Please tell me about fibromyalgia

[AlexaShutUp]

If you have it, how did you get a diagnosis? And how long did you live with the pain before seeking advice from your GP?

I have horrible aches all over my body and I just feel wiped out all of the time - a bit like having flu without the fever. Initially I wondered about arthritis as I have terrible pain and some stiffness in my arms and hands, but there is no swelling or joint pain. Then I googled the symptoms of fibromyalgia and they all seem to fit.

However, the pain comes and goes a bit - I have good periods and bad ones. I'm not sure if that's usual?

If you suffer with this, what self-help strategies have been effective? I try to eat well, but don't always succeed. I also try to get some regular exercise but find it very hard when all energy is sapped.

He is now labelling it fibromyalgia but the only test has been a single blood test.
TBH it’s been years. I thought it was my job, maybe SAD, maybe diet related, maybe because I had young children etc etc. (No I didn’t go to the GP each time!)
But now I don’t work. My kids are older. There’s no pattern related to food. I’m starting to think it was this all along. I had awful (make you cry) back pain and was told by physio I was overreacting to pain. Nobody ever gave it a name or did anything but make me feel like I was making a fuss about nothing.
DH has private medical insurance through his work. He thinks I should try that.

You can't just label it Fibro from one blood test. You need to ask to be referred to a rheumatologist.

Are you peri - menopausal?

Diagnosed with fibromyalgia 10 years ago following spinal op, few months ago I got a diagnosis of Ehlers Danos Syndrome. I never accepted the fibromyalgia diagnosis but it was only on the back of my daughter being diagnosed with eds that I had investigations.

Can’t be menopause I’ve been told as I’m on the pill. Not sure what other tests they could do. I had an MRI when my back was bad. Lots of bloods taken as I’m on other medication.

How long have you been on the pill?

My fibro is REALLY connected to my hormones. I can't go near the pill any more, it sends me batshit and I can't move with pain.

Ages. It took me a long time to find one I can tolerate. I’ve been ok on this one.

Sorry. Didn’t realise people had asked questions about my diet.

I took out everything that had anything in it. I eat veg meat ( fresh ) potatoes some limited fruits and eggs.

That is it.

I cheated the other week and had pizza. The next morning the pain was back in my arms and legs and felt as I did before.
It’s hard loving on this diet. And I mean really hard. But. Better than the pain I was in.

No dairy. And no wheat.