What do you personally feel triggered... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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What do you personally feel triggered your Fibromyalgia? This is a multiple choice poll.

TheAuthor profile imageTheAuthor822 Voters

Please select all that apply:

226 Replies
TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

I personally think my Fibro was a result of several things. I had a very stressful career and was ill quite frequently due to other medical conditions. I firmly believe that my mum had Fibro but she was never diagnosed.

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm in reply to TheAuthor

Mine was definately triggered after having a heart attack 3 yrs ago. I also have ra which was triggered by the death of my husband 18 yrs ago according to my specialist. X

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to ladyhm

Your dobro is due to trauma it's just your hearts attack slowed you dinwn to make you deeply get into thought that you could avoid(avoidance) before about it it's always trauma but in that there's hope x

frances1 profile image
frances1 in reply to ladyhm

mine was triggered by heart attack and death of family

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to frances1

Hi frances1 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to ladyhm

Hi ladyhm I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

RayB profile image
RayB in reply to TheAuthor

Ken,

it is not commonly known and even less thought about that there are three different types of stress.

First Mental.

Second Physical.

Third System stresses from things like Dehydration, Drugs, Alcohol I personally also consider things like Glyphosate Aspartame, Fluoride, EMF, including X-rays Scans Wi Fi Mobile phones, ect to be in this list, but the impact I do not consider to be in any particular order!

The three groups of stress have much the same effects on the body.

If you look down the list of peoples thoughts about what caused the illness and correlate the above information for me it has but one conclusion.

Ray

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to RayB

Thanks Ray that is brilliant. I could formulate a poll itself one month?

dstent profile image
dstent in reply to TheAuthor

I think the same she my mum had pancreatitis and colitis then i got colitis after 2nd child then mum died and i got fibro. Sound familiar and yes stressful career and life before that.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to dstent

My mum constantly complained of pain.

Bambamsnan profile image
Bambamsnan in reply to TheAuthor

I agree with you Ken TheAuthor I am convinced my mum had it and was never diagnosed either she had trouble with her joints from very early age rhymatoid arthritis osteo arthritis but was never tested for fibromyalgia I'm the 1st in my family that I no of growing up with my mum fibromyalgia was not a word any of us had heard of 😔xx

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Bambamsnan

My mum constantly complained of pain.

Bambamsnan profile image
Bambamsnan in reply to TheAuthor

My mum suffered all her life she was diagnosed at the age of 7/8 with arthritis I watched her get worse and worse all my life she was confined to a wheelchair at the sge of 40 at the 😔age of 60 she was diagnosed with dementia/alzimers she then went blind and at the age of 70 she died of chronic pneumonia I honestly believe my mum did have fibromyalgia if only I new 😔 xx

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Bambamsnan

I am so genuinely sorry to read that my friend. It sounds awful and you must have suffered yourself so much watching her like that. Please take care of yourself my friend x

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Bambamsnan

Hi Bambamsnan I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Bambamsnan

Ian 35 have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis arthritis in spine FMS bladder issues mine all stemmed from years from f rolled over trauma I know I only completely blew up when my mum took cancer with n spine and I was main contact be No a lone parent having autism child and childhood abuse adult pshival abuse my brother took his own life and all of the adult stuff happens with in 3 years trauma the mind can't express it it has to escape some way....I am afraid 35 I have experienced more pain loneliness and loss than people do over a life time with other people. I am afraid it deteriorates as 45 is not old in this day and age x

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to Angeldebs33

I'm sorry that you have suffered much trauma in your life Angeldebs. Have you ever had any counselling or therapy, I had psychotherapy in 2011 for extreme Post traumatic stress disorder. This helped me so much, it was very painful and took me 3 years to get to where I am now, and I still have blips but I am a lot stronger person for it. Therapy isn't for everyone I know but its worth knowing that there is some out there.

Take care, Linda x

Dydy-gabb profile image
Dydy-gabb in reply to TheAuthor

Mine too was a stressful career and childbirth by caeserian

Liisa2015 profile image
Liisa2015

Abusive/traumatic upbringing

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to Liisa2015

I to had an abusive traumatic childhood from a very young age. I am positive that my diagnosis came about from this.

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Lesley_ann

💕

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Liisa2015

💕💕

Paddy1914 profile image
Paddy1914

I have ticked any other because there are a few things in my background that could be triggers My parents both had major health problems My father died from Motor Neurone disease, my mother had M. S. I have S.L.E and F/M which seems to be connected so I'm interested in finding out if my family history has any bearing on things, I know it's rare for men to have F/M but my son has had an overactive thyroid since his teens he has chronic migraines skin problems and something we call the heebies my grandmother used to say I'm all of a work, and that's just how it feels my son has these too along with restless legs he mirrors my health problems so as I say I would be interested to find out if there is a genetic probability

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Paddy1914

Hi Paddy1914 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

I think mine was due to surgery, I've always had problems with my ears and had grommets put in when I was about 6/7 and had to stay in hospital and extra night because I was sick after being fed calpol every 4 hours and then I had surgery on my knee at 11. While I had a great childhood/homelife I was bullied continuously through school and think that must've contributed too. Then snapping a ligament in my ankle (I repeatedly tore the same one in both ankles) and it taking 18months to get a new one made from ½ a tendon, then having the other one done 6 months later made me worse and more recently I had surgery on my toe which failed left to walk on a broken foot for 5 months then 2nd op to fix it and I know that it responsible for my latest nosedive in my fibro!

Leighways profile image
Leighways

I was my late husbands carer for 15yrs while working full time and bringing up my daughter who then and still has bipolar ,2008 dx with cancer,2009 very close to my gorgeous stepson who tried to commit suicide ,2009 involved in a car crash,2010 lost my husband .2010 daughters pregnancy having to come off her medication .2011 Stress having to appeal for my DLA after being on it for 5yrs (Won) My daughters ex partner and my grandsons daddy committed suicide so having to support them both. Stress to me is a big factor esp when suffering other illnesses .I also feel looking back that my late mum suffered Fibro .My batteries never seem to recharge enough to keep going

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Leighways

I agree your body stops it can't cope with the continuous trauma exactly as I suffered plus 3

Operations on top of mental

Distress physical assault and loosing a brother to suicide and much more at some stage self preservation kicks in renders you disabled to stop and slow things down to digest and let your mind process unfortunately it is in this form is you cross reference PTSD with FMS the indications are nearly identical x

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Angeldebs33

Hi Angeldebs33 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Leighways

Hi Leighways I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Jo-lyn profile image
Jo-lyn

Two severe viral infections within the course of two months, not helped by having cronic Raynauds.

Tory profile image
Tory

I was very ill by the time Graves' disease was diagnosed. This was my fault as I ignored the symptoms. I was left with many symptoms which I kept going to the doctors but kept being told my TSH was ok. To be diagnosed for fibromyalgia has taken 4 years but the last year being taken seriously.

Firman profile image
Firman

I have had renal cancer resulting in removal of kidney, then thirteen years later renal cancer appeared in my pancreas, ending up with a sub-total pancreatectomy. I then developed RA followed by fibromyalgia. Margaret

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Firman

💕

andmikel profile image
andmikel

My wife believes it was triggered by a flu jab and has not had one since. Very susceptible to viral infection.

Kath1952 profile image
Kath1952

To be honest i don't have a clue.

The consultant who diagnosed me thinks it was brought on by Traumatic incident the year before when my mam died, a few months later during the recession (about 2009/10 we had to close our business and sell our house, a few months after that my mother-in-law died.

