Newly diagnosed /First Post

[Painful2021]

I have been suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years and was recently told that I also have Polymalgia overlap. Last week I was told that in addition to that I have Fibromyalgia. In truth I have never felt so unwell. Obviously I have had chronic muscle and joint pain for a long time which I have had to accept in the main that it’s something I have to live. However feeling so unwell and fatigued is quite different. I am finding it very helpful reading the various comments and advice so Thank you.

[LoneEra]

Hi and welcome 🌼 I also have rheumatoid arthritis and my fibro diagnosis came later. If there is anything you want to ask, please do 🙂

[Painful2021 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you so much for commenting on my post. At this stage my doctor has told me to read anything I can find about the condition. I would really appreciate any help and guidance on how to manage Fibromyalgia.

[LoneEra in reply to Painful2021]

The one good thing you'll find is that a lot of the RA self care measures actually extend to fibro. So things like pacing, eating healthily, gentle stretching and warm baths (preferably with Epsom salts in). A TENS machine also helps some people and I use an acupressure mat as well. Physiotherapy can be beneficial - if you see someone who understands the limitations of RA and the sensitivities of fibro.

There is some useful self care info here: fibroguide.med.umich.edu/pa...

[Painful2021 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you so much for responding to my post. I shall certainly take All of those suggestions on board.Until started to read about fibromyalgia I had never known Epsom salts in the bath could help. I am a daily shower girl but I am definitely going to go down the EPSON SALT BATH route for a while.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello, yes I do hope reading some of the posts here helps, I dont feel so alone with my mixed bag of conditions when I read about other people’s health situations, members have a good understanding of it all, it does help to chat when we feel like it. I have cfs along my fibro , arthritis is setting in now so I really know how you feel with pain/aches. I always tell myself there will be better days and try and forget about the bad ones., but not always easy . Roll on some warmer weather as this year the colder months have dragged on ,I think that really lifts me being able to sit outside and puts a smile on my face and the warmth differently helps x

[Painful2021 in reply to Yassytina]

Thanks so much for your help. I totally agree that the prospect of soon being able to relax in the sunshine does help lift the spirits. Roll on when the warmth soaks in it will help relieve the pain.

[Elizahl]

I just wanted to say welcome and sorry to hear about your illness. All I can say is we all understand here and it is a great supportive group if you want to ask questions along your journey someone will always respond or even if you just want to vent that is ok too. There is no judgement here it is a great comfort to know someone else understands where you are coming from and may offer great advice as well as comfort. Best of luck on your journey xx