13

Same here x

in reply to Tinky13

sounds quite similar to me, i was pumped full of steroids for asthma from the ago of four until about twelve and it made me so fat even though i was very physically active. i could have actually wrote that post about me lol x

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to Tinky13

My thoughts precisely for me! I seem to have had everything everyone else had plus burst appendix at 15 months, cancer, and too much to say. Even I'm bored by me. And that's not including childhood trauma. Gotta laugh! And pray. It's a beautiful earth.

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Tinky13

Hugs x I also got glandular fever as a teen. Asthma throughout life. Middle ear infections undiagnosed and unnoticed by parents in childhood but ent consultant as adult said I had significant scarring so I'd suffered with them. Horrid parents and father still alive and still nasty. X

in reply to mono3

So sorry for your childhood neglect, wishing you well & sending gentle hugs your way 👍😊

Sniffer8 profile image
Sniffer8

My father died when I was aged 4. This left me a bit fearful. I had nocturnal enuresis until about age 12.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Sniffer8

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

I was hit by a lorry full of gravel when I was 9, I was also sexually abused by a family friend

I was ignored as a child, bullied when I grew older by my sister. Beaten with a walking stick by my dad, eventually ran away from home

Yolzy profile image
Yolzy in reply to VonnyM

I feel sorry that this had happened to you. The memories last a life time,but u gotta push thru..x

Jax1977 profile image
Jax1977 in reply to VonnyM

I'm so sorry to hear this XXXX

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to VonnyM

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to VonnyM

Xxx

anneraham74 profile image
anneraham74

My dad died when I was 16 we were devoted to each other then a few months later his dog also died. I was also raped when I was 13 but kept it secret until I was 18 by which time it was to late to do anything .

trappedinlife profile image
trappedinlife in reply to anneraham74

Its never too late ❤xxx

in reply to trappedinlife

it really isn't ever too late to do anything about it. the police have told me i can re-open my case at any time i feel ready. i just don't feel ready as it will put me through yet more rubbish i don't need. the fact it happened is enough and trying to cope with all the illnesses as well so i don't need a court case on top of that. i think that god will punish him. but he'll do it in his own time. (just my view not pushing religion on anyone)

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM in reply to

This abuser is dead. I know that God will deal with him. Because I am a born again christian, so I fully understand what you mean

Matrix profile image
Matrix in reply to VonnyM

Same here Vonny ,I am a born again Christian and my abusers are dead .

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Matrix

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

crazy-diamond profile image
crazy-diamond in reply to

You are totally right about God punishing him, Edited By Admin ..look ahead and pray for a peaceful mind and heart.;-]

Yolzy profile image
Yolzy in reply to trappedinlife

Take your power back, tell the rapist in you mind, or write a letter(if still alive) "you did this to me, but I will not allow you to take my power...I am stronger than everyone!"

Yolzy profile image
Yolzy in reply to Yolzy

*ever, not everyone

lb003 profile image
lb003 in reply to anneraham74

Contact your local Rape Crisis centre. You will find they will give you someone to talk to, whatever you decide to do. It doesn't matter how long ago it was.

Jax1977 profile image
Jax1977 in reply to anneraham74

So sorry to hear this xxxxx

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to anneraham74

I'm so sorry to hear about it.

My view is different to others. Think of all the stress, the interviews, court cases etc if you bring it up.

If coping psychologically then sometimes it's better not to bring these things up.

Obviously you've got to do what's best for you and what you feel right. Not what the police or others on the forum suggest or tell you to do.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to anneraham74

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

jules12 profile image
jules12 in reply to anneraham74

its never too late, you could report it even now and it would be investigated.( should you want to)

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I was always spraining my ankles, falling off bikes or roller skates. I was given "sunray " treatment where I had to wear goggles and sit in front of a uv light, possibly for low VitD. We lived with my grandparents and by the time I was ten both had died. I often sat and watched my grandmother ( who'd had a stroke), so my mother could take care of my brother, or do housework. I was a very serious child, and rather stressed by this.

RainbowElf profile image
RainbowElf

I had a very terrible childhood, and I always thought that was the reason I developed fibromyalgia at 17/18.

I did have an ongoing medical problem, and broke all of my fingers throughout my childhood.

I was always pulling my ligaments in my ankles, or spraining my ankles or wrists,but that is the price to pay for been a tomboy.

RainbowElf profile image
RainbowElf in reply to RainbowElf

Seeing as you have all been so candid about your childhood I thought I would say a bit more.

I was raped by a local woman, and had several other rape attempts go on by other people. I was beaten by my brother, neglected by my mother, dad was an alcoholic. A lot of the neighbourhood children beat me up, and school was a nightmare with someone trying to slit my throat amongst other things.

Although the worst incident was at 17 when I was coming home from work and on bonfire night, a couple of teenagers chased me down, I fell off my bike, and they beat me up and tried dragging me to a bonfire to throw me in.

I did not tell anyone, just pushed it down and tried to forget it. I ended up with PTSD from that incident, so can never forget it.

I ran away from home not long after that incident.

Jax1977 profile image
Jax1977 in reply to RainbowElf

Bless you xxxxx

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM in reply to RainbowElf

I'm so sorry this happened. I believed that opening up would stop my whole childhood from haunting me

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to RainbowElf

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to RainbowElf

Xxxx

katiekazoo profile image
katiekazoo

I had polio when I was 2 years old.

AngiiC80 profile image
AngiiC80

my childhood wasn't the best. also I was referred to hospital at the age of about 8 because I was small for my age, they did tonnes of test before focusing on the headaches I was enduring which plagued my teenage years

lola1956 profile image
lola1956

Had a very unhappy violent childhood..was neglected and starved of affection ...still traumatised by memories...made to watch whilst father beat mother

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to lola1956

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

juliet3 profile image
juliet3

I had a very unhappy and traumatic childhood where my father beat my mother and us children.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to juliet3

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Songbird63 profile image
Songbird63

Hypermobile joints, so born with dislocated hips. Multiple surgeries during childhood to rectify.

Missmagic profile image
Missmagic in reply to Songbird63

Have you been tested for Ehlers-Danlos?

Songbird63 profile image
Songbird63 in reply to Missmagic

Yes, but it is just hyper mobility syndrome apparently and not Ehlers-Danlos.

Missmagic profile image
Missmagic in reply to Songbird63

Hmmm, being born with bilateral dislocated hips is symptomatic of the incredibly rare Arthrochalasia type which many doctors will never have seen as there are less than 50 confirmed cases in the world. I would look it up and see if anything else rings bells.

Tray51 profile image
Tray51

I would join anything and everything at school and after school and would rather be in the choir than go home. .It wasn't pleasant at home let's put it that way.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Tray51

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

mrsmerlin profile image
mrsmerlin

Only main problem as a child was pulmonary tb when I was just under 1 - finally signed off by chest clinic at 15!

Didn't stop me competing at County level in several sports and national in one - I come from a big family so getting tothe dinner table first was a warm up lol.

I did have glandular fever at the end of my teens and I have come across a lot of f fellow sufferers did as well

Xx

BadHare profile image
BadHare

I was diagnosed with coeliac, but fed wheat products.

Flossie1920 profile image
Flossie1920

Whooping cough

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Flossie1920

Same.

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

I forgot about this bit:- our house was haunted.. my older sisters used to play with the spirits by placing the alphabet in a circle and a glass in the middle. I was scared witless

This was after mum died of lung cancer, I was 16. There was always bitch-slapping fights swearing and shouting at each other I hated it

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to VonnyM

I'm familiar with haunted houses and have seen plenty of evidence of activity. My daughter just 2 days ago saw smoky apparitions moving in our house. I also see stuff. X

Elle-26 profile image
Elle-26

I constantly had tonsilitis .. ended up suffering quinsy as a child. I also tired very easily and slept more than normal. No one thought anything about it but I was called lazy even though I was active in riding horses .. but as for other sports I got out of breath and my muscles hurt in my chest .. again they presumed I was unfit -x-

Elle-26 profile image
Elle-26 in reply to Elle-26

After reading other posts .. its strange as most have suffered neglect through being unloved .. I felt that too especially with my mum. I was never close not even now. She has narcssistic tendencies towards me. Im just thankful I had my dad, I felt loved by him even though he worked two jobs. Hes passed on now .. and miss him so much. That was traumatic experience as I always had nightmares, as a child, of losing my dad -x-

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Elle-26

Both my parents were colluding in their jealous narcissism. Mother was more caring in her way but they both neglected me and bullied and pandered to my brother. He bullied me too. Mother is dead, brother I've cut off from and father I have cut away from but he has meddled nastily in my life even recently so I'm dealing with that.