Just over a year after my mam died is when i started having problems but took 5yrs to be diagnosed. Maybe it was also Stress related, I didn't feel that i was stressed 😩 about everything but maybe i was

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Kath1952

Hi Kath1952 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Kath1952 profile image
Kath1952 in reply to TheAuthor

Thank You Ken

Curly2u2 profile image
Curly2u2

Several things at the same time. Loss of my grandmother who I was very close to, trying to sort out her estate, pregnancy extreme morning sickness and severely ill mother who we thought might die. Too much stress and heartache in short time my body couldn't take it.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Curly2u2

Hi Curly2u2 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

monica45 profile image
monica45

I had three teeth extracted under gas and spent three days paralysed in bed on my own- was diagnosed shortly afterwards

Anitaswann1 profile image
Anitaswann1

I feel it may have started soon after my feet caught fire in our boat with my family two girls and husband they all jumped into the canal but before I jumped my feet were on fire very badly burned especially my left foot. I had aches and pains but mild it got worse as time went by I was 35 at the time at 49 I fell fractured my right hip and arm gradually fibromyalgia got worse. I was finally diagnosed 5 years ago age 56

Babseygirl profile image
Babseygirl

I think mine came in after my 3rd cervical spinal surgery as it was so intrusive and the recovery has not been great.

pudd profile image
pudd

I ripped a chest muscle at and was never 100% after that. I had joint pains, trouble walking, a horrible phlegm problem. Numerous things. Then my wonderful mum passed away and things escalated. I seemed to be going to the Dr every month. Till it got so bad I went to the Dr and said please just listen to me. Don't interrupt meet till ivery told you everything that is happening to me. After that he sent me the hospital again and I was diagnosed about 3 months ago

forrest263 profile image
forrest263

i have ticked viral infection because my fibromyalgia has certainly been more aggressive since july when I was admitted to hospital with sepsis although I feel iv had it for years and its took a lot of test from arthritis to lupas to get a diagnosis but certainly the sepsis has taken it up a notch or two

1975EB profile image
1975EB

I believe it started from the death of my dad he died 3 months before my wedding , I lost my grandDad 3 weeks after the wedding . Also after childbirth 2nd child my sister Inlaw passed away at the age of 24 , I also had been in a number of car crashes and suffered whip lass .

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to 1975EB

Hi 1975EB I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Helloyou profile image
Helloyou

Personally I was a try builder and tripped and fell on my shoulder and I am in constant pain even after 2 operations. Because of this I could not work so I had to close my firm down. go bankrupt depression and suicidal. So I firmly believe that my fall caused my fibromyalga and also was a big factor in my other problems.

Bigsis63 profile image
Bigsis63

I was diagnosed with m e in 1996, then fibromyalgia early 2000. And now have bulging discs in neck and spine... So in a lot of pain

Fra22-57 profile image
Fra22-57

I was a fit young woman who was a cook.my lovely Mumb died and then I just went down hill with my health.First Fibromyalgia and I didn't feel ill just my shoulder killed me and my right hand had previously swelled to twice it's size . Then later hospitalised and told had RA also then few years later Antiphosphilipid syndrome and now something has triggered my walking and nervous system and having to use wheelchair.

Doctors don't know what it is is so waiting on see another specialist .

My two daughters have fibromyalgia too

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Fra22-57

Hi Fra22-57 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

siras1345 profile image
siras1345

Virus and continuess infections

55skylark profile image
55skylark

Mine came after being diagnosed with menopause induced lupus.

siras1345 profile image
siras1345

I now think I have had fibromyalgia since childbirth,but years after had a virus, surgery 3 times and lots of infections and different stress issues that do not help....

Annetteb2 profile image
Annetteb2

I was prescribed Seroxat/Paxil after a bout of mild anxiety. Unfortunately when I realised that this drug was not for me because I felt robotic and emotionless, I discovered that it was very addictive and the withdrawal was terrible.

It took me three years of hellish physical and mental withdrawal to get off the drug and I think that this triggered the onset of fibromyalgia.

I often said that I have not been the same person since that drug and so when I got the fibro diagnosis it made sense.

This is also why I am extremely wary of any medication.

Annette xx

Keziah1861 profile image
Keziah1861 in reply to Annetteb2

A bit late I know. Am a newbie to this. I can relate to your post Annetteb2. My daughter was put on Seroxat for Anxiety, at the time she had an eating disorder too, After a holiday break she decided the medication was causing side effects and so stopped taking it. She went cold Turkey and had the most horrendous problems with withdrawal, initially her body and brain shut down, not realising what the problem was she was assigned to the Mental Health Crisis team, who prescribed Valium to help calm her down! After a lot of reading and corresponding with some professionals in this new field of withdrawal of various medications she is almost back to her old self. The Eating Disorder disappeared quite quickly, as a result of a scare with her heart, she is not ready to die.

Two years on and M has almost recovered, she is back to reading, she runs ( Exercise was described as a healthy way of re focussing the brain, to get the Endorphin levels up ) Prior to the Withdrawal and whilst on the Seroxat she got a First, in her English Literature and Drama degree. She still has memory problems, both long and short term. Her spelling ability is returning, as is her sense of humour. She no longer takes any medication, not even paracetamol, especially not anti histamines as instructed.

Do not despair, I know this reply is to a Post 8 months old, but I just wanted to reassure you that with careful tapering it is possible to overcome withdrawal.

I have my daughter back, she is 27, beautiful, eats healthily ( to a degree) but can quite easily put away A Black Forest Gateaux for 8, in 2 sittings!

Gentle hugs.

Admin: please remove if unsuitable, I know the emphasis should be on Fibro, but hoped by sharing this it would bring reassurance to Annetteb2.

mand65 profile image
mand65

I had a bad car accident years ago i had to be cut out of the car . this was the start of severe knee and back pain i was then diagnosed with osteoarthritis the fm followed just for good measure .

Sniffer8 profile image
Sniffer8

I think stress is always a factor, it underlies pretty much everything that is negative and damaging. I have a progressive neurological condition and it is thought my fibro is secondary to that.

Kellyjam1 profile image
Kellyjam1

Gastro candida

Kellyjam1 profile image
Kellyjam1

Also the flu jab

lownook profile image
lownook

Prolonged extreme stress triggers an attack but it started after years of pain all over from endometriosis

Cleaner profile image
Cleaner

Mine seemed to start after having a partial Thyroidectomy. Although other things in m life also contributed.

Kellie73 profile image
Kellie73

I had measles and german measles all in one month as a child, even after having been vaccinated against them, I was very ill, my mum believes this was the cause, and the trigger was an accident later in life and a lit of personal stress, family deaths, childbirth, job and so on. Think the cause and trigger were separate incidents.

f1bR0Ru3 profile image
f1bR0Ru3

I believe mine was mainly due to physical and mental abuse from a special need sister as well as bullying in school. My parents divorced when I was little which was quite traumatic. At 15 I was going in and out of hospital for what they said was IBS. But it could be a combination of other reasons too. In 2002 my legs kept going to jelly for no apparent reason and making me fall. In 2007 I fell down a flight of concrete stairs while working and my back has not really recovered since. Then in 2009 I discovered I was pregnant and had many complications throughout the nine months and needed 24/7 care. I think it has been exacerbated my previous boyfriends too, as the most important relationships caused me a lot of heartache. Perhaps this is why I suffer so badly from fibromyalgia. I truly believe fibromyalgia is such a complicated condition it needs a lot more research doing to identify if there is a way of solving it for everyone. It's much worse than a lot of other conditions I know.

fluffyfluf profile image
fluffyfluf

Personally I am pretty sure I have had fibro all my life and sometimes it is worse than others - just like MS( which I have a parent with). I do feel that we do not know the actual cause - all people have stress in their lives and illness - it is easy to tag fibro to something which has happened to us but this may not be the case and the actual cause may be much more complicated - I think in light of how we are treated by health care professionals it is dangerous to link this illness to stress - or other events in our lives.

MsJangles profile image
MsJangles in reply to fluffyfluf

I would agree with you. As it is such a misunderstood and undiagnosed condition there is still so much that is unknown and perhaps some physicians may not consider it an illness, there are those that will use the tag as an umbrella term rather than looking more closely.

Hope this makes sense - Fibro-fog creeping in x

fluffyfluf profile image
fluffyfluf in reply to MsJangles

Hopefully, one day, research will reveal the answer - and medicine will make our lives more bearable. x

George16 profile image
George16

I have never really been ill had appendicitis when I was 8 odd chest infection twice which has led to pneumonia but don't even really catch colds or bugs etc. Have 4 children but all labours were normal. Never been involved in an accident the only major injuries I have received are from domestic violence and the injury list is endless I truly believe this is the cause of my fybro.

