Living with fibromyalgia and arthritis at 30 years old...

Steph - posted on 03/04/2013

About 2 years ago I was in the same situation as a lot of the women posted here. I was crippled with arthritis, sore muscles, headaches, and an overall anxiety, brain fog. I went to doctors, they wanted to put me on Fibro meds to control pain and stress. At the time with 3 kids under 5yrs old, I was worried. Getting out of bed was hard, making it through the day was hard. I was pulling muscles doing normal activities. Colds were lasting weeks, sinuses were always stuffy. My back hurt just sitting too long. I needed to lose weight, but couldn't. I had my period every other month (which I was told was normal). Red palms, swollen ankles. I didn't have bowel problems...I was eating "normally"...although I stayed away from milk, I thought I was lactose intolerant. Today, I am 98% better. The answer to this problem was Leaky Gut. I want to help as many people as I can now. If you are serious about getting better, do some research on what foods to avoid. The big ones are gluten, dairy, and NSAID pain meds. I can cross my legs, sit on the floor, breath through my nose at night, wake up with no stiffness, I've losts 20 lbs without exercise, I am just eating healthy natural foods..with the occasional French fries still..lol. Try the food changes, and stick to it, you will thank me later =)

Ginger - posted on 01/14/2013

HelloThere,
I don't know if I have any positives to say. because I was reading to find some positivity breakthrus as well. I have been in pain for many years, and in 2008, I went to a Neurologist, he found and ran test, and came to the conclusion and diagnoses of Fibromyalgia. At this time I was working as a Manager of Yankee Candle( One of the hardest and most physical jobs I have ever had to do) During this time, I was diagnosed with Osteoperosis, OA, Spinal Stenosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, IBS, Diviticulosis, Chronis Back pain and neck pain, HBP, Asthma, plus a few more diagnosis. I had an accident at work and 24 large jar candles fell on top of me hitting my head, nek , arm and back. I have not been right since. This accident caused more pain and more agony. My primary doesnt know what else to do accept to prescribe me pain meds, muscle relaxers, and anti depressants, and anti anxiety meds. I have had panic and anxiety attacks for years and have been on anti depressants for years. I am so miserable, and no one seems to undersatnd my pain and fatigue. I fight to go on everyday, and I pray all the time for God to give me strength to make it. I went on disability last year and I am waiting on my medical, so that I can see a Rheumatologist, since this is what I was told by several IME Drs, that I needed. I now have these spots forming on my foot and stomach and I have gained 100 pounds over the last 6 years, because of the pain and fatigue. I am really trying to stay positive, but this stuff takes a major toll on you, and there are no support groups in my area that I can attend for fibromyalgia, so I have been reading and trying to help myself out, but I am still at square one. I wish and pray for you to find relief, because I know this is the hardest part of my life that I ever had to go thru. I have also tried Physical therapy and water aerobics, in which like you, only help at that time of therapy then it is pain agin... If anyone has any advice for us please let us know . Thanks and God Bless. Thanks for reading!

Crystal - posted on 01/09/2013

Hello everyone I am 30 years old and have been dealing with the same things as you guys. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rhuematory arthritis I have two young kids and my life has only gotten harder with the second. My family does not understand at all that cannot comprehend how I can be in that much pain at my age and it just frustrates and depresses me! I have gained so much in the past two years and i cant excessive to help because that just cause me to be in more pain!!! Again I really do not show it on the outside because what does hat help you know. I just want to talk and hear what others do to handle this on a everyday basis.

Deborah - posted on 10/29/2012

Lesley, when reading your post I felt almost like I was reading my life. After my son was born I started having a lot of back pain, we have degenerative disk in our family. I had been a stay at home mom with my son and daughter. After my son started Kindergarden I started working PT teaching preschool where my daughter went. Then I started having sharp pains in my right hip suffering for 3 yrs hardly able to walk anymore and being diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthrits that was attacking my spine & hips. The RA had ate away all the joint so it was just bone rubbing bone. I 1st had back surgery then 2 months later a total right hip replacement at age "35!!" Doctors & nurses would come in to see if it was true...a 35 yr old woman having to have this done. After 4 long months of recovery & learning to walk again. Still having pain, now all over like I had the flu but worse. My RA doc diagnosed me with Fibro, we think the trama from hip replacement triggered it. We had planned for me to go back to work when my daughter started school but, not with pain in my joints from RA and pain in my muscles from Fibro I was unable to work outside the home. I was approved disabled by all test from my doctors but, was denied because I didn't become disabled soon enough according to the goverment...my SS insurance had expired a yr before I became disabled...lol So, no help there. My husband works very hard and never complains but, for a family of 4 still difficult sometimes the older the kids get the more they need. I feel like it's my fought not being able to work and contribute more for our family. When ppl look at you and you appear just fine makes it hard too. It's very easy to get down when ur in a flare-up for several days not able to do anything. I know I'm still living because of the ove and support of my family and most of all my faith in Jesus...without God in my life I couldn't make it. With all the medications I have gained so much weight, I do water aerobics which does make me feel better but, the weight doesn't come off and that depressing too. We're way too young to have this and our families don't deserve this either. I know there is a reason for everything and God has a perfect plan and he works all things for our good to them that love him. I'll hold you up in my prayers and hopefully one day there will be a cure for this awful affliction. Untill then...All things by Gods Lovng Grace~ Deborah

