Any advice?

[Racheywoo]

Hi everyone, I'm new too all this. Currently undergoing tests to determine the cause of my pain for the last 6 years. Rheumatologist has suggested fibromyalgia and that's before he's ran any tests. Currently awaiting blood tests but not sure if I should be asking for more.

I have really struggled with the pain the past few months and believe my job has a lot to do with it. I am a community care worker so lots of moving and handling. I am only part time.

Recently I had covid very mild and spent 8 days at home isolating. During that time I was relatively pain free. One day back at work and in absolute agony and hardly able to move or stay awake. My gp has given me tramadol and codine phosphate for the pain but I can't take them as the side effects are horrible.

My question is I'm only 35 but do I give up working and see if I can get financial help or do I try and keep going? My husband is very supportive and says I have to do what's best but I feel I'm too young to be giving up. I have always been a carer.

Love to hear other people's stories.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[Gigiruth]

Hi RacheywooI hope you get answers from your bloods.

Have you thought about your working pattern. I was diagnosed 2010 but had pain for years before.

You do not have a full diagnosis yet but can listen to your body whatever is going on.

I changed my working pattern to every other day to help recovery. Had a reasonable adjustment for chronic fatigue which reduced stress and explained my condition to my team at work. ( optional of course)

You sound as if you are thinking the type of work you do is physically demanding. Are their other roles?

If you have to change roles dont forget you have a lot to offer.

All the best with your journey.

Take care of you

X

G

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hi there and welcome, very hard doing that type of job mentally and physically, that’s the trouble when we rest like you did with the Covid our bodies seem to recover and less painful, hard one being only 35 as you proberly enjoy what you are doing but if it’s taking its toll maybe look at getting some sort of financial help. Glad your husband is supportive xx

[aud01]

I have for o and sjogrèns syndrome. Both cause all over body muscle pain. They both also cause fatigue . I worked in an office and had to take time off due to the fatigue sleeping 20 hours out of a day.

Then I was diagnosed after 2 years of tests.

I was out on tramadol and gabapentin and I don’t know if they helped or just zoned me out. I feel the only thing they done was help me sleep.

Anyway years on, after trying to return to work as a carer I had to give up at the age of 43/44.

I’ve since came off all medication for pain because I bloated and put on over 4-5 stone,

I am constantly in pain. If I stand to long then I suffer the next day because my legs are in agony. If I walk to far the same effect.

I don’t sleep suffering from insomnia now. I can sleep 4 hours max a night and then be awake for 2-3 days at a time.

I have had 2 mini strokes and on heart meds etc that helps, I just however don’t take anything stronger than paracetamol .

Not going to lie it isn’t easy to live with and there are days I ask myself why keep going when everything is a challenge but I do .

Recently i had covid . I thought the first few days I was having heart attack or a brain aneurysm it was that bad. Since after the 4th day I just slept a lot. Couldn’t eat . Was constantly sick and was so so tired. Walking from the living room tho the bathroom or just to make a cup of tea made me feel I was struggling to breath. 5 weeks on I still don’t have much of an appetite.

So I all I can suggest is so what’s best for you. I tried twice going back to work and found I just couldn’t do it. But I tried over 5 year period or so and had to give in.

I do know people who just keep going at work but are constantly in pain and have no life outside of work because they have no energy and are in agony.

So I guess the choice is yours.

Take care

Aud xx

[hopewe]

Hi Racheywoo. I have similar pain to you by the sounds of it. I’m sorry to hear this.I have been on tramadol for a few years now. At the beginning they made me feel cold and under the weather, however the pain is such, that I persevered.

They are a God send to me now.

The best opioid releasing tablet to run alongside them is paracetamol.

Codeine may be too strong.

I have also thought about giving up work, as it’s so unbearable at times.

Let us know how you get on x