NEW HERE!! Question!

[KarenH]

Hi everyone! I've had fibromyalgia for at least 18 years. Probably longer. But lately when I wake up I feel so achy and chilled like I have a very bad flu. I also get very red cheeks like I'm running a high fever. I am single and have to work and it's getting so extremely difficult. It's like going to work on my death bed every day. Then on weekends I sleep the entire time. I never have energy to go grocery shopping let alone go to church or go out with friends or to visit my kids. My life sucks. I'm so miserable, depressed and don't want to live like this anymore. I've filed for disability and had a hearing but haven't heard back yet.

Anyway, my question is.... Does anyone else get the aches and chills in the morning like a flu? And red cheeks? My cheeks burn like a bad sunburn too. I haven had the money to get back to the dr to ask.

Thanks!

KarenH

 

[gryfalcon]

Mornings are typically one of the worst times of day for many folks with fibro. My daughter with fibro has aches that are worse in the mornings, and she has chills anytime, and all the time. She is constantly asking for rides in the car, where she can crank the heat up to 90 and finally get warm. Another tactic is sitting in bed or a chair with a fuzzy blanket over her head. She says it makes the air warm, and breathing the warm air in, helps her get warmer, faster.

She does a niacin flush, sometimes, to make the aches go away for a little while.

 

[Ruralchick]

Hi Karen,
Yes, I get the flu-like aches in the morning, or the stiff as a board body. Red cheeks too but not always in the morning. I get sweats much more often than chills though.
Can't you ask for help from family, church or friends, perhaps go shopping with you. Sometimes, even though I have no energy it's nice to visit with someone, it's a good diversion for a little while.
Have you had your vit d checked? (a simple blood test you have to ask for), or magnesium malate/ They can lower pain somewhat and help relax muscles.
Take care.

 

[Forgetmenot]

Yes I hurt like a bithc in the mornings .i offen suffer with flu tape feeling any time of day.

 

[DK_engineer]

I work too - I have to support my whole family. I have a hard time in the morning. But I don't usually feel chilled. Sometimes feeling chilled is a signal I need to sleep. If I take a nap when I have that chilled feeling I often drop right into deep sleep

 

[KarenH]

Hi!! Thank you, everyone, for your replies!! I've been so terribly depressed this weekend. My boss texted me and told me she doesn't think she's going to be able to keep me on anymore bc of how bad my illness has become. I feel like such a loser. I can't take care of myself. I had to quit what I loved doing which was working as a RN. I tried doing something easier but it paid 1/4 of what I was making and now I'm going to lose this job. I just don't know what I'm going to do. What do people do in my position?? I am really at the end of my rope here.

 

[DK_engineer]

A few weeks ago terbaer posted a thread about applying for disability - maybe that will help you. I will find it and post to the thread to bump it to the front page

 

[remnant]

Welcome to the forum where we are all brothers and sisters. I believe as more and more of us speak up, longstanding worries will become bearable since a problem shared is half solved. As you have just stated, fibromyalgia patients suffer from morning pain, puffiness and redness of cheeks. This makes the morning uncomfortable. The cause is not yet clear but a small study by the Duke of Cornwall Rheumatology Unit suggests a connection between FM and Fluid Retention Syndrome (FRS) or idiopathic oedema. Some people use cucumbers or a type of massage called manual lymph drainage massage to clear the puffiness due to the accumulation of fluids in the lymphatic system.

 

[KarenH]

A few weeks ago terbaer posted a thread about applying for disability - maybe that will help you. I will find it and post to the thread to bump it to the front page

Ive already applied and had a hearing. I'm waiting for a decision. But it still won't be enough to live on. I do appreciate your thoughtfulness!

 

[diamond]

Hi KarenH I don't know much about disability in the US except what i have read on here. If you are successful and still need to top up your income could you consider renting out a spare room in your house.

I don't know your situation at all but if you do have a spare bedroom maybe you could find a suitable person who is out at work all day so that its not so intrusive and if they are the right age/sex/personality ( ie quieter compassionate) it might be an acceptable way too earn more income.

If you need to appeal the disability decision terbaer's post was a brilliant guide or for future claims.

 

[KarenH]

Hi KarenH I don't know much about disability in the US except what i have read on here. If you are successful and still need to top up your income could you consider renting out a spare room in your house.

I don't know your situation at all but if you do have a spare bedroom maybe you could find a suitable person who is out at work all day so that its not so intrusive and if they are the right age/sex/personality ( ie quieter compassionate) it might be an acceptable way too earn more income.

If you need to appeal the disability decision terbaer's post was a brilliant guide or for future claims.

Great idea except I live in a one bedroom apartment! Lol

 

[Trellum]

Hi everyone! I've had fibromyalgia for at least 18 years. Probably longer. But lately when I wake up I feel so achy and chilled like I have a very bad flu. I also get very red cheeks like I'm running a high fever. I am single and have to work and it's getting so extremely difficult. It's like going to work on my death bed every day. Then on weekends I sleep the entire time. I never have energy to go grocery shopping let alone go to church or go out with friends or to visit my kids. My life sucks. I'm so miserable, depressed and don't want to live like this anymore. I've filed for disability and had a hearing but haven't heard back yet.

Anyway, my question is.... Does anyone else get the aches and chills in the morning like a flu? And red cheeks? My cheeks burn like a bad sunburn too. I haven had the money to get back to the dr to ask.

Thanks!

KarenH

See an internist, I might be wrong, but it sounds like you might need to see an endocrinologist, a good one. It does sound like you might be suffering from a adrenal issue. Better check with a specialist. I hope you find a solution for this, and please don't assume everything is caused by fibro, specially if it's a new symptom.

 

[TipBill]

You mentioned that you already had a hearing but haven't gotten a decision. Did you have this hearing before an administrative law judge? I have applied twice and been denied twice so I hired an attorney. He said I should have a hearing sometime in June. I was hoping I would get an answer the day of the hearing. Any indication on how long it will take to get a decision? I first applied in May of 2014 so I have been waiting for almost two years. I will be eligible for regular social security next year. Can I get both disability and regular social security at the same time?

 

[sureimsore]

Sorry to hear things have gotten worse for you Karen.

I JUST woke up this morning with apple-red cheeks, looks like rosacea (maybe it is?)

I think the disability will depend on underlying health issues (IDK, I haven't applied yet, but will once it's been one-year)?

I agree with Trellum on seeing an endocrinologist, but then again it doesn't sound like you have insurance/co-pay?

Sorry, wish I had more to offer, but I hope if you do get laid-off you are able to apply for unemployment insurance, if not then public assistance.
I don't know what's available in Texas, but in California they are actually very generous with the healthcare.

 

[FenWoFon]

I personally think that you should get strenght out of nowhere and brace up mate, fibromyalgia is not an easy thing and I recommend you to stay positive and talk to your family about supporting you and all that kind of stuff that you really need, good luck.