- Fibromyalgia
- Interviews
Impatientgirl's interview
How did all start?
Things that shouldn’t physically hurt a lot did, like a playful nudge. Also when I entered a cold building in the summer I still felt hot for an hour or more and I couldn’t cool down normally. That’s how it started.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes had to see neurologist, endocrinologist, and rheumatologist with approx $8k in insurance copays for lots of testing to rule out other conditions.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Most useful was a Duke resident studying and preparing to specialize in rheumatology. They were informed and up to date on recent publications from Mayo.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Accepting my life will not be the way I want, that was hardest. Cymbalta reduces the severity of sharp voodoo doll stabbing pain but not the frequency or duration, or other symptom. It’s still worth taking it.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Living with physical limitations on a daily basis.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
True Friends’ and loving family’s support has been phenomenal. A chronic disease will really show you who loves and cares for you versus those who are fickle or only want things from you.
What things have you stopped doing?
I pay people to clean my house, I eat easier to prepare food, and I have as many things delivered to me as possible instead of going out. I spend my energy on things I like not chores and errands.
What do you think about the future?
Try to stay positive
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Starting to feel like therapy, pass.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel the world
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Carefully planned and controlled
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
The faster you can accept it and find medication and lifestyle changes that work for you the happier and less miserable you’ll be.
