Fibromyalgia Confirmed

[Petart44]

Hello all. Had my first RA appointment today and it`s been confirmed that I have fibromyalgia which is part of what is causing my dizziness, tiredness and confusion. Need to have more tests done regarding RA, bloods, increase in my anxiety meds and MRI which I`m not looking forward to but needs must. Hopefully within the next 2 months I should have more information but still waiting.

Pain is bad today and only had 3 hours sleep all night.

Hope everyone is as best as they can be. Have a good day all

[FamilyHistorian]

At this stage I would just say that don’t be surprised if your RA count comes back low. I was caught out many years ago when my GP said, following the blood tests, at least you haven’t got RA. Only to find that when I saw a specialist he said clinically I had it. Apparently I’m one of those people who have a low count.

In my early days pain killers, wine & spirits didn’t do anything for the pain but after a while the right mix of drugs was found which made the pain more bearable

I was in my early 30’s when it started and now in my 70’s you just have to fight it!!!

[Petart44 in reply to FamilyHistorian]

Hi, thank you for replying.

I`ve had this in one way or another since I was around 14, so around 30 years, but this year the pain I have has been constant. I am strong and can take a lot when it comes to pain but when it`s bad it gets me down.

I`ve got a good support network around me so I`m lucky in that way and my hubby has been brilliant, and the addition of my new furbaby is a blessing.

I will keep fighting though

😊

My new addition to my family, my furbaby Bonney

[FamilyHistorian in reply to Petart44]

My big mistake when I had it first was that I didn’t talk about how I felt. As a man I had responsibilities, I was likely to lose my job and I had 5 children. I was depressed and suicidal. I didn’t sleep at night, I couldn’t do anything physically including holding my baby son. I prepared to end it all and had the drugs to do it. Fortunately things changed including being assured that my job was safe for the time being. The depression, whilst still being there lifted. Suicidal thoughts then left me and now I have 12 grandchildren and pain isn’t too bad🤔

[Petart44]

I can understand that, I`ve been off work on sick for 6 months nearly and feeling guilty because I`m having to rely more and more on my husband, not just financially but mentally and physically too. I know he doesn`t mind and he has really stepped up since my diagnoses back in April confirming everything I`ve been saying for the past few years, but more so this year. He thought that I was swinging the lead a bit but now realizes I wasn`t and has been brilliant ever since. Regarding depression, I`ve been very anxious and depressed with everything regarding my health and work life too, but also with losing my independence, that has really done my head in as I like to walk and can usually walk for a few hours but since this got worse I can`t walk for more than 5 minutes and then need to sit down. Not had suicidal thoughts but I understand why anyone would.

Stay safe and look after yourself

🙂

[Rooney07 in reply to Petart44]

Have you explored Low-Dose Naltrexone? It has been a game-changer for me. I have a connective tissue disease, likely RA, but with some Lupus-like qualities as well. Five years of chronic pain, (and I was fit and strong previously) but life is improving. Research it.

[Petart44 in reply to Rooney07]

I also have Liver disease so have to be careful in what I take, but I will look it up, thank you 🙂

[Berliner22 in reply to Petart44]

I can relate I lost my job 6 months ago because I was diagnosed with auto immune disease and a tumour in my eye. I lost a Friend too during this time and I asked for a few days off to figure out treatment and what was happening to me. This was during my probation on my return they let me go! Not used to not having an income and relying on my partner. Bills are mounting up creating a really stressful situation and none of my job applications have been successful. I am having the tumour removed from my eye in 2 weeks time and I pray after the recovery that I find a decent job. Treatment for my skin flare ups was insufficient and inconclusive in January I thought I was getting sceptecemia as I had a secondary bacterial infection which created 10 abscesses that have left awful scars. All the Drs and clinics told me I need a psychologist and gave me facewash. Took matters into my own hands and had a friend bring me amoxicillin and bactroban from Pakistan which saved my life. I felt stronger and better than I had in months (I gave up hope that I would ever feel myself again) I also chose to use Roaccutane and my skin is looking better than it has in a year. This whole ordeal has been horrific. Still experiencing aching burning and numb sensations non stop! And I have so many questions but I’ve lost my faith in the Drs.