George16🐧

Shatull profile image
Shatull

Sharon only recently diagnosed but had pain in differant places for years and now i think back it seems to stem from when my 8 month old son passed away from what I remember that was 20 odd years ago

Trish4426 profile image
Trish4426

I've had several accidents over the years (Not my fault) where I sustained injuries but Ihave also gone through very stressful periods so could be both but Accident mostly I feel.

luppilu profile image
luppilu

I believe there is a strong hereditary link ....... no matter what some doctors may say!

My elder sister was disgnosed with it in her40's.......

Also looking back i can see that my Mum ( who passed 24 yrs ago aged 68) most probably had it to.....

And my daughter...aged 25... is already showing signs that she may have....

I ticked prolonged stress..... but i believe it was the stress of being in a mental n phyically abusive relationship for years that triggered it for me..... i have suffered since my early 20's but only diagnosed in my late 30's.

Hope some of this may help

Big Cyber hugs to all

Lolly xx

Hilsam profile image
Hilsam

Mine are complex factors. Had difficult child hood, then my mother was killed in a road accident. I had glandular fever in my twenties. My thirties were very stressful, I was a single parent, working v hard and had various family problems. Developed CFS. Continued working for 20 yrs, had another period of intense stress and developed FB. However, my mother had something called fibrositis which I later learnt was FM.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Hilsam

Hi Hilsam I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Olivia1 profile image
Olivia1

I have advanced arthritis of the spine and collapse of discs so always had pain for 20ys +. But about 16 yrs ago I was violently attacked by a patient by attempted strangulation. I had to dislocate my shoulder to get free and ended up with impingement of right shoulder. It aggravated my arthritis dreadfully and ever since that incident I had problems. Gp would believe me and thought I was exaggerating for a claim. I was unable to work for 4yrs. I was referred to a surgeon re arthritis on my knees. He referred me to rheumatologist who diagnosed fibromyalgia. My work has always been stressful. Then few yrs ago diagnosed with brittle asthma I finally had to stop work 3mths ago. My daughter had cancer and since then has fibro type pain.

craftieness profile image
craftieness

I already had a preexisting medical condition along with leading a stressful life within a violent relationship but I caught chicken pox off my 3 children in 1987 and never been the same since then

KarenWW profile image
KarenWW

Before body reacting badly to minor surgery (laparoscopy leading to prolonged severe shoulder pain) and car accident I had had 17 years of severe sleep deprivation due to having 3 autistic children. When no.4 was born i was getting up to the other 3 in the night as well asbreast feeding baby.

Bally121 profile image
Bally121

Stress broken heart depression is all behind the illness

Scootertrash profile image
Scootertrash

I was diagnosed with cancer & the tumour was crushing my heart,when they asked me if I want to be resuscitated .

colahoot profile image
colahoot

I had a traumatic childhood and deppression and back and leg problems and insomnia since i can remember all my life stressed out i belive ive had it from childhood but only dianosed 2011 one of the doctors said it was all in my head but ltr appoligised my two sisters also suffer from fibro

icandy07 profile image
icandy07

The unexpected death of my mum.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to icandy07

Hi icandy07 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I think the long term stress of having extremely bad neighbours, plus looking after elderly parents, mine and my husbands, and an elderly Aunt.. Losing my Mum to cancer when she was only 65 and my boys were very young. Having repeated viral infections when my immune system was already low, due to the stresses in my life. I think these were the causes.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to MariLiz

Hi MariLiz I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

sophie22 profile image
sophie22

Accident at work, death of partner and abusive childhood!

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to sophie22

Hi sophie22 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Cleggbo profile image
Cleggbo

I picked my son off the bathroom floor and he had died. Nothing more to say.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Cleggbo

Hi Cleggbo I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Kat50 profile image
Kat50

Sudden death of my dad, me having severe Mumps infection in the same year and very long term constant stress over decades.........i think these were my triggers in 2012, i had my Fibromyalgia diagnosis in 2013.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Kat50

Hi Kat50 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Alison-Brown profile image
Alison-Brown

I got what I thought was severe sun stroke. Turned out to be the beginning of all this lovelyness!

Paddy1914 profile image
Paddy1914

You mention no disrespect intended but I am afraid I do think you are disrespectful. I have nothing but respect for my son you have no concept of the circumstances your speaking of, my son is very close to me I am not a person that shows anybody what goes on with me people are usually surprised that I have the difficulties I have . I am in no way encouraged by your remarks and as far as restless legs meaning nothing I think those who suffer with it would disagree with you . I am not thinking my son has this condition , my reasons for taking part in this poll was purely out of interest. Needless to say I would hesitate to take part in any more .

InLiverpool profile image
InLiverpool

Possibly a result of a quite drastic change to my thyroid medication. I was asked to reduce my medication by half/

Dusky profile image
Dusky

I really don't have a clue what caused it.

Lesoot profile image
Lesoot

I think my fibromyalgia was caused by being forced to sleep on the sofa for many years by my ex wife due to my snoring !

Midnightstarr profile image
Midnightstarr

I was very health and active until I got glandular fever don't think I really fully recovered. Then I was diagnosed with ME. Then Fibro.

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to Midnightstarr

Can you think of a traumatic event or a time of overwhelming stress that sent you into depression, it could have been shock of something that was nothing to do with you a family member, grief?

Nannyrose profile image
Nannyrose

I answered other answer is I nearly lost my a husband in a operation ,which clicked a naraagia migraine and then in late February early march I got strike down where I could hardly walk and then had a problem with my body evertpy part of my body was hurting every muscle

leslo profile image
leslo

I have ticked viral infection I was very poorly with a water infection was off work for a month I was under a lot of stress at work also & doing job of 2 people I was never right after that

I disagree, more and more research is proving that fibromyalgia is degenerative. My experience is my condition has worsened over time due to repeated experiences similar to those I believe kicked it off in me to begin with. I have developed more ways to cope so that is also not the case, as for meds if you have found some that work and continue to work overtime great I have not & have to frequently change as they stop being effective. I also know that many others have similar experiences to myself.

I feel that you are coming across in a very aggressive confrontational tone, this may be unintended we all know how hard it is to convey tone in text, however reading comments above it would seem I'm not the only one and has reminded me why I stopped commenting on here in the first place. So thank you for the swift reminder.

Fibromepainless profile image
Fibromepainless in reply to

Degenerative,! , are you listening Scott.

Hello Princess, why do some folk like that think they have the knowledge to be able to say that the pain doesnt get worse with this condition, my pain has got worse. .Janex

Dexter927 profile image
Dexter927 in reply to

My mother's Dr actually told her I was to old (52) !? To have Fibromyalgia, Lol. 😕 If doctors can be that misinformed it's no wonder the general population is on various points as well. The general public's health overall is lousy.

Kath1952 profile image
Kath1952 in reply to

I agree with you iPrincess, mine is definitely worse than it used to be and as for medication i have been on everything from paracetamol to morphine, nothing worked, the latter being good for making you feel like a zombie and sleeping all the time wasn't what i was looking for.

A year ago i was diagnosed with Peripheral Vascular Disease, i don't know if this could also be related to the fibro as it is my legs that i had the most problems with, because of the Vascular disease i have to try and walk more, the pain is excruciating and now use a Rollator so i can sit for a minute or two until the pain eases then start again, it takes forever to get just up the road and back and i could just sit and cry when I'm out because of the pain. 😪

BadHare profile image
BadHare

Secondary hypothyroidism.

ANONEROSE profile image
ANONEROSE

Tooth infection/abscess

Cold is a big factor in my fibro as is sugar if I eat sweet foods it will flare up.

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33 in reply to

That's interesting the sugar x

Fibromepainless profile image
Fibromepainless

Hi all, havent been around for a while on this forum, im sure it was Trauma, Hope everyone are as well as can be expected....Hugs...Jane xx

ryanbone10 profile image
ryanbone10 in reply to Fibromepainless

So nice to see you back Jane :) xx

ninjananna profile image
ninjananna

Nervous breakdown. But looking back to childhood, viral infection made me extremely ill.

fenbadger profile image
fenbadger

I'm not sure there was a single trigger, but there came a point where I realised all was not as it should be. Gp then went through a battery of eliminations after he scraped me off the ceiling doing the tender point test, and came to the conclusion. After a stressful marriage, some surgery (4 lots and counting), stress at work, ok, I see where this is leading .

wissey profile image
wissey

I have never had good health since I had swine flu I'm convinced that is what caused it

Hairytriker profile image
Hairytriker

Glandular fever followed by the dethrone of my wife.

