Fibromyalgia Symptoms HOME

Sarah, I certainly can relate to your condition. I found out that I had FM in Oct of 07. This came just 4 months after my divorce. However, my ex and I have remained good friends and he totally understands the FM. Thanks to material that I requested from the Arthritis Foundation, other members of my family and my closest friends now know whats up. I also have a dear friend who has FM. Talking to her, and comparing symptons does help. I know how it can get though, especially when you have to admit to yourself that you just can't do the things you used to do. I too rely on many prayers and also sheer determination. I now have earned my AA in General Education and will return to college in Jan. 09 to complete a Proficiency Certificate in Phlebotomy and a Technical Certificate in Medical Lab. Assisstance. Yes...it's extremely hard some days and I do try to cram all I can into the easy days which are few. Alot of hot showers seem to help some with the muscle pain, and of course, plenty of rest. If you're having trouble sleeping, ask your doctor about a mild sleeping pill. It works for me and who knows, it just might help you as well. Good luck to you, and God bless.

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Hello Sarah - I am very sorry to hear about your situation. First of all, I would like to suggest that you try to focus on the things that you can do and be grateful for them. When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FMS) I spent some time struggling to come to grips with it. I was focused on all of the things that I was no longer able to do. Once I got it through my thick head that was a total waste of energy things started to improve. I make a plan every day. Sometimes it may be as simple as being showered and dressed at some point during the day. That alone can be a huge accomplishment when I'm having a really bad FMS day. I'm much happier now that I have stopped beating myself up over something that can be managed but not erradicated or changed. You can control your life but you need to break it down into baby steps to get there. I am my own guinea pig. After a lot of trial and error, I pretty much know my limits and respect them. When I get tired, I stop. Since you have ADHD and are bipolar I think that making a list is particularly important for you. Bear in mind that any task can be broken down into smaller increments and that the list is not a deadline. If something needs to be moved to another day, so be it. That is all part of learning to peacefully coexist with FMS. Perhaps setting a timer to go off every hour or 1/2 hour while you are working on something will remind you to take a moment to check your level of fatigue. I have found some new interests to take the place of the things I can no longer do. My body may not move much some days, but my mind is very active. I hope that my comments are hlpful to yo in some way. Keep in touch and take care.

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Hi Sarah. Are you on medication for both of your problems????
Fibro can be cruel, I know... I've been dealing with it for the past 14 years. And I've learned a few things like: you NEED medication, exercice, knowledge, and support from peolpe around you and a good doctor. So its really important that you talk about it and get as much information as you can!!!!

Life doenst have to be perfect to be good!!!\

So my advice is: understand that you have a condition, learn about it, take your madication, and move on!!!!!!!!!!!

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I have been forcing myself to work for the last 12 or so years, I have finally made a decission I no longer can work in corrections, I have started falling and blacking out, or getting so dizzy I almost fall, the short term memory is a real mess now, I have empty blocks of time I keep losing my keys and I almost fall out of the shower!!!! I blacked out at work in Nov 08 in front of about 300 inmates on the recreation yard, I broke a tooth, I fell flat on my face, and when I dont black out I have no control over my body, I try to put my hands out and they dont move I just have to fall, I fell at home, I have been seeing a cardiac doctor and now I have some information for him this is all part of my fibro!!!!! I surly cant protect the public carrying a gun could get someone really hurt, so its finally over I thought I had a few years left and now I am going to file for disability. No such thing as rambling with us I sometimes have empty blocks of time its just like it never happened! I take six pills to start the day and know that I will have to change meds from time to time, I am tired of fighting doctors they need to listen to us! I am going to attack things again tomorrow. Wish me luck and thanks for being here. Jerribelle

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Sarah, kudos to you for holding onto your faith in a time like this. There are many quotes about faith gained through adversity being the kind that really counts, and I agree. The fact that you've chosen to keep it and still wish to make a difference in the world shows that you held onto your personal power, and it's true that it can really make a difference in helping with the pitfalls.