Heather - posted on 04/11/2012

I hear you I got diagnosed with Fibro in 2010 after a bad car accident in June of 2009 and since then I have been diagnosed with COPD also. I also since a child have had chronic migraines so I suffer from those also. My fibro pain gets so bad my left side of my back stays swollen and my shoulder hurts all the time. I recently had a court hearing and now just waiting to hear back from the disablity office. Now one understands the pain we go through but us. They say they do or they say oh you just have to get out and do something well it maybe easier for them but for us it is harder cause it actually does hurt!! And some of the meds don't even work. I am allergic to red dye some I can not even take half the meds they even tell me to try!

Heather - posted on 04/11/2012

I hear you I got diagnosed with Fibro in 2010 after a bad car accident in June of 2009 and since then I have been diagnosed with COPD also. I also since a child have had chronic migraines so I suffer from those also. My fibro pain gets so bad my left side of my back stays swollen and my shoulder hurts all the time. I recently had a court hearing and now just waiting to hear back from the disablity office. Now one understands the pain we go through but us. They say they do or they say oh you just have to get out and do something well it maybe easier for them but for us it is harder cause it actually does hurt!! And some of the meds don't even work. I am allergic to red dye some I can not even take half the meds they even tell me to try!

Stephanie - posted on 04/11/2012

Hi just say this. I am 39 single mom of two with alot of health issues. Where do you live??

Kathy - posted on 04/10/2012

I could not function on the drugs and my symptoms are quite mild compared to yours. I have been doing accupunture for about a year now and my symptoms are event less of an issue. I do better when I eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. For me sleep is the biggest issue. My husband works an off shift and just doesn't understand why some nights I am falling asleep at 9 pm. The important thing is you need to take care of yourself and most people don't understand why.

Kathleen - posted on 04/09/2012

Hi, I have been in your shoes and I am ready to give you some very sound advice. .....don't push yourself. I worked 2 jobs, w/ chronic neuropathic pain, a baby and toddler and no help. My husband started to help out and without him I would be lost, but I still worked myself stupid and it got worse.



After all the specialists etc. that I have been to, the best results I have had are with a Naturopath. I was totally skeptical about this and I was wrong. With a mix of Western & Eastern medicine I have been able to get much better. I have done a Gluten & Red meat free diet. I have had progesterone & testosterone hormone replacement, vitamin (Meyer cocktail) i.v's and natural supplements. I have found this very helpful and have started to really feel a difference.



My suggestion is to ask around for a good Naturopath, who works with Chronic Pain patients and get referrals and lots of feedback - work with your GP, family and Naturopath to come up with a plan that is helpful to you. I am not saying this is the ANSWER, as you know, the answer is that brass ring we are trying to find. I am not pain free, but i am better. You never know what is going to work.



As for your family, I also know how difficult all of that is. Fibro is invisible and challenging. Please take a look at my blog http://chronicpainjournal.wordpress.com. You will find other bloggers and resources there for you, that might be helpful.



I am sorry that you are going through this, it is very frustrating and difficult. However, you are not alone and there are many of us here to help you along. Hope you have a pain free day.

Kathleen - posted on 10/05/2011

Hi, I know how hard all of this is. You are not alone and there are a lot of different groups out there to help you. Please go check out my blog at http://chronicpainjournal.wordpress.com.

Sarah - posted on 05/08/2011

I have hypermobility syndrome, which is an underlying joint condition like fibromyalgia, just wanted to share something that may help:

www.supportpelvicdysfunction.co.uk is a charity that offers one on one help for mums with SPD or PGP. They have just put an official community up on circle of moms. help@supportpelvicdysfunction.co.uk

Hope this helps x

I have spd and im in a wheelchair for life with it, im the founder of this charity so please feel free to trust in my help. All info is on my homepage or the official COMS page.

I send you all my love as SPD is common but not normal in pregnancy and it is a hard condition to deal with as if affects our mobility. keep your chins up and im here if you need any help from the charity.

Many of the 20% that suffer with SPD severely have fibromyalgia and other underlyign conditions (most unknown to them) so it would be so great to get to know you and have you on our forums to alk about babies and being a mother with this condtion, it is so hard and you should be so proud of yourself. im proud and id love to have you as a friend x

Heather - posted on 04/06/2011

I understand what you are going through I am 32 and just got diagnosed with chronic fibromyalgia I am on several meds that make me tired all day and all evening and then alll they do is take the edge of my pain so I had no choice but to file for disability cause when I can't drive on these meds there are no jobs that will hire me.... I motivate my self cause I have a 5 yr old son with adhd and pdd lol so when he is at school I sleep and it has effected my daily living and it sucks

Kathy - posted on 03/15/2011

I recently put up a conversation about alternative treatments and have yet had no responses. In the meantime I went ahead and started accupuntucture treatments. The bad thing is that it is not covered by my insurance but is covered under our flexible spending plan.