Yolzy profile image
Yolzy in reply to Elle-26

You sound like me except the horse riding, I was scared of them galloping..lol

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Elle-26

I also had chronic tonsillitis for a long time.

Tinkerjack1912 profile image
Tinkerjack1912

I had a pick up truck full of slabs drive into my bedroom window when I was younger, I had been in the exact spot 30 seconds before & my cousin was killed by a speeding Lorry in our village so quite dramatic.

lesjon profile image
lesjon

spent all my childhood in "care" rejection neglect and several different regimes in different homes! Suffered every form of abuse. Fostered by the age of ten but struggled to fit in, no identity. Quite and sensitive didn't help. Suffered a lot of growing pains in legs really sore! Had meningitis when very young.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to lesjon

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Molly_1919 profile image
Molly_1919

I did have a traumatic childhood and was kept very overweight, as I was badly bullied at school PE etc was degrading and I sreaded it. I was a tive though, riding my bike, walking miles, doing the housework that my mum wouldn't do and much more. I had recurrent chest infections, pneumonia a number of times and bronchitis due to smoking parents plus other health issues and was not allowed any vaccinations.

Matrix profile image
Matrix

I had an abusive and traumatic childhood .I also suffered a lot of mental abuse , by the time I was 8 years old I knew no one cared for me . From being about 8-9 I suffered lots of pain and they said when I got to 12 that I probably had fibro and it took untill another 40 years before a consultant in the pain clinic said I had all 18 points . I had asthma a problem with my gut , which I still have , IBS and lots of other things . I was scared to come home from school afraid of everything .Nervous wreck .

maggi999 profile image
maggi999

I have always been a light sleeper, even as a very young child. At two years old me and my twin brother had whooping cough and were put into an isolation hospital. The nurses told my mum that I used to spend the night whistling and twirling my hair with my fingers, then pulling out the knotted hair. When I was 12, I remember waking up in the morning and feeling that I'd had the best night's sleep ever! It is the only time I've ever felt I'd had a good night's sleep.

I've had tinnitus since I was about 8 years old and had glandular fever at age 16, which I caught from a lad called Mitchell after having one kiss at a party - I never saw him again so I never got the chance to thank him, lol.

From the age of 11 to 15 years I was sexually abused by a family friend on a weekly basis. At age 15 and a half I finally had the courage to tell him not to do it any more. I didn't tell anybody what he'd done until I told my husband about 5 years ago. The abuser is dead now, after a long, protracted, painful and miserable illness - that cheers me up, I hope that doesn't make me a bad person, ha, ha, ha.

Despite all this I felt I'd had a happy enough childhood, I had good friends and was always active doing sports, hobbies etc.

Yolzy profile image
Yolzy in reply to maggi999

You're not a bad person, you just want him to suffer as he made you suffer! When my molestor died, I smiled, what a Relief! Funny thing is he had a problem with his hands and wore some plastic support for it..I never asked why, cos I didn't care! Yay..he is gone. It was my auntys husband. When I told mum she said "what do you want me to do, it's my sisters husband" I lost my love for her ever since! Though now she has cancer, i do look after her when I can.

maggi999 profile image
maggi999 in reply to Yolzy

Thanks Yolzy, you're right, I did want him to suffer and he did, for eight years. I put up with the abuse, which happened when I was baby-sitting my two cousins, because I loved my aunty and cousins and he told me I'd never see them again if I told anyone, so I didn't.

The upsetting thing is that now, 30 years on, my male cousin 'doesn't believe' that fibromyalgia is a real illness, so I don't see them any more.

Just think, if I'd report his father's abuse against me, his parents wouldn't have been able to send him to private school and support him whilst he became a barrister - where would he be now if I had?

I admire you for still taking time to look after your mum after she betrayed you, you have a big heart xx

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Yolzy

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to maggi999

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to maggi999

That's exactly what I wish for my emotionally abusive father!

Rachelle400 profile image
Rachelle400

Broken a few bones but was always at hospital with suspected fractures! Also had terrible leg pain which was diagnosed as growing pains!! Still got them at 49 and they started when I was 5 lol!!

Struthruth65 profile image
Struthruth65

Bad reaction to penicillin, to little to remember,

Elle-26 profile image
Elle-26

I want to give everyone a cuddle and a big hug <3 XxXx

Haz1957 profile image
Haz1957

I can relate a lot of my childhood pain/probs to FM knowing what I know today.

ferretsgonewild profile image
ferretsgonewild

My Mom had a lot of health problems when I was young and my Dad had to work, so I spent a lot of time at my Grandparents house with my grandmother. When she lost her courageous battle with breast cancer when I was 5, I was devastated. I was terrified that if I went to school, my parents would die too. I was in a lot of therapy and had major anxiety problems that continue to this day. Also, when I was 14, my Dad, who I was (and still am) extremely close with had developed a blood clot in his brain while at work. He ended up needing emergency brain surgery and wasn't expected to survive. In his room in the ICU as a young girl, I had my first true full blown panic attack. He was hospitalized for 6 months, and with lots of rehabilitation, can walk aided, and talk. (My Mom, sister, and I went to the hospital almost everyday after school to be with him and helped him in every possible way to regain his motor skills.) I remember every day going to school while he was in the hospital scared he would die, and it was during this time in 1997 I found myself always sick in some way. Sore throats, ear infections, fevers, stomach issues, you name it. Though only formally diagnosed three years ago, my doctor suspects this is when fibro began to read its ugly head. The pain though had only really been for the last 4 years.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to ferretsgonewild

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

ferretsgonewild profile image
ferretsgonewild in reply to TheAuthor

Thank yo

Rachelle400 profile image
Rachelle400

After reading all the above I feel heartbroken for every one of you. My childhood on the whole was happy (a few blips but nothing compared to your experiences) I cannot even think how you all must feel after everything you have all been through. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. All I can say is that you must all be very strong people, even if you don't think you are, and I admire you all. Well done for becoming who you are and for the strength you have to be able to share your stories. Big hugs and heaps of admiration to you all! Sending you all lots of love and I hope you can find the peace you deserve. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the very best xx💗💕

Pufi profile image
Pufi

Loads of tonsilitis with loads of antibiotics. Finnaly they took them out plus my nose polyps. Always prone to catch a cold. Very sensitive to changes of temperature. Also around 9 I was diagnosed with cocso femural arthrosis. I was not able to sit at school. So yes. I was always a supersensitive child and I look at my sister daughter which is the same. So it has to be a gene problem coming from my dad's family passed through generations.

[erased]

baygirl51 profile image
baygirl51

Had a road accident when young

luppilu profile image
luppilu

I did not have s traumatic childhood but both my parents were 50 wen i was born in the late 60s....

Had a great ....loving relstionship with my mum..... but felt unrelated to my dad.... he always was negstive about my school work etc.... if i got 9 out of 10 for a test....he wanted to know why i didnt get the other 1 right.....have older sisters who had left home/married by time i was born.... but never felt close to them.... but did long for their love.

Medical... always falling down..... ( since found i had/ have HFM ).......migraines....... "growing pains"...... NEVER had any usual childhood illnessrs such as measles.... but often had gastric flu...... heavy n painfull mentrastion since age 14........mild asthma n bad chest infections every winter.....

