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sunkacola

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DX FIBRO
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Apparently this is where I post first, to say hello. Sorry for the long post. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few weeks ago, but have no doubt that I have had it for years, as I have had chronic pain and other symptoms for a long time. The GP was finally willing to send me to some specialists, and I got the diagnosis. I also have degenerative disc disease in my lower back, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists.

I have always been an extremely active, energetic, and fit person. The work I do for my living is very physically and mentally demanding, and I now am only able to work two or three days a week at most, and often I pay for it dearly, resulting in a cycle of work one day-recover for three days. This means I often don't get things done at home, which is discouraging, because I have always stayed on top of everything. My house exterior desperately needed to be painted, for example, so I am doing it, but it is taking me weeks to get it done a little bit at a time. Previously I would have had it done in a few days.

Unlike many of you, I do not have anyone else: no significant other or family, and I lost both of my good friends in the past three years. I live far from town. There is no one to help me do anything, so if I don't take care of my home and several animals, it won't get done. I am exhausted all the time and it is making me feel very sad and alone. Generally I have not minded being alone, as I am happy with my own company and my animals, but the physical challenges are getting to me.

I now see a doctor at a pain clinic, and at least he is willing to prescribe tramadol for me, which makes it possible for me to get through the day. But he also makes me try other medications. So far the others all make me feel sick, and I have a hard time not resenting the fact that I am forced to take them as if I were a test subject. I get drug tested regularly there, which I resent as well, as I am not a drug abuser.

I hate the fact that I must appear to others as if I have become flaky. I say I am going to do something and when the time comes I am having a bad day and just the thought of driving in to town is too much. I used to hike all the time, many miles up and down mountains; it was my life's joy and most favorite thing to do. I loved it so much. Now I mostly only do what I have to do. It is hard not to be depressed. The diagnosis really doesn't help, since it doesn't have a cure or even an effective treatment, and apparently will not get better.
 
Welcome to a wonderful support group here, I hope we can be a helpful to you as this group had been for me. I was also diagnosed recently (in August), but have had chronic unexplainable pain for years. The diagnosis helps as far as knowing why these symptoms are occurring, but no definitive treatment or much hoe for getting any better definitely counters the benefit of knowing the why to it all. Like you, I have always been very active and also have carpal tunnel and degenerative disc disease. The pain and fatigue makes it difficult to get much done sometimes and not having anyone around to help can make the to do list seem impossible to complete. Just remember to pace yourself and try to not overdo it as that will bite you in the rear more than help you accomplish your tasks in the long run. I imagine testing medications would be very tiresome and frustrating. However, at least your doctor is being vigilant in trying to find something that may help you feel better. I'm currently trying to change my doctors because though my neurologist diagnosed my fibro, he isn't actually treating it and my primary doctor refuses to help in any way. Finding a good doctor to work with is a battle that it sounds like you've succeeded in mastering so far. I hope you find the right meds to help you quickly and find a good balance of rest and accomplishment.
 
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