Newly Diagnosed

[Mutley1977]

I’m 45 year old single Mother of 2 grown up sons, I live in Penzance Cornwall. Last year I re trained and became an Emergency Care Assistant with South Western Ambulance service, my dream job. I skateboard, I swim and Surf. I love taking my Jack Russel Flo on long costal walks.

In August last year i contracted COVID-19, only symptoms I had were severe body pain, fatigue and loss of taste and smell. I recovered and continued working and living life, this year I have suffers with days of pain here and there, then I had pain for over a week, went to my GP who diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, in all honesty I didn’t know anything about it, I still don’t, all I do know is currently I’m in daily pain, I’m unable to work, even the simplest things such as house work or walking my dog is painful and exhausting. It’s nice to be able to talk to people who understand what I’m going through xx

[rosewine]

Just like to say welcome. It is awful when you can't do a career your love. I, unfortunately, had to give up work and went through what I called a cycle of bereavement. I was the same as you could barely get out of a chair because of pain and fatigue. I slowly got my head around I had to accept I have a different kind of life now and have to live within the constraints of what my body says I can do. Do have a look at the Fibromyalgia Action site as there are pages of information and suggestions and people on here will try and help with sharing their experiences.x

[Ladame]

So sorry to hear you have ended up with fibromyalgia, it’s a difficult thing to get your head round. I was diagnosed two years ago and I’m still learning! This site is great for help and support and simply knowing there are people who understand what we’re experiencing. Best wishes x

[Butterfleye]

Hi Mutley1977, you've certainly come to the right place. I've found it to be so helpful just reading other people's posts and knowing you're not alone with this. Plus there's some great advice on here and very friendly people. xx

[klr31]

Have you had your vitamin D checked?

[Midori]

What a blow for you, after getting your dream job.

Are there any alternatives, such as working the phones in the Call Centres in Ambulance Control? Blues and Twos is only one possibility. Even there, you are helping save lives.

Wouldn't be so hard on your body either. Have words with your Occupational Health personnel, to see if there's still a way to use that expensive training.

Meantime, look up The Spoon Theory on the Internet, and print it out. It will help you understand how your energies wane through the day and why you need regular rests. Think of it like a bank account, but try not to go overdrawn, as although you can borrow from next day's energy, don't do it often as the interest rate is high, and the cost is Flareups,

I wish you luck,

Cheers, Midori

[KimiJay]

So sorry, Mutley. We all know what it feels like for you on this site and what you will have to learn to contend with. We will be with you all the way in understanding and acceptance. This condition is not what you or anyone deserves. Let your family read as much about it as possible so they will understand it more easily, and when people say, 'You're looking well!' Reply to them along the lines of 'I am sad to say that I am not and until some miraculous treatment is found, I will have to deal with a condition that is continually unpleasant, extremely tiring, painful, deeply disappointing to have and for which there is currently no cure.' - They need to be told or they will keep making inane 'helpful' suggestions! One possible good of Long Covid affecting so many is that there is suddenly going to be masses more research funded into all similar conditions with particular regard to pain and fatigue. Politicians and so many others now, suddenly understand the need for a fit workforce. - Swimming will be great when you can still manage it, but please always make sure there are others around as you learn to understand how the illness affects you. Always have a phone handy too when walking, especially in winter. - There is an Indian parasite cleansing preparation which some have found helps after Long C, but the med profession have been biased against it. Meanwhile, your Jack Russell will give you a reason to keep going. Keep going when you can. Rest when you need to and be as kind to yourself as you possibly can. J