- Fibromyalgia
- Interviews
Fibrogirl96's interview
How did all start?
It started with what I thought were just aches and pains that slowly got worse as time went on. The pain became overwhelming and was all over that I knew something else was going on. Pain in my lower back and shoulders/neck were constant.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I am diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For me personally it took me around five years mainly due to me not knowing that I didn’t need a referral from my GP to go to see a rheumatologist. I was very blessed that the first rheumatologist I found was able to diagnose me right off the bat. I know others that took them 10 years to find the right doctor.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I’m not sure so I will say I have a lot of medical issues fibro,osteoarthritis,degenerative disc disease,GERD,migraines. I have been diagnosed by my rheumatologist my pain specialist and my GP for the various issues.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
For me it’s been medication that has helped me the most.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Standing for long periods of time,walking long distances, my teeth, migraine headaches,back pain that is unrelenting.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Well for social I really don’t have anyone physically here that I hang out with besides my husband. My friends are online now. My family at first it was an adjustment because my parents only see me once maybe twice a year. As time has gone on my mom and dad have become incredibly understanding and helpful to me. They know my limitations and how much I can tolerate. As far as changed I would say the change has been for the positive. My husband is absolutely amazing and takes great care of Me. He has taken over where i cannot do things anymore. He is attentive to my needs and very helpful with doctors appointments. I can’t concentrate and remember things so having my husband there to be my interpreter in telling me what gaps I don’t understand has been invaluable
What things have you stopped doing?
I’ve stopped most things around the house cooking cleaning laundry etc. I have stopped doing grocery shopping and driving long distances.
What do you think about the future?
The future is hard to say honestly. I know that every year my pain gets worse but I still think i can have a good life . I may require things like a wheelchair or motor scooter to get around.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I would say the best years were childhood to about 5 or 6 yrs after I got married. I got married went on a honeymoon to the Bahamas taken a trip to Minnesota New York City, museums etc.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Spend more time traveling,doing more work around the house helping out my husband
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life has been filled with love happiness sorrow and joy. I’ve had a very blessed life
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Be kind to yourself. Be caring and nurturing to your body. Take things one step of a time and try to limit your stress. Do things that you enjoy doing when you are feeling up to it. Don’t get down on yourself. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You may need to approach and do the task differently but just do what you can and don’t be angry if you can’t complete something. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s not a sprint but a marathon.
