I turn 31 today! I feel like Im at least 91! I was diagnosed with Fibro about 6 years ago and even though they say it isnt progressive...mine has been. At first it just started out not being able to carry my 5 month old daughter. It eventually got to the point of not being able to move my arms. I wouldnt say Ive gotten better, but I would say Ive gotten used to it and have learned how to make myself suffer through it.
Now six years later I cant sleep, I cant work, Im depressed, Ive gained weight, I have had numerous surgeries and still hurt all the time. I have many more problems than I listed, but who wants to drudge through all of that? I dont...its my birthday.
I think my main complaint is that I feel like nobody takes the pain I experience 24/7 seriously. Not even my doctor. I feel like because there isnt a lab test that can confirm what Im feeling that they can just say "well its the fibro." and that makes it okay. Some days I feel like dying would be better than feeling the way I do.
No, Im not suicidal, but sometimes the burning, stabbing pain, and fatigue is to much for one person to bear. I dont want to live my life doped up on muscle relaxers...I have four kids to enjoy!

I hope someone here understands how I feel. I just need to know Im not the only "thirty something" adult woman who some days cant even put on a bra because it hurts for ANYTHING to touch her.

Just a thought- could you have reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)?? The burning/ stabbing pain you mention really sound like it as well as the allodynia (extreme sensitivity to touch). Do you have any other symptoms (swelling, skin color changes, skin temperature changes)??

Sending you pain free hugs!

(we have a RSD forum here as well)

I'm really happy to meet you, but sorry for the reasons that bring you here. Yes, I am familiar with most of what you describe, as are so many people here. Maybe fibro itself isn't progressive, but for me the symptoms definitely have been. Mine is secondary to another condition, but it hurts just the same.

I can't tell you all the times I've heard people say they feel they're going out of their mind because of this, and maybe the #1 complaint I've heard is that they are tired of people thinking that it's not a "real" illness. Give it to them for just a day, and then see if they still feel the same! I've also heard, and even used, the "s" word quite a bit. But I understand what you mean...it's more an expression of frustration than anything else. Because there simply seems to be be no end of the symptoms you have to live with!

IHH could be right, because too many doctors tend to lump a lot of different conditions under the term Fibromyalgia. But fibro itself definitely is no picnic. It means have to learn to relive your life, lower your expectations, and think twice before doing anything that might stir up the animal within you. I think anyone who's had it for long will say that education is the key. Learn all you can, and then keep learning more. I've studied fibro until I feel like I'm blue in the face sometimes. And I don't care what anybody says; talking it about it with people who understand, and sometimes just venting your frustration to them, is a huge help!

Anyway, welcome to the fibro forum, and if you hang around I'm sure you'll be involved in numerous discussions about this illness, and some of the ways to deal with it. I hope you had a good birthday!

Idealist

Hi there and Welcome!
Sorry you are feeling so icky. I am also in my 30's and have dealt with these issues for 8 years steady now. Its a downer. Unfortunately a chronic illness (be it FM or RSD) you may have to live on certain meds. It took me a long time to accept that I will probably have the 8 meds I have on my beside table in order to be "normal" for most of my life if not the rest. I don't have children so I can't understand that part of it but I have been out of the workforce for 5 years and it is hard to function on some meds.
I take Robaxin, a very strong muscle relaxant, and I don't feel zoned out all day. If you need a med in your system, that high feeling never comes. This also applies for narcotics, most people who are in need of those meds to get by never feel the high that people who take them just to take them do. If you are worried about that feeling, talk to your doctor so you can find a balance where the pain is minimal but you can still function. It may take a while but it will be worth it.
As recommended by InHisHands, I would visit the RSD (Reflex Sympathy Disorder) board. It sounds like you may have some symptoms of that illness. They may be able to help you there too.
Again welcome....I hate to see that you are in pain but I am glad you found us.

Hi and Welcome! I met you on another thread, but wanted to chime in on the FM issue. Do not feel like you have to explain to family and friends about your FM. They either get it or they don't. FM is real and it's miserable.

I now have Polymyalgia and Dermatographism along w/my FM (and another fun probable DX of MS) It's been hard trying to cope at times. Just remember that you are the same person inside... You just have to design your life, so that you can get thru the day and live as best you can.

When I'm in a bad way, I too, get down. It's hard not to. I see a great Rheumatologist and he has helped me immensely.
I agree w/Wendy on the meds issue. I too, balked at taking meds for my FM, but now I see that I could not function w/o them.

We are here for you Png.... we understand and we care...
So glad you found us... take care and remember that you can VENT here anytime....

PS: I no longer hold a baby unless I am sitting down... I almost dropped my great niece once.... Scared the heck outta me.....

Hi Sweetie, Happy Birthday, I'm so glad your here. We have a lot of nice and smart people to help you. You could say I've vented a bit from time to time. I to have Fibro. Mine is in my legs , neck and shoulders the most. Oh wait, my elbows, arms and hands.olololol You get it.lolol Glad your here, See ya, Rashelle

Welcome to the FM forum. Sorry you are here but glad you found a source to possibly help with a listening ear and responses from others who share your symptoms. I too was diagnosed with fibro when I was 38. Started in face, head, neck areas. It gradually spread through trauma to other areas. However, I was able to keep it in check with trigger point injections. Unfortunately, now it is full body and it is difficult to treat with tpi's. If you can find someone who is extremely knowledgable about TPI's you may want to try that route. Maybe they could just try one area at a time (neck, shoulders, etc.)
I have not found any drugs that help relieve the pain. I've tried over 40 including morphine, etc. I have severe facial pain and TMJ also.
I have found that anything invasive(ex:- IV) or any trauma (falls, people hugging me very hard, shaking my hand,etc.) triggers it off. I feel like the "bubble girl" and should wear a sign "DO Not Touch". Unfortunately, medical exams by drs. or dentists as well as treatment have triggered off new areas of FM. I could give many examples but my arms hurt too much to type any more. Be cautious of Dr. visits and investigate any suggested treatments.
Best wishes to you. PM me any time if you'd like. I am retired now as I am disabled due to FM , RSD, etc.
Sydney

I hear ya Sidney!! There's times I can't even stand a coat on my shoulders. I have even given up wearing turtlenecks, as when I'm hurting... I don't want anything heavy touching my shoulders/neck area.

Miserable is the best word I can use to describe FM.