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Ladies - is this fibro

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youngatheart1
youngatheart1

Hi all, diagnosed with fibro about 15 years ago, not too bad but now damp weather setting in getting a little worse. (I am in UK). I am a 56 year old female. I am having strange symptoms, imagine this, you are large busted and the skin, ribs etc under your breasts along line where bra sits is agony, the pain is constant and the skin really sore, like a burning sensation. When I press into ribs they are so painful and I have to keep moving bra away from ribs to get relief. I am wearing correct size bra and it is no less painful without it. The skin is slightly red under breasts and it feels like a belt around this area. Collar bone and shoulders also sore but not as bad so not sure if just a flare up. Unable to take ibuprofen so just relying on paracetamol. Before I go and potentially waste GP's time does this sound familiar. Thanks

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • deb97936
    deb97936 youngatheart1

    Posted

    Hello Youngatheart, apart from also trying to remain young at heart I also have issues with my bra...  I cannot stand the pressure of the bra arrangement round my chest, it causes me to feel back pain and constant irritation 'feeling' on the skin. Yes a burning feeling.  I sometimes have go 'woman's libbo'...hahaha...  more so at home of course.  I am small busted compared to most 34" average cuip, so I don't have weight issues (thankfully).

    You have my sympathies  Take care...x

    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 deb97936

      Posted

      Hi Deb, thanks for quick response, yes I too go free on occasions at home. LOL. I did wonder about those pull on bras but as I am large busted (runs in the family) not sure whether they are suitable. Sorry you are having problems too but good to know that it is nothing sinister. My GP does not really believe in fibro so it would be quite difficult to get her to understand I think. Take care
    • deb97936
      deb97936 youngatheart1

      Posted

      Again your in a similar circumstance to myself... I have a GP that doesn't get me, and does NOT believe I have Fibro...  keeps denying me and yet he has never ever ever put a hand on me to check any pressure area's.  

      I was very grateful to get a Specialist with knowledge of Fibro identify my condition.  Mine began due to head and spinal trauma's in a MVA.

      On the Bra issue, I have tried a close relative to the ArBra...  and No I didn't find it comfy at all.  I felt like I was in a full vice, and the volcanic erruptions were more often as they are rather warm to wear I find. Plus the hassle of trying to get them off!!!

      The best bra I have found are the Berlie (spelling??) Bra's.  A friend of mine who has MS and is large busted found a similar styled bra to the Berli bra and she loves them.  She is wearing the Sports type Berli bra.. very supportive.  I have found them the best to, although no matter what I have worn there is still the pressure band round the ribcage, I tend to losen off through the day, it helps.

      All the best...  

    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 deb97936

      Posted

      Hi, mine was after a ceasarean, I went into shock, the hospital said I was stupid to have a baby at 40 !! I remember my mum having the berlie's as she was large busted like me, so will give them a try. I did have a really good GP who understood fybro but she has retired and the younger ones seem to think it is all made up. Take care
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 youngatheart1

      Posted

      adding my piece re hospital's comment.....who the hell do they think they are?? or was it said in jest?? pretty poor either way.........there are Many women/couples having children at this age....my mother was 39 when she had my youngest brother, and her words were "it kept her young".....Bron
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Yes, I was pretty shocked and did cry as I felt embarrased. His words were "my wife is 24 and struggling with our first baby, what do you expect" then left me with his assisant to go through things who looked mortified. As you say it keeps me young, my son is 16 and a pain in the bum LOL. but can't imagine life without him.
  • kaz_40
    kaz_40 youngatheart1

    Posted

    Hi Youngatheart1 I too have the same problem I dont wear a bra in the house,only when I go out. wearing a bra causes me nothing but pain and pressure on my back. as soon as Im back in the house my bra comes off I am quiet big busted.Ive had fibro for over 10 years.take care x 
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 kaz_40

      Posted

      Hi, I am lucky I suppose that it only affects under the bust and not the back yet, good job it's dark at night now at least I get my PJ's on earlier and get some relief. Bye for now.
  • bronwyn97278
    bronwyn97278 youngatheart1