Was a quiet very shy child n teenager...

luppilu profile image
luppilu in reply to luppilu

Dont know if this is relevent but was in an abusive relationship from ages 18 - 27...physical and mental abuse

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to luppilu

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

lilmontanagrl profile image
lilmontanagrl

Had weird aches and pains. Was called a hypercondriac.

juliet3 profile image
juliet3 in reply to lilmontanagrl

You are no hypercondriac......... if you can feel pain there's something not right

HELEN-PMA profile image
HELEN-PMA

I am an only child. My dad had to move regularly, because of work, so I always struggled to adjust to new schools and friends. My parents split up when I was about 8. I went with my mum, to live with her brothers. She had a brain haemorrhage, when I was 9. Lost use of her left side. I then lived with an Aunty & cousin. Then eventually, due to me 'going on', my mum went back to my dad. She sadly died, from another haemorrhage, when I was 11. I had been alone with my mum, when she collapsed, which was horrendous. I have blanked out a lot of that day. I was excluded from seeing her in hospital, or funeral home, and from the funeral. I believed she had just gone abroad, and I would see her again one day !!! I was looked after by neighbours, after school etc, as my dad worked until late. Then I went to live with another Aunty, who had a large family. Grateful, but out of my comfort zone. Dad re-married within a year, then his new wife sadly died from cancer, after a year. I had gained two step sisters. The older one bullied me. The one who was my age, was sexually active, which led to me having unwanted, under age sexual experiences. Dad re-married again, I gained another step sister and brother, but they were older and not living at home. During all of this, I had moved to different homes and towns on many occasions. I found all of the losses and changes, very stressful & depressing. I am left with vague general memories of my childhood, which saddens me. I have never really 'got over' the loss of my lovely mum. I have recently been told by a psychologist, that they now class this sort of childhood trauma, as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Previously, I thought that was only applicable to soldiers etc !! I have also experienced more trauma in adulthood, but I'll leave it at that, as the survey is about childhood.

AliceMitchell profile image
AliceMitchell in reply to HELEN-PMA

I identify with so much of what you have said, as my mother died of a brain haemorrhage when I was 9. I too didn't see mum in hospital, was excluded from the funeral, in fact sent away from home to stay with friends of dad's who I hardly knew at all, and was never told where mum was buried, only finding this out after dad died when I was 23. The intervening years I think of as the silent years as there was so little communication between us.

HELEN-PMA profile image
HELEN-PMA in reply to AliceMitchell

Oh bless you hun. Back then, my dad was advised to exclude me, as they thought it best for children. It made me bring my children up so differently. They have always been included in everything to do with this subject. Children are so much more resilient than we think. I would rather have been included, as the other way, made me feel abandoned, much like yourself. I was told where my mum is buried, but I didn't visit her grave, until I was in my 30's. My children went with me. But it distressed me so much, to find a patch of grass, without even a headstone (dad too tight to get one !!). I was heartbroken, as it felt like she was so unimportant, and never existed. My beautiful mum. I wanted to get her one, but have never afforded it. I have never been back since :( Thankfully I have some nice photos of her, but I so wish I had some video of her. Just to see her move, and hear her voice. I am still so 'cut up' about her loss, and I'm sure you feel the same about your dear mum. I pray that you will find peace and comfort, from any memories you have. The memories are few, being so young, but I hope you have some you can treasure ?! x

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to HELEN-PMA

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to AliceMitchell

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to HELEN-PMA

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Wendyld profile image
Wendyld

Long distance running, hurdles & long jump. If only i could do those things now. It's as much as i can do to walk now 😢

Wendyld profile image
Wendyld

I was sexually abused in my early teens by a family acquaintance

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Wendyld

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

I was a very healthy child, never up nor down. No breaks, not at Dr's much that I recall. Participated in lots of sports from say, the age of 9. Thought I had quite a happy childhood thinking back, but it wasn't without its traumas. I selected that I played lots of sport though.

I think my Fibro was brought on by extreme levels of prolonged stress in later life.

Shadows-walker profile image
Shadows-walker

Were a fit lot only 50 who didn't do sport out of 170 so far 🤓 Not many couch potatoes so far I think we need a gold star as a group 🤓🤓

in reply to Shadows-walker

I didnt do sport because i was useless.

I did walk and cycle a lot and was never in the house.

Sorebones profile image
Sorebones in reply to

Lol. Me too! Dad always said that I was built for comfort not for speed! X

Missmagic profile image
Missmagic

I didn't know at the time but had undiagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at the root of many of my problems including leaving me with centralised pain/fibro.

Willow51 profile image
Willow51 in reply to Missmagic

Me too, I'm so glad that the younger ones now have a better understanding of the problems it causes, and can tell other people like teachers.

jof240364 profile image
jof240364

I was bullied badly in primary school

Streetsofkenny profile image
Streetsofkenny

My parents were very loving however my mother suffered with depression and anxiety due to having a traumatic experience as a child. At age 13 she found her adoption papers hidden at home and never told anyone. Her adoptive parents died never knowing that she knew she'd been adopted. She only told my dad after they were married. She never received counselling for it. She had me at age 38 and went through an early meopause at 41. I remember being a child and being aware that she was unhappy with her life. I remember feeling very anxious over my mothers health as she was often ill and I was always trying to make her feel better. Even though she was depressed I never doubted her love for me, my father on the other hand found it hard to show any affection to any of his children. He was and still is an old school man. He viewed his role as bringing home the bacon. Which is probably why when he lost his job in the 80s he went into a depression and he distanced himself even further. I can count on one hand how many times I can remember my father telling me he loved me. I always felt like a nuisance to my father.

I do however feel I have been very blessed when it comes to my parents but I know that I internalised everything when I was a child. My anxiety came from believing that I was the reason my parents were so unhappy.

AliceMitchell profile image
AliceMitchell

Regularly had croup

thenatjones profile image
thenatjones

Simole things like being knocked or nipped was ridiculously painful. I also found out recently I had undiagnosed juvenile arthritis.

Dusky profile image
Dusky

Had plastic surgery ops after being born with middle ear infection which stopped lower jaw growing. Spent a childhood of being teased about it.

i always had a needle in my arm as i wasn't a well child at all. they were always wanting my blood. i'm totally used to it now because they always wanted my blood as a child lol

m1dnv profile image
m1dnv

got run over by a car when i was six years old . medical staff told my parents to fear the worst but hope for the best. remained unconscious for three and a half weeks severe head and face trauma and broken bones some of them compound fractures esp right leg

convinced this is where the fibro sneaked its way in

MaineFirefly profile image
MaineFirefly in reply to m1dnv

Oh you poor dear! And only 6! So glad you're with us today! 🤗

linda96 profile image
linda96

Fractured either wrist or ankles 7 times

after reading everyone else's comments i thought i would just add a quick one of my own, and i can honestly say that i can relate to pretty much everyone's story in one way or another.

now i'm not saying i was neglected as a child, i always had the toy i wanted for birthday and christmas and i'm very grateful for that and always had food on the table even though i know for a fact sometimes my mum had roughly £10 to feed 14 of us for a week and i have no idea how she did it. (just to mention not 12 kids, it was me and three siblings then boyfriends/girlfriends and friends etc) my dad worked every hour god sent him to pay the mortgage and the bills so i didn't see him as much as i'd have liked to. when he came in from work i'd be all happy to see him but he'd dismiss me like i was nothing and that has stuck with me. also even though like i said i have had everything i wanted/needed. the only thing i feel i didn't get was the love and attention and guidance from my mother. like a mother is meant to do. personally i don't think having the latest toy is more important than that. and that has stuck with me as well.

i've always been an unwell child and i'm seeing patterns now in the fibro that were already prevalent when i was a child so maybe i've had this my whole life?

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh

I was much more flexible than the majority of my peers and good at gymnastics.

KathyJD profile image
KathyJD

I have to say how sorry I feel for my friends on here who suffered so much through childhood. I am one of the lucky ones had a very good childhood , no illness and no broken bones, was physically fit. Left all my misery for adult life lol. I hope everyone finds peace and healing soon. Xxxxxxx

I was sexually abused by family members from the age of 3 to 14. I was teased and tormented by my older brother all my childhood.

I was very athletic in grade school but had a lot of foot pain the older I got. I thought it was because I have flat feet. Now I think it was fibro.

