Men with fibromyalgia

[Paul_37]

Hi new to this group I’m a 37 man with fibromyalgia and really been suffering the last few weeks is there any guys/age with this condition feels like I’m the only one at the moment.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

been there and now older and still learning. Was diagnosed at 33/34 and was fairly unusual in that respect due to my age and gender. But it is a lot more common nowadays and you will find there are a few males on here.

[Aspects28]

Hi I’m steve Age 58 went down with fibromyalgia at age of 48 I get alsorts of pains from shoulders to lower back legs and fatigue.I still work full time to keep my mind active .

Try to keep your head up

[GrumpyTired]

Hey there, yup, another one here. I’m 43 now but had fibro diagnosis since my late 30’s.

[Hidden]

Hi there. I'm on here because my husband was diagnosed with fibro. You are not on your own. Horrible condition. Wish you well my friend.

[Jonn9]

Hello Paul. I am age 53 and have been diagnosed with fibo a year ago after many different tests. I suffer pain in back of legs up and down my back my neck my shoulder. I suffer from fatigue. When I carry anything I pay the price. At the moment. I am suffering from pain in my ribs. I am not sure if that is fibo or not. So you are defo not alone on this journey. Take care

[Jack-coco]

Same as the rest, I’m 43…. First diagnosed with extreme Hypermobility 6 years ago (had all my life), which has now led to Fibromyalgia. Finally diagnosed earlier this year after so much time battling unexplained pain in various areas. However, it’s the chronic fatigue that I find worse than anything else! Just keep looking positive and thankful I can still move and work.

[Pleco]

I'm 57 diagnosed some years ago. Although there is no cure I have found diet, particularly staying off processed food containing sweeteners really helps, not eating late helps with the pain I get at night, and I take Gabapentin for the cluster head aches and that has saved my sanity. Hope this helps

[Yourkidenme]

48 years young here diagnosed in may 21 with Fibromyalgia i have the joint pain and fatigue brain fog etc but had it for years and it’s just getting worse., I’m on various meds but none helping at present.Was diagnosed in 2019 with igan (kidney failure) so was blaming that on the issues! Still working full time installing data cable up and down ladders etc so hopefully like me you’ll have good days and bad days , on bad days I call in sick and just have a rest day !

Listen to your body don’t always listen to your mind ! It can be dark in there .

I’ve waffles on a bit

Good luck to you

[Hidden]

No you’re not alone, I’m male and aged 67. I’ve been struggling with FB symptoms for years and only a few months ago directly asked my GP if I might be suffering from fibromyalgia. He referred me to the hospital FB specialist and I am waiting for my appointment. Apparently it may take a while as there is a long waiting list. I have been reading posts on here and putting peoples advice into practice and it is really helpful. Thanks everyone for sharing and helping me cope. I hope you will also find the help you need and my thoughts are with you

[mjgoddo71]

Hello, and another male, I'm 49 but was initiated diagnosed at 37, but started with more severe fibro after a significant event with some medication and the unexpected lost of my big sister a few years ago. I've been struggling with worsening pain and fatigue for the last 7 months. It's good to see we're not the only males, I've met lots of women with fibro, but never a man.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, I’m glad to see our male members responding back , a big unwanted club but a good place to come and chat and read posts which I’ve certaintly learnt a lot over the few years x

[jasonek19]

Hi Paul Same as you , I'm 37 , been suffering this rubbish for last 7 years , message me if you wanna chat about things

[Lilybek]

Paul hi my name is Nikki I’m not a guy but I have many many years of experience with this condition I’m 54 and I’ve had Fidel since I was 13 I’m Ona a lot of medication and suffer so much pain I have to use a wheelchair chair too on the days I can’t walk I’ve just learned what I can and can’t do you will get to know your own body are you on medication?and do you have a good go or consultant?thanks Nikki .

[Juan-58]

Hello Paul_37

Iam 63 years of age. Had FM for over 5 years; diagnosed 2 years ago. Men are a minority in FM sufferers.

I am in pain 24/7.

Each day has different degrees of pain. Also suffer from spinal stenosis (SS), which adds to my FM pain.

