Hi everyone,
I am new to this website. I was recently diagnosed with FM and Im hoping to get to know some of you on here as I think a support group is very important to have.
In my case, I've had a very difficult time these last three years with all my seemingly random symptoms and problems. I thought maybe I was just unlucky, and never thought my problems were connected. My boyfriend at the time was convinced that I was making up a lot of my issues, which resulted in me being reluctant to see a doctor when a new issue would arise. The crazy thing is, I started to believe him, thinking I was a hypochondriac since my xrays and blood work would be negative most of the time, and my ex doctor would tell me nothing can be done to help me. Before recently I didn't know much about fibromyalgia.
I feel a lot of you, like me, have a pretty interesting time line with new symptoms arising, and I'm interested to see how our stories compare.
Here's my timeline:
Late 2010
-Extreme fatigue started and never went away. Blood work was always negative and I was told to take it easy.
2011
- Costochondritis diagnosed. That year it was really bad, and it still comes and goes. Dr said it was due to heavy lifting, even though it wasn't a big part of my lifestyle.
- Random unexplained pain flare ups started. Mostly in legs and arms but I would always assume it had to do with work.
-Digestion problems started. I would spend the first half of the day vomiting. This would happen about three days of the week for 4 months straight. I still have digestion problems but not at this insane rate. I assumed I had a sensitive stomach.
Late 2011
-Fingernail problems started, and stayed. This includes nail loss, ridges and red skin around nails. Dr said it was eczema since bloodtests for other issues were negative.
-Extreme hand pain started as a result of Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.
-Constant migranes started. I get at least 2 a week.
-Grand Mal seizure. They assumed it was due to taking Tramadol.
-Depression reoccurs. Something I suffered with in the past and use to take medication for, but I don't like the side effects so I leave it untreated. It tends to come and go.
-Night sweats start. They come and go, and result in a soaking wet bed.
-Sleeping problems start. Some nights I am lucky to get 2 solid hours. Sleep paralysis starts as well.
2012
-Fuzzy mind and memory troubles. I thought I was getting "stupid" or "slow". I was unable to think as quickly as I use to, and my *ex* doctor didn't investigate it. This is something I still struggle with and it is embarrassing.
- Had corrective surgery for CTS, but the pain never got better. My doctor couldnt explain my pain.
- Leg pain flare ups get so bad, some morning I would crawl out of bed.
2013
-Hands and fingers ache so badly I can hardly hold a cup of coffee some mornings
- Rashes that are unlike eczema develop on legs, face, elbows and back of hands
- Joint pain in feet and muscle pain in legs hurt so badly they keep me up at night.
-dizzyness and blurry slight come and go.
-FINALLY DIAGNOSED!
These problems come and go, and most have gotten worst over time. The hand pain, fuzzy mind and fatigue are the most bothersome. I have good and bad day, but its hard to remember the last time I felt "normal"
During the past three years I've taken different medications to help for separate symptoms, and I've had an uncountable amount of various tests, most of them came back negative. Some of my past issues might not be related to FM, like my seizure, but thought it was worth mentioning. Also, I'm sure there are many little things I forgot to write about.
But I'd love to hear about your story. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this.
Xox
I am new to this website. I was recently diagnosed with FM and Im hoping to get to know some of you on here as I think a support group is very important to have.
In my case, I've had a very difficult time these last three years with all my seemingly random symptoms and problems. I thought maybe I was just unlucky, and never thought my problems were connected. My boyfriend at the time was convinced that I was making up a lot of my issues, which resulted in me being reluctant to see a doctor when a new issue would arise. The crazy thing is, I started to believe him, thinking I was a hypochondriac since my xrays and blood work would be negative most of the time, and my ex doctor would tell me nothing can be done to help me. Before recently I didn't know much about fibromyalgia.
I feel a lot of you, like me, have a pretty interesting time line with new symptoms arising, and I'm interested to see how our stories compare.
Here's my timeline:
Late 2010
-Extreme fatigue started and never went away. Blood work was always negative and I was told to take it easy.
2011
- Costochondritis diagnosed. That year it was really bad, and it still comes and goes. Dr said it was due to heavy lifting, even though it wasn't a big part of my lifestyle.
- Random unexplained pain flare ups started. Mostly in legs and arms but I would always assume it had to do with work.
-Digestion problems started. I would spend the first half of the day vomiting. This would happen about three days of the week for 4 months straight. I still have digestion problems but not at this insane rate. I assumed I had a sensitive stomach.
Late 2011
-Fingernail problems started, and stayed. This includes nail loss, ridges and red skin around nails. Dr said it was eczema since bloodtests for other issues were negative.
-Extreme hand pain started as a result of Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.
-Constant migranes started. I get at least 2 a week.
-Grand Mal seizure. They assumed it was due to taking Tramadol.
-Depression reoccurs. Something I suffered with in the past and use to take medication for, but I don't like the side effects so I leave it untreated. It tends to come and go.
-Night sweats start. They come and go, and result in a soaking wet bed.
-Sleeping problems start. Some nights I am lucky to get 2 solid hours. Sleep paralysis starts as well.
2012
-Fuzzy mind and memory troubles. I thought I was getting "stupid" or "slow". I was unable to think as quickly as I use to, and my *ex* doctor didn't investigate it. This is something I still struggle with and it is embarrassing.
- Had corrective surgery for CTS, but the pain never got better. My doctor couldnt explain my pain.
- Leg pain flare ups get so bad, some morning I would crawl out of bed.
2013
-Hands and fingers ache so badly I can hardly hold a cup of coffee some mornings
- Rashes that are unlike eczema develop on legs, face, elbows and back of hands
- Joint pain in feet and muscle pain in legs hurt so badly they keep me up at night.
-dizzyness and blurry slight come and go.
-FINALLY DIAGNOSED!
These problems come and go, and most have gotten worst over time. The hand pain, fuzzy mind and fatigue are the most bothersome. I have good and bad day, but its hard to remember the last time I felt "normal"
During the past three years I've taken different medications to help for separate symptoms, and I've had an uncountable amount of various tests, most of them came back negative. Some of my past issues might not be related to FM, like my seizure, but thought it was worth mentioning. Also, I'm sure there are many little things I forgot to write about.
But I'd love to hear about your story. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this.
Xox
and I absolutely LOVE my Lavender Epsom Salts from Rite Aid (like six bucks for a big bottle and it smells fabulous)... I find it hurts to exercise but i'm in more pain without it! I have two children and one with Autism which makes for an interesting balance. do you have children? I am blessed to be a stay at home mom, which really helps when I am having one of those REALLY bad days... I am very curious about how you manage your pain! I also did physical therapy involving a hot therapy pool.. that helped, but only for a few hours and then I was right back where I started. my medicine list is ENDLESS and extremely frustrating.. definitely fighting that really "alone" feeling... booo!