General Illness

[Gownie]

Hi, I am newly diagnosed with FM and just wanted to ask if when you get a bug or virus or chill, does it take much longer to recover from this when you have FM? I have been poorly and now into my 3rd week and not feeling much better yet.....

[Furry]

Hi there, yes it takes me longer to recover, especially energy wise. I find viruses etc can cause a flare up too sometimes. Pacing and resting more when I’m poorly is a must for me.

Hope things ease for you soon. Take care x

[Gownie in reply to Furry]

Thank you so much, I was stressing as feel I should be feeling better by now, but all I want to do is rest x

[LoneEra]

Have you had a Covid test? That’s the obvious starting point. Sometimes an infection will cause me to flare for a few weeks, but the actual flu or cold clears in normal time for me.

[Gownie in reply to LoneEra]

Covid clear, think it’s a bug, but just can’t shake it

[LoneEra in reply to Gownie]

That’s a relief at least! It could be that you’re run down with the fibro - it’s not easy on a day-to-day basis.

Afraid I don’t have any groundbreaking advice - except keep your GP in the loop, top up your vitamin C, keep well hydrated and rest as needed.

Get well soon! x

[Gownie]

Thank you so much, I was getting really worried but think I’m starting to understand that FM has a big impact on everything and need to accept this!! Thank you for your kindness 😌

[Gownie]

That is so supportive👍🏼thank you, I was diagnosed 4 months ago, along with osteoarthritis and I have also suffered from cluster headaches for many years. FM explains an awful lot for me and since I have been diagnosed I have had time to to do some research, I find it awfully scary as I am users to working long hours and being there to support people in their time of need. I feel I am struggling to accept the limitations but with the the help of friends like you I will learn to cope, thank the you for reaching out 😘

[MaggieSylvie]

I discovered First Defence after I got a terrible dose of flu while on holiday in Morocco about three years ago. I can catch colds really easily and they can last for ages, but when I use FD it stops the symptoms from being more than a sniffle. At least, so far, it has been of great help.

[Helensumber]

Hi, yes it can take ages, I don't know about you but it has definitely effected my resilience, 4/5 weeks ago I had a bad stomach, GP thinks it was a virus and I was really bad in myself for about 3 weeks, my stomach improved after the first week, but I was totally wiped out, on the 4th week I had a couple of good days, still felt rough in between and this week it's more like a couple of bad days with feeling my normal good in between.Pre Fibromyalgia I used to be on the go all the time, I have accepted a different way of life now, but it can still be difficult to remember the whole self care thing is a different ball game now, look after yourself, be sensible, but don't worry about feeling bad because unfortunately that will make you feel worse I'm sorry to say, as it will cause stress which is our worst enemy.

Hopefully you will feel much better soon x

[kimar]

I am sorry that you are having an extended flare, those are rough and frustrating. I also find that pacing is important otherwise I will take ages to get back my energy. Do you take vitamin D? My rheumatologist told me to take 2000 iu every day to keep my levels high. It seems to help. I also take 250 mcg of magnesium every other day as it can be rough on the tummy. I hope that you begin to feel a bit better soon. And perhaps the weather will also cooperate as on those humid, damp days we get no peace. Take good care.

[deb26bie]

Hi most definitely ...I've been signed off work for the last 3 months after having a flair up of fibro after having a sickness virus. Had my vaccination last Wednesday and have felt horrendous ever since,due to go back to work in 2 weeks but if I feel like this then possibility I won't be. I hope you feel better soon...take care

[Gownie in reply to deb26bie]

I hope you do too🤞🏼Thank you for answering x

[stevebran]

Hi Mydexter

Very well put. This is my “go to” for anything fibro or CLL(Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia). I find the common sense and personal experience as well as the depth of knowledge of many members, invaluable. As is the love and understanding given to fellow sufferers trying to navigate the confusing vagaries of this invisible illness.

Good Health, Steve

[Gownie in reply to stevebran]

Everyone that has answered my question has made me feel so much better, you are all so kind and caring and I can really feel the love💝thank you all x

[Purplebluebell]

Hi. Yes every time!

[Iceberg5241]

Hi GownieHave only just seen your comment.

Although I can't help you re flu and colds as I seem to escape them mostly, I do know that you can stay 'as good as it gets' by pacing, healthy food, supplements and staying away from stress and conflict. I am 81 next week, live on my own and have had FM for over 10 years so I have learned a little about how to cope.

I have taken Aloe Juice every morning for many years which I believe helps keep the flu away. I have been on VitD3/5000 for some years plus Omega 3s (EPA/DHA), Culture of Probiotics and Folate. I try to eat nutrition based food and make my own chicken broth which I freeze in ice block trays and use with nearly every main meal plus garlic and onions. I cook with coconut oil which is full of natural saturated fats but I do have a problem these days where I want something sweet after main meals which is not good. About 18 months' ago I lost my taste although every other sense is very heightened through FM. Greek Yoghurt is good for calcium, is full of probiotics and supports digestion.

I am fortunate in that I was retired when FM took over pretty suddenly. I believe in my case it stems from a car accident in my 20s and therefore I sustained double whiplash as we had no headrests or seat belts in those days. I also believe that FM hits type A people who are those that push themselves workwise and otherwise, so when we get struck by it, the fatigue and inability to function as we always have before is overwhelming and very hard to get used to pacing and only able to do a portion of what we once did.

Three things I would suggest you read if you haven't already are:

A Buddhists View of Pacing

Letter to relatives and friends on living with Fibromyalgia

The Spoon Theory

I hope a bit of this is helpful. My Dr said to me all those years' ago when I said I thought I had FM "Well no doubt you know more about it than me" and couldn't help .........now I am sure I know more than him as its first hand. Take care of you and let us know how you cope as it has to be managed 💕

[KnackeredKaty]

Yes it does, even a scratch takes longer to heal.