I started drinking way to much beer at 17 all the way to age 36. I've been sober since June 25, 2001.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

jewel8888 profile image
jewel8888

I was tired all the time. I participated in cross country, bowling leagues as a youth and adult, marching band, butbi always got ill afterwards. Sore throats, muscle aches, etc. I had a trauma at 13 and kept it to myself causing depression. I have gotten help but the anxiety stays with me. I was later told I had juvenile arthritis but I fought it so we didn't realize it.

merlinthecob profile image
merlinthecob

Had all usual childhood illnesses, tonsilitis every six weeks, eventually taken out at 11 yrs, broken ribs/shoulder/collar bone following horseriding accident at 12, was left by hospital for a week before it was fixed (much to parents disgust), so needed re-breaking to set correctly, aches and pains to this day and limited movement. Bitten by spider in 2009, bullseye rash indicating lyme, doctors told me to take antihistamines!! They refuse to entertain Lyme as a possible diagnosis.Since then, diagnosed with fibro and have felt like crap ever since (49 now). Had the perfect family life, usual traumas, very low vit b12, vit d (just under low ranges of NHS guidelines) was offered no help so i now self inject with support from b12 deficiency.org, and take daily d3, helps more than all the routine prescription pills. Saving like crazy to to go abroad for lyme testing, if positive i will save for treatment too, if not, i will accept fibromyalgia diagnosis.......reading these stories made me sad, some very strong people, with very traumatic experiences, helps to know that you are not alone, love to all x

TerrymC54 profile image
TerrymC54

I had "growing pains", which later was told by my rheumatologist that was childhood arthritis. I was allergic to milk. I was moved throughout my family & experienced traumatic & emotionally painful events because my parents were alcoholics. Also got hit by a car when I was 14. There's more but, that's probably enough.

MsJangles profile image
MsJangles

Diagnosed with Juvenile Stills Disease when I was 3yrs old.

MaineFirefly profile image
MaineFirefly

I too had aching in my legs and so much pain in my heels the doctor gave me cortizone injections. I remember they hurt so much, I never had another one.

I also sustained abuse from the age of 10 into adulthood. I believe getting banged around & choked so many times contributes to the issues I have today with body pain.

Jabulani profile image
Jabulani

Glandular fever

Mad4it1966 profile image
Mad4it1966

At the age of 4 I was struck down with a mystery illness .. I was passed from medic to medic and had numerous tests and lumbar punctures revealing not a lot... my organs were shutting down except my kidneys. I was Strangford to Pendlebury Children's Hospital which is sadly no longer there, and was given 12 hours to live. I was put in the hands of Dr Dickinson and Dr Watson who thought they might know what was wrong. Steroids were given and during the night I came round asking for cornflakes... I ate 10 apparently. From that moment on I picked up... very weak but in time returned to normal. The following year I became I'll again... Steroids at the ready and bingo... they worked. They do not know what caused my illness. It has a name but I cannot find any info on it what soever. My illness was written in the British medical journal. WISSOLS SYNDROME. Named after a Swedish Doctor Wissols.

sylvi profile image
sylvi

I had a normal childhood without any problems apart from chest infections during the winter.

Marky profile image
Marky

Leg pains

Marky profile image
Marky

Leg pains

soozy1984 profile image
soozy1984

I was very lazy but I had bad asthma and was in and out of hospital taking steroids and still am on and off steroids.

Suffered from tonsillitis a lot and ultimately tonsillitis is what I suspect trigged fibro for me.

Garlicandonions profile image
Garlicandonions

spinal surgery

andmikel profile image
andmikel

I had several spells of hospitalisation of up to 6 weeks and spent 5 of my firsr fifteen Christmases in bed.

Cleaner profile image
Cleaner

I was sexually abused by my dad. Bullied at school because had big boobs, also raped when I started work.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Cleaner

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Scarlet fever

loz59 profile image
loz59

I was bullied for the first three years of senior school, as I was small and the youngest in my year. This stopped when I began to grow both mentally and physically, but was still a very unhappy time in my life!

joanneg19 profile image
joanneg19

I was an particularly active child, always on the go, high energy levels. I was constantly bullied by my elder brother on a daily basis until I was 16 years old, he would call me awful names, humiliate me in front of his friends, attack me, it was horrible. My parents didn't do anything about it. I remember being 15 years old, and my parents had gone out for a night and left me with him. He pinned me down on the floor with his knees piercing my arms which was agony, I was crying out for him to stop and to calm me down he decided to hold my head under water for a period of time. I was sobbing uncontrolably right until my parents came home. I told them what he had down and they just told me to go to bed. Not a happy childhood at all.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to joanneg19

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

hebden profile image
hebden in reply to joanneg19

joanneg19, Sounds like you had a brother like mine. He always tormented me and when my parents thought we were old enough to be left while they went out for the evening he would beat hell out of me. he ripped my earrings from my ears and used to pin me down and punch me in the head. I would try to stay in my room but he would just keep annoying me until I came out. Nothing done when parents got home.

Mimo1333 profile image
Mimo1333

Age of 9 started having migraines.

gracesgrandma profile image
gracesgrandma

Sexually abused age 6 by 1 of mums boyfriend's. Suppressed until age 26. First panic attack age 9. All psychologists reports state "not made to feel safe as a child".

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to gracesgrandma

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

niquay_ profile image
niquay_

Always had asthma and had chronic tonsillitis 3/4 times a year . Never admitted to have extraction .

I wasn't allowed to visit doctor when I was ill my mother felt it unnecessary my neighbour took me when I had glandular fever mother went ballistic and punished me I had no tea and a beating then bed for a month

Marielena2 profile image
Marielena2

Had quite a "troubled" childhood at times, lots of love,but parents at loggerheads. Also suffered with migraines as a child,which has continued all my life.,with auras,which bothered me then as now.

lcm27 profile image
lcm27

Had scarlet fever and whooping cough pre 4 yrs old.

Use to do Gymnastics and running, swimming, at an early age , showed signs on back and hip pain, and Muscle fatigue . Two main Muscles that support you Back, collapsed ,, in my 20's. Long recovery time.

Highroost profile image
Highroost

Oldest of 4. Lived abroad in Afghanisran for 5 years till I was 9 and so left behind all extended family. Very difficult relationship with sibling a year younger, very competitive and I always felt inferior. Was bullied and sexually assaulted by her and group of friends when I was 11/12. Sent away to live with relatives at 14 as she had a breakdown and I was blamed. Lost my father when I was 17 and felt very repo single for youngest siblings aged 7 and 10. He was only 44 and I still can't get over losing him. Became pregnant a few months later with man I later married but this pregnancy was terminated and I can't forgive myself or forget that baby who never was. Have three children, oldest autistic and horrendous problems all through. Had catastrophic breakdown as a deputy head when I was 52, and lost my job. Haven't been able to work since and am still suffering mental illness and occasionally attempts to end everything. Was diagnosed with FM two years after breakdown. Feel a complete useless wreck! Am sure FM was a result of trauma.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Highroost

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

lcm27 profile image
lcm27

Oops forgot. Had unhappy family life. Had 'growing pains' said doc at about 10. Frequent bouts of severe tendinitis which I was told I would grow out of. True they got less frequent after 30 but more severe. Finally outgrew them at menopause although sore throats and enlarged tonsils usually a forerunner indicator of impending infection.

jenbear profile image
jenbear

Sexual abuse for a short time

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to jenbear

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

jenbear profile image
jenbear

Growing pains for a long time

jenbear profile image
jenbear

Also developed asthma at age 7

Moominx2000 profile image
Moominx2000

Was subject to domestic abuse

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Moominx2000

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Trikki profile image
Trikki

Okay....this is hard to talk about even now. Sexually abused by my father for many years as were my sisters. He was a pillar of the church. I lost any faith I may have had. He had a nasty temper and when I was older found out he had another "home" when we thought he was working but he had another woman and a child..Cannot go into more details as it is too upsetting. I blame him for my Fibro and all the related symptoms especially depression.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Trikki

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Tenbob profile image
Tenbob

I was in a serious road traffic accident which left me bed bound for many months in hospital. I remember learning to walk again before leaving hospital.

My mom died of a heart attack when i was 7. She collapsed on top of me trapping me up a corner.

Dad pulled her off and sent me to fetch the doctor. I spent years waiting for her to come back.

My Dad wasnt much of a dad and i was scruffy unwashed with frizzy hair that even if it was brushed looked a mess. This led to bullying at school. As i said earlier i have never been any good at sport so spent most of my time sitting up a corner on my own.

