Hello

[Hazel_Owens]

I've been lurking but decided to jump right in today.

I'm Hazel, 37 mum to 3 great boys. Jack 14, Ciaran 11 and Aidan 8. I'm getting divorced after 14 years of marriage to who I thought was my soul mate. I am now seeing a really nice fella who has put the smile back on my face.

I haven't been formally diagnosed with fibromylagia but my gp is fairly certain it's what I have, going back on Friday to ask for more tests. I'd say I've suffered since Ciaran was born, very scary birth, was told he had died, then heartbeat found, then when he was born told he had a heart condition and needed an operation, so at 6 days he had an operation to open a valve. But at 3 weeks old a blood clot burst on his heart and he had to have open heart surgery to save his life. Thankfully now he is a very healthy happy little boy. I've just never really recovered. I ache every day, have very irregular sleep patterns and basically just feel like crap constantly.

I am going to college in September to train to be a medical secretary in the hope that I can find a job that isn't as painful on my body, my entire working career has been shop work and I can no longer do it as 1 good now means 3 day recovery and no employer is happy with that.

I hope to make friends and get advice on how to get thru the really bad days

Hazelc

[Marz]

Have you had your thyroid tested correctly ? Not just the TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - which most Docs rely on. It is a Pituitary hormone and tells you only part of the story. You also need to know what the thyroid is producing - FT4 - and what that converts into - FT3. T3 is needed in every cell of your body - so when it is low it begins to cause problems. You also need the anti-bodies tested as the auto-immune version of thyroid illness is the most common of all.

If you click onto my name and read my Edited Profile you will read that I too was once diagnosed with fibro.

Do you have any gut issues ? Could be you have a problem absorbing good nutrients from food. Pain can be linked to low levels of VitD - Ferritin - Iron - Folate - B12. They all need to be optimal. Do not accept 'normal ' about any result from your GP. You are entitled to all copies of tests so you can post results so people can advise and also to monitor your own progress.

Finding good health can be a bumpy ride - but it is possible. Mostly when you take charge of your own

[cookieman]

Hi Hazel, my name is Jim Ferguson, And I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia six years ago. I can empathize with you about this condition. I suffered in silence as it were because I didn't know anyone else with it . You'll have to put up with people telling you that (Oh but you look so healthy) , when you are feeling crap as it were. This is a good forum to get other sufferers know how you feel. There is a self help group that meet's at Crosshill hospital every first Tuesday of each month, I joined only last month, and it was good to talk to other sufferers of fibromyalgia, and we had a laugh as well. Ta talk Jim.

[Miep]

Dear Hazelc, Good luck with going back to college, which I guess you have probably done by now! PM me if you like; you can also read my history should you be so inclined. Keep smiling,, Miep