There are a wide variety of volunteer programs to try, and not all of them are physically demanding. You could go read books to residents in a nursing home or to children in a hospital on a good day, for example. Maybe even tutoring if you're up to it. Volunteering at a local zoo can also be very enjoyable. I'd like to return to doing it, but still have a few more symptoms to iron out first.

I agree with Fantod in the need to find interests to keep you going. Some can even be modified to fit in this new lifestyle. Whatever you decide, may God bless and keep you.

Jerribelle, I admire your fighting spirit as well. If I may, what do you do to manage the dizziness? I have some days where I have to grab onto shelves as I walk by them to keep my balance, catch myself like I'm going to fall, or worry about passing out. Good luck to you on your path. :)

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I know where you are coming from. Right now I am fortunate enough to be living at home with my parents again, but I often feel very isolated. I so want to go back to work, or school, or something to feel productive and social again. And, like you, I used to hate not being able to control my life anymore. But keep, praying, okay?You can't control your own life anymore, but when when we come to the end of ourselves, that's when we have to hand everything over to God. And He can control our lives much better than we can anyway. My favorite verse right now is Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Trust him on that. He still has great things in store for you, if you will let Him guide you.
You'll be in my prayers.

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For you who aren't able to commit to a scheduled volunteer program, I'd suggest just dropping in at a local nursing home when you have a good day and want to get out of the house. Take a couple of books or magazines or newspapers , and the residents will really appreciate it.

Or drop by your local animal shelter and volunteer to walk dogs this fall.

ANYTHING to get you out of the house, and give you a sense of making someone else feel good will also make YOU feel good.

I volunteer at a soup kitchen...some days I am a dynamo and cook and serve, some days I simply fold napkins and restock the cutlery tray , some days I am only able to sit and talk to the people as they come in and eat. Many are lonely and appreciate the conversation. And it puts into perspective how lucky I really am, in spite of all my health problems.

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Dear Ms. Type A,

Sadly, I am so far away from A that is crazy. However, I do tend to do more than I should and I tell you, I certainly pay for it with PAIN.

Often, my symptoms direct my day. Please try not to ever feel powerless though...you never are. Sometimes you're in a place where it's difficult to acknowledge the power you have, but it is always there.

Reaching out to others can be extremely helpful. I have a Life Coach. I always knows she's in my corner, and she, just as I is directed by her Faith. I've chosen to live my life out loud. I share my feelings and experiences with others because doing so taught me that I'm not alone and that others are grateful for my openness. We learn from one another. So ramble on....we're listening.

I've had FMS for about 14 years. I spent a lot of time trying to deal with it on my own until I learned that people needed to become educated and I wanted to do my part in educating them on this condition. Some think it hurts me to tell others about the condition, but I guess I just feel compelled to spread the word when I can. Besides, if I don't tell them, they won't know. The symptom of FMS become something entirely differnt and that takes away my power. Allowing others to define me.

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I know the feeling of dispair. It's tough having FM and you're right, you don't know what to do and if you pick something you find that it's more than you can do and have to quit therefore letting others down and yourself. The answer, I wish I had one. I'm sorry about your divorce. I had mine in 1980 and raised three kids alone. Now thy are all grown but unfortunately live far away so I find myself alone. Never was able to keep a realationship as I always hid the fact that I had FM and tried to keep up. Just never could. I have decided, at my age, to just do what I can when I can and thank heavens I don't have cancer or something more terrible. I know that sounds so rediculous as FM is terrible but I keep telling myself it could be worse. Others have something else worse. Try to do small things. Set small goals everyday, say today I'm going to clean the closet or today I'm going to clean the floor. Don't look at the big picture but accomplish something small every day. It will make you feel better and if possible force yourself to go take a short walk even if it's alone . Listen to some music on your walk and don't over do it. Then come home and tell yourself you acomplished something. Little things will add up and hopefully you will have some good days. It's never going to be perfect but setting small goals can make it better
Hugs

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