At home it wasnt much better by the age of 9 i was expected to cook meals and do the house work. he never said thank you or gave me any praise. never said that he loved me. All i ever got was sarcasm and ....the opposite of praise. i forgotten the word.

My younger brother got any thing he asked for and even helped himself to my clothes without a word being said to him. I didnt blame him i blamed Dad for always giving way to him.

I always seemed to have toncilitus . and was only given cough sweets when i was 13 i took myself to the doctors.

Oddly he often took us for days out and bought us both bikes so that we could all go cycling together and we went to Cradley speedway meetings. Then he was a different person. happy and smiling.

After i married and had the two kids he lost his sight due to cateracts and we asked him to stay with us until the op was done.

He stayed and gave his house up. he gave all of us 15 years of hell. Eventually the doctor got a place for him in an old peoples home, not for his sake but for mine. I was on the edge of a breakdown,

Sue

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

millamoo profile image
millamoo

reaccuring dislocation of left knee cap and bronchitis's.Normally dislocated during pe.

lb003 profile image
lb003

I had problems with my knees and other joints which I now know to be due to Hypermobility.

I also had frequent stomach upsets abs bloating which I now know to be due to Gluten Intolerance.

lb003 profile image
lb003

Yes also forgot to mention that I was frequently on antibiotics

crydee1 profile image
crydee1

Nearly drowned

Sorebones profile image
Sorebones

I had a couple of strange things as a child that were never explained by doctors. Firstly I had swollen glands on one side of my neck that were so bad and lasted so long that they were biopsied but no conclusions made. I was in hospital for about a week. I was constantly plagued by swollen glands, particularly salivary and lymphatic, growing up.

The other was on my back that became open and sore. It grew to about the length of my spine! Was referred to dermatology but they were baffled. They came up with the opinion I had hurt my back by friction burns while climbing the ropes at school. That made me laugh as I never made it off the ground where they were concerned lol.

Also had mononucleosis in my late teens.

I have always been double jointed, which I now know is hypermobility. Constant growing pains. Could be really bad. I used to wake up with chest pain when I was about 6. Didn't dare tell my mum.

Used to do a lot of horse riding and frequently fell off. No protective gear in those days. Just a velvet riding hat. I have never broken a bone! All I can say is they must be made of strong stuff lol.

birdalone profile image
birdalone

all of this is enough to make you - and keep you sick isn't . . humans are so disappointing.

InLiverpool profile image
InLiverpool

All through my childhood until puberty I sufferd from 'Growing Pains'

KasDK profile image
KasDK

Growing pains im my legs at night

sandyandy profile image
sandyandy

reading about others childhood problems makes me very grateful for my upbringing. Reminded me that I did have tonsillitis (tonsils removed age 6); knee pain that was put down to 'growing pains' which stopped me kneeling or sitting cross-legged for long periods but did not stop me being active - by teens knees no longer so painful probably as no longer having to sit cross-legged through school assembly; and glandular fever in late teens.

Mad_scientist_ profile image
Mad_scientist_

When my mum was 7 months pregnant with me she had a big car accident and I nearly died when I was born. Parents were told to expect me to be severely disabled. I should have had a twin. I spent 2 months in a baby care unit and was christened at 2 days old.

I had my tonsils out at 11 and got an infection at the hospital.

Got hit by cars, twice (including on a zebra crossing on the way home from gym club with my mum - who was in the middle of the crossing to stop traffic).

Bullied by my half sister (who is still a bully but knows better than to pick on me now).

Claire133 profile image
Claire133

Also had recurrent severe tonsillitis once every 3 weeks for many years. Used to have a lot of blood test that used to come back with abnormal white blood count and abnormal red blood cell shape and size..still dont know what that meant. Had Glandular fever in mid teens. Suffered severe leg bone pain since aged around 7 or 8, used to scream every night in pain, shake and vomit from the pain, knees used to swell up massively and be hot to touch and red, could not walk when this happened, probably had around 2 and a half years off school.

stiltzski profile image
stiltzski

I had glandular fever when I was 17 and think there may be a link as my neck glands still swell up when I am overtired.

Meandthecat profile image
Meandthecat

Aged 5 abducted and held for two days; no memory of it happening but large chunks of memory missing up to age 10. Health wise, just tonsillitis, so not all bad. 😕

motherconfessor profile image
motherconfessor

Had a great childhood, sorry to read of other's experiences. Did have frequent bouts of tonsillitits, had the usual childhood illnesses and had glandular fever twice. After the second time when I was 17, never really recovered and my mum thought I had ME/CFS but never pursued a diagnosis. Picked up a bit in my 20s, but since my hysterectomy at 38 it's been all downhill.

floellaflow1 profile image
floellaflow1

Always had pains and crawling feelings in my legs ,had accident in front of whole of school in gymnastics display.dislocated my elbow .13 onwards started with backache,pains in spine. Depression. Neglect. Left home at 16 then again By 17 diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine. Severe degenerative damage to lower spine. Cervical spondolosis. Arthritis in hips knees ankles hands and thumbs.anxiery ,mild ageraphobia . Fatigue .Traumatic events continued throughout adulthood.tinnintus hypercausis. And the Fibromyalgia

Bambamsnan profile image
Bambamsnan

I had constantly painful legs all the time (growing pains) mum said I was very clumsy not a lot of concentration bumping into thing broke collar bone and fractured elbow at the same time broke big toe alway had bandages on my knees in nearly every photo

had severe mumps causing delerium bad measles .

Lizzielizzie0 profile image
Lizzielizzie0

I was a child carer. My mother had RA from before I was born.

Lizzielizzie0 profile image
Lizzielizzie0

Ooh. You wouldn't think I'd forget really, but I had a spinal compression injury aged around 8yrs.

Jax1977 profile image
Jax1977

Mum left and moved abroad without me when I was 16. Now 40 I've had two very violent/abusive partners who gave me untold amounts of stress. Always found I hurt myself quicker and more regularly than other friends.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Jax1977

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Verbally bullied by parents

Willow51 profile image
Willow51

I dislocated my knees on a regular basis, but that was due to Ehlers Danlos, I don't know if that has had any effect on the Fibro. Unfortunately it wasn't diagnosed, not recognised, until I was an adult and was made to participate fully in sports etc in school, resulting in dislocations and being told to get up off the floor and stop being silly :( . It wasn't their fault because they didn't know there was a problem, I didn't know either and I just said that my knee has gone and tried to carry on. When I was born I was given 48 hours to live and was left with breathing problems and problems with my stomach. I kidded them though, 65 years later and I'm still here :) . Hugs to all who had bad childhoods, we didn't have a lot but we were cared for and looked after. Hugs Linda x

tuftysmith profile image
tuftysmith

I had growing pains very badly and l saw my doctor because he was concerned with what was causing them

JayTon profile image
JayTon

I had a baby at 15 which my parents made me have adopted! Was never allowed to speak about it! My younger brother and sister thought I was in hospital having my appendix out! I had hid my pregnancy till a week before giving birth as I didn't want to have an abortion! My son is now 41 with three daughters, I traced him when he was 23. My mother is 80 and still won't speak about him!!!

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to JayTon

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Streetsofkenny profile image
Streetsofkenny in reply to JayTon

Hi JayTon,

Off topic from the fibro issue but in relation to your son being adopted. Are you and your son on good terms?

I don't mean to come across as forward but I have an interest in stories of adoption as my mother was adopted when she was only a couple of days old.

She made contact with her biological mother in the 1980s when she(my mother) was around 40 but her bio mother didn't really want anything to do her. This broke her heart.

Haby profile image
Haby

I had what was thought bronchitis until 7 also when ill temperature always very high and 'growing pains' in legs at night for years. Sprained thumb when 6, repeated twisted ankles as teenager and torn muscle in shoulder at 14.

Haby profile image
Haby

Meant to say migraines in early teens which came back in my forties and glandular fever at 16.

littleeffie profile image
littleeffie

Migraines with auras,anaemia and Osgood schlatter disease which stopped my sports the school and county😣,feinting and dizzy spells plus adverse reactions to meds penicillin,ibuprofen etc all before 13 years old.