I left the first treatment feeling kind of dazed. But was shocked the next day to find my brain fog gone and I actually had energy and desire in my life that I had not experiences in almost three years. The constant pain in my shoulders and neck went from a level 9 to about a leveal 5. I can accually turn my head now.

My sleep is sounder and I am not waking up in the middle of the night to pee. I wake up in the morning feeling rested for the first time in years. They say that it takes 6-8 sessions to see lasting results but the results I have seen have me completely blown away. I am now a believer.

Jayme - posted on 03/09/2011

I just read your post and I wanted to say I feel the exact same way. Just diagnosed with mild Lupus and thyroid issues. My Rheumy is thinking along the fibromyalgia lines not sure. I am 30 but I feel 90 and its very difficult for people to understand that its a day to day issue wkaing up in the morning you never know what you are going to deal with. You are not alone and its nice to know I am not either.

Amanda - posted on 01/13/2011

Hi hunnie , I know how you must be feeling and your not alone im 35 yr old mum with 3 sons and iv been suffering with fibro for 4 yrs with M.E and iv also had a slipped disc with osteoarthritus for 8 yrs aswell as thyroid problems, heart problems and depression. Im sorry your family don't understand this illness some people think well you look ok so it can't be that bad but it is worse than that it effects us everyday. I can't work im on disability i also have my 17 yr old son with M.E, Im getting alot of help from Banardo's for young carers for my sons, they have been great helping me sort out my money and take my youngest son out for day trips to get a break. Im currently taking so much medication that if i could jump i would rattle but i can't so i don't lol
I walk with a stick because walking is so hard iv also got a blue disabled parking badge which has been a life saver.
I have recently been to the Pain clinic where a nurse has showed me how to do accupunture on myself on my pain points and even though some days i chicken out of doing it i have tried it and it seems to work ok but i am on alot of medication aswell when i remember to take it. My brain fog is terrible i forget everything paying bills, medication, meetings for doctors ect its terrible i have to write everything down but then i forget to read my list so im think of another way to remember things , as of yet im still thinking..
If you ever need someone to chat to you know where i am :) xxx

Michelle - posted on 10/29/2010

Chin up ladies there is posatives ahead I am with a support group where I live they are all involved in a round of testing to try and develop a blood test for Fibromyalgia I myself have not taken part in this yet, I have heard through the group that they are making good progress fingers crossed the scientists develop a definitve blood test that can diagnose this condition, I have suffed cronic fatige for nearly 30 years so has my mum I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago with CFS/FM I also have thyroid problems that are being resolved in 5 days I go into hospital to have it removed I am hoping that the surgeon is right and that all my other medical conditions improve not holding my breath though.

Sheila - posted on 09/20/2010

Hi, I am sheila. I also have chronic pain from a bladder disorder called interstitial cystitis and pelvic floor dysfunction. I am only 30 as well... It is very hard when ppl dont believe you! I am so sorry taht you have to deal w that:( Some ppl treat me that way also, esp. my brother who thinks im just a drug addict! lol, whatever! I wanted toshare an idea w u- I just found out that some home schools will pay you to home school ur child and i think that preschool may be included. ck out charter schools in ur area... good luck!

Virginia - posted on 04/02/2010

exactly. I'm kinda hoping the new Dr will figure it out simply so I will have a label to be able to apply for disability. If I can get that we'll be ok but right now it is really iffy.

Lesley - posted on 03/31/2010

Well its good that you have some support! It sux not having a "physical" issue....something that can't be pinpointed in test results. I'm in that boat. I do have major arthrit is my hip....and hands....but so does every other woman in my family! doesn't seem to matter though! I'm a tough cookie and keep truckin forward....always have...but at this point I DONT WANT TO ANYMORE!!!!! the pain has been so bad this year that I can't work, and its hard to do anything. I work for myself, so I get dribbles of work in. This past week I got a TON!!! Wish I could say no, but I need the money. Tried for disabilty....waiting on that for a few more weeks...who knows. I'd hate to give up on work....but its work or myself and family.

Virginia - posted on 03/31/2010

OH on a positive note even though I was paying some of our joint bills my boyfriend is so concerned for my well being that he has told me not to look for a new job to find out what it is and try to get my child support raised. He's been just wonderful and we're looking at renting a place together while he goes back to school that is section 8.

Virginia - posted on 03/31/2010

I'm right there with you. I have been lucky before this year to hurt less. the pain however has been building since my 8 year old was an infant. Hoping the new Dr. can pin it down but been asking a couple times a year for so long and being brushed off that I'm not really feeling like I should get my hopes up. Blood work once again came back normal and x rays too (due to migraines) there is CAT scan to be scheduled for this round of tests but I don't think my brain is suffering from any malfeasance there is something bigger wrong. I just hate the roller coaster I'm on emotionally as I try to make it through and try to find the answers.