What's new

Fibromyalgia

L

Leah

Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
783
So I'm not sure if I've mentioned this to anyone here or not...?
Back in the fall, as soon as the weather started to get cold, I started having issues with my left hand. It would burn, as though someone was holding a flat iron to the top of it. And it would swell up, so much so that I had to stop wearing my rings. The tops of my feet would hurt, feel sore, I can't really describe it. Anyway, at first I thought carpal tunnel in my hand and who knew about the feet. Except that my left hand is not my "mouse" hand and it's not the hand that I do everything with (I'm right-handed). I've also had really sore shoulders and neck, my knees ache and I'm exhausted, like all the time. I'm not sleeping well and even when I medicate myself, I'm still tired. Like wiped. And constant headaches, the kind that I've resorted to codeine to help with and even sometimes that doesn't help. I've also had these weird episodes like my skin is over sensitive. Not rashes or anything, but sensitive to touch.

Now, I'm overweight, not grossly, but still. I'm carrying about 30-40lbs. more than I should. So I kind of attributed all my aches and ailments to that.

However, my family Dr. referred me to a rheumatologist for further testing.
My appointment was this past Tuesday. He thinks it's fibromyalgia. I'm not entirely sure what this means exactly. My Mom said that it's similar to Lupus (she has Lupus), but it affects everything. Kind of like my body is allergic to itself.

I'm going to have to do some research on my own and figure it out, but I am wondering if anyone here has or knows someone that has this? What's it like? Is it constant or are there flare-ups (kind of like my Mom's Lupus)?

In the meantime...guess who joined WW on Wednesday? lol
 
I haven't had any experience with this but I wanted to say I'm so sorry you are having pain. I hope the dr has something he can do to help you feel better. I'll be thinking about you!
 
I have two friends who have fibro. I was also misdiagnosed as having it a few years ago. I could write a novel about that whole experience, which I will spare our forum readers. I am so sorry you are going through this yuck. I will catch you on IM this week and give you the lowdown on what I know. In the mean time, take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. xoxo
 
my mom has dealt with fibro for years. i think for her, it flares, but it never fully goes away, so it's kind of constant, kind of flare-ups. ??? she still manages to live a very normal life, though. i know she has found some medications have helped her immensly more than others, although i can't remember the name of the best one off the top of my head. anyway, hopefully they can diagnose you properly and help you get it under control.
congrats on making the choice to join ww. i think that's great! anything you can do to make yourself healthier definitely can't hurt, and will most likely help a great deal!
 
Wow, that sounds awful! I hope they can get your diagnosis nailed done and that they can find a treatment that will help. Congrats on joining WW. I'm doing it right now too! :)
 
No experience personally, but from what I hear it really sucks. {{{hugs}}} Hope you get some concrete answers one way or the other soon!
 
Well done on joining WW!

I don't know anything about it, but I hope they can figure out what's happening to you, and find a treatment. (((hugs)))
 
Just a big ol' hug from me! I really can't think of anyone I know that has FM but I wish you well in getting a plan together in maintaining life with it, though. And best wishes on WW!
 
I deal with patients at work that have it. Most seem to have pain generally, but sometimes the pain does get worse. I know lyrica is a really popular medicine used to treat it and many say it really helps

http://www.lyrica.com/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-introduction.aspx

Heat seems to help some of them too...we use the microwave heat packs on their shoulders or neck if they are hurting.
 
Last edited:
kimbytx said:
I deal with patients at work that have it. Most seem to have pain generally, but sometimes the pain does get worse. I know lyrica is a really popular medicine used to treat it and many say it really helps

http://www.lyrica.com/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-introduction.aspx

Heat seems to help some of them too...we use the microwave heat packs on their shoulders or neck if they are hurting.
Click to expand...

Oh yes Kim! He gave me 3 boxes of Lyrica, to take one before bed and honestly, I have the most amazing sleep! I'm relaxed, pain-free and I wake up feeling somewhat refreshed.

We also bought one of those TENS machines a few weeks ago and that helps tremendously as well.
 
i'm not super familiar with it. but i do know a couple people diagnosed. however, they seem to live fairly normal lives despite being constantly or nearly constantly in pain. hugs sister.
 
Back
Top