hi everyone, I'm 28 and i have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and my GP wasn't very helpful, she's basically told me to manage my pain with pain killers and to self refer to talking changes.... has anyone used talking changes before? did it help?
my main concern at the moment is that for the last year I've been studying at college to become a teaching assistant, I've even resit my GCSE maths to be able to go on to do my level 3 next year. the way i am feeling i cant imagine being able to work any job let alone 40 hours a week in a school, i cant even fold the laundry without being completely exhausted!
i feel like I'm at a cross road at the moment and i don't know which way to turn, i want to keep going forward with college but i don't feel well enough to do so. I'm all new to this so any advise that can help will be greatly appreciated!
my symptoms are extreme exhaustion, i wake up tired, i need to nap most day and i wake up from that still tired, simple house hold tasks ware me out, the pain at the top of my back is horrendous , and i get pain my knees, that make getting up and down very difficult, this affects me worse in the winter, i get memory fog, and i have trouble trouble concentrating. my whole body aches, and these days i cant move very quickly because my legs feel so weak! I've had these symptoms for years but it has got progressively worse since Christmas.
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Swift123
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Hi Swift123, I am sorry to read your diagnosis of Fibromyalgia at such a young age. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum where you will get lots of help. I’m sure you will be given good advice from all the members. 😊You will need to master the art of pacing to manage your work situation. Whilst in a flare up there is not much you can do but take pain relief, pace yourself and ride it out. Take care not to get stressed, I know it’s hard when you want to get on and pain and exhaustion are a constant struggle. Keep asking questions it’s the only way of finding coping strategies. I am under the pain clinic and on a very long waiting list to start their programme so can’t answer question re talking changes.
So sorry to hear you have this, it is a constant fight to function. I am much older, but I sure coudn't work now, I can barely do the housework and cook dinner. I do find that yoga and strength training help a lot, even if you feel too tired, at least do some slow stretching for 20 mins a day. I also have chronic leukemia so it's a toss up which thing is causing my symptoms, sometimes I have "profound weakness" and can't really walk at all.
personally i found pain management a complete waste of time they were more interested in getting you of your pain meds , i had for different pain meds only to be left with one . which i am now struggling to do anything , and exhausted all the time . so hope, talking changes, is different . i too have unsympathetic doctors . so you have to push and tell them what you need . good luck and you wont feel alone on here . people are so nice and helpful . Swift .
Hi Swift123. Did your doctor discuss any kind of anti depressant medication with you? That is what keeps my pain from getting out of control. It does have other side effects but at least I can get through the day. It might be worth researching that and speaking to your doctor. I hope you find some help.
Welcome to the World of Fibro, and the club nobody wants to join!
Exhaustion is one of the major things with Fibro, can I suggest you look up The Spoon Theory on the Web, as it can help you explain to others how it affects you every day.
You will find that many don't understand this invisible illness, even many doctors, and you are likely to be accused of faking it at some point. Ignore the doubters.
Keeping yourself as fit as possible is important, but that doesn't mean Marathon running! Ask if you can see a Physio to get some excercises to combat the stiffness, and don't lay in bed or sit around in a chair if you can possibly avoid it, as you will start to lose muscle tone, which will make you feel worse, and can become an ever decreasing circle. The last year with its lockdowns has done nobody any favours, fitness wise.
Dancing is a good thing, gentle bellydance particularly good as it is low impact, but keeps the joints supple.
Tai Chi is another good, low impact exercise.
Get your GP to check your bloods, often we Fibromites can be short of Vitamin D and other things.
Eat as well as you can, nutrition is important.
Do not overdo your housework or you will find yourself in a flareup, which will also affect other things in your life. Friends come to see You, a bit of clutter and a few Dust bunnies shouldn't matter if they are friends.
Keep your brain active; the dreaded Fibrofog is always lurking around ready to pounce!
If the weather keeps you in try a new hobby or craft. Puzzle books can help keep the brain healthy.
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