    Posted

    Hi youngatheart; yes to name and problem.........I gave up wearing a bra at home years ago, and am lucky that I am small breasted so no problems.....but yes, they are veeeery uncomfortable and do feel like a vice........even when still able to work, I had to swap to "strapless bras" as they also gave me Hell over the shoulders etc.........my rib-cage is always very sore after wearing a bra, too.    I am surprised that you are only relying on Panadol, as well......this wouldn't touch my pain at all !!!...........perhaps another visit to a rhuematologist may help to give you the appropriate med assistance that suits you  ( there are quite a few of us that take Amitriptylline/Nuerontin........there are other meds as well, for those who do not like/agree with these meds)...........the alternative treatments that help me are physio/massages, Always have the hot packs available, and I also use an Aspirin-like Dencorub gel  ......can be purchased over the counter.... to ease the pain (this and the hotpacks work well together..............let us know how you get on?  and so sorry that you do not have an understanding GP.......this may need to be addressed as well.....(many others have also needed to look around for another GP with this condition, as there are still so many who don't know/understand Fibro etc)...............................good luck, Bron
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Hi, unfortunately I also have IBS and reflux which is why I cannot take any kind of anti inflammatory type tablets or cream so just limp through. Are you in UK as I have not heard about dencorub, would be interested in trying and to be honest I do use hotpacks on neck and shoulders but have not really thought about the bust area but will try. As I mentioned to Deb I did have a lovely GP who understood a bit but she retired and like a lot of things, if people cannot see it, they do not believe it is there. I did have a back massage which made the bust area worse but think the therapist was having a bad day LOL, will try again. It is reassuring that it is not just me. Take care
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 youngatheart1

      Posted

      hi;    perhaps if you try having a session with a physio may be better (more gentle).....and as for the meds, do talk to a Rhuematologist, as they have a "big black bag of goodies".....know all the meds available and many are NOT anti-infammatories......more in line of Nerve Blockers/muscle relaxants etc..........take care.............Bron
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Hi Bron, sorry for late reply, I do have physio on occasions which does help with shoulders, but at the minute I feel like someone have wrapped a wide belt under armpits around boobs and ribs and pulled it tight. I am going to GP on Monday to discuss meds as I am feeling pretty uncomfortable. Am also going to look for an unwired bra today to see if that makes a difference. Have a good weekend.
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 youngatheart1

      Posted

      Morning yougatheart; that sounds like a good idea (both visit to dr and the non-underwire bra.....here there are "crop-top types that close at back with bra-hooks"....this maybe what we all need to try?   I only found them when with my grand-daughter and she buying bras for school/sports......they certainly looked comfortable and full of support..............hoping that you are having an ok weekend too?.........................Bron
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Morning Bron, as mentioned to Enigma I was shown a soft maternity bra yesterday, which looks no different than a normal one just softer banding, will be giving it a go to see if it makes any difference. I think I am feeling worse as it is cold, not sure whether you are the same but I am worse in damp and cold weather. Not too bad today though. Take care
  • Enigma5678
    Enigma5678 youngatheart1

    Posted

    Absolutely amazed from reading some of these posts, in that; your GP's don't believe in Fibro. It is a most definately reconized ailment. Google FM UK and you will see this ailment is worldwide. There is also lots of information and help for you on this site. I would also strongly suggest you change your doctor to a doctor who knows what he's talking about. There are also many Fibromyalgia Groups, I belong to one of them and they are most helpful and understanding because we all suffer from the same problems. I was diagnosed about 35 years ago. I go the Pain Clinic in my area for the care, treatment and support of my Fibro condition. If anybody needs any help, then please reply back to me.
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 Enigma5678

      Posted

      Hi sorry for late reply, could not log on. My GP said I was not in enough pain for fibro, I have a really high pain threshhold and to be honest just put up with it in silence. She said I do not feel your anxiety !! although did send me to exercise group for arthritis in neck from years of typing, which was no help as I struggled to do half of them. I did contact FM UK, the nearest group meets about 10 miles away at lunchtime, I work untl 1.30pm so a pain but will see what else I can find out. Yesterday was a really bad one, pain all around ribs and shoulders, have made an appt with GP for Monday to discuss alternatives to anti-inflammatories. On the look out for a softer bra today, any excuse to go shopping. Have a good day.
    • Enigma5678
      Enigma5678 youngatheart1

      Posted

      Hi Youngatheart1, sorry you were not to find a more local Fibro Group, but bcause I don't know your area, it is difficult help. The one I go to is in Sale, Cheshire and we meet once a month in the evening.to attend a group, you have to have been definately diagnosed with Fibro. About the bra problem, I also have a large bust and have problems with pain on the breastbone; in between my boobs. It becomes worse if I lie down. I've tried different and softer bra's, but they have not helped. going without a bra (in house only lol) hasn't helped either. However, I've found Retail Therapy to be one of the best cures for Fibro; lol providing you are not in a great deal of pain on that day and feel you can cope with the exhaustion afterwards. So have a great shop and let me know if you have found a softer bra. Regards.
    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 Enigma5678

      Posted

      Hi, yes have been diagnosed, but very little help offered, told is it virus related and may just disappear, that was 15 years ago so still waiting. I live in Bedfordshire but will keep looking as I am on border with Hertfordshire so could easily get there. Went into Debenhams yesterday and explained to nice lady who showed me soft maternity bra LOL, they look no different than normal and are just plain with soft underband, did feel better but will need to wear it to see, not bad price either £22 so even if it causes a bit less pain then worth it. Will keep you informed of progress. Take care
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