Hi Caroline, Yes, what you are through is normal for fibro...it's been about 6 years for me...I am on tramadol and neurotin to handle symptoms..I quit working at the end of 2011 to help with some issues with my mom, thinking I could go back to work once that situation was handled. Right now, I'm not sure if that is an option.
My mornings I am up at 5 a.m. (habit from working for many years), get a cup of coffee and take a tramadol and then back to bed to lay on my heating pad to combat the neck and back stiffness, watch some tv and check facebook, etc. About 7 a.m., I take my medications along with two advil followed by a hot shower to loosen up my stiff muscles.
Each day's activities depend on what level of fatigue I feel on a scale of 1 to 10. I sleep a lot! Usually out by 9:00 p.m at night and when necessary take afternoon naps. Even if my pain is under control, I am always fighting fatigue. It's hard to get used to the "new normal" of fibro as I was always a "hit the ground running" kind of person.
The hardest thing for me is getting used to the effects on my muscles of any type of strain...for example, raking leaves, housework, washing my car..things that don't affect a normal person, make me feel like I did the most aggressive workout of my life.. If you overdo; you pay the price...so PACE yourself. Do keep myself from going crazy, I have picked up hobbies that don't make things hurt...sewing, crafts, cooking, baking, etc.
You didn't mention if you were on any medications to help with the symptoms. Massage, heating pads, ice packs, are now your best friends.
Everyone experiences fibro in their own way...keep reading through this forum for helpful hints from other members on managing your symptoms. It seems to be trial and error for everyone to find what works best for each person.
Hang in there!