I was diagnosed with fibro at the age of 18, I'm now 20. My parents think I should go back to the hospital and request further testing because for my age and a previous county swimmer this doesn't seem possible to be in so much pain with no real explanation. I was given the option of physical therapy and saw a physio once then he referred me to have acupuncture which didn't help then I asked to stop the treatments and was told if I did then I wouldn't be able to anymore physio for 6 months.. They gave naproxen and said to excercise. I did try this but the naproxen irritated my stomach so I only take it when it's really bad and normally this is only a few times a month. So basically the reason I'm positing is for some advice, I am now a second year student and don't have many pennies but want to start excercising and swimming and whether DSA would fund this or whether I should go to the GP and ask.
Written by
Lucewhyte
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I always think it's great to find a good doctor. One you feel like you have a rapport with and that hears what you are saying. Regarding everything I'm saying here: Please remember that I am NOT a doctor and I do not know your circumstances, so please take what I say with a grain of salt...as I am saying it to give you an idea of some things that may or may not apply to you. My doctor told me, who is a Rheumatologist, to stop taking Advil when he diagnosed me. He said that NSAIDS..like aleve, naproxen advil,aspirin will not help Fibromyalgia. If you find that it helps you, then that's great. You're right it can upset your stomach so you be careful to eat something prior yo taking it and mske sure when taking it, that is more of a benefit than a risk. I'm in the United States and my Rheumatologist highly recommend physical therapy and swimming. We have insurance here and have a copay for everything that we do. I cannot afford to do physical therapy at this time and the swimming program is hundreds and hundreds of dollars. So, if you were my daughter, my friend or my sister...I would highly recommend for you to go back and do the physical therapy and swimming if it is permitted financially. My understanding is that it is one of the best things for Fibromyalgia because of the lack of strain it puts on the body. There is a fine balance between movement and too much movement and somewhere in between is good... Apparently swimming can be one of those things for us. You're right... you are young. If you do have fibromyalgia, ss you were told when you were originally diagnosed, your parents have a right to be concerned for you... Because it doesn't make sense with someone as young as you...but truth be told... there are people write on this support group site that we're young upon diagnosis Fibromyalgia themselves. I was older when I was diagnosed fortunately, but yes,you need to advocate for yourself,make sure that all other things are ruled out... And if they are ruled out... then you go on to do what you can do for yourself...to become the best version of yourself... With Fibromyalgia! ( if that is the case) It's hard for anybody who loves us to see us in pain as we are...especially because they cannot see any injuries and some of it doesn't make sense to them. I am sure your parents only what's best for you and that's the reason they're advocating for you to go back to the doctor. There are many medicines, therapies and treatments that are available to you and you may be surprised at what some things can do for you vs not benefit you. Everyone is different and responds differently to medicines and treatment. I was also a competitive swimmer growing up and swam year round in training, as well as did county and varsity soccer in high school...ince I was a little girl all the way up until I graduated high school. I don't know if this applies to you but how I am today is just a shadow of the person I used to be...but remember I am much older than you..
As I am 47 years old. I'm glad that you came here to look for some answers and support. You are in the right place. I've only been a member for a couple of months and find a lot of comfort and care here. I'm certain you could do the same... so stick around, gather information...you certainly will be understood here. Yes I think that is good to go to the doctor on a regular basis with Fibromyalgia... as things can change and there may be things that can be helpful to you that you are not aware of.
. as they are found out or have been found out since you were treated originally.
Thank you Katherine, I think I am going to go back, I went to my GP in August last year and I said that I wasn't coping with the pain and its interrupting and waking me up from my sleep and I was given Amitriptyline, a anti depressant! I hardly take this because it knocks me out and night and means you cannot drive?!! I feel like because the doctors can't see the pain they don't fully understand the intensity of it! I need to do something I'm so fed up of being 20 and not being me, I exactly feel like a shadow of the old me, I used to compete at swimming nationals and always be involved in sport and dance but now I can't even walk up the stairs without moaning or groaning!!
I just wanted to reply to the part where you wrote about Amitryptyline. This drug, taken under a certain dosage, does not act as an antidepressant.
It is a medication that is very often prescribed for Fibro. If you take it regularly and early evening (between 6-7pm) you may well find that it will help with your pain and sleep.
Taking it early evening avoids the groggy feeling the next day.
There are so many of us here who were extremely active before we were diagnosed. I was a gymnast at school and obtained all my 5 star awards. I also ran Cross County for my school.
Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I have pasted you a link below to our mother site, FMA UK which is loaded with useful Fibro information: fmauk.org/
I always say to members that if your symptoms persists or get any worse, or your medications are not working as they should, then it is always best to go back and discuss it with their GP or medical specialist. For two reasons, firstly, to rule out other medical conditions. Secondly, as there are other medications that you can discuss with them.
I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.
All my hopes and dreams for you
Ken
Hi Lucywhyte,
Wishing you a warm welcome to our wonderful friendly community forum.
I see my friend has posted you a link to our Mother site, that's grand!
If prescribed Naproxen Tablets, GP usually prescribes an additional tablet called (omeprazole) It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach Naproxen may cause.
Pls make an appointment to see your GP and discuss your options with him/her.
I would definitely encourage you to go swimming... I usually go swimming twice a week and I feel so relaxed afterwards. However it is very important to remember Not to overdo it...especially since you sound like an excellent swimmer... just a few lengths and gradually build up... I can now manage to swim 40 lengths slowly without any adverse reactions after... but that has taken me years to reach this level!! The warm water is lovely. I also have irritable bowel syndrome. I also find short walks in fresh air are beneficial and I also go to a hatha yoga class once a week, which helps to keep me flexible. My advice for exercise is "little and often" and as soon as you start to feel any pain, Don't try and push through it, but Stop!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Newly diagnosed and determined not to let this beat me
My first post after recently being diagnosed
Diagnosis at last!
Am I being paranoid about Medication?
