How I know I have fibromyalgia...

[lolly1970]

- I wake in the night pinned to the bed in agony, I know I have to move position but the only way I can is by grabbing hold of the side of the bed and pulling myself over.

- I can't sleep, I lay for hours in bed not feeling tired but not wanting to move in case I wake my partner.

- When I do sleep I dream constantly, my body converts the pain I feel into dreams - I even dream about the pain.

- I wake from these dreams every few hours in pain. if I lie on my hips it hurts, if I lie on my back it hurts - sometimes its so bad I lay on my front curled in a ball desperate for a position that doesn't hurt.

- In the mornings I wake feeling I've gone 10 rounds with MIke Tyson.

- First thing in the morning I'm so stiff I often have to get my partner to help me dress.

- Some days just walking is a challenge. Its almost like your body needs oiling - I'm 42 but on bad days I feel 92.

- I feel like I have marbles permanently stuck underneath my shoulder blades rubbing and grating against the bone.

- There's a symmetry to the pain, it's in exactly the same places on each side of my body.

- When I'm food shopping my arms feel like they'll fall off from the weight of the basket or when clothes shopping there's an unbearable burning sensation in my shoulders as I look through clothes on a rack.

- Periodically my muscles spasm and I'm unable to move my head or shoulders.

- Going for just a gentle walk can leave me with debilitating shin splints for days afterwards.

- My muscles twitch involuntarily, like when you're about to go to sleep but all the time.

- When I'm on the phone for prolonged periods I can't stop my hands from shaking.

- My joints click all the time, sometimes so loudly and painfully I cry out in pain.

- Just typing this is causing pain!

These are just some of my FM symptoms, I'd love to know if people out there have the same experiences and also to hear your additional ones - lets see if its possible to write an exhaustive list

[Fibro-hater]

Hi Christine, I too can relate to the emotional side of things...that is exactly how Fibro effects me. If I'm down, the pain is unbearable... happy and I can cope with it. I too am 57 (today in fact). I go along to a singing workshop which I love, but the noise is a constant battle for me.... but it lifts my spirits no end therefore I cope with the discomfort. Tell me does anyone suffer an awful buzzing which I know is neck related/jaw related? I have had quite prolonged dental treatments, that I feel had contributed to the frustrating affliction. Must stop now as with Lolly the pain that typing causes is so intense. Gentle hugs to all Annette.

[jolena]

Hiya hun seems we all feel the same , i sit awake most nites either watching tv of on my on fb. Dont matter which way i turn theres pain , like you shoppin is a major task in itself most days , cold seems to make it tens times more , soft gentle huggzz to all x x

[KimLH]

I often lay in bed at night listening to my husband breathing and the robins singing outside, I do have an understanding GP and she gives me a few sleeping pills, If I have 3-4 night of sleeplesness each day it gets harder to cope, so I will take a sleeping pill and get a good nights sleep and for 2-3 nights after I manage to get a little sleep but then the cycle starts again, but it does help to have had a few nights with some sleep, I do not take the pills on a regular basis and usually no more than 3 times a month, maybe this may help you aswell, try discussing it with your GP see what their thoughts are on this.

[Linco]

reading this was like reading about myself Im so glad there are others who understand this as sometimes when you try to explain it to people you can see they find it hard to understand. Like KimLH my G.P. is great she gave me sleeping pills too but i still woke up with the pain she sometimes gives me a diclofenec injection which can give some relief on the hips and legs dont know if maybe its worth a try for you

[crissy]

Hi all, i have all of the above! I had to cut my hours diwn at work as its causing me so much pain! Im 51 iv had this for over 10years now, i wonder how long it will be before i have to finish work, but financially i cannot! Iv tried every pill potion pain clinic going! My dr has just put me on yet another drug, i have yet to fetch it! I am in constant pain EVERY day hugs to you all

[twinnie]

I too am the same with pain everywhere. I have times when i feel reasonable ...do too much then crash into a downward spiral of pain and complete exhaustion for days. I am 51 and have had Fibromyalgia for 7 years or more. I had a fab job i loved but i couldnt do it anymore as it involved driving long distances each day and standing lecturing for hours. My life has changed so much but i try each day to remain positive....and i would love to return to work one day!! Love and gentle hugs to all fellow sufferers.

[lolly1970]

Thank you all so much for your comments. It's so good to hear from people who understand and hear about the different treatments you've all had. Like KimLH I don't like taking the sleeping tablets every night as they make me feel so spaced out and I have to get up for work at 6am most mornings (which is enough of a challenge without being thre sheets to the wind too lol!). I wait until I've had a run of bad nights then give in to them. My boyfriend is studying massage at the moment and if your skin isn't feeling too tender then it really does help, I'd definitely recommend it for both body and mind. Thanks again xx

[CherylD]

Hi Lolly pretty good description of fibro there are drugs you can take. Pregabalin is one that helps sleep as do Tramadol and Amytryptiline. I've tried all and don't like side effects. Best approach for me is painkillers just before bed. If you are in for a bad night don't fight it just get up and make most of the hours. Next day run on adrenalin until you need sleep, for me usually 8.30ish pm and then go to bed. I work in the mornings and see my 90 year old Dad in afternons.