Had a happy childhood though😊

ell2 profile image
ell2

As a young teenager I had a long spell of chest pains and no cause was diagnosed, and I used to faint a lot.

mitziblue profile image
mitziblue

I had RLS.

Millbridge profile image
Millbridge

I was brought up with a strict father and as a result found the transition to adult hood quite difficult and stressful. I have often wondered if this has had a negative effect on my health in the long term.

Marie56 profile image
Marie56

I could not participate in any sports activities because I got tired easily.

Annunnaki profile image
Annunnaki

had meningitis, i seem to recall. bronchitis several times a year. anorexia and severe depression. suffered abuse of all kinds. dyslexia. the usual measle, etc. <3

Smith7 profile image
Smith7

Father had MS diagnosed when he was 31 . Medically discharged from Army.

My mum had to find us somewhere to live, or have her 4 children put in a home. She was career for my dad plus us 4 young children. Dad tried to commit suicide, failed but spent next ten years in a nursing home as needed 24 hr care.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Smith7

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

stokebones profile image
stokebones

What about an option for suffered from anxiety or depression.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to stokebones

Unfortunately HU polls only have 8 columns available for options, otherwise I would have included more options.

Feather profile image
Feather

Had a normal happy childhood. Was lucky to have my parents. Loved dancing (Ballet, Modern, ball room, salsa... ) and pushing myself to the limit. Ran 10k at 10. Hiked 20km/30km a lot in my teenage life.

I think it hurts the most when people think that my childhood is to blame for the pain I am in today or I don't how to exercise.

Roqueterra profile image
Roqueterra

Just measles mumps and the odd colds.

LudiC profile image
LudiC

Hope I am commenting in the right place. There was a great deal of confusion and disruption in my family life, as my mother was an alcoholic and a manic depressive (now called bipolar disorder). She would most often go from depressed or vice versa in the space of one day with very little "warning" (I think at that time it was called rapid cycling manic depression). I was always on edge. It affected me in all areas of my life .... physical, mental and spiritual.

Highlandhearts profile image
Highlandhearts

I constantly sprained ankles and suffered muscular injuries for no apparent reason. I had two serious bouts of fatigue and had no energy whilst suffering from double vision. Experienced regular tingling in my arms, but mostly legs for no reason.

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Highlandhearts

I sprained ankles regularly too...

Maladjusted profile image
Maladjusted

Forgot to add that I had eczema from the age of 8, which caused some of my fingers to rot. I had this over 45 years. I also had migraines from the age of 11 and developed IBS in my teens. I was attacked and almost strangled in my late 20's and raped a year later.

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy

Oh I can't go back now but I did participate in PE at school and physical exercise. As a child I suffered from social anxiety and phobias about going to school which have carried right on through to adulthood

Barbieeg profile image
Barbieeg

I was physically abused, hit with thick stick, smacked a lot, soap in my mouth, belittled by mother and brother. 1st marriage at 18 I was married to a physical, sexual, abusive man also verbally abused by him.

Fibro-Warrior profile image
Fibro-Warrior in reply to Barbieeg

(((Hugs))) I'm glad that you're out of that situation now.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Barbieeg

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Janet28 profile image
Janet28

Used to get a lot of cramps in my toes & legs and very painful monthlys. Allergies, asthma. Had German measles at 14 yrs old

My dad was quite bad tempered & always shouting and gave me a few beatings when younger. Although I know it's nothing like what some people go through, he was still aIbusive. I left home at 15 yrs to get away from him

Peatop profile image
Peatop

After my Dad left our family unit aged 7, I used to pass out a lot AA I was on the stairs. I also became insomniac and would often be 'prized' away from the vacuuming in the middle of the night.

Funkyfaerie profile image
Funkyfaerie

I grew up with parents that argued and fought constantly. I protected my two younger brothers from this as much as I could.

Consequently I suffered terrible headaches throughout my teenage life. And had zilch confidence.

Funkyfaerie profile image
Funkyfaerie

I had a very unhappy childhood, don't need to go into details, parents fighting all the time. Suffering terrible headaches at this time.

After reading people's input, it seems to me that most people have suffered traumatic childhoods . Maybe we have all held ourselves rigid throughout those times to cope, and now we all ache ??

Anne_1_2_3 profile image
Anne_1_2_3

I always had weak ankles and had Mediterranean fever at 20 during a trip to Tunisia.

as a child,born premature ( twin ) traumatic birth.forever admitted to infectious disease hospital isolation as a child,really bad memories from that.measles, German measles and scarlet fever ,chicken pox,broken fingers arm,broken both arms at last 4 times, twisted and severely torn ligaments tendons in both ankles as a child

and as an adult,spinal surgery pins plates and screws

yet i was very active could never sit still and very curious about things always been told will you sit down lol loved to get down and dirty ,climbing trees etc,hockey netball athletics running very long distances ,until 30 years of age,had spinal surgery then,dont drink alcohol nor do i smoke was vegi for 14 years,even now im really not lover of meat.

6 years ago i noticed my body was hurting ,very easily go over on ankles, Achilles tendon knee injury both never really healed even after knee surgery,last 2 and half years body hurt all over was struggling to do basic tasks in house,now i can fall without any notice in body,walking a few paces,and have to rely on wheelchair but now not rely able to move myself.pain is so bad in neck and shoulders ,was diagnosed few months back FIBRO

skit profile image
skit

I am youngest of 3. I was in my eyes always put down by my siblings like' get your own & not here!' My mother was a manic depressive and manipulated all of us. She tried suicide 3 times was in a secure unit for 7 months when I was a teenager. I rebelled .Well wouldn't you? I married for the first time really to leave home not a great idea. I have a Christian faith that has supported me whatever.

I had some good mentors , godparents, neighbours and church fellowship members.

I started having pain issues when I was 19.

It was taken that I had had accidents on my motorcycle so that is why my back and legs hurt. Somehow I managed to birth children. The night before my youngest was born some doctor told me I had 'some sort of arthritis' It was never investigated and I carried on bringing up small children. My GP started giving me vitamin injections because I was forever fatigued.

So it has really taken over 40 years to get Fibro treated as Fibro. Sorry to rant but we were asked to comment!

Fibro-Warrior profile image
Fibro-Warrior in reply to skit

It took over about 15 years to be diagnosed as well. My body went haywire in my early 20s and doctor after doctor just brushed it off and never even tried to look into any of my issues. 30 something years when you realize this is something we've actually had all of our lives.

I was sickly with tonsillitis every 6 weeks from 3 months old until I was around five yrs old.

I had penicillin to which I am now allergic and it rotted my milk teeth I had to have fillings in my milk teeth to build them up!

I was traumatised when I got knocked down by a car outside of my home aged 6.

I was mortified while in the infant school due to a lunchtime worker, I tried to ask to use the toilet and she told me to put my hand down.I eventually wet myself in front of room and get this "I was told off for that!" I then got taunts throughout my primary school.

I had to have several more plastic surgeries, over several years in primary school, which I was teased in primary and sometimes secondary.

In primary secondary and even senior school I was bullied,

I was sexually abused by a male friends dad at secondary school age, luckily I removed myself from that situation happening with that person again.

I was in such a bad place from the lack of emotional support at home with an ignorant drinking father,a mother between work and running the house had no time for me, I was lonely and got in with the wrong crowd.

Jenharri profile image
Jenharri

I was a Tom Boy into everything say no more lol Very happy childhood

Clarea profile image
Clarea

I was psychologically bullied for 5 years at school, I had glandular fever aged 12/13 and then again during A levels aged 17/18, with two more re-occurrences in my early 20s. Spent the rest of my 20s suffering with panic attacks and agoraphobia. I have always easily pulled muscles and ligaments during activities. But I think my fibro started in 2008 after a horrible year when a relationship broke down very painfully and my father passed away from cancer.

hebden profile image
hebden

I was thinking about childhood illness a few days ago and I remembered that when I was around 9 or 10 years old I got awful pains in my shoulders which felt like it was deep in the bones. It used to make me cry and kept me awake at night. My Mum put it down to rheumatism and smothered my shoulders and neck with deep heat rub which never really helped. I never got took to the doctors for this and I do remember it recurring several times (My Mum was very much "get on with it" kind of person mainly because of her hard childhood). Also when I was 12 I woke one day and could only see in one centre spot of my eyes and thought I was going blind. This turned out to be migraines which I have had ever since. I did start to wonder if my health problems I have now actually started all those years ago but not recognised or even may be down to a deficiency such as vit d as I don't remember this being checked until the last few years.