Hairytriker profile image
Hairytriker in reply to Hairytriker

Death.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Hairytriker

Hi Hairytriker I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Tissors profile image
Tissors

Divorce and bereavements in a very short period and a nervous breakdown.

Iampain profile image
Iampain

Both prolonged severe stress and traumatic incident.

Iampain profile image
Iampain

80-90 hour weeks as a care assistant, walking from home to home and catching buses, and a serious assault by my son, leaving my husband, who didn't believe it really happened, even when showed the bruises, which was swiftly followed by what I thought was a viral infection, but may have been my first mega flare

Iampain profile image
Iampain

No, Scott , it definitely progresses. Maybe yours hasn't, in which case you are lucky, not typical.

A mixture really between childhood and first marriage a lot of bad stuff

kaaskat profile image
kaaskat

I think the fibro was a result of my skin cancer therapy and subsequent removal of skin.

Credwin profile image
Credwin

RA and traumatic stress. Watched my daughter cut out of car not knowing if she was dead or live. Thankfully God was watching over her.

jules344 profile image
jules344

Autistic child, father with terminal illness, husband severe illness. 2nd child 2 major orthopaedic operations and surprise pregnancy found after gall bladder surgery. No surprise that something had to give. Diagnosed both fibro and lupus.

ryanbone10 profile image
ryanbone10

I think mines started when I was 28 after losing my Husband to Skin cancer.............then quite a few virul infections through out the years! xx

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to ryanbone10

Hi ryanbone10 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

jolaine75 profile image
jolaine75

My Fibro commenced after severe family stresses

sammtank profile image
sammtank

I nearly died in childbirth, it was traumatic. My baby had a life shortening condition brain damaged caused by her brain not growing. The stress of having to do everything for her, with her screaming for 18 hours per day and me getting only 4 hours sleep, fighting for equipment and help etc caused my fibro depression and anxiety.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to sammtank

Hi sammtank I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Roffy2016 profile image
Roffy2016

I personally think that having shingles a number of times and stress was a big influence on me getting Fibro but i never really felt the pain until i lost a lot of weight. I started with pain down the right side of my body, arm, leg,foot and in my chest in January 2016, I had blood tests for bone cancer and MRI scans, which showed i have connective tissue disease and a nerve pressing down on my right shoulder pad but nothing showed why i was in so much pain in my chest and down my right arm, I went back to my doctor again as the pain was unbearable and i felt like my chest was going to explode, this time he tested my CRP levels which showed that my inflammation was 105 instead of the standard 3.5, I had to go straight to hospital, i was put on steroids x 8per day (helped) and referred to see the Rheumatoid specialist in March 2016 and was diagnosed there and then with Fibro (only 1 visit) it was me that was in denial and still find it very hard to deal with! I walk for miles as i think this is the best way for my body to deal with things but do get times when i want to give up as i cant see this being my way of life. Sorry if i sound morbid but I've always been very active but bit by bit my body is changing and the pain gets worse especially in my hand,foot and chest, I now struggle with driving, writing and lifting my grandchildren. I'm 48 year old.

Paddy1914 profile image
Paddy1914 in reply to Roffy2016

I'm so sorry your in such pain I have no quick fix for you I'm really sad to say, I cope with my health problems by my faith I would be happy to share it with you if you would like to. Only if you want to it helps me cope it doesn't take things away but it certainly helps me to deal with the things I can't change. I hope you have had a fairly good day , take care dear friend

Mine is early depression- never diagnosed- Broken bones- grief leading to alcoholism- bad broken back- 2 hip replacements on same hip leading to damaged nerves and muscles..

Aap78 profile image
Aap78

Being in pain for too long before multiple surgeries.

Aap78 profile image
Aap78

I had West Nile Menegitis.

bluebell99 profile image
bluebell99

I was already diagnosed with lupus, hypothyroid and other autoimmune conditions but it was having renal cancer that triggered my fibro. Even though I an now clear of cancer the fibro is still with me!

Cheryl0711 profile image
Cheryl0711

Just diagnosed with FM this May. Think it really started back after car accident December 24, 1996. After complaining of shoulder & lower back pain, X-Rays, MRI's & whatever those nerve tests were called, my Dr. Was stumped. Recommended Holistic Sports Physician. 1st be appreciated. he said he didn't know what was wrong specifically but there was something definitely wrong. He will really think about it. Set appointment for following week. Treated all pressure points (unaware of it at time & physically manipulated certain muscle) .When finished, I feltlt great. He told me he thought when I was driving thru traffic light and car took turn in front of me, besides slamming on the on the brakes, I turned my head to look in rear view mirror to see if I was going to be rear ended. Apparently, my body twisted to the right side when unpack happened & body froze in that position causing pain. The exercises w) physical therapy helped but the help w/Dr. treating pressure points and manipulating muscles workwd the best. With his help, I no longer needed to see him and continued on w/my life. Off and on I would have pain w/back & shoulder & just tolerated it. For many years I would go to Dr's and complain about these 2 area's and they would take x-rays & couldn't find anything wrong. Off & on, my walking was becoming difficult. No help with Dr's. Just frustration. In 1999, had to give up bowling on bowling league because of back & shoulder. Just got progressively worse. Depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, pain, feeling out iit and finding only temporary relief by drinking alcohol. Family on both sides have genes for alcoholism and many relatives are alcoholic. In my family alone, both parents were and my three older siblings were. I was determined not to follow their path. Damn it , by a me. Struggling with it ever since. Knees were hurting and waking me so many times. This started in 2013. Ended up having arthroscopes on both knees following physical therapy. In 2012, trip over cat toy and crushed shoulder into wall. Final result after 3 days telling myself it will get better and didn't, I went to hosp. E.R. Fractureand, crushed & dislocated shoulder. Requires complete right shoulder replacement. To this day, I very little use of my arm. Anyways. Back to headache , 2014, suffering from horrible migraine. Finally see a real neurologists who finds cause & have emergency surgery the following day. Walking time bomb. Surgery on neck. C3, C4. degenerative arthritis pinching nerves in neck. Any slight wrong move and I would of been paralyzed from neck down. Six months late, body is in pain, shoulders, collar bone, neck and back. Address issues of bone pain to orthopedic Dr who did surgery on knees & shoulder. (,Later he tells me my back pain is caused by arthritis in both hips and they need to be both replace, even though I have no pain, INTERESTING HUH?) Have left hip replaced in ,2014 and my life has not been the same nor the ability to walk. 2015, migraines are back, cluster headaches, sharp dagger Like spears shooting in parts of head, oh the pain. Neurologist tries numerous med's , nerve block none successful. All even worse then the extremely painful migraines I have. Last resort, BOTOX injections Dec. 31, 2015. WORST EXPERIENCE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. For 6 Days I went thru pure HELL with most of the side effects you can have with these injections. Desperately calling Neurologist on call no. to leave message about the horror I'm living. Find out she took her maternity leave 2 weeks early and hasn't assigned another Dr. Zto take her case load. 6 days later, her office calls, etc. 4 days later I finally am prescribed gabapentin. Wierd, all these symptoms I'm describing to Dr. Specialist and family Dr. and they shrug there shouldersl and just say "I don't know!" Gabapentin eases my violent headaches and the pain in my body slowly melts away. By February, after discussing w,/, friend with FM, I realize I think I too have FM. Now to find Dr.to diagnosed me. No help from family dr and by this time I've fired my neurologist (she should if recognized by the numbness in my extremities instead of blaming it on smoking and drinking alcohol besides the migraines, pain thru out body hat can't be explained, nerve and muscle tightness, tightness in throat, etc.) So after 1996 to 2016, 30 years I have finally been properly diagnose. I have been medically labeled and suffer from as: bi-polar, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and heaven knows whatever else. I have chronic migraines 3 X's a day each day, I have arthritis in my neck, shoulders, hips, lower spine (4 bulging disc's that are shifting to the right), in my knees l I've had neck surgery,(necessary) right shoulder repacement( necessary) 2 questionable arthroscopes on both knees and a very questionable and I feel a very unnecessary left hip replacement. (Especially at first when Ortho doc says pain in back caused by arthritis in hips and both need to be replaced. After hip surgery Dr tells me, right hip surgery will not be necessary. All I know is I have fibromyalgia, it flares up when I have a bacterial infections and require antibiotics. It also effects my migraines which we FM suffers have. Vitamin B12 dissolvable only and Vitamin D2 works wonders and I highly recommend. Thanks for letting me unload LOL.

blackdhalia profile image
blackdhalia

I had lymes disease 4 years ago.

