Diagnoses

@betty41 Actually, if one has CFS symptoms as well, at a certain level exercise is actually contra-indicated. It can takes me weeks to recover from a medium exertion - I pushed my body to the limit for 30 years, then it broke. Now, my recovery time is ridiculous. One doctor's appt. can set me back for 3 to 6 months or more. This loss of energy (they think) is at the cellular level - one can't 'cheat' it; I've tried many times - sometimes resulting in permanent damage.

There are various things to try before you give up on yourself. I suffered for 30 years. I am 68. I am now feeling 30 years younger. The doctors didn’t fix me. I fixed me. Some intentional, some accidental: 1) I have gout or pseudo gout who knows. I experience debilitating pain in my joints and inflammatory reactions from doing simple things. Now I am on allopurinol medicine and all of that pain is gone. If you have gout in your family history, I suggest you talk to your doctor about that. The second thing is insulin resistance. I had insulin resistance for 20 years and because I was good at controlling my diet I was never put on medicine. Now I am on metformin and my body feels so much better. The third thing is taking extra iron and B12 vitamins. I ate two eggs in the morning and I take take Bronson brand biglysinate iron pills ($10 on Amazon) I noticed the difference in two days!!! When we get older, our body doesn’t digest the nutrition as it should. Insufficient iron and B12 can translate for some of us into neuropathies and problems with our nerves. It took me 30 years to get my body to stop having painful inflammatory reactions that shut my life down. But I did it. So please don’t give up on feeling better and know that it is an individual journey to get better.
As far as not having friends and doing stuff— I am a creative person and Artist. I don’t really have any close friends anymore. I happen to enjoy the companionship of animals like my doggie and I can do Art from day and night and enjoy the TMC movie channel watching movies that are 100 years old. I love to read. I really enjoy being at home and most of the activities. I love most in life, involve things that I do by myself. The point is to do what you can to improve your lot in life and learn to accept the rest. Sit down and really focus on investing in yourself and loving and cherishing your own life without the accoutrements that others bring. Yes I envy that the other ladies go to lunch and the other neighbors get together with their families and husbands, but we can’t have it all in life and it’s worth time to figure out what’s really in your soul to do on this earth. There’s a ton of philanthropic stuff you can do by yourself and at home to help others which is very rewarding.

I just wanted to update you on my journey with fibromyalgia. I also have a slipped disc/bulges, the usual age related problems. My back pain has been the worst part of my fibromyalgia. I was doing ok ISH, living with all usual fibromyalgia symptoms but getting on with it and learning to pace myself and listen to my body. Then recently a lorry hit the back of my car, although slow speed but it caused a massive flare up. I didn't get checked out properly, just saw insurance doctor who said it was whiplash. Anyone with fibromyalgia would understand but the pain wasn't manageable with no tablets. I ended up going on amtripuline which has helped numb the pain and then thankfully pain clinic recommended pregabalin which here in the UK is a class C drug. The combination of both meds have helped alot, I am more like the old me before fibromyalgia came along. I take 1 pregabalin in the morning and another in the evening along with the amtripuline. Although I am tired the pain is reduced alot and I know tablets aren't a cure but they do help. I am glad I got a proper diagnosis from a consultant as this has given me the option to take such meds when needed. I think there is hope for everyone with fibromyalgia, we are all different and affected in different ways and I think when you find the best treatment plan that works for you you won't be ruled by the chronic condition called fibromyalgia.
I hope there's some positive news from other fibromyalgia sufferers, please don't give up, there will be more better days.( To help us cope during bad days!)

I only have one friend. Have large family but no longer close to anyone. However I think it’s due to the depression (from fibromyalgia and living with and watching my son with Schizophrenia suffer). Big problem is non-desire and non- ability to do anything even send a text or make a phone call. I see some posts on here about positivity and they make my day. Thank you all.

I am sorry to hear this. Yes fibromyalgia can get you down and it's a daily battle . I have felt better since going on amtripuline and pregabalin but obviously we are all different. I also have bad days and can't be bothered but I tell myself it's better to listen to my body. Alot of people just forget or don't understand. Everyone else seems to do everything at a faster pace and I just can't keep up or get really tired when I do socialise. I am sorry to hear about your son, it must be zapping all your energy when us fibromyalgia sufferers don't have alot. One friend is better than none and it's the quality of their friendship that counts rather than lots of friends who perhaps don't understand . It's all very well a stranger like me giving advice but all I will say I am sorry and totally understand regarding the fibromyalgia side of things. All I can say is my church Friends have been brilliant. Just remember it's always ok to be you .

@guineapiglover Thank you for your kind words. Fibromyalgia often makes it difficult to deal with other major life stressors. And sometimes not able to put fibromyalgia treatment first. You’ve reminded me to be grateful for for the one friend that is worth 20! My son and I are in process of attending church tomorrow. He is open to that right now. So hopeful. Thank you and God bless you.

That's very positive. Little by little. Take one day at a time and try not to dwell on the past worry about the future just enjoy being in the moment. I am so glad you have a wonderful friend and that you and your son are going to church. Remember to be kind to yourself. We are all walking through this life at different paces and just do what you can do and don't do what you can't do. Don't be hard on yourself, it's the fibromyalgia not you.I really hope going to Church brings you many blessings....

@jasonbrooksf. I find my two cats to be great company and they make me laugh every day!

@feygirrl I've been thinking about getting a dog in the near future. Just have to make sure I'm able to keep up with him.

Guinea pigs are ideal, they have great personalities and don't need walking!.