Just diagnosed today.....

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi all,

yes just diagnosed today, since early this year I started losing strength, feeling and had pain in both arms as if they were made of lead, I eventually went to Dr who did blood tests and I had high RF levels and vit d deficiency, put me on pain killers and anti inflammatory and arranged a rheumatologist appointment. More of the same but said didn't think it was RA as pain was all in my muscles. Waited 3 months then they wrote to Dr who told me 2 weeks ago I had RA and that when I went (today) to see consultant that they would sort Disease modifying meds . Obviously I didn't want to have RA but at last I felt I had an explanation to my exhaustion and agonising constant pain, I actually had been looking forward to the appointment all over christmas! I went today consultant said to me "have you always been a big girl" I was devastated I have put weight on as I have been so poorly all year I haven't been able to do anything, I mean anything other than manage to get to work and come home exhausted. I was so upset, so upset I haven't even been able to tell my partner who actually came with me. I already take antidepressants and suffer from depression and post traumatic stress disorder . Consultant decided that the side effects of disease modifying wasn't worth risking prescribing as she wasnt 100% sure it was RA as my finger joints didn't hurt or were not affected, but the severe pain would then be down to fibromyalgia, gave me a leaflet said she would prescribe tramadol and amitriptaline and took more bloods, discharged me and said she would recall me if bloods proved otherwise. I now feel even worse than I did ( if that's possible) as now on top of all this unbearable pain I feel so low, even more self concious with no self confidence at all. I keep crying and don't know what to do. I haven't been able to eat all day as I feel so bad about myself. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it. Xx

4 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Hun, firstly it doesn't matter about your weight, you are you and fibro can make us cuddly ! ( extra weight is a pain in the bum but love you xxx)  had fibro for last ten years and you never stop learning, it's a pain in many ways and yes the depression is dark and sometimes. You  feel like giving up, but hang in there, fibro is part of you not all of you, put in back in the box and you control it. No the pain doesn't disappear  and the dark days don't magic away, but take it a bit at a time do wht you can and rest. While. 

    Have severe chest infection which has set up massive flare, pain off the wall in hips and legs, gives me chance to come on here xxx 

    lots of gentle hugs xxxx

     

    • Posted

      Bless you, that made me smile 😀 I am sorry to hear your suffering and I hope your soon feeling a bit better. Thank you for the kind words and support x gentle hugs xxx
  • Posted

    Don't let them get you down xx life is hard enough with fibro xx
  • Posted

    First of all tootsi, being diagnosed finally is one big challenge that you will never have to go back to...being diagnosed is if one can say a big relief...as far as what your doctor said about your weight. Who cares...soooo not worthy of a worry..don't go down with it..he/she will have won..and that's just not fair..don't allow people to make you feel bad..that's just empowering their words....it's hard enough battling how one feels with pain and depression..not  to mention the rest....(talk about bad bedside manner) most of us with Fibro, put weight on because if not being able to exercise plus the anti does scant meds,,and it's very hard to it get back off, I found hydrotherapy the best, as I'm weightless and pain free in the swimming pool, I only do it at the local resorts pool myself..it does wonders..yes makes me tired, but excellent benefits, chin up, be strong...don't let those hirers win..you have the power over you..have a great 2015.. Be blessed..Australia..:-) xxx
  • Posted

    Hi,

    i was too recently diagnosed with Fibro, im on amytriptylene to help me sleep, ive found that pain killrs do not help but a TENS machine has worked wonders for me, i would highly recommend one of those, i still feel very low about my condition but if i had any advice for that it would be to surround yourself with people that care, understand and make you happy. Just dont worry about what they said about your weight its not your fault as you have been ill all year, to be honest they should be more considerate about your situation and no say things like that to you. BIG hugs, just ask if you want to know anything else.

    Charley xx

  • Posted

    Hi Tootsi, I was diagnosed about 10 years ago after my 6 year old daughter had cancer and then my dad died of cancer. I used to be a real gym junky but when the fatgue got too bad i had to give it up. I am going to join an aqua fit class because i have put on about 4 stone and my doctor seems to be more interested in my weight gain than my fibro. I tottaly empathys with you so keep your chin up and don't let inconciderate people get you down. If you bandaged all the sore bites people would treat you better.

    Soft hugs Sandra xx

    • Posted

      Hi Sandra, 

      happy new year and thank you for your reply. Bless you, you have had a tough time. Yes it is so difficult being in constant pain it seems only people here understand how debilitating it is. Well done for going to join a Aqua class, I am spending my spare time reading about FM and seeing what help is available. The consultant stressed to me the importance of a stress free life, rest and relaxation, I am a Sales and Marketing manager and my job is really stressful so I think I am going to have to reconsider. I could really do with a complete break I have worked extremely hard with extremely difficult personal life for 25 years. I now have a wonderful caring partner and have now been struck with almost complete disablement but I obviously need an income so that in its self is stressful. I hope the exercise provides some relief and does not aggregate. Thank you for your kind words and yes bandages would help ! 

      Hugs and best wishes Tracey

  • Posted

    I was in a very stressful job too and had to fight to get medically retired rather than being sacked for being lazy. I was on warnings for being off sick and not meeting my stats quantity. I now live of my pension and had to fight really really hard to get DLA but i am managing. Check out if you can get medical retirement and claim DLA now while you are working. You may be able to get your hours reduced to help at first. Thats what i had to do.

    Soft hugs

    Sandra

    • Posted

      That's horrible really, many people who have not yet been diagnosed just have to leave or get the sack from a job,..I was medically retired well over 20 years ago for  forearms issues - too much computer use..if only I knew then what it really was..,anyway it ended up ok..was diagnosed 5 years later....and live on a good superannuation pension, free medical etc...you sound like your in Oz...great the you got medically retired. You at least can move forward and have plenty of time to look after you..:-) xxx.

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