Fibromyalgia

Magenta

Hi all,

I have only just discovered this thread.
I too suffer with Fibro as well as M.E/CFS, recovering from cancer: IBS, debilitating migranes, osteo arthritis, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and on and on!!!!!!
I have been usuing crutches for the last 2 years as my fight foot is being 'rebuilt' (nasty old cancer)

I have yet to read through all the posts but a big thanks to the person who started this thread.

somebody_else

raeh wrote: »

oh the depression, i have always said im not depressed but as someone else said its more frustration... i carry on and on and try to be everything i feel i should be to dh and to the kids and then it all gets too much and i flip i cry over silly things and just feel like i cant go on, iv never actually said this to anyone else but i sometimes just feel at those times that they would be better off without me

Or as I said to a GP a few years ago who'd been determined to label me as depressed - "if you were in constant pain and permanenlty exhausted, you'd be *issed off with it all, as well".

You are right - there is a world of difference between being depressed and being thoroughly fed up with hurting all the time, not getting any restoring rest, and all the other things that go with a long term condition.

Actually my current GP is a darling. When I finally succumbed to my current relapse and asked to be signed off for a while she asked me what I wanted her to put on my sick note. "Erm... clinically !!!!ed off?"

Careful_with_that_Axe

LOL s/e. a good GP is worth their weight in gold when you have a chronic condition. Mine always ends a consultation with "Well Done". I'm not sure what it is I'm doing well, but I'll take affirmation where I can find it!
Bless, if I've been trolling along for a while without seeing her she'll often ring me just to find out how I'm doing as she hasn't seen me for a while. She's no soft touch and can be quite strict about some things though, like smoking (eek!).
Had a good 12 hours sleep last night (well, as good as it gets) and am determined to sort out "that" corner of the living room after I've had a bite of lunch.
I may even tackle some ironing - I'm one of those sad individuals who enjoys ironing. I get such satisfaction from taking something crumpled and making it look nice. That being said, it was a chore when I was working.
Three cheers to those who manage to work despite their probs. I am in awe of you all and totally understand how it makes you feel better mentally even though it exhausts you physically.
I do all I can to keep my mind active and will not resort to daytime TV.
Hugs to all.
Jo
x

somebody_else

Oh god, don't mention ironing. Trouble is, I've never been comfortable with the just climbed out of the laundry basket look, so I have do it. It takes me all day and leaves me in agony by the time I've done it, but I can't just leave it.

ailz95

Forgive me if my answer has already been covered, but I only found this thread today and I'm catching up.

Meds: My doctor put me on citalopram as fibro as has a sleep problem - apparently we dream too much - which is the energetic part of sleep, so we don't feel rested. Something to do with Seratonin resistence. Citalopram is also an anti depressant like amitriptylene. I keep on trying to come off it, but I just end up worse. I also take the maximum dose of dihydrocodeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen (only as a last resort), a statin (supposed to help with the fibro - don't know how), quinine - I get lots of cramp in my instep and shin - anyone else?, and a water tablet. Still in constant pain. I try to work out whether things are worth doing as I know I'll end up in bed for a couple of days.

Pillows: I've just bought one from the Pillow Centre and it does help - though it seems to help a little less every night.

Libido: I pretend. I'm up for it whenever my hubby wants. I instigate it regularly, once I get going it's fun - I think it's a 'spare spoon' I carry just for it. I was told many years ago that sex was a good cure for a headache - it's also a good pain killer for any pain, because it releases endorphins which relaxes muscles. (And for those who are overweight like me it also burns calories).

I think my problems started when I was 3 - in 1957 - I caught tb from fresh milk, my uncle had a farm and gave me milk straight from the cow as I'd had measles. The tb hit my right knee and my left eye. In those days they were still sorting treatment out - I was lucky and got the antibiotic they still use, but the dosing was a bit hit and miss - since then I've always ached and never had any energy. I managed for years, but by the time I was 40 without a dozen or so solpadeine tablets a day, I just couldn't function.

Now I'm 54 and a lot better.

I also need to say that I love this group - it's such a relief to know I'm not alone.

Have a good one

Ailz

deptfreemoneytart

Hi all
Having a bad day today!!
Keep falling asleep, can't imagine what it's like for you girls who have to work and look after a family.
I've had FM for years now but only really bad pain for a couple of years. I was a professional foster carer for 12 years and we had 32 great kids in that time and I always had the energy for them.
For someone who hasn't got on a bus for about 40 years, I sure feel like I get hit by a lot.
A man came and installed my free loft insulation today, young lad on his own. If I had as much energy as he used in a day it would last me all year.
Got to go now before I fall asleep again.
Have the best 24 you can.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Well I only got about a third of the work I planned done in the flat, but what I did looks much better and will hopefully spur me on tomorrow to continue.
Has left me with the usual pains and a thumping headache.
I try to take as few painkillers as possible, and so take them once pain becomes overwhelming, but I think I should re-think and keep a maintenance dose on board.
deptfreemoneytart - hope the loft insulation makes a difference. Sleep if you need to - your body must need it no matter how frustrating it is to you when you want to be awake.
Signing off now as typing is really hurting me.
Jo
x

raeh

the kids are fed and i can now lay on the sofa and look for bargains

CwtA you like ironing??? shall i drop mine around i hate it as my back aches but the new bzz steam generator has helped

Hi magenta :wave: i think this thread is my sounding board now, i find it so theraputic to come on here and complain about my pains when i dont actually feel i can say to anyone else?

deptfreemoneytart, im sorry you having a bad day [ i looked for a hug smiley here but it looked far too dodgy a hug hehe] As far as coping with work and the family too, i think it actually does keep me going as when i have a day off i tend to sleep and give into the pain more?? i allow it to take over? and with the kids i dont have a choice about doing things lol. Work are excellent and make things as simple for me as i can and the kids are very understanding too

ailz95 re the libido i know what you mean about it being a painkiller as i dont actually feel pain during and i fall asleep easier its just actually getting my head around to considering it lol

s_e i would love to go and ask for a sick note that said clinically !!!!ed off :rotfl:

somebody_else

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I try to take as few painkillers as possible, and so take them once pain becomes overwhelming, but I think I should re-think and keep a maintenance dose on board.

Speaking from umpteen years experience with the pain, I would suggest that for someone who is in almost constant pain it's better to take regular pain relief to keep it under control rather than waiting 'til you're in agony with it before taking any.

I tend to find that the first dose of the day does little more than stop the pain getting any worse, the second dose is more likely to reduce the pain levels, and I've found I'm less likely to have to get up to take pain relief at night if I take a dose when I go to bed "whether I need it or not" sort of thing. This regime gives me a bit of leeway for an extra dose during the day if I'm doing something that is going to increase the pain. Of course, all this depends on what pain relief you're on.

I hope you're in less pain tomorrow.

somebody_else

raeh wrote: »

s_e i would love to go and ask for a sick note that said clinically !!!!ed off :rotfl:

Well, it made her laugh, but she didn't actually write it. Would have loved to have seen my line manager's face if I'd sent it in.