Mobility is difficult; I need either my crutches or walking sticks to support me.

Usually, when I have exerted myself in someway it triggers serious FM reactions, even after hanging the washing out for example.

The pain worsenens at night both from the FM and SS. Pain goes through my arms from shoulders to finger tips, down both legs, around the ribis and kidneys. I get horrible leg cramps.

I don't sleep well and feel like a zombie in the mornings.

Fatigue, tiredness, loss of concentration and short-term memory loss are very debilitating.

I take Duloxetine and Burenorphine patches (35micrograms per hour release) for anxiety and pain respectively.

So, my friend, you are not alone in your suffering and if you experience my symptoms, masy God bless you.

[Makie-Uppie]

Yup, male 60 years old, have had the condition for at least 25 years. My body is both my own prison and torture chamber. I always say I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy but after that child murderer got out of prison I changed my mind.

[doormat64]

Welcome Paul. I am 57 and started getting pains in my early forties but was only diagnosed about 3 years ago. Once I realized that there was no real cure and after damaging my health with strong non-steroidal pain killers, opiates and antidepressants, I found that the only thing which really kept me going was to be as active as possible and just keep going. Things may look very bleak at times, though when you accept that pain is a part of life and the pain you are suffering is not physically damaging you, it becomes easier to deal with.

[michaelf43]

Yes you are not alone. I was diagnosed about 3 half years ago after loads of tests. I believe i have had along time. I had to give up work as the pain and fatigue was to much. I'm now on gabapentine 700mg 3 times a day, which has help immensely with the pain. but still have bad brain fog and fatigue. I have learned how to pace myself now after a long time. All you can do is take it day by day. I have good days and bad days but have to plod along. You will learn in time what helps you. This site has been brilliant for me when i first was diagnosed. iI got alot of replys and answers i was looking for, and i much appreciate it.

[Mr-T212]

Hi Paul, You are not alone! im also 37years old male, i do know how you feel! i do suffer from fibro for nearly 3 years now! stay strong!

[releasethemagic]

I was 38 when I was diagnosed and I am now 62. I worked full time until I was 55, then I had to stop. Carry on working as long as you can, so you don’t face a life on a very low income from benefits. Claim what you can while you are working. You can get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while working and it is not means tested or taxed. Whether you qualify depends on what impact Fibro and other conditions you may suffer from, have on a series of daily living activities and your mobility. Mental health issues can also be taken into account.

A council tax reduction is also possible. This leaflet from Wales that also applies to England explains beta.gov.wales/sites/defaul...

I have found that the drugs recommended by Pain Management services have been helpful, also the pain management program I attended at my local hospital. Getting the right regime is a very personal thing so what works for one person will differ for another. Regular exercise matters and will keep your body more supple. At my worst I just manage to do static stretching exercises, but on good days, a walk or a bout of gardening or DIY. Find a car with the right seat for you so that driving does not exacerbate the pain. I found the right car made quite a difference on my daily drive to work. I also found that my medication worked better with small doses throughout the day, rather than large ones at breakfast and bedtime. I was also more alert and less tired.

[New1983]

Hi im new hear aswell age 38 👍 not been feeling right for a wile pains in my arms shooting pains in my hands always tierd cant keep still or sleep proply at night been looking on nhs website at symptoms i seem to have alot of them also my father has fm and my mother is also being treated for it ! Ive got a appoitment with doctors again in 3 weeks for my mental health so im going to mention it to them then and see what they say

[Badbessie]

Numerous conditions diagnosed around four years ago.

[JayCeon]

Me too, bit older... Don't think fibro's anything specially different from female to male, as everyone's mileage, petrol, motor etc. varies so much from person to person. Even mindset & coping is I'd think more dependent on how active we were beforehand and how much inner energy we can now summon up to accept the new life and yet adapt, pace, change habits, track symptoms & hunt for triggers & treatments. In my case acupressure & amino acid supps like GABA, glutamine, theanine, as well as passionflower were the first game changers amongst the ~100 treatment types I've tried, altho I can still only work 10-15h/w as yet.