Living with Fibromyalgia

I first began noticing signs after I would exercise. I would walk and then have knots pop up along my shins. I thought for a long time I was just having shin splints. Then I noticed the knots would pop up in my calves and be very tender. My mom was afraid I had Lupus I went to see a doctor who ran a test for Lupus and of course it was negative. I continued to exercise and have knots pop up. I was also having lots of problems with stress. I had a new baby and was working odd shifts at the hospital. I had to get up at 4:30a.m. and was unable to retire that evening until after mid-night some nights. My sleeping habits were very off. My back hurt constantly.

I never had back pain until after having my first child. I had and epidural and jumped when they stuck me. That area continues to be tender seventeen years later. My husband had a friend who was a massage therapist. He came to the house and gave me a massage. I ended up at the chiropractor the next day unable to stand up straight or breathe without pain. He did a few adjustments, charged me a lot of money and eased the severe pain temporarily. I was having big issues with what felt like bipolar symptoms. I would start out feeling okay in the morning and then by the afternoon I was in pain and feeling depressed, stressed and like I had had enough.

Finally, I went to a doctor and explained my symptoms. She put me on an anti-depressant, told my she thought it sounded like fibromyalgia and sent me on my way. The anti-depressant is great. I love it. However, I still hurt. My neck, shoulders,and low back feel like I spent 4 hours in the gym working out with heavy weights. I try to exercise regularly, but life often gets in the way. I don’t sleep well because of the neck and shoulder pain and sometimes the restless leg syndrome keeps me agitated. I have two young children and I want to stay active with them, but sometimes it is not worth the discomfort. If I go out and mow the yard I am in pain for the next 4 days. It’s insane. I have recently looked information up on the internet about fibromyalgia and have tried to incorporate them into my daily life. The one thing I find that works the best for me is walking on the treadmill and doing light weight resistance exercises that involve my shoulders, upper back, low back and legs. I sleep better, have a better appetite and more energy throughout the day. I am waiting on the miracle drug that makes it all go away.