Aveley profile image
Aveley

Had a severe haemorage after having my adenoids and tonsils removed as a child which needed a blood transfusion. Following that I was unable to walk for some months because they said that my muscles were so weak. Looking back I was never really that well afterwards, but the doctors just said that it was 'growing pains' and gave me iron tablets!

It is certainly an illness that needs a lot more research into the causes. Maybe then we will be given some hope of a cure, or at least medication that eases the problem. I have tried so many different painkillers but none of them really work for me. I am now trying CBD oil from 'Holland and Barrett', after reading how it has helped others on this website.

tracyg619 profile image
tracyg619

It just happens, maybe it's food, maybe stress, maybe it's an infection. But it is tolerable for now. But sometimes I can't move, very lethargic sometime.

Sarahk1000 profile image
Sarahk1000

I had all of the above plus a bipolar episode and went through early menopause

IvoryK profile image
IvoryK

I think my fibro was triggered by the loss of my mum. It was very sudden and very traumatic, she was only 53. I lost my mum. And my job within months of each other.

Plus my dad now has advanced dementia and I had been his carer for 9 years before he went into a care home, so I think these are all factors.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to IvoryK

Hi IvoryK I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

tracypom profile image
tracypom

I had an emergency c section, I went septic within days, my left lung collapsed as it was full of a 1 a half litres of pus. The hospital told my family I had 20% chance of surviving. My hair fell out, I suffered repeat abscesses in my abdomen for years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 26 years ago before I left hospital

tracypom profile image
tracypom

Lots of stress and deaths in the family since, my sister is bipolar.

doohickyqueen profile image
doohickyqueen

There is a study that claims that all people with Hypermobility Syndrome, have Fibromyalgia. I found this very interesting as I was diagnosed with HS at 12 years old, but all the symptoms I was getting were not fully explained by that. Looking back there were definitely elements of FM as well. I wasn't diagnosed with FM until I was 25, and 5 years after damaging my lower spine at 20 which made life a misery physically and mentally. I believe that this period of 5 years simply allowed my FM to tighten it's grip and become much more severe than it was in the beginning. I also have 6 other conditions, and a wealth of traumatic experiences which, either separately or collectively, might have also played a part somehow. But I am the only person in my family to have any of these conditions. Some doctors believe I suffered brain damage when I was born due to oxygen deprivation as I was born 2 weeks late, my placenta was white, and I had no breathing or pulse for a full 2 minutes until resuscitation efforts finally worked. This I believe to be the cause of some of my other conditions, such as my learning disabilities, and would explain how I could be the first to have them in my family. But HM is caused somehow by altered proteins, so it doesn't explain everything. But if everyone with HM really does have FM, than that would likely be the cause for me, but I could also think of many other possibilities in the form of physical and mental traumas over the years also, beginning with the trauma of my birth.

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to doohickyqueen

Hi doohickyqueen,

I was interested in your reply, I have RA, Pulmonary fibrosis and fibro,but my daughter who is 16 was diagnosed with servere hyper mobility disorder last year ( my son 30 also has it ) but she really suffers with constant pain especially in her back, neck, feet,and hands/wrists our gp has put her on amitriptyline and refered her to a rheumatologist. I hate to think about it but in the back of my mind I do wonder if she may have fibro. I hope to god she hasn't but some day's I do think it's a possibility. Any advice when we see the consultant in January would be appreciated.

Take care Linda x

doohickyqueen profile image
doohickyqueen in reply to Lesley_ann

Hi Linda,

I'm sorry to hear both you and your children have these horrible conditions. The best advise I can give is to say to do as much research on FM and Hypermobility Syndrome as you can. There is a hypermobilty syndrome association website, and many others. It's worth listing as many of the symptoms, side by side of both conditions as you can find, then ticking which symptoms your daughter has. There could be quite an overlap, which might suggest that she also has FM, or has it quite mildly at present. Looking for conditions closely related to FM, such as IBS, or chronic fatigue syndrome (both of which are on my list!) may also help determine the possibility of her having both. I believe it was only the further trauma of my spinal injury that let my FM dig it's claws in more fully. Might also be worth googling for that study which claimed that all people with HM have FM, and maybe take a copy of that along to your appointment in January for the consultant to consider. Thankfully some treatment options out there are beneficial to both conditions, with the possible exception of exercise, for which you need to find a balance. With HM you need to try and build above average muscle tone to help support and compensate for the looser weaker joints. Not easy to do when you're in pain! The trick is to find a gentle low impact exercise, such as swimming - preferably in a heated pool, gravity walker, exercise bike, easy yoga, Pilates etc, where muscle tone can be strengthened and maintained without making pain worse. You don't think you're going to be able to exercise at all with these conditions, but these gentle low impact exercises can actually reduce pain a little once you get started, but low impact is key, and start super easy and slowly work up to avoid any injury. For me these exercises are vital, otherwise my joints dislocate far too easily. Also I needed insoles in my shoes to hold my feet up to stop my arches from falling flat and to align the bones in my legs properly, as the HM in my feet causes them to fall flat on standing, and as a result I grew up with my legs rotated out of place. My insoles corrected this and lessened a lot of the pain I was getting in my feet, ankles, knees and hips. So that might be something to get looked at if your daughter's feet fall flat when she's standing. Above all medications I have tried I find heat packs far more effective than painkillers for pain. Especially in the cold winter, which makes my HM and FM pain worse, and my tendons painfully retract in cold weather. I carry 'heat in a click' gel pads, that are a great mobile source of heat when needed indoors and on the go, and they are resusable. Amazon is a good place to find them, and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

I hope this reply has been helpful in some way, and I wish you and your daughter all the best. I hope the consultant is able to help a lot more.

Gentle hugs, Leanne x

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to doohickyqueen

Good morning Leanne,

That's been really helpful thank you. My daughter does do low impact exercise and luckily we do understand about why this is important. She sees a OT who thought that she may have connective tissue disease and was able to refer her on for this appointment, and is due for physio to start in a couple of weeks.

Like you said about your spinal injury and the trauma that came with it, and I believe having suffered an abusive childhood myself and being diagnosed with servere Rheumatoid arthritis which has gone into my lungs has triggered my fibro, my daughter painful joints/muscles began after she had a tumour removed from her eye in 2013 thank goodness benign.

I am very aware of not putting my illnesses onto my daughter especially to a professional, but I do think it's a possibility that it could be fibro and I will look at the information you mentioned. Thank you for your support Leanne it's very appreciated as this is the first time I have mentioned my concerns .

Linda xx

If u feel the need to belittle others 'Stupid Scotty' , could you please do so using correct woedale?

The word you need is 'due' and not 'do', as you have used twice now! So infuriating!

No disrespect intended 😑

pip_r profile image
pip_r

My fibromyalgia could be due to various individual reasons or maybe a combination. Also, I suffered from random severe pains from the age of 14 upwards and so maybe I've had it since childhood, with the more severe and debilitating symptom of chronic fatigue (and diagnosis) coming in my late 30s. However, I do also wonder if my dad had undiagnosed fibromyalgia. I'm still left wondering how long I've had it and what caused it.

Celtic-235 profile image
Celtic-235

I think it all to do with trauma

I have suffered from IBS for years but it was after a surgery and then having pneumonia that I noticed the overwhelming tiredness and pain.

I also think that it maybe genetic as my Aun Also has Fibro and my daughter seems to be on the same road.

Mad4it1966 profile image
Mad4it1966

I was diagnosEd with fibromyalgia after extensive tests ruling out other illnesses following treatment for Breast Cancer. I believe Chemotherapy was the cause of my total body fibromyalgia that is with me 24/7.