Oh I forgot I have always had an issue with my very high instep and achilles.

malbec profile image
malbec

I moved home and school every six months or so because father in the forces. Parents argued all the time, No family life or money because father drank. Mother and I (only child) constantly demeaned and mocked.

Moveonout profile image
Moveonout

Never ill at all as a child. But rejected and neglected by my parents. My mother was so cold. I never said a word and just waited to leave home.

BuggaBoo profile image
BuggaBoo

I became a very empathetic child at s young age, also had a lot of depression.

BuggaBoo profile image
BuggaBoo

Also troubled with all year long allergies.

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace

I witnessed both physical abuse toward my mum and her unexpected young death when I was 14

It was at 14 I became responsible for every facet of my own care from financial and shelter to protecting myself. I found out life was exhausting and seemed rife with mean people taking advantage of me. As I'd been born into a suspicious and secretive family I hadn't learned how to ask for help or even that society has a system for caring for vulnerable people.

Life was hard until I was 40 and still is in many respects because of illness now.

I'm loved now. That makes a difference.

Amy- Grace

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Amy-Grace

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Fibro-Warrior profile image
Fibro-Warrior

I hope my answers are not misleading. I don't remember if I was deficient in Vitamin D, but I was an anemic. While I had a happy childhood, I did however grow up with a delinquent thus absent father. This lead to me being in an abusive relationship for three years as a teenager. During this period of time, my mother and I fought often which led to her kicking me out. From the age of 15 through 18, I was often homeless on the streets sleeping in a abandoned car in harsh Chicago winters with an abusive boyfriend.

During this time, I found people were more willing to share a drink or drugs with you, then offer you a place to crash or a bite to eat. My weight plummeted to anorexic.

I had a lot of female problems and was told I could never carry a baby full term. I had trouble with cysts on my ovaries, miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies. When I became pregnant with my daughter at aged 18, my weight by the end of my pregnancy was overweight. Now I'm what would be considered severely obese. So for a lot of my life I was never a healthy weight, even when I was thin.

I was an active kid, who joined a bunch of sports (through the school) & playing with friends, but I also spent much time reading or watching tv. I obviously couldn't mark both, so I put active. I think I got enough cuts, scrapes, and bruises, but as I said, I was a rather active sports playing, tree-climbing tomboy. I loved to dance. I loved to dance as a child, as a teen, and as an adult. I have several and many various leg, knee, and feet issues that make it difficult now, but of all the things I used to do... I miss dancing the most. I hope one day, I can dance, again.

I didn't think of myself as a sickly child, but there were so many pieces that fell into place after I was diagnosed with FM. I understand the days I had "growing pains" were actually bad flare days. Every time my face hurt from smiling or laughing too much, was Myofascial pain syndrome. I know why my skin was always so itchy. The one thing that stands out as a child that I am unsure of is that my nose bleed every day that I can remember. I just remember having to sit outside the office with a towel or whatever they gave me for nose bleeds.

Even at my most active, I would get this "cramp" that felt like my stomach muscle flipped upside down and tucked up under my ribcage. This will happen now to me and I know it's part of my FM. It's extremely painful and happens now, also, with my feels like my kidney and my remaining ovary.

There are two other things that may or may not be relevant. My father was exposed to Agent Orange and the town that I grew up in was a small town backed by factories. My backyard for the first 15, almost 16 years of my life literally backed up to a factory.

There is one important thing to note. While I broke my hand (my knuckle specifically), I did have a accident when I was 2 years old. My sister (aged 12 at the time) was riding me on her handlebars and we got in an accident and fell. I remember it, but I don't, meaning not all the details. I think we hit a crack or a parked car, etc... nothing like a car hit us. My foot got entangled in the spokes of the front tire. I remember the pain and had a scar on my heel for as long as I can remember due to this. In my twenties I found out that I have severe arthritis in that foot, due to that accident all those years ago.

I do believe that I've had my Narcolepsy since childhood, looking back, and wonder if I didn't have Cataplexy even back in grammar school. I can remember once passing out for no reason. Grant it, it was only the once, but it is the only thing that would make sense to me.

One last note, I went from being a small scrawny kiddo at 7 to the height I am as an adult (5'4) and went into puberty at age 8. Common apparently now-a-days, but rather uncommon when I was going through it.

I hope this was helpful and I also hope I haven't left anything out that could have been helpful.

P.S.

Reading through others comments, I saw someone mention depression. I suffered on and off with depression since childhood and even thought about killing myself as young as 7 years old. The reason eludes me now, but my age stuck with me, because why would a 7 year old who was hit want to do that.

I was molested by another child, my own age around that time. To what extent and how often, etc... I do not remember, but I remember who and some of what happened. I was, again molested a few years later by a girl a few years older than me. It was the summer either between 3rd and 4th grade or 4th & 5th grade, when it first happened.

Fibro-Warrior profile image
Fibro-Warrior in reply to Fibro-Warrior

One last thought. I'm curious, people say that FM is invisible. I have tried to be diligent and listen to my body, as difficult as that can be when I'm having a flare up. I've noticed subtle physical changes changes. Sometimes my skin is hot or cold and / or soft and swollen or hardened or even indented. Sometimes my veins are more pronounced when I am having extreme sharp pains in my hands or feet. Etc..., etc... Has anyone else noticed something similar? I understand sometimes it's difficult to do when you're under attack and in extreme pain, but with determination I can try to focus where the pain is coming from and observe. I'm just curious if I'm alone in these observations or not.

mono3 profile image
mono3 in reply to Fibro-Warrior

Yes I notice heat differences.

Dunkdl profile image
Dunkdl

By the time I was out of my teens I had already had multiple surgeries. I also endured major trauma as a young child.

22buteo22 profile image
22buteo22

Brake?!

Trikki profile image
Trikki

Wow what a terrific/amazing/sad response to the Childhood Experience Questionnaire!! Funnily enough I am not altogether surprised at the results for Unhappy/Traumatic Childhood....if only....if only what I ask myself????

I was a healthy child/teen. Never needed to see my Gp. The only thing was the traumatic childhood

I was a healthy child/ teen. The only thing was that I did have a traumatic childhood

I was a healthy child/teenager, rarely had to see my Gp. The only thing that I ticked was a traumatic childhood

Lilybug profile image
Lilybug

I was very sporty but I didn't realise that other young people's muscles didn't recover the same way as mine, I didn't know any different I was very conpeteitive and pushed myself because I wanted to, I now know that I have been suffering with fibro all my life

jules12 profile image
jules12

i used to get the numb skin feelings too. it was a strange sensation, when worried or stressed. i also had a right sided facial palsy which came and went within minutes. at 17 my knees and hands ached and my gp at the time recorded fibromyalgia in my notes, though i don't ever remember him discussing this with me .

LtAngua52 profile image
LtAngua52

Went to dancing classes from 6 to 14 which I enjoyed but was inexplicably tired after school and later college. I would have to sleep for a couple of hours, even before eating. I remember friends coming round after school but I was generally asleep! A fact that has continued into adulthood.

I do think emotional abuse as I had during childhood does affect you physically, not just emotionally. I also wonder if the fact that I nearly died from bronchial pneumonia at 5/6 weeks old had a ladting effect too. I think our childhood presents a fascinating area to examine adult illness. I'm training to be a counsellor from this September and am hoping to learn a lot more about this. May use this idea as a dissertation piece in 3 years. I will need peoples experiences. You have been warned!

