Could it be Fibromyalgia

I’m 77, diagnosed in my early 30s. I was unfamiliar with this decade-old fibro research (see link below) until recently, but it makes perfect sense to me. Briefly, measuring pressure of the muscles of fibro-folks has consistently given “high pressure” results. Meaning, muscles that are constantly pressurized aren’t getting the oxygen and circulation necessary to keep them “unwound”. They’re constantly tight. I picture one of those clothing/bedding storage bags with all the air sucked out.

This accounts for chronic fatigue, chronic inflammation, and muscles that easily overly-react to triggers. For years, my dr found I had high-inflammation blood markers. My physical therapists have consistently remarked that my leg muscles are tighter than anyone they’ve ever worked with. I did not feel the tightness - though therapists did. Makes sense they’re constantly inflamed and rest/relaxation (muscle relaxers) help somewhat.

Since April of this year, I’ve had 2 UTIs, both with few tell-tale symptoms and both cleared up quickly with antibiotics. The really bad side-effect? Apparently, the slightest bacterial infection triggers already inflamed nerves/muscles near the infection - causing my muscles clench, leaving me in pain for months while they heal and loosen up again - requiring lots of rest, muscle relaxers, Tylenol ( I can’t take anti-inflammatories, had an internal bleeding from baby aspirin a few years back).

Seems like a never- ending cycle of immobilizing tight, painful, inflamed muscles.

Here’s the link to the study -
https://www.fibromyalgiafund.org/why-fibromyalgia-muscles-hurt/

@jakefix82 ,

My heart goes out to you for having Fibro for this long. My manicurist in Georgia used to say "it too bad you cannot remove your hands, I do your nails and call you to come pick up when im done." I'm always wound up and tight because my body has spent most of my life in fight or flight mode. My chiropractor in NJ used to tell me I was one of his top 3 most difficult clients to adjust.

In 2024, I fell down the stairs at my apartment complex (I blacked out and didn't know I had fell until i was already on another stair.) I ended up essentially destroying my left shoulder, which has been a most of my life pain in the butt. I broke my shoulder, dislocated my shoulder, tore the labrum, and sustained tons of little fractures all over. My occupational therapist who is one of the goofiest yet brightest people i know, used to say "Miss Kelly, i need total "noodle arm". Which meant I am way too tightened up in my left arm/shoulder. But then he would put my arm in all these different motions, and still say "total noodle arm." And I would reply "I would if you weren't trying to twist my arm off my body" I was fully discharged from all appointments back in January of this year.

Yesterday during my diagnosis of Fibro, my Doctor told me "Every hour you are awake and not doing anything else, you need to walk for 5 minutes. You can walk around your apartment and then outside the next hour and back and forth. The movement is good for you and helps with the pain." I started Lyrica today and we shall see how well it works.

@kjs831 The main thing I have found with my fibro, is I may start my day with less pain and more energy, so I think I can do alot more on that given day. If I am not careful, I will hit what I call "a wall." I feel like I just cannot go any further. I've had to tell family and friends when I use that terminology, not to argue with me. Just let me get meds. and lie down, or whatever it takes. I was diagnosed 35 years ago. Not much was known about it back then, and many people did not believe it is a true condition. Things have changed, thank goodness. 💕

@nannybb

I did that to myself yesterday. I felt fine and went out during the peak dinner time hours for Door Dash. The last order killed me. It was in an apartment complex I'd never been to before, and there were no signs saying where the stairs are, and where the elevator was. I was wandering around looking for them because the customer was on the 2nd floor. I messaged her asking where the stairs were, and she never replied. I did find the stairs and it was a long walk from where I entered the building. And then her apartment wasn't close to the stairs either. By the time I got back into my car, I was done. And today I'm paying for it.

@kjs831 So sorry to hear that. I'm still working too and there are days I can barely walk to my car. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. But you are SO right. You pay for it.

@nannybb

I hate it. I had a full hysterectomy in 2010, and sometimes the exhaustion feels like when i was recuperating from that. Not 100% as bad, but pretty close. I love to craft, and most days I want to get up off the couch to go sit at the dining room table and color (its hardly a far walk) but my body says no. It's definitely discouraging

@kjs831 I also had a full hysterectomy. I had multiple operations prior for PCOS. I sometimes think the whole thing might have better been treated with meds. I now have adhesions that are causing a lot of problems. A year ago I had part of my lung removed and have had pain ever since. Intense pain. I know some of it is from the doctor using a robot, but I'm now wondering if my fibro is also playing a part. I know all about being so tired, you are weary, feeling 10 years older. Fibro is real and definitely should be treated that way. 💕