Fibromyalgia Support Group

What do you do when you've had enough? I'll be 60 yrs old on 20th Jan'2010. I have had hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia and stomach problems and lumps and bumps - you name it! Up till Sept. of that year I was a triathlete (swam,cycled,ran),skied, painted pictures, designed and made clothes. You name it and I had a go at it. Then that Sept. I felt very,very tired - I thought I had overtrained, but then came the peculiar pains in the soles of my feet. Since then just one thing after another. The pains spread all over my body. I had regular flare ups. The worst thing about the illness is other peoples attitude. You basically look okay. You feel guilty. I've even gone out and done some ludicrously physical thing - telling myself - its all in the mind! Boy have I suffered for days afterwards. So exercise DOES NOT HELP. Keeping moving, stretching, a little walking. I am now having to use a wheelchair. I hate it. I have fought against using one for the last 5yrs, but I have hardly been out of the house now for 2 years, so know it's not good for me so have given in, but I can't seem to go out. I am so so tired. My husband is finally beginning to crack under the strain. He is tired and resentful and not too keen in taking me out in the chair. Also during my restless, painful sleep at night I don't snore, but I apparently noisily gasp for breath from my chest and throat which keeps him awake. Last straw! Because my sleep is so restless I just fall asleep all the time, have no energy. I have fought this thing for a long time. The doctor says he thought I would have been in a wheelchair a long time ago but my fighting spirit and sense of humour has kept me going. What do I do now it has all gone? I am weary.......Lesley from Scotland UK

First of all welcome to the Fibro Family! You will find alot of support here. Everyone is so caring, understanding and can truly relate. I am so sorry you are suffering so much. What meds have you tried to manage your pain and depression? This illness is all about trial and error to find the right med and to suit you with limited side effects. There are many out there to try its just a matter of working closely with your Rheumy to find ones to try. I wish you the best of luck in finding relief soon. If your dr is not working with you it may be time to find one who will take you more seriously. Keep us posted and keep posting. Gentle Hugs, Stacey

welcome to our group - I too am sorry to hear of your struggles. You are undoubtedly a strong, smart, great person - you WILL make it through, even these bad patches!!! It is a rollercoaster for sure! There is alot of support & love here - talking it out with like minded friends can truly make a difference! Once you realize that you're not alone, not weird, that people do care - trust me, it'll give you that edge back! Talk to folks here, vent, share, laugh, cry - do it all!! *big very soft hugs*

Hi Lesley and WELCOME to our family ~~~ We re here for you when you need us be it to laugh, cry, vent, brag, complain or just plain chat ~~~

Your sequence of events with Fibro sound much like mine as far as starting in the feet. I had a terrible 2 years of suffering different remedies (insoles, expensive shoes, Podiatrist, ice/heat etc. etc. etc.) until I finally had an official dx of Fibro.

From there on, it traveled and bothers different areas of my body different days/weeks/months.

Everyone here truly understands what you are going thru and someone is always here to listen ~~~

Please feel free to stop by often ~~~ We care !!!

Marilyn

Hi Lesley,

I'm so sorry for your pain and how far you've come from the athelete you once were. I think it must be harder on athletes than people like me who are allergic to exercise.

Who wouldn't be depressed living with this pain day and night and knowing that chances are, it's not going to get any better? Do you take something for depression? It can make a big difference.

As far as the wheelchair goes, it's just a tool. My Dad died of emphysema and when he got his scooter, it gave him a new lease on life because it restored a lot of his independence. I know a wheel chair isn't the same, but at least you can get around now without collapsing from exhaustion.

Keep posting and keep reading. There are some wonderful people here who all know what you're feeling. These are the kindest, most supportive people on the web.

bless you,