Long term Fibromyalgia

[Fra3021]

Hi, suffered Fibromyalgia for over 10 years, made much worse post heart attack 6 years ago. Had to give up well paid job in airworthiness because my fog got too much to concentrate. Been juggling meds ever since. Now on Pregabalin 3 times a day, plus nortriptylene at night and co codamol when I need it. Unfortunately Cocodamol makes me drowsy, so can’t drive. But I just about manage the pain and insomnia. Brain fog comes and goes.

[VeeW]

Hi, I've had fm for 34 years had all the meds which all have their own side effects that make you feel worse in the long run Prebegalin was the worst I kept seeing things and the naproxen has mess

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, it’s a shame when we have too give up work but gets to a point when managing Fibro/other conditions it becomes easier to adjust live being based in our homes. I, glad the meds are helping , yes shame about the side effects that come with it though. I can’t take co cocodamol ass it makes me feel sick. But seems trial and error for us in getting something that suits us . Take care.

[Midori]

Welcome to the Fibro Club!

It is a long term condition, I'm afraid, and so far I have only managed to bring the pain under control by listening to what my body tells me, rest when I'm tired, work in short stints and rest between. I just take over the counter Ibuprofen as needed. At one time I was on a lot more meds, including opiods. Got off them all by will power. I have learned what is real Fibro pain, and what are the random generated pains that the body keeps sending.

Of course, Covid has not helped, I've gained weight through not being able to get out, and lost both muscle tone and fitness.

My brain has turned to mush; I can't concentrate on anything for long, and have lost interest in most of my hobbies.

Housework has gone to pot, I don't care. No visitors anyway, so why bother? Yet I am content with my own company. Never been the most social animal anyway. I can still get around on my rollator.

I would like to know more about the area I now live in, but I don't drive due to problems with my eyes. It's a nuisance; I have to read the local paper with a map handy, so I can check out how near the places mentioned are! That is the problem with a drastic change of area, and then almost immediately going into lockdown.

Still, I'm loving the place I now live; I'm on a hill and there is a nice view across the valley to some fields with horses and cattle in, I just try not to look down into the valley, because there's a socking great Tesco there!

Cheers, Midori

[Sally444]

Sorry to hear that you are suffering and had to give up working. I still have a mortgage so am plodding on as best as I can but I get blurry vision which isn't helping at all!! I can fall asleep but never stay asleep for long which is exhausting. I always hope for just one full night of sleep but even when I do sleep, I wake up and feel like a zombie! I hope the meds work for you and you can find some way of sleeping. I think sleep is so important and wish I could do more of it. Best of luck.

[Parliament-73]

HiI have taken Pregabalin for several years and could not manage my own pain without them. I take Amitriptyline at night plus a whole raft of other tablets for my complex illness. Without my pregabalin my pains are much more severe, so I guess I am one of the lucky ones who have no side effects from either.