Stan13 profile image
Stan13

I believe all boxes could trigger fibro but why doesn't everyone get it as in most of them tick boxes any human being rich poor etc will experience at least 1 so why does it only affect certain people ? Very interesting poll 👍

rochelebp profile image
rochelebp

I have terrible allergies and my recent flare happened last year when the room I was in got filled with smoke from the neighboors ill placed chimney. Later in the same year I had extensive surgery on my jaw that damaged a nerve. I quit my job I was so overwhelmed and my boss was an ogre! I got I knew job in January but the place shut down 3 months later and I have been unemployed ever since. I am not sure I could go to work if I got one, but here in Brazil where I live it is nearly impossible to get support when you are sick nowadays. I have to wait until nov 16th to get a request from my gp so that I can see my reumathologyst and ask for an evaluation. I live with my parents and my brother (who is a special needs person, and therefore cannot work). My mom is also disabled due to surgery in her back, my father is 64 and out of a job, with no retirement plan. In short, I guess that it is indeed a combination of factors.

security profile image
security

Car accident was the main cause, and I also had osteoarthritis....... also bereavement of wife a few years earlier all compounded, I believe to this condition.... 🤔

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to security

Hi security I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hopes and dreams for you. Ken

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers

I find that certain foods aggravate the fibro - in particular Knighshade vegetables.

Sadbutalive profile image
Sadbutalive

I believe my fibro began when I was under immense pressure to return to work despite not having fully recovered from major invasive surgery (had my sternum 'cracked' to remove what turned out to be benign tumour). It was then that I started aching all over and found it difficult to stay awake during the day. The more I pushed myself in to work the worse my symptoms were. That was more than 20 years ago and I still have a daily battle to try to live a fulfilling life.

Jmflint profile image
Jmflint

Three things happened around the same time: severe stress (purchase of a house where I was a victim of fraud), undiagnosed iron-deficient anemia (over a year without treatment due to a doctor's negligence), and menopause. I believe it caused a perfect storm and my body gave up.

pigsty profile image
pigsty

Major operation. ....though sometimes see several times in past were I now know as fibro were put down to a 'virus '

sharonissexy profile image
sharonissexy

I honestly have no idea

Petitepam profile image
Petitepam

I can't be sure as I did suffer prolonged severe stress due to family issues, but I had severe pain in my hands and elbows after taking a rubella virus that I should have been immune to as I had already had rubella in my childhood and also been immunized against it in high school. I have never felt right since.

Also my sister suffers from fibro which she thinks was caused by a different virus, so their might be a genetic element.

Puzzled?

MorganScorpion profile image
MorganScorpion

I was exposed to sheep dip in my early teens.

Peter0793 profile image
Peter0793

Mine was triggered by a car accident and accelerated after my dad passed away.

ClareCrip profile image
ClareCrip

I have no idea what triggered it, it came on with gradually increasing impact nearly 40 years ago until I got to the point after several years when I was hospitalised and then started using a wheelchair some 20 or so years ago. Now I manage OK with assorted aids, a very restricted lifestyle and the support of a loving family!

Rbp07 profile image
Rbp07

I really dont remember what triggered my fibro. I had been ill for so long as i sugfer also from psoriatic arthritis its difficukt to pinpoint a time when it all began

MsJangles profile image
MsJangles

Without going into too much history I have suffered auto-immune and inflammatory conditions since I was an infant but believe Fibro was triggered by or I was made more aware of it following the trauma of a botched knee replacement operation. Although the condition goes hand in hand with others I suffer I have found it to be extremely debilitating and very difficult to get a handle on.

Maggieone profile image
Maggieone

I had knee surgery quickly first pain in January then op in June then fibro started august slowly at first then with in a year fairly bad

earle profile image
earle

No idea what caused it

Sorebones profile image
Sorebones

According to my rheumatologist it was lack of sleep that caused my Fibromyalgia. There may well be something to it as my symptoms have reduced dramatically since having good sleep, albeit drug induced lol 🐸

Sorebones profile image
Sorebones

Yes it does!!

Paddy1914 profile image
Paddy1914

Are you having a bad day? You seem to be very angry about something I hope whatever it is that has upset you sorts itself out soon take care

Dexter927 profile image
Dexter927

It takes a lot of insight and self respect to admit when we're wrong about something and I respect that!😀 It's easy sometimes to write a post when we're tired and not realize it was off. I wish more people could accept that there is nothing wrong with admitting we're not always perfect.

Shadows-walker profile image
Shadows-walker

I had septicaemia after a dental appointment!

Fibromepainless profile image
Fibromepainless

What is fibromyalgia?

Back to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term (chronic) condition that can cause widespread pain and tenderness over much of the body. It's quite common – up to 1 person in every 25 may be affected.

In the past, other terms were used to describe the condition, including muscular rheumatism and fibrositis. The condition may even have been misdiagnosed as degenerative joint disease.

We now know that fibromyalgia isn't linked to inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, even though the symptoms may sometimes be very similar.

Fibromyalgia in itself doesn't cause any lasting damage to the body's tissues. However, it's important to keep as active as you can in order to avoid weakening of the muscles (deconditioning) which could lead to secondary

paperman profile image
paperman

I believe that my Fibromyalgia was caused by excessively long shifts at work due to a troublesome new software system being introduced at work. I also lost my father at the same time, and within months I had to have operations on both my hands for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the right hand operation went wrong somehow and I have been left with a tingling feeling in two fingers.

Having said all that, my niece was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a number of years before me. When I was diagnosed with it I asked if it could be hereditary within the family, they told me that there was no evidence to support this.

They told me that I could not die from Fibromyalgia, but the drugs that I would take over the years to try to get relief from the pain probably will.

My niece died age 39

wendyh1957 profile image
wendyh1957

hello everyone , this is the first time I have put anything on here .I have had so much stress in my life , i am 59 was told I had fibro and CFS about a year ago but I think I have had it much longer than that at least 15 years . I had a lung infection about 10 year ago which was horrible , i was in bed for around 2 weeks the worst traumatic incident for me was finding my 24 year old son on the floor he had died of a drug over dose I tried so hard to bring him back , all of these thing for me have played a part in what is happening to me today , If I have a stressful incident now it triggers a bad flare up,I feel ill every single day .I constantly feel like someone has kicked me all over and the tiredness that aches you to the bone .also incidents of stress when they happen now can be just something small to trigger a flare up , it take less and less to cause one , and i believe that for me it has got worse over the years

WENDY

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to wendyh1957

Hi Wendy and welcome,

I have had a few weeks respite from constant pain although always a little niggle in the background. I agree with what you said because since I started my appeal for PIP I've had a really bad flare up which I have put down to stress. Linda x

wendyh1957 profile image
wendyh1957 in reply to Lesley_ann

Hi Linda , thank you , I am going through the PIP stages ,at the moment I have asked them to look at it again , with more input from my doctor ,this is my third time i have applied for it ,but the first time I have asked them to look at it again , if they still say i can't have it then i will appeal , I also wrote to my local MP for the cotswolds Geoffrey Clifton Brown , they got in touch with Atos health care to make it known that I had written to him saying how unfair the system is and that there are a lot of people like me getting turned down , there is no understanding that for me I can move my limbs and i can think for myself ,its just that i feel ill every single day ache all over feel weak and much worse all of the time . I have to put off going to see people and my family because i just feel so ill. what quality of life is that , MP said he would be back in touch , will wait and see ,good luck with yours ,

wendy x

Lesley_ann profile image
Lesley_ann in reply to wendyh1957

Hi Wendy,

I don't know how much you know about the reconsideration process but if you are refused after the reconsideration don't be to despondent as majority do not get it. But on appeal majority do get the decision overturned. I think this is where many people give up as after 2rounds they have had enough Wendy.

Kind regards Linda xxx

wendyh1957 profile image
wendyh1957 in reply to Lesley_ann

thank you ,I will hang on in there, wendy x

Redroisin profile image
Redroisin

Started 3 mths after my difficult childbirth

Redroisin profile image
Redroisin

We can only surmise what caused it or what event may have because we really don't know... none of us.

DerbyshireDragon profile image
DerbyshireDragon

I feel that the death of my best friend in 2000 was the initial trigger, but it took 13 years to get a diagnosis.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to DerbyshireDragon

Hi DerbyshireDragon I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hope sand dreams for you. Ken

Macberts profile image
Macberts

I am positive it was when I had Lymes disease !

