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Hi all I'm a newbie on here

Posted , 3 users are following.

shirl21730
shirl21730

I was diagnosed with fs 15 yrs ago and chron's/colitis disease 20 yrs ago so I guess You could say that makes me an old pro lol

I am 58 yrs young lol I have 3 grown up children (all flown the nest now) and I live with my partner Dave who has health problems himself and works full time and he is my rock

When my illness was first diagnosed my children were 7, 11, and 16 and I was bringing them up on my own which wasn't easy at times but my children were very understanding especially my daughter who became my rock helping me out with her brothers when I was having bad days

I would like to say being on my own for 10 yrs with my children (my choice) and then finding out afterwards I had an illness was hard i became depressed, lethargic and I was in a lot of pain...my family didn't understand what I was going through although I am not blaming them as I was very good at hiding my feelings and pain but I did feel all alone at the time.

when I was first diagnosed I had a bike I loved riding as much as I could to work to visit family and to the shops within a 3 mile radius and I believe as a result of this and running around after my kids I didn't suffer with any pain in my legs...for the first 10yrs it was mainly in my lower back and right hip and for the last 10 yrs it has also been in my neck and now my shoulders

when my kids were older and started leaving home my mam became very ill (osteoarthritis dementia and cancer) she needed some care so being there for her helped me be strong by thinking there is always someone somewhere worse than me.

My mam passed away 13yrs ago and my kids had all left home all of a sudden I was living on my own I felt all alone again my daughter suggested I do some voluntary work at first I was reluctant but I needed to do something to fill the void so I went along to my local Alzheimer's society my mam was diagnosed with dementia I knew it had something to do with memory loss but that's all I did know and at the time to me my mothers health problems had to take priority I also through my gp I have done 12 week gap courses (get active on prescription) in the gym I was given a program of light exercises to follow and low impact aqua aerobics which I love doing and would recommend along with swimming 

Over the years my symptoms have been mostly mild and I put this down to keeping as active as I possibly can by pacing myself and trying to stay positive I  so I now say to myself I have good days and not so good days

bye for now

Shirl x

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • christine26761
    christine26761 shirl21730

    Posted

    Hiya Shirl. Welcome...I'm 64 yrs young..!!!!  live in Australia...have three beautiful caring daughters,  married and away now, three grandchildren, just gorgeousness ......I have a very very caring and supportive husband..I was  diagnosed with  Sorjrens Syndrome  first then Fibromyalgia  Syndrome..all about 23 years now. Have other health issues too, but hasn't  everyone.? ..I only have flare ups of Fibro and SS now, which of course can be bad enough..Chronic fatigue at times, but it's all just related to the Fibro..and well managed now...really feel very grateful, when I hear such young ones with very little children or studying students who have just been diagnosed..as an old sufferer..mmm..yes that would be me!!!  I can at least offer some experience and encouragement to others on here..it's such a great forum..just amazing what I have learnt on it..the greatest thing I can offer is "stressless is a key to living with Fibro",  but it's just soo hard when people have next to no support and really non understanding doctors- often telling people it's all in their heads..how shocking...no wonder there is stress and worry...all around them, also the fact that some don't even know they have new Symtoms when experiencing new pain..etc..and they naturally worry...leading to so much stress..I really feel for them...I was very blessed to have a great Rhumotologist and GP...and much  support from my immediate family and friends,.so that's what I want to payback to others...it's really good to know that there is someone else also who looks at the half full glass and not the half empty one...positive no matter what..it's really empowering isn't it! Really hope you have lots to share with us all. Be blessed and have a lovely day Shirl..:-) xxxx
  • Bee70
    Bee70 shirl21730

    Posted

    Hi Shirl

    Hats off to you. You sound like an Inspirational Woman.

    I totally agree with you when you say by keeping active the pains aren't as bad unless you overdo it.  I am 45 and my pains started when I was 23 and at the time I had only just got married a year before.  My first child didn't arrive until five years into my marriage and my second child arrived seven years later. The only time I was pain free was during both my pregnancies.  As I didn't complain or made any issues and just carried on family were none the wiser until my husband told them when I was diagnosed Aug 2014.  My inlaws were shocked and couldn't believe it that I was carrying on with life with two boys and a part-time job.

    I did take a year out and took a career break my eldest son when into full time school but found,that I need to get back into the working life again as I started to feel low and depressed.  It's the best thing I ever did.  Although I struggle to sleep and there are days when the pains get too much, I am greatful that I still can go about my day with a smile on my face and with a positive attitude to life.

    ​I totally have the belief that you can only deal with a day at a time and to live for the moment. 

    One again thanks for sharing your life with us all.  Look forward into reading more from you. wink x

    • shirl21730
      shirl21730 Bee70

      Posted

      Hi Bee

      I was told for 7 years by my gp I had ibs and was told to take paracetamol or anadin for the pain, I knew people that had ibs and my pain was much worse... I did start to believe it was all in my head.. eventually I was sent for tests to the hospital and they found I had pid (pelvic inflammatory disease) I was given a course of antibiotics and the pain in my side didn't get any better...I asked for a second opinion from another hospital I was told I only had ibs and its common "thousands of people have it " it was so frustrating I was in a stressful unhappy unsupportive relationship depressed and low with 3 young kids at the time..when my youngest son was 10 months I fell pregnant again and had a miscarriage 10 weeks into the pregnancy "sad" I and got an infection and became very ill I was under strict orders to stay in bed for at least 4 weeks by my gp knowing how unsupportive and unpredictable in his moods (had been violent towards me) my partner could be I hated staying in bed I felt I was letting my kids down...they needed me and I couldn't be there for them..it was an awful time for me "sad" My daughter 10 at the time was an angel and brilliant at looking after her 2 younger brothers 4 and 10 months... when I started to recover and feel stronger my feelings towards my partner were not the same and I had to make some changes in my life.. So I ended the relationship and moved house.. take care

      shirl x

  • Bee70
    Bee70 shirl21730

    Posted

    Hi Shirl

    Wow, you have been through alot and hope life is treating you much better now.

    Take Care

    Bee

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