Revisiting the fibromyalgia diagnosis

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Poppy81

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In my mid sixties now, I was in my late 20’s when I was diagnosed by a holistic physician as having fibromyalgia. A second opinion with a medical doctor was insistent that I did not have fibromyalgia. I’ve dealt with chronic fatigue issues most of my life, back and joint pain, periods of depression, anxiety, morning headaches, neck pain, etc. Nothing life altering, something I chose and learned to “just live with”. Generally “good health” reports from primary doctors and specialists, I felt frustrated and a bit hopeless. I’ve also dealt with neck and jaw pain and morning headaches for years. (I was told I have TMJ from teeth grinding which causes my headaches and do wear a mouth guard). I was also told I have disc degeneration in my neck thus the neck pain. Most recently I began waking with pretty acute and painful rib pain which eventually subsides after being up and about. I’m assuming it is related to arthritis but it came on quite suddenly. At 66, I feel frustrated that all of these ongoing issues are worsening and fear the affect they will have on my daily life. I am active and in good physical shape. I walk and hike, workout at home, and maintain an active career as a painter. I do not want to live on meds for pain, (I rarely take anything). If I truly have fibromyalgia is there hope for relief and should I see a fibromyalgia specialist once again. Thank you in advance for all and any advice.
 
Hi Poppy.......I completely sympathize with everything you are going through. Of course you are frustrated and I am not surprised that you are concerned that all of these things will get worse as you get older. I have the same concerns myself. It sounds to me as if you are probably doing all you can to deal with all of the challenges effectively. You don't mention diet but from other things you say I suspect you eat healthfully, which is as vital as exercise. I have many of the problems you describe, and also do not like to take medication. My most commonly used medication is medical grade cannabis, which in a combination with CBD has helped me a lot, and I regulate the dosage carefully so that I don't get high, because I don't want that. You may want to give it a try, but of course that's a way of managing and not a cure.

The way I look at it is this: As a person gets older things start to wear out for most people and that is inevitable at some point. We can put that point off to one degree or another by being active and doing our best to have a healthy life, but it's going too happen because no one has a cure for getting old. My attitude is to do my best to enjoy what I can do when I can do it. I can still dance, hike, walk, and do carefully curtailed yard work (meaning shovel and dirt and rocks and watershed management, not just light things). I do my very best to accept it when I cannot do something I want to do, or have to stop before I am done. I find that acceptance of what is in the moment is the best tool to have, because fighting against it or worrying or being frustrated only makes things worse, and this applies whether you have fibromyalgia or not. That acceptance also leave me room to enjoy to the fullest what I can do.

Keep doing what you are doing to be healthy. See a specialist if you choose but know that in all probability they will have nothing to offer but the drugs you want to avoid. Cherish the good times, and send worry and frustration away when they come. Spend your energy instead on doing what you can and enjoying it. Really, that's all we can do. Things may get worse for me or for you or may not, but there's no use in worrying about a future over which we have no control and about which we know nothing.

And come here to get support and understanding any time. That's what we are here for.
 
Sunkacola thank you so very much for your time with this very thoughtful and meaningful reply, and your words of wisdom. I do believe and agree that acceptance and positive attitude have much to do with our overall sense of wellness and being. This being an especially trying and stressful year has certainly exacerbated symptoms I’m sure. The emotional toll of the pandemic has seeped in and it can be a challenge to keep the worries at bay. I have been researching the CBD option as I’d prefer that over meds. I am happy to have found this forum. Support is key when one is feeling alone with health concerns. Thank you again for your support and comforting and positive reply. 💕
 
This forum has been a big help to me too. Glad I'm here and hope you find this as your safe haven as I did. Just stay positive. We all got this. Have a happy new year!
 
Flexecif, Thank you so much for your welcoming and positive comment. Much appreciate!
 
Hi Poppy! It's really hard managing our health with all the discomforts, but just always find something to be grateful for. There's so much to life, and if you find yourself alone, just come here and feel at home.
 
Thank you so much for reaching out and for your support. Being grateful is so important and I agree that looking at the good helps! 💕
 
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