Dentist profile image
Dentist

After many years of severe dental decay leading to blood poisoning & gum disease doctors over the years have stated it is highly probable to be a contributing factor

KimJeffrey profile image
KimJeffrey

My health problems started after coping for 2 years with a very stressful and an immense workload. Then, when I met the love of my life (who I have since married), his ex-wife (they parted 12 months before we met, due to her going off with his friend) decided to do everything in her power to split us up and turn their children against me. This unbearable situation still continues to this day (5 years later), but I have learnt to just accept this is the way it will probably always be. Then my Mum (and best friend) suffered 3 Strokes, and although she started to make improvements, when she was eventually transferred from hospital to a Nursing Home, she decided to refuse food or drink to starve herself to death. I sat with her every day trying to get her to eat and drink, watching her wither away before my eyes, but having no power to stop her!

Niccy25 profile image
Niccy25

I was a serving police officer, in the same year my daughter started self harming of which I felt very guilty not seeing the signs - I took it very badly, and I suffered the effects of secondary taser during an incindent, I became a conductor trying to restrain a man my partner had tasered. I received the full 50k volts for 11 seconds and was unconscious for 15 ( all captured on CCTV). I have been in constant pain since. I did have an initial back injury but I personally don't think this was the cause.

physically overdoing things heartache and loss

Hidihi profile image
Hidihi

My Heavens, I can't possibly read all these responses due to lack of energy. However, I do feel that my condition was triggered by a number of factors: 1) my Mum had pernicious Anemia which was not properly treated, if at all. 2) I'm one of those ultra sensitive individuals that cannot cause pain to animals etc., so I became Vegan for a number of years. I think this contributed to my energy deterioration and my susceptible to infection. Whilst working in Mexico, working on a PhD proposal I got got a massive viral infection that I could not shake off and eventually scummed to both ME and Fibriomyalgia. I definitely feel that emotional/mental/physical sensitive is a key factor in developing both conditions.

gemmagusjessmika profile image
gemmagusjessmika

I believe my fibro was a result of several things, not helped by misdiagnosis and medications prescribed to me, over a number of years, for something I didn't have.

Stress has also been a factor for over 50 years.

I am surprised that prescribed medications wasn't on the list. Isn't it obvious yet that chemicals added to a persons' body cause chemical imbalances, which cause symtoms?

I feel pharmaceutical companies have much to answer for.

Beardnick profile image
Beardnick

I don't think having a car accident and very stressful marriage helped me as I was only diagnosed last February my gp thinks I could of had it years

My dad always suffered with arthritic conditions and my grandma on dads side so I think also it's hereditary

Which is abit rubbish

My middle daughter suffers with aches and pains in her knees so I think she will be sane

But keep smiling folks 😊Xx

Mimo1333 profile image
Mimo1333

I already had issues with migraines and IBS before my second child was born. I had already had 2 abdominal surgeries. It was after my second C-section( 3rd surgery) when i started having issues.

Sallymcd profile image
Sallymcd

I was having new kitchen delivered. Van driver asked for help to lift work surface which was 3 cwt. I started to try and lift it and my spine went one way and my neck the other. After my months of treatment. Fibro started from head to toe and I have suffered every since 30 long years !

Doyah1 profile image
Doyah1

Mine began when I had a lot of things happening at the same time. I was pregnant and the baby died I had to have an op to remove the baby, I lost a lot of blood and was on a plasma drip for a while. Shortly after I separated from my husband which led to divorce. I had the hepatitis b injection then I got shingles in the roof of my mouth was having seizures and horrendous head pain, then all fibromyalgia symptoms started. I was diagnosed with pvf then poss M E. It is now 21yrs on from this episode and I have had many more stressful episodes inc the loss of my grandson and I have only just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Doyah1

Hi Doyah1 I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hope sand dreams for you. Ken

Sassiecat profile image
Sassiecat

Severe physical abuse in childhood

jules12 profile image
jules12

i think i may have had it for a long time since i had symptoms, but never firmly diagnosed. i had a stressful and demanding job. I found night shifts almost impossible to work as i couldnt turn my body clock around quick enough to start my day shifts the day after my nights ended. Then i had a vital infection followed 4 months by an accident at work, followed by severe stress caused by lack of support from my employer ( the NHS) and trying so hard overcome the pain and get back to normal. A sudden onset two years after the accident and still trying to get well enough to return to work. i was misdiagnosed, 6 months later i suggested fribromyalgia to my GP, then correctly diagnosed. WHAT a wonderful NHS we have! no wonder its in such a mess. sorry everyone, im obviously still very upset.

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33

I am not defending anyone but my fibromyalgia changed its no worse it change in effects I have and knew I had RA OA which the refused to test me for an MRI 3 years later revealed cysts Ra severe in my back that was all associated with FMS even though I knew something was wrong I have JHMS and PTSD agoraphobia Ra OA kindness cysts and I think it's changed my character my happiness and motivation for life and some info the medication I was on had me in a worst state in the early stages than now I'm still bad but I think it more evolves than worsens in effect, more Develops and get worse meds in crease you lose more control and disparity and anxiety drive you to depths of depression so initially being labelled may have seemed like a relief but to me FMS was used for too many years as an excuse to cover up more debilitating problems with FMS on top makimg life unbearable.

Also everyone on of us are unique as areour conditions

And we may not agree with our outlooks on this condition but I believe revokes independence evolves not gets worse it changes its the first signal to a long battle but no one should lesson anyone's individual experience. "It is not until you live a day in another mans skin that you can truly know what he feels' HTKM

Be kind we are all suffering x

Angeldebs33 profile image
Angeldebs33

I thinks it's important when it comes to medication that people understand that there is a tolerance built there for a higher does is need to effectively manage pain, then stronger meds then mess for side effects of meds can you really say you feel healthy now on pain meds than you did before you were diagnosed I knew I was sick I was struggling but the medication the continued rises dependence tolerance probably causing more pain than the fibro. I feel I had had the money to go on a controlled detox retreat centre where I am cared for weaned of and wellness programs I think you would come out very different chronic pain will never cease or cure cope and feeling in your body through threqpy and a painmed free programme to even know what's coming from where would be amazing......I guiney pig it any day for everyone!! I just know I'm twice the size twice as sore and n100% nonfictional from when I started meds.

vtroll profile image
vtroll

My mum was diagnosed with fibro then her sister (both under 50 at the time). I was diagnosed with fibro just after having my second child (I was 31). Within 2 months of having my child I got quite ill I had a gallstone block my liver but before they operated I had a 2 week stay in hospital to get my health and liver working properly because apparently they were worried I wouldn't make it. So was in and out of hospital for a while but I think the trauma to my body plus 2 C-sections (the first a horrific emergency lost lots of blood, scar got infected and didn't heal properly), the other operations and having 2 children under 5 and a stressful job triggered it. I didn't go back to work after my maternity leave with the second child. Had no choice really don't think I could have coped. I am lucky I have a supportive partner.

Meandthecat profile image
Meandthecat

I tripped and fell onto a stone step outside and got a really bad infection in my leg which put me into hospital for two weeks; the leg eventually healed but the pain continued and gradually spread to the rest of my body. In my case it had nothing to do with stress, it was down to getting chicken faeces in a small cut on my shin that caused an infection in the bone. My consultant thinks the healing process went wrong somewhere and this caused a short circuit in my pain receptors which fed back a pain message to my brain even after the original cause had healed. This then spread throughout my body so, basically, my pain receptors are screwed! C'est la vie, I've learned to live with it.

