Fibro fear

[Monovar11]

Hello, I have had fibromyalgia for 11 years now diagnosed for 5 years, I have worked and never had time off with it until now. I have had to give in, i gave up working full time 18 months ago now and went to work for an agency ( nursing ) in January this year I thoght I felt well enough to go back with the NHS to work I have made a big mistake after 6 months I am on my knees with pain and I am so embarrassed as I can't cope after saying at the interview I am better working with this condition. I have never been so sore and my skin is a mess and last weekend I slept for 36 hours thankfully I have a super husband but even he is saying enough is enough as I struggle to get up and down the stairs. Please can someone give me some advice as I am seeing my doctor tomorrow and I don't know where to start and I know I will just cry as usual.

Lynn xxx

[dragonsoup]

I have been off work for 3 and a half months now, having coped in my job for the last 9 years. My doctor has been very helpful and for the first time in 15 years have been offered medication that is helping. Luckily I am at an age where early retirement is a viable option and one which I am seriously considering as I cannot in all fairness see myself being able to return to my job although it is only for 16 hours a week.

I get my husband to come with me to doctors appointments. he can speak for me if I am unable. Let the doctor know how you are at your worst. write down the key points you want the doctor to know in case "brain fog" kicks in and you forget, you can always hand him the d"list".

Keep positive, and hope you get the help you need.

[Marz]

Have you had your thyroid tested ? I do not mean just the TSH - the full profile to include FT4 - FT3 - and the anti-bodies Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg. I was diagnosed with Fibro over 15 years ago and the Thyroid condition Hashimotos in 2005. I was lucky to have retired to Crete where full testing is normal. All my results were in range by the way - and I would have been declared normal in the UK - however the anti-bodies were HIGH and the scan revealed nodes - hence the diagnosis. My life has been transformed now that I am optimally treated.

Doctors are notoriously bad at diagnosing and treating the thyroid and have little understanding. Also when the thyroid remains under/untreated - the adrenals also suffer which is a recurring feature in FM.

How are your VitD levels ? - also B12 - Iron - Ferritin - Folate. All these things are important for our general well-being. Low B12 can cause pain as the myelin sheath protecting the nerves can be compromised. It has happened to me !

Hope you soon find wellness....