Pain or fatigue

[Kovacs8]

Just wondered, which is worse for you, pain or fatigue? I definitely struggle more with fatigue. I have read that pain is supposed to be worse for fibro sufferers and fatigue is worse for ME sufferers which makes me think maybe I have both.

[Keeleybee]

Hi, mine is defo the pain and the limits it brings. X x

[ukmsmi4]

If you do then you are not alone. I have both. I started with ME and up until recently, although I've always had aches and pains aplenty, the fatigue has always been the predominant symptom. Unfortunately the pains are starting to catch up and I have recently been diagnosed with fibro as well.

Personally I think I have had both all along but ME flares have dominated so far. Currently the flares are about equal. I read somewhere that around 70% of sufferers actually have both, don't know how true that is but it wouldn't surprise me.

It's a real problem when you have both for several reasons. Gentle activity or exercise can ease the fibro pains, but with ME fatigue you can't do that. I also find that I currently have particular problems with balance. I'm walking into walls a lot and when I stand still I find myself wobbling around like an unsteady weeble. I have started using a stick to help with the balance. Problem is the severe pains in my hands, arms and shoulders means any gripping or leaning on the stick makes the pains worse. You can't win can you?

Gentle hugs

Margaret.xx

[Ian123 in reply to ukmsmi4]

According to the Arthritis Foundation, research shows that 50 to 70 percent of people with one diagnosis also fit the criteria for the other.

[bel29 in reply to ukmsmi4]

This is exactly like myself, all I get is "You need to exercise"

it's a vicious circle.

Take care hope you feel as well as possible xx

Isabel

[lCllCl6 in reply to ukmsmi4]

I know what u are talking about. Doctors have done all kinds of test on my new symptoms and they have no answers but to put it down I am depressed. They say fibro doesn't cause all these pains and problems. So I am glad I have all you to talk to and help me know it's not depression it is really a condition. With my fibro I also have sever nerve pains from doctors cutting them n damaging them. But I will survive because of u all. Thank you and Merry Christmas

[Scottish-piglet]

I'm rather like Margaret, however I was diagnosed with Fibro first. Always knew ME and Fibro went together and not sure which is worse. Some days the pain makes me cry other days I can't get out of bed for sleeping - no happy medium at all. Both are very restrictive and depressing.

Margaret, try a stick with a gel or soft handle, they do make a bit of difference to hand and arm pain.

Good night to everyone and I hope it is a restful night xx

[Ian123 in reply to Scottish-piglet]

Wrist braces also help keep some grip in the hands when using a rollator that has a seat built in (do like my rest breaks,steady the heart rate)

[TheAuthor]

Very interesting question? I am not really sure which affects me the most. I am an insomniac by nature so fatigue is an issue. Thanks for sharing your post.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Elaine45whitefield]

Mine is defo the pain i dont get much sleep my morpheme tablets kept me going but the pain is that bad nowadays its horrible im now on morpheme tabs plus morpheme patches but still not sleeping i have been watching tv since 3am xx

[Redhots7 in reply to Elaine45whitefield]

Possible side effect of morphine ? 😘

[caninecrazy]

id say fatigue is the hardest for me but then again I have become accustomed to tolerate more and more pain as that's now normal for me. I have FM, CFS and SLE so all 3 of these give me fatigue x

[Tuscany]

Both in equal measure for me. Both can be debilitating x

[stripes64 in reply to Tuscany]

I would say the same

I can never get enough sleep, if someone was to offer me the most delicious cake ever or sleep yep Id take the sleep lol. The pain is constant with days or hopefully just hours where it gets to a point I don't know what to do with myself. The winter months being the worst ugh.

There are times I wonder is it all fibro or have I got ME too xx

[Jayne68]

I have ME and fybro, ME I have had for much longer. I think its the fatigue that gets to me the most. Having said that I was in out of hours last night due to uncontrollable pain. I think mentally it's the fatigue that makes me feel low and inhibits me the most.

[Hidden]

The pain for me. My pain is worst in my back as I have tumours on my spine which create painful spasms in my back and legs and I often cry with the pain. I cannot take pain relief due to anxiety so I have to put up with it. If it got to the point where I really couldn't cope I have Tramadol and Amytriptiline but usually I don't take anything x

[Midori]

I haveboth, but the fatigue is more disabling for me.

[littleeffie]

Fatigue gets to me from FM SLE RA and EDS and the pain from the above plus CRPS is excruciating but honestly believe if could stop the fatigue I could do more to cope with and distract myself from the pain. Chicken and egg I think.

Wishing you all a rested pain free evening x

[Kovacs8]

Unlike fibro, Can cfs be diagnosed with a blood test. Thankyou for all of your responses to my question.

[Fibroman in reply to Kovacs8]

No both the same neurological condition that starts after long periods of fatigue.

[klr31]

M.E can cause pain and extreme fatigue which no amount of exercise can help.

[Fibroman]

After talking with a few Doctors I believe they are both the same condition. Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Its all down to quality of sleep. Become fatigued over time and pain starts.

[Grandma24and1]

I suffer from both fibromyalgia and M.E. and have discovered that b****y fatigue is definitely the worst thing I have. Didn't realise this until the M.E. really kicked in about 12 months ago. I can manage the pain although can be very strong at times, despite taking morphine for when it's at its worst but fatigue? I absolutely detest it. I find I am confined to my bed for at least 7 days (I do know that others suffer a lot, lot worse symptoms then I do).. Unfortunately I have no one at home to help so still need to make drinks etc.. I need to eat as am also diabetic.

So to answer your question - FATIGUE.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New 2016.

Healing hugs to all. x x x

[Kovacs8 in reply to Grandma24and1]

Hi,

Thankyou for your reply. Can i please ask, how did the docs diagnose both conditions? Was there any specific blood tests that could confirm ME diagnosis? I have been fully diagnosed with fibro.

[Redhots7]

What contributed to the fatigue for Fibro sufferers is the pain meds we have to take just to function thru-out the day . 😘