I hope we are all having a good a day as possible. :-)

mono3 profile image
mono3

I've just got round to coming on the forum and reading through the replies. Hugs to you. I believe our body and mental state are inextricably linked and the trauma many of us have experienced has brought on illness. Physical and emotional strain no doubt affects our psyche and body. Love to you all. Thank you for being here on this forum. Xx

woopcushen profile image
woopcushen

other things. i drowned twice, once at the beach when 18 months and when i was 3 in garden pond. hit head and had concussion that time. obviously i survived lol

emotionally and physically abused at home and school.

crohns disease from birth not diagnosed till 19 told i was hypochondriac

severe food allergies that caused vomiting diarrhea and stomah cramps but forced to eat them regularly. turns out i have legume allergy. plus many others.

broke knuckle, toe and since being adult 2 rear shunt car crashes.

always had over stretchy muscles, constantly spraining wrists ankles, ran into a wall once and ripped all muscles and tendons in arms.

but i was always running cycling and doing gymnastics. never sat still.

very anorexic from 12 onwards

DogMamma profile image
DogMamma

Heard my Mother shoot herself. Then I had to call police, spent the night at police station. I had just turned 8. Mother cut her wrist many times. This, I too dealt with - cleaning up the blood, bloody towels, etc. All the aftermath. The down and out agreements created between my Mom and stepfather. Also, continually sexually assaulted by stepfather. I could go on and on, but, will say that I have lived a good life that I created for myself. I married at 34 and still married. Am 69 now.

shazmill profile image
shazmill

I had lots of pain as a child but thought nothing of it as was told its growing pains

Lindamt profile image
Lindamt

My mother would not let my sister & I see our dad from the age of 2. At the time divorce was not so common & we were laughed at by other children & told our dad didn't see us because he didn't want us, he had other children to replace us. We weren't told he had tried to see us. There were also terrible arguments all the time between my Gran & mum & her sister with a lot of screaming & shouting. We lived in an old house with rats & mum wouldn't move into a council house as the area we lived in was a 'better' area. No one knew what we lived with. When I was 17 I met up with him & his wife & they were lovely & I found out the truth. My daughter wanted a picture of him recently & I had to tell her I only had 2 that I had been given. My half brothers don't acknowledge my existence & once he lost his mobility they repeated mum's behaviour although they didn't know we chatted on the phone when they weren't around up until his death.

A violent drunk husband & 2 kids by the age of 20 followed but I turned my life around & had 30 years with a wonderful man, but it was when the happiness started that the major health problems developed, fibro followed by myxodema then other illnesses which Nigel & our daughter had to cope with. Why is life so unfair

mysmugcat profile image
mysmugcat

Was burnt accidentally as a baby had skin grafts. Was fostered and adopted , mother has depression.

Papnvos profile image
Papnvos

I had severe pain in my legs which were put down to "growing pains". These pains continued constantly until I was about 12. I am only 5'3"!😊 I developed epilepsy at 12 and a brain tumour was discovered at 16.

Euro profile image
Euro

Excema for most of childhood (grew out of that around 17), blounts disease resulting in multiple operations between 12 and 36 month old with most of the period between ops immobilised from the hips down, parents divorced at 2, moved from Germany to England with Mum who the got paranoid schizophrenia, then in children's homes (5 different ones) where emtional, physical and sexual abuse from carers and gang rape from other residents were the norm. Moved back to Dad's in Germany aged 10, first serious Raynaud's flair (nearly lost a big toe to gangrene) that winter, weakness in knees and wrists (more plaster casts on all 4 limbs, but fortunately only one at a time and monthly injections into joints). Raped at 15, left home at 16, then moved to England aged 21 to get away from an abusive partner. Married a psychopath two years later (he was really charming - should have seen the signs!) who two years after that murdered my friend for helping me and our two kids escape his control, manipulation and violence. Boxed up my past as best I could and got on with life. At 29 I got a solicitors letter asking me to witness another's sexual abuse by the manager of one of the particulary repulsive children's homes I was in. This was the start of my first serioius bout of depression which lasted nearly 2 years. Again, I dragged myself out of the pits, brushed myself off and got on with living though I now had IBS, dairy intolerance, ecxema like dry itchy patches all over and a worsening of my Raynaud's symptoms. Then at 41 I was sexually assaulted, and since then have not been able to shake the blues or anxiety (I'd say it's PTSD but my GP calls it 'DESNOS' - Depressive Symptoms Not Otherwise Specified) and to top all that, though none of the symptoms which I now know are part of fibromyalgia were new to me, they took on a whole new dimension.

Sorry I went way beyond childhood there - I'm now 46 and in a lot of ways didn't start to have a 'childhood' until 10 years ago when my grandchildren started arriving and, for the last 5 or so years have been trying to get it back - with reasonable success some days :)

tinamay profile image
tinamay

Always active as a youngster captain of every team, tried to play netball recently whilst the emotional side was very good physically I've just agrivatated more than Ivan handle with two flared Achilles' tendons, shoulder tight - neck pain which then increases my headaches

Iona467 profile image
Iona467

I was always ill and had the illness worse and longer than my friends family, I had glandular fever many times, also in my 20's.

Probatequeen profile image
Probatequeen

Only in school, but danced ballet and walked everywhere.

Probatequeen profile image
Probatequeen

I was also bullied from the age of 7 until I left school.

Unhappy childhood with alcoholic father and mother who was cold and uncaring. Don't remember ever being hugged. Was the in charge of looking after myself from age 7. Was also bullied at school as my mother got along with noone in the village were I was raised. Developed anxiety from early age and was fearful of falling asleep and felt unloved and ugly and stupid. Am 59 now and still until few months ago was still looking from validation from my mother. Finally broke all ties with her as my anxiety and depression were getting worse. I left France at 18 because of my parents and have been living in Canada since. Was diagnosed with rheumatic fever when ei moved to Canada after an untreated scarlet fever at age 13. Suffered constant untreated tooth aches and absess and sore throats.

Kat36 profile image
Kat36

Dislocated my knee and then as I've gotten older I've dislocated my pelvis, shoulders, fingers and broken my coccyx.

Only things that I've had since a child is migraines, menstrual problems, anxiety and hearing difficulties

DeeGee54 profile image
DeeGee54

Don't know if it's too late to add a comment but these questions really made me think. I had double doses of chickenpox and Measles, I remember a very officious gentleman coming to our home and asking my Mother why I was absent from school as she had informed them that I had had measles four months before, the dreaded Truant Officer. She asked him if he would like to come in and see me lying on the sofa I had measles so bad there was not a unaffected bit of skin on my body. He made a very hastey retreat. Sorry going off on a tangent, not like me, 😂😂😂😂. My Mum has always said I had every bug going but a lot worse than my peers, which meant I had many many doses of antibiotics. I have a generic blood clotting disorder, something to do with being ginger headed. I had severe doses of tonsillitis until I had them removed when I was 8. I have migraine which was very debilitating from the age of 9 - early twenties, I have luckily not had many since that time. I had viral meningitis when I was 30 and diagnosed with brochechtatsis in my early thirties, asthma in my mid thirties, osteoporosis in late thirties, think I should have given my thirties a miss 😂😂😂. I find it interesting that my younger sister is very healthy. My Mum has always said it was because she was living in married quarters, my Dad was a sailor, and she couldn't afford to eat well when she was carrying me when she was pregnant with my sister we stayed with my Granny and she was very well looked after and fed well. Who knows...

I do seem to have rambled on so if you have reached this part of the saga I appreciate it thanks for reading it.

Lydia200 profile image
Lydia200

gosh this poll is like therapy.

i lost many close family members, when i was 10 and lost my brother i started migraines. after a while they went, then when our house was repocessed (cant spell that today) they came back for a year, burnt out when i was 23 (or was that a flare?)

spiritof25 profile image
spiritof25

As a child I had two sets of parents. My real ones who separated when I was 6 and along came a step father who turned out to be a bullying alcoholic who made our lives a misery till I was 15 and I had my next door parents who I was passed over the fence to from birth. They turned out to be the best non parents I could of wished for. My happy childhood memories are the ones spent with them. Unfortunately I have no happy childhood memories spent with my real parents. This year I lost my non parents. They died within 28 days of each other at the age of 91 and 92 and I miss them everyday. All my holidays even up to my children's holidays were spent with them. So they were also the best non grandparents too x

honeybug profile image
honeybug

Stress from overdoing and lack of sleep. Exposure to dangerous chemicals. Freq strains sprains and tendonitis and elevated wbc s.