Fibro newbie

Hi I’m new here, got diagnosed with fibromyalgia yesterday feeling down today left the rheumatologist clinic with no information just to do self referrals to physio and occupational therapy 😳

Feel alone, scared and confused 😕

[Flyby7]

Hi and welcome to the forum we all suffer from different elements if need any advice here is where you will get it

[Hidden in reply to Flyby7]

Thanks for the welcome I will see how it all goes x

[Murpy]

Hi this is now your starting point. I cried with relief when I got my diagnosis because I wasn't going bloody mad!!!! Do your research. Stay strong. Take care. X

[Hidden in reply to Murpy]

Thanks Murpy for the welcome I will see how it all goes x I can relate to what you say tears and fruit loop spring to mind 🤪

[bourne]

Don't feel down I know how u r feeling same thing happened to me you have found a great group here ask lots of questions and it's time now learn how to live with your changed body and listen to it good luck angela

[Hidden in reply to bourne]

Thanks for the welcome I will see how it all goes x

[jimmyshoes]

Bless you and understand the shock ,in fact I asked for second opinion and then another before my news I refused to accept became real.The one thing I was advised was to take up swimming which seemed beyond me. How I get there, move ,get costume in ,n don't even swim and surely my pain would not allow me to move ? but ,do you know it has really really helped .I paid for lessons with an understanding teacher who was in water by my side and it has been the inly thing that helps ,and keeps me sane.If I can't dry ,get dressed after ,I don't stress about it ,I've even put my extra big clothing over the top to get home to change when my virtual batteries run dry. Your mind clears ,you leave the stresses at the pool and the pain is no longer a focus as for me thinking about just how pain I'm is ,makes it worse and overwhelms me .I allow myself one thought to accept ,yep, you are hurting today but it's not helpful so I've made myself believe that swimming is my medicine even if I've only managed to get in the pool to stretch or walk in the water.All the tablets give me side affects that are horrid but swimming gives me movement back in my new body that I didn't want to have .

Physiotherapy was brilliant for me ,not the exercises but how to stretch and to get expert advice on pain management.

It's been about 3 years and still swimming. Best wishes virtual friend ❤

[Hidden in reply to jimmyshoes]

Thanks for the welcome I will see how it all goes x

[Macaulay1]

Don’t despair at least as others have said you now know its not “all in your mind”. I was both afraid and relieved when I was told it was fibro. You can and will manage it. You will learn to understand what works for you. I hate exercise but found the guided exercise programme worked for me, it helps cope with the tiredness and pain. Hang in there.

[Hidden in reply to Macaulay1]

Thanks for the welcome I will see how it all goes x

[Spider1]

Hi hun,I’m so sorry you have this awful thing.

Hopefully soon with the new findings we will get something done to help us very soon. Hang on in there. Sending hugs xxx

[Chunkiedog]

Hi and well done for getting here. Like others have said we all suffer in the same and different ways but there is hope so please don't despair. I was glad to get my diagnosis so I knew I wasn't mad as a hatter. I have found gentle yoga and complementary therapy of reiki has been awesome for me. Others have tried swimming which has helped too. I'm now a reiki master teacher & practitioner so I have a daily practice even if just for me and my family, including my fur babies. Explore and see what works for you.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and welcome. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our main site fmauk.org

Our patient booklets are available at fmauk.org/publications

[Hidden]

Thanks I will take a look xx

[Midori]

Hello and welcome!

One of the first things I advise is to look up and print off if you can something called The Spoon Theory. This will help explain to you and others how Fibro drains your energy throughout the day, and why you can't get out in the evenings so often.

Beware of borrowing from the next day's energy, because it's like borrowing from the bank; they want it back with interest!

Too much borrowing will send you into a flareup.

Lots of pain and total exhaustion.

Have a word with the pharmacist who gives you your meds, and take his suggestions to your doctor, Pharmacists are medically qualified, but they chose to work with the medications rather than see patients. As specialists they are more aware of the interactions beween various drugs than your GP will be.

Exercise is important, even if it's just walking around the block each day. keep it up. it helps keep your bones and muscles strong.

Cheers, Midori

[Wrecklesham]

I agree with so many of the comments here. My journey has been long and like most arduous. I didn't get on with swimming and a lot of exercises but my life saviour is my little dog. No matter how bad I feel I put her first and most days find that after walking for a while the pain becomes more manageable and if I keep going it will go away. Even if it doesn't go away for good I know I can get about an hours peace from the pain. I find sitting is the worst thing I can do as I can only sit in one chair and the longer I sit the more painful when I eventually stand. Give yourself time to digest this new knowledge and work hard at what eases the pain for you. Try to keep smiling and stay strong.