anxiety

[Dieferam]

I have always been an outgoing person who has always worked with the general public, hotel meet and greet and shop assistant but since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia my anxiety levels have hit the roof, find shopping, going to shows or meeting up with friends in pubs very difficult now, have found I get severe pain in calve muscles, arms, brain fog , and extreme tiredness suffer from copd emphysema as well, so my level of fitness is quite low and had to give up my job, has anyone else feel the same

Susan

[Dinkie]

I never had anxiety before Fibro. I ran classes, competed, sat on committees, worked 3 jobs and fostered, fibro changed all that. I still force myself to work (part time and only one job now) otherwise I would just become a recluse. Are you on any anxiety meds as these can help. I can't take prescription meds as the side effects are not worth it for me. However I did have CBT and in our area one can self refer and the wait is only a few weeks. It may help if you can access something similar in your area.

Regarding muscle cramps etc have you tried epsom salts in your bath. Alternatively magnesium spray works quite well. I use the epsom salts and biofreeze gel and generally get a fair bit of relief from the pain.

The fatigue is more difficult. Many years after diagnosis I am still trying to learn the art of pacing myself. It's in my nature that if I feel I am having a better day I want to try and get some of the backlog of chores done. Big mistake as I know I will crash later. So I now take one thing from the list and leave it at that.

Fibro is different for all of us and what works for one may not work for another. I'm afraid it's very much a trial and error situation to try and find the balance that works for you.

[Dieferam in reply to Dinkie]

Thank you for your reply, I am on cipranol for anxiety which takes the edge off, I will definitely try the Epsom salts in the bath and maybe the spray, it helps to know I’m not alone, have had cbt sessions in the past for my depression which helped a little, housework have learned to break it up and delegate with husband wat I ca and can’t do, but feel bad knowing he has a full time job and has to look after me

Thanks again for your advise

Susan

[fibrogirl41]

I have felt exactly the same having anxiety and other things, ive had councilling and cbt therapy i went through the nhs and it helped me along x giod luck x

[saj01]

Hi there... yes, strangely enough I started to experience anxiety with the fibro.. Not like me at all! Like you I had jobs where I dealt with the general public... I can have a few days when I feel relatively okay... apart from pain and fatigue etc etc but other days within a short time of rising, I start to feel jittery... just don't know why. I'm reluctant to take any more meds, because it's not every day... Yesterday I decided I'd try and get rid of plant with a deep root... found it very exhausting... woke up this morning as stiff a board!!. The other thing I've noticed is not only has my gait changed but I keep stumbling... whereas I used to like walking and other exercise... now I'm exhausted just walking to the local shop 10 minutes away.

I know I'm getting older but it worries me now when I think what I'm going to be like in another few years... Take care of yourself. x

[Fibrofog]

Yes my anxiety is through the roof!I am staying round my aunt and uncles for a few days, and I can feel the anxiety creeping in. And already anxious about getting the bus home

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello Susan, I can really relate too you as many here will , Fibro and other conditions mixed in can really change the way we live ,I’ve let go of many friends and only keep a few as I cannot socialise as much or even be reliable on the day (I found this has taken the pressure off and lessened my anxiety ) at home and not working but help with my little grandboys when I can, ,I feel more at ease at home and find things too occupy my mind, I tend too go out and do alittle something literally on impulse as it’s so much easier(just a short trip for a coffee, or even the food shop on a good day. I’ve been here on the forum a few years , it reminds me when chatting I’m part of a massive unwanted club ,and it’s good too chat xx

[Brigga]

Yes I am the same. I’ve lost all my self-confidence and I feel like I don’t really know who I am anymore. I used to like going to live music events and even the odd music festival. It was a big part of me. Also dressing in a certain style that boosted my confidence. Now I have to wear comfortable loose clothes and I’ve gained a lot of weight. I feel like I’ve lost all my friends. I tried reaching out to them but no one is interested in me now I can’t socialise much. Although I enjoy spending some time alone I never realised how important socialising was to my confidence and sense of who I am. Sorry to go on. I know I need to find some new friends.