I was diagnosed 2 yesrs ago following 2 minor stokes (TIA's). I haven't met anyone else with fibromyalgia as yet let alone a male and feel rather lonely. I'm married with 3 kids. 2 in there 20''s and a 5 yr old. I had big plans after 5 yr old was born, having more time, money and patience to do all the things I couldn't with the other 2 because I had to keep a roof over our heads. I've been with my rock for 24 yrs and if it wasn't for her I would have thrown myself under a bus due to the pain I'm suffering.
I've never experienced anything like it !!!!. My fatigue is chronic and along with the pain which mainly affects my lower body has sent my mental health spiralling. I'm in a dark place right now and don't really know where to turn. Previously was running 2 businesses and cycling 22 miles a day but carry an extra 4 stone and barely manage to stay awake let alone walk anywhere. The pip assessor asked me about good days, i replied, i have bad days and worst days on slidding scale downward but don't feel I can go any further down. I've slept all day today and back in bed again after taking morphine as a last resort for the pain in my legs. I won't go on any more but it feels good to tell someone how I feel. Goodnight and god bless
Hi Mark and welcome to the club nobody wants to be in. We are generally a happy understanding supportive bunch of folk all linked together by the fibro label. This is a safe place to have a rant, ask a question, have a laugh at the daft things some of us do (of course fibro fog can always be blamed for this one!) or generally have a look at what others are posting. Never feel alone or that you can't ask something - there is normally someone around to give advice or share experiences. Fingers crossed for a good night's sleep for you. Take care
Evening Mark I am glad you have posted if anybody understands we do and sharing your feelings and knowing people are listening . I am really sorry to hear of your pain have you recently been back to your gp to see if there is anything they can do to help with this awful pain in your legs differently to what meds they are trying at the moment??? I think I can truly relate to making plans , my children are older with families of their own you have more time some extra money and you have all these ideas in your head about what you want to do then this nasty condition comes along , sometimes I feel angry and sometimes even envious (not in a nasty way) but when I’m holed up in bed with a flare that I can’t join in with my family /friends . I joined the forum as I didn’t know anybody with this condition listening to members and their stories/comments I didn’t feel so alone anymore thousands of people suffering that just need a listening ear, say how they are feeling also , and people respond with kindness and helpful tips. I recently went through a bad time and I sort help with my anxiety/depression until I found some medication that really has made a difference to that side of things. Never be afraid to ask your gp for help if you feel you are sinking, I’m glad you have your rock by your side that’s good to hear. When you post again perhaps you would like to lock your posts as then only our community can see, and not open to the internet. Just want to say welcome this evening xx
Mark I was desperate when I first got diagnosed I thought my life was over but slowly I came to terms with the horrible pain and fatigue Then I got Asthma and Iv now had 15 years of it I have counciling
Whoops sent to quick Mark there are plenty of good people on these forays to help you and Share exsperances your in the right place
Hi Mark, I am sorry to hear you are struggling and in so much pain. Constant chronic pain can cause stress and depression which can become consuming and have the potential to significantly worsen and prolong pain. Increased pain can then lead to more stress and depression, creating a cycle of hopelessness and pain that can be difficult to break. I have been through dark periods myself but was fortunate to have a sympathetic and understanding GP who helped me find a way to manage my fibro (physically and emotionally) with minimal meds and different therapies. And of course I also found solace in this forum so I hope you will too and won’t feel so alone now that you have joined us. Our friendly members are always happy to offer help and advice or just lend an ear when you need to vent. We do have quite a few male members who I am sure will be able to empathise with you in particular. However as Yasmintha has mentioned, you may want to consider locking your post. You don't have to but many of our members are not too keen on responding to unlocked ones therefore you are likely to receive more replies if you do, as it prevents the whole thread being read by internet search engines. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the link below but if you get stuck please don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Hi Mark. Reading your post is sad but you have goodness there as well. Acceptance is a very hard thing to come to terms with, that you are no longer the person you were.I know this as one who has looked back at the person I was. I was the one who helped everyone. Now the tables are turned. The ones who are precious and dear to me are now my saviours. They allow me time to vent, which is not slot. We plan little adventures and find laughter
Hi Mark, welcome I’m glad you’ve found us. I’m also glad you’ve got your wife she sounds great. As for the constant pain and extreme exhaustion we understand but please know you are not alone. X
Hi Mark welcome to our lovely forum. I am so sorry to hear about how you are suffering. Please don’t give up I haven’t and I have been through a lot over the last 3 years and like you I had to give up my business to and believe me I know how that adds to our pain. I also suffer with lower back pain and it’s now traveling to my hips and legs. I have just found a new specialist that is going to start at the beginning to find out what is really causing my pain. This guy was my last port of call in the uk and if he couldn’t help me I was speaking with doctors in America. However I think 🤔 this is the man that will be able to help me.
What I am saying to you is please don’t give up to your illnesses and try and fight to find someone that can help you get your life back again.
It sounds to me that you have great support for your wife and family so that is a real blessing.
I truly wish you all the best in dealing with your illness and I truly hope that you will feel better soon. Love and hugs 🤗🤗🌹🌹🤞🤞🤞 xxx
I have just had big blood tests- feel like I have had an encounter with a Vampire! I am off to rest in bed for a bit and shall reply again later...
I understand exactly where you are at. I can help you with practical advice to help improve your current situation. I will describe what I have done and how I have improved. Promise, there is a way!
Hi Mark and welcome!?! THANKS for the post 👍. Like many on here, I am mainly a reader of posts who gets reassurance at 4 in the morning that I am not alone, so a big thank you from “the readers” for your post. You may not realise it but there are a lot of positives in it: your wife, your acceptance and your support system! Do get your sons to pitch in to get you out - they can help you find things that you CAN do that include your 6 yr old 🙂. Your sons are resources available that can research on your behalf and take the strain off your wife 😬. Aim for something - a romantic night out - don’t laugh! If it seems unlikely to happen then its your Everest ..... bloody climb it!!
Sorry if this sounds bossy but I’m getting my positive mindset back again after 21 months and trying it out on others....... 😘. You can only imagine how tough I am on myself but then it’s only me so I have to be!
If I don’t get any thumbs up I’ll go back to reading...... good luck 😘
Oh Mark sweetie don’t feel alone we are all here for you , I know I’m not a man but I have had fibro since I was 11 years old . I’m so glad you have a lovely partner/wife who does her best to understand , my hub is wonderful too and so kind to me.
Fibromyalgia affects more women but there’s men on here who suffer . Try not to get too down and if you do you could be depressed , I have severe pain I never get any sleep an hour if I’m lucky and that’s not everyday. We are all here when you need any of us . Love and hugs xx🤗🤗😇
Glad you found this site as everyone is willing to encourage and support each other. Hearing other stories helps too andhopefully you will get some good advice. My biggest help has been to read "Treating and beating Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome" by Dr R Murphree. Amazon about £17.99. I encourage you to read it as he makes so much sense about pain and how to block it. Best thing I did was to take 5 HTP (Holland n Barret £16) which boost Serotonin and melatonin so now I sleep a little better!! There is hope! Things can get better. Take care 🌈
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