Country-gal profile image
Country-gal

My fibro didn't start till after a near death experience caused by surgery. Tthey didn't think I would make it through the night. A couple months afterwards. The symptoms of fibro started. To this dated I am in very bad condition. My nerves are done . The neroli gist said I have developed nerolgia sorry don't know how to spell the word. But I do know I suffer from them both on a daily basis.

skit profile image
skit

I consider the 'other' in my case was a set of operations. Has anaesthetic effect on others like my creeping fatique that turned into diagnosed Fibro?

magicmo profile image
magicmo

I think mine was a result of having post traumatic stress, after the sudden death of my youngest daughter. She was killed in a car accident

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to magicmo

Hi magicmo I am so genuinely sorry to read this and all my hope sand dreams for you. Ken

Beeswax1 profile image
Beeswax1

I had had 15 years with an abusive husband when the initial damage was done. 13 years later I was studying for an MSc, my dad died, my mother was diagnosed with dementia, I had a severe allergic reaction which floored me, then one of my dogs died. The following year a car smashed into mine when I was stopped at a junction, and the rest as they say is history!

meribee profile image
meribee

Daily pain especially before I get up and leaves me feeling very weak and buzzy headed. Always looking forward to bedtime as get so tired! It has got worse over the last couple of months!

phlebo123 profile image
phlebo123

I was diagnosed with IBS at 19 years, but other symptoms begun after a varicose veins operation in my mid 40's about the time I was entering menopause, so this combination seems to have tipped me over the edge! I also believe my father showed symptoms, although he was never diagnosed

I think mine may have been triggered by long term major depressive disorder/anxiety, genetics (my mother had it), and maybe grief from loss of family.

rulookingsmiler profile image
rulookingsmiler

Cancer

house77 profile image
house77

if am honest i believe my fibromyalyia and osteoarthritis came through the heavy physical work i have done for over 25 years. yes i did have a traumatic childhood but still dont think my fibro arose from that. i may be wrong , am just confused about it all.. my dr trys to incease my antidepessants ,like he thinks it all in my head. but the amitriptyline dont help with my pain or depression, yes it sends me of to sleep,and that in my opinion is all it is good for.. the tablet may suit other folk but it not for me,am suffering awful dizzy spells and a feeling of not being in control,so soon i shall tell me dr, i do not wish to carry on with the amitriptyline. i wish you lovely folk all the very best! xx

I seem to be the "odd ball" in a large extended family, my feelings are mixed, parents who smoked heavily before it was known how they affect the unborn and those around them later in life, childhood epilepsy, active ankylosing spondiltis from age 21 - 35, sudden death of Father thru medical negligence in year 2001, I knew whilst I was visitng him daily in hospital on a ventilator; that I felt a bit ill, stiffnesses, poor sleep, pain where A.S used to affect me but I ignored it until I put him to rest and then decided to find out why I physically hurt some so much, diagnosed on 2001 with fibro!!

achydunlin profile image
achydunlin

None of the above... I find this really interesting and have read the comments but I honestly can't find a trigger - does anyone feel this? It came on out of the blue - no accidents, stress (although I was working a lot at the time but not stressed), no flu/virus. I was the fittest I'd ever been - running 5k 3 times a week, going to the gym, working, I was happy, I was in a new relationship after having lost my husband (5 years before so I can't blame that) and still I rack my brains as to what triggered this - the fatigue, constant pain, insomnia, IBS. I'm just hoping that one day some researchers will come up with an identifier - a blood test/scan or some such that pinpoints this awful disease and then some proper treatment. Take care all x

Bacaloca profile image
Bacaloca

I believe mine started after trauma. We used to live on boats on the canal. That's where I met my partner. One day helping to push his boat out I over reached and fell into the canal. I came up under a flat bottomed boat and I could not get out. Tony ran round the marina and pulled me out of the water in effect he really did save my life. My daughter the wonderful person she is looked on in fits of giggles oh mum how many times have I been sick in there! Oh mum how many boaters have peeled in there! I just looked at her with a mum look. After a shower and a warm drink I sat on the back of my boat with my head in a bucket, I was ill for days afterwards. I never went to get checked out at the hospital but that is where all my illnesses seem to have started. So yes definitely a trauma I would say.

We had to move off the boats as I fell in a few more times because I began having problems with balance. I needed sticks to walk, we had to move into council accommodation, in their wisdom they gave us an upstairs flat. You just have to laugh, don't you????

lab22 profile image
lab22

its a mystery disease,i look normal but i cant sit for long ,travelling long distance is always a bother .it all started with long term stress and having no coping skills to deal with that stress. my body aches and lyrica helps but for how long .loud noise sleeplessness conflicts and aggression give me a flare up.i have designed my life to minimize the triggers .its a uphill struggle but i am better than before.it helps to know about this mystery from any forum and this is a good one.

Jusstac profile image
Jusstac

I believe it has been exaggerated by my ptsd suffered at the hands of a narcasstic sister, as well as childbirth, I had Epstein Barr as a teenager, I also believe there are times that it may be genetic???

Depression, add/adhd, anxiety, social withdraw....its such a vicious battle going on the time for dominance, stress, anxiety, depression, Every THING else follows

Had key hole surgery on my knee due to the cartlidge damage

Having worked as a Caretaker for 5 years in East Cheshire I decided to move up to the Yorkshire Dales to be with my Wife to be. She got me a job with a local builder, and I was basically using different muscles, and I was probably straining myself.

Kacky69 profile image
Kacky69

My was triggered by my Grandad dying and then my Dad dying the next day from Skin Cancer and then the trauma of my Mum living with my husband and I while we sorted her out with moving all while we were trying to grieve.

Keziah1861 profile image
Keziah1861

Warning , some of this is quite distressing and may be a Trigger for some people.

Measles and Mumps together aged 3.

Abusive childhood, no affection, love, used as a trophy by parents.

Thrown from pony at speed aged 9. Broken shoulder

Sexually abused from 11-16

Depression, on going....

Step-son sent to live with us on full time basis Sept1984, he is 4.

Damaged back lifting physically disabled adults whilst employed care work

Difficult and long labour for birth of daughter in June 1985

Mother died suddenly aged 60, I am sure she had Fibro, Osteo- Arthritis, fatigue, migraines, I was 25.

Difficulties within marriage I have PDDT and poss PND although not treated at time, ongoing depression.

Another daughter March 1990

Hysterectomy 1992

Spinal surgery 1996- problem with removing drains.

Industrial Accident Sept 2000 Extensive nerve damage toward my back.

End of working career aged 38

Father dies Oesophageal Cancer 2005

Various Health issues eventually diagnosed ME 2007

Much loved Mum in law dies, with me there 2011

Fibro diagnosed 2012 -. Seem to have been ill most of my life, childhood stomach aches, tonsillitis, lots of penecillin, then depression, backpain, migraines, Asthma, osteo arthritis

Magi54 profile image
Magi54

Mine. Was after I had my last child at age 27, had a great pregnancy doctor took blood test

Magi54 profile image
Magi54

I feel my mum had fibromyalgia

Gina-wen profile image
Gina-wen

I believe mine was several factors. I suffered physical/mental abuse as a child at home and have spent my life in 'fight or flight'. I took my son to the doctors with 'a lump' and was fobbed off for around 18 months - when I finally 'blew', insisted on a referral in 2013 and at 16years my son was diagnosed with cancer and underwent 9 hour surgery...the type means he will not be cleared after 10years...he will be permanently monitored for life. I also suffered whiplash and choke injuries when assaulted by a dementia resident at work in 2014....final straw for me...downhill ever since.

Boyden1964 profile image
Boyden1964

My symptoms started after pyelonephritis of the kidneys but symptoms seemed to worse after bladder op.

lindyloub profile image
lindyloub

I'm not yet diagnosed blood test was normal the doctor wants another I've never had a normal blood test for many years but I have read a blood test won't show evidence its MRI I'm way ahead of my doctor she is semi-retired told me she was testing for mythology but from browsing think they are the same I have all the symptoms but complicated medical history I suffer from anxiety in recently separated but my doctor thinks thats good as she is also my husbands doctor he has dementia plus other major health problems my health isn't good sinc having a Brain Operation in January 2008 to remove a clot of blood from the brain then having a stroke in 2010 I was taken to Hospital as I started fitting had a major grand mal was in intensive care for 3 days no epileptic fits since but I take medication its been years of domestic abuse before it was diagnosed my husband having dementia he is still being cruel towards me won't speak on the phone or allow me to visit I knew at some stage with his illness he would probably be in a Care home but thought at least we would be friends instead he hates me its all my fault he wanted to leave me then when he wanted to come home his Social worker phoned me I told her I wasn't ready for him coming back so in his mind I shoved him out the previous night he had physically punched me in the chest wanted to go the following morning on respite care but all care homes full so phoned Social Service who I knew kept & paid for a empty room in a Care Home for emergencies

Katsteele profile image
Katsteele

bacterial meningitis