I am wondering for those who have had FMA for a few years, does it lead to being unable to work and requiring mobility aid or there are people who have still been able to maintain their movement?
I have been thinking of Kate of what could be the worst that can happen. Please I’d appreciate your responses.
hi, it’s not so much the fm that leads to ill health, it’s all the things that go with it, such as fatigue brain fog, light sensitivity CFS, ibs intisistial cystitis, nerve damage muscle weakness and waste, the list is endless, fingers crossed for you, that you don’t get any of them, and you can manage your fm.
Hi there, no fibro does not lead to everyone been unable to work. And not everyone requires mobility aids.
Fibromyalgia effects everyone in different way. Some can be effected mildly while others mobility etc maybe impact them quite strongly
Please try not to base how you may feel going forward on the way others do.
Hi, two good responses from Dizzy and Blue that sums it up, yes differently some with mild symptoms and others more severe on a daily basis, also times when we have flares and really have too slow up, I think take it day too day Pace your body when you can and don’t think too far in advance , take care x
I’ve had fibro since 1987. I still work although I have reasonable adjustments in place. I maintain what my consultant said was essential, and that’s a positive mental attitude. I look at alternatives. I can no longer compete with my dogs as I just don’t have the energy but I can and do, the admin for dog shows/competitions and steward. That way I don’t liar contact with my friends/former competitors. Yes I need to do more planning such as taking time off work before and after a show as I don’t bounce back the way I used to but it’s manageable for me.
I’ve given up with trying medication as everything seems to have horrendous side effects for me. I rely on a strictly no processed food, Tens machine, bio freeze gel, hot water bottles, Epsom salt baths, chiropractor and hypnotherapy treatment as and when I can afford it.
I have help to keep on top of my garden, a necessary expense as I love my garden but can’t do everything I used to. Can only afford once a month but it helps.
There is life after a fibro diagnosis it’s just slightly different.
Hiya GHM001,
From your profile it’s hard to tell if u have fibro or not. I was officially diagnosed in 2012 but developed my first mild symptoms in 2011. Every person with fibro is so unique u can’t base one case against another. We all developed it from different personal circumstances. I myself started with mild symptoms which soon became moderate n finally severe. I have lost my mobility but I also had neurosurgery which left me with nerve damage. I use a crutch to get around. I have added one of my poems that fits the bill too. 😊🤗
I was diagnosed almost 30 years ago. I am stronger, physically stronger that is, now than I have ever been. I have many chronic pain conditions and have had since childhood, each 5 years or so I develop another one. The last 5 years have been dominated by Bladder Pain Syndrome for example but I still go to the gym every day and I can lift more weight now in my mid 40s than I could in my mid 20s. So it doesn't have to go just downhill. My pain landscape is worse but my response to it is different.
Unfortunately I did have to give up work but many others still continue to.I have got worse since first diagnosed then acquired other auto immune diseases but everyone is different like people with other things that get different stages of health. Some are unluckier than others and have very poor mobility.Try and do what you can when you can but rest too
Morning GHMOO1.i have had FM for about 5 years now and was very happily working 2 jobs a day(lunchtime supervisor and a cleaner). up until January 2021. I done a lunchtime shift came out of work and didn't know how I was going to get home. The only way I can explain it was like hitting a brick wall,the pain was excruciating and what would normally take me 10 minutes walking took me an hour to get home.I was put on the sick from January 2021 and was told in December that year that they couldn't make my job any easier for me,but in that year i had to have upsetting zoom meetings every month with my employer and all of they're medical team and by December 2021 i had to leave. I now cannot work at all and had to apply for ESA which I am now in the support group and after 2 years of fighting with PIP and going to court, I now have been awarded it,but the low amounts. I have got a stair rail and grip rails in the bathroom plus a chair in the kitchen as I cannot stand no more than a couple of minutes without being in more pain. Life is not fair and as I always say FM is a debilitating condition and in some cases an invisible condition. I've never been a person to ask for help but now I have to every day. I also have a walking stick which I've had for 18 months,I cannot leave the house without it and I cannot leave the house without having someone with me. I don't mean to make it sound like every one is like it because they're not,but hope this gives you a heads up. Take care and enjoy the sunshine as it does help a bit. Happy Easter 🐣
Not always, it differs between folk and also mimics other conditions, so it's a bit of a chameleon.
One of the reasons why doctors get in such a state about it with some saying it's in your head, and others trying to help.
One of mine just used to reach for the prescription pad every time he saw me; until I told him he was making assumptions that I was depressed.
I told him it's the functional pain causing the depression, not the depression making me imagine pain. We got on so much better afterwards.
Doctors are like ears, we all have them, but some work better than others!
I'm 75, I was a nurse before retiring, and I can still get around after a fashion, but at my age , it's getting harder. I have a selection of sticks and a rollator, which I use outside, as my balance is off. I do have a wheelchair but can't properly use it as I have little arm strength and it's also somewhat hilly. Also, the pavements here are atrocious. with poor cambers, badly built and some, the dropped kerb isn't dropped enough.
Cheers, Midori
I know lots of people have answered you. As you can see this is a very interesting forum full of advice and support if you need it. Learn to listen to your body, you will learn you don’t have to miss out if you plan ahead. Good luck.
refused disability !!!
Is fibromyalgia a disability? 
Can't get a disability parking badge as not disabled enough.
Disability Benefits Consortium - No more cuts to disability benefits
disability rights and fibro
