First time poster

[Nottslassie]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, having only just found out about fibro and believe this is answer to the health problems that have been troubling me, particularly over the last 2 years.

I'm hoping to get closer to a diagnosis after tests done this morning, but having read the NHS info I feel like I'm a textbook case albeit fairly mild compared to some of the posts here.

I've been through 2 years of not really knowing what's wrong with me, and in the process have been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, anaemia and low vitamin D, all of which have been treated and I still feel rubbish.

My main symptoms which flare up every few months, but never completely disappear, include fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, breathlessness, tight/aching chest, aching joints and muscles. I had been leaning to some sort of auto-immune problem like lupus, but after reading up on fibro I've realised that other issues I have fit it. The main one is what I'd always assumed was sensitive skin. With this flare up my skin feels so angry, and this is a symptom ive had for years. I cant wear wool and even struggle to wear my hair down or wear make up as it makes me feel so itchy. I'd had this for so long that I never connected with the other symptoms I've picked up on more recently.

Any advice for relieving the tender, itchy skin?

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello, I am glad you have had some recent tests done and hopefully soon you will get your answers as you differently sound like you are ticking a lot of fibro boxes. I always have a large tub of E45 cream around . Yes differently sleeveless T-shirts etc when I am indoors , hate woolly jumpers now so they always come off when I get indoors, hopefully it’s going to turn warmer soon so our Spring wardrobes will be coming out, let us know how you get on .

[EmmaGiggles85]

Hi, you sound like me! Deffo go to the gp and ask for a referral to a rheumatologist to see about a fibro diagnosis. I got mine in October 2021 and I am finally on my journey to hopefully get some pain management etc xx

[crochetjoy]

Hi thereI get prescribed shower cream Dermol 200 and Dermol 500 for using as a moisturiser

I also use a fragrance free shampoo and conditioner which I buy myself

I find if I go off schedule with this, e.g. if I run out, my skin flares up

It's usually prescribed for eczema which I do have, but GP might let you try it

[Nottslassie]

Thanks for the replies so far I will definitely look into the cream. I am terrible at taking the time out to do things like moisturise so I shall have to try and get into a routine with it.

So, my blood tests all came back clear except for vit D which I'm already taking supplements for. Does this mean I should now be going back and asking for more investigations into fibro? Am I right in thinking that it can't be tested for through bloods?

[cantthinknow044]

Hi I've had fibromyalgia for a long time I never knew what was happening to me went to doctors saying about pain. I was sent for many tests. I looked it up and said this what I'm going through.

A few weeks later they said that what I had. I have lost a relationship over this as they never understood what or why I not go out much.

So now I'm alone but I always got here where people understand what this is like.

Take care

Daz

[Nottslassie in reply to cantthinknow044]

Sorry to hear you have had a hard time Daz, thank goodness for the internet, it's such a good way to connect with people and share experiences. I hope we can talk more as it is already feeling like its helping me.

Sending hugs x

[cantthinknow044 in reply to Nottslassie]

Yes the internet is good I didn't know about fibromyalgia until I got here.

Know one knows what is feel like until you have it.

Sorry but I have a chest X ray this morning send hugs back.

Daz

[cantthinknow044 in reply to Nottslassie]

Hi hope you're ok. I had my chest x Ray I hear in a week. Weather nice here hope it is where you're are. Cold at night.

Just a few lines

Daz

[k77a]

Thanks for posting, the sensitive itchy skin omg .l have flare ups , in my face too & that's been happening for years, only really made the connection now.l can say that after diagnosis not much really changed sorry to say, but did get some services, from pain management but massages & spa days have been a life line to me

[Nottslassie in reply to k77a]

Good ideas there, any excuse to have regular spa days sounds good to me! Better start saving up!

[SilverWhistle54]

Hi the itchy skin it csn be helped by oatmeal, it works as i get it regularly. You make it by adding oatmeal in walm water. Soak till it goes into into a paste or cream puree it the put on affected area, be aware it can get messy but does cool itching Some ppl sware by cbd cream but get it from a reputable company

[Nottslassie]

Thanks I will give that a try!