Another Newbie

[Guest guest]

Yet another new member to the group. I am a SAHM of 4 kids, mostly grown. I

am 47 and married. We live in Utah. I have RA, FMS, CFS and Hypothyroidism.

I have had symptoms since I was 17 with remissions and flares until I was

38. That was when I became chronic and dx with FMS.

Before I became ill, I worked and was very active in our community. Then at

38 the bottom dropped out of my world. I got sick with what seemed like the

flu and could not get out of bed for a month. I was sure I was dying or at

least wish I could, (it was the only direction I felt I was going).

The last couple of years I felt like I had 40 broken bones throughout in my

hands and feet; it felt like broken shards of glass. I was referred to a

Rheumy and dx with RA. He was shocked at the outcome of the tests, because I

had no physical deformity as of yet but my levels were as high as he has

ever seen. He even brought in a med student on my last visit. Telling him to

NEVER assume, and why FMS is not a good " general " dx. If it were not for the

tests I would have become irreversibly crippled. I kept telling my GP that

for a non-progressive illness like FMS, I am sure progressingly getting

sicker and sicker.

I have been on MTX, Bextra, Folic Acid and Plaquenil since Oct 2003. They

have stopped the broken bone pain. Unfortunately they do not stop the

chronic headaches, muscle pain and fatigue that I continue to endure. I

suppose these symptoms are RA symptoms too!? What do you folks on this list

do for these?

I feel like there is 100 times more GRAVITY pushing down on me than what is

normal (especially w/weather changes) and particularly at the base of my

neck. On the rare days (hours) I feel well, it's like I can suddenly breathe

and my muscles even seem to be able to breathe and feel refreshed. It is

such a wonderful feeling. I wish I could somehow figure out what may have

made the difference. Human nature says to look for the cause and effect, but

it is so frustrating.

I have tried to be more accepting of the illnesses and release the guilt

that smothers me daily. Fortunately my kids are wonderfully supportive. My

hubby tries and succeeds often, but the burdens on him are immense.

I am looking forward to visiting with others that feel as I do. Thanks at

least for allowing me to vent.

Warmly,

Sharon Anne