The pain clinic said they don't know anyone with fibromyalgia above age 55. I am 61 !

[mimimouse]

I have hade fibromyalgia for thirty years, first diagnosed in 1987, then again in 1993 using the trigger points and had it verified last year because it was not in my health records. All the doctors were rheumatologists. How many people here are above 55.x

[missymoomoo]

I am 62 and have Fibromyalgia and Inflammatory Arthritis.

[Hidden]

Here's something spooky for you.

I know someone who was 73 and newly diagnosed. His brother was diagnosed 2 years later aged 72, but their mother was the first diagnosed aged 92. They all had mild aches and pains which they put down to old age. After the mother was diagnosed, the other 2 got tested for it and it was confirmed.

[katieoxo60]

What a rubbish statement from the pain clinic, once you are diagnosed it does not mean it goes away when you get older or over 50. A lot of people over 50 don't attend pain clinics so maybe that reflects the statement made. Plus many people over fifty have other diagnosis for pain causes. It is suspect that it was not in your health records too, I have a similar problem with health records, it arises when they streamline them down when you no longer attend hospital clinics. It gives the impression you can only be ill if you are attending a consultant, which we all know is not so. Gps play a large part in the care of ongoing long term chronic health problems, including symptom care as in the case of pain.

[Lindamt]

I'm 64 & was diagnosed 21 years ago. We older people who have had fibro a long time are probably disillusioned with the "care" that is provided & have taken the advice of one doctor "live with it"!

[dillydally1]

I am x

[bparisi]

I am 68! Have had fibro since before the medical community was willing to recognize it. Early on the fatigue and pain were overwhelming. With time and the reduction of the Epstein Barr virus in terms of fatigue, I learned to cope with the ever present pain on contact. Raised four children, worked full time and struggled with financial problems and a difficult marriage. Depending on stress level, pain ebbed and flowed and was treated with muscle relaxants and anti-depressants until Cymbalta came on the market. For me, a fantastic drug! Just recently was hit with what could well be the stress of a lifetime. Now dealing with an intense fibro flare as well as the o set of arthritis, mostly in my hands and elbows. Extremely annoying! Have also been taking Neurontin for about a year which has also, for me, really worked well. certainly had not expected to be dealing with these kinds of issues at this age. Just another hurdle to get over.

[mimimouse]

Hi bparisi , thank you for your reply, you sound like you have been through a similar experience to my self. yes it is difficult with the added pain of arthritis as we age, as if we are not suffering with enough Pain! My fatigue sadly has not declined and was bad enough to stop me working all together. Managed to raise three children, thankfully they were well passed the baby and toddler stage when the illness hit. Sending kind regards and hugs.xx

[Hidden]

I am 55 so does that mean I no longer have fibro? The miracle cure for fibromyalgia is getting older. It would be good if this would happen but it isnt going to. Your pain clinic people probably said this because many people with fibro are so fed up with everything being put down to fibro and no help given that they are trying to help themselves more. Gentle hugs Joolz.x

[hamble99b]

the waltoncentre.nhs.uk/ uploadedfiles/documents/ PMP%20Brochure.pdf

(you need to take out the spaces, making it one long line)

I went on this course. my group was made up of 16 chronic pain patients, 12 of which also had fibro, 4 of us over 55yrs old.

maybe your pain clinic doesn't see referrals for over 55's, but it isn't age limited.

I'm 58 and have had it at least 37yrs, my rheumy called it "muscular arthritis" at the time, later it became known as fibromyalgia.

[mimimouse]

Thank you I have heard good things about the Walton pain clinic but unfortunately I live in Wales and I am not allowed to go over the border for treatment because we have a pain clinic here.x

[Genevieve]

I'm 69 and was diagnosed when I was 68 after a few years of pain and various ailments, e.g. IBS and acid reflux. I also have osteoarthritis, which does make things difficult. I realised that I was getting pain that wasn't arthritis - my sleep pattern was very bad - and thought it was probably fibromyalgia. Thankfully, my GP agreed and sent me off to the rheumatologist, who diagnosed me.

[Hidden]

Iv known peoplw to have fibro under 55 am 34 just turned and its poaaible i have it my sister nic shes 25she also has it so does my nan and my mum .polymyalgia rheuthmatica is usally over 50s

[mimimouse]

Yes I have heard that polymyalgia rheumatica is usually over 50 but I was 31 when I developed fibromyalgia I am now nearly 62. I believe that polymyalgia rheumatica would show in blood tests, I could be wrong though.

[ratoncita]

I am 73