Hello

[Guest guest]

I am new to this group and wanted to say thank you to the moderators.

I have explained to my partner that I hold back a lot of what I tell

him, because it is so depressing, but I do need the occasional ear.

He is very supportive, don't get me wrong, but, frankly, I wouldn't

want to listen to me all day either!

I have had multiple tests for my various types of pain, and although I

have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the pains are so varied, moving

and most often not at the trigger points, that I think there is

something neurological as well.

Many years ago I had a brain scan for lesions for Multiple Sclerosis,

but it turned out negative.

The doctor has wanted to put me on antidepressants which have been

approved for fibromyalgia, but I have had miserable luck with many

types of antidepressants in the past and refused. At that point, he

said, I will see you in three months and eventually you will be on

these medications.

I am almost 55, (live in West Virginia) have to support myself, so

disability is not an option.

So I wonder what do people do?

I will post more, but just wanted to say hi to folks here!

Robin

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin,

To answer your question about what I do: I'm a scientist at a major

research university and I also teach part-time at a local community

college (math). Of course I had these jobs before I was really ill.

I'm still working, although it can be very difficult at times.

Fortunately my employers have been very understanding and I've been

able to work from home one or two days a week for the past few months.

I'm the only breadwinner in the house, as my husband is retired and

stays at home with our adopted children (ages 2 and 3!).

Just in the past year or so I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia,

autoimmune hepatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. My whole family has a

big problem with autoimmune diseases in general.

I'm currently being tested for celiac disease. I have had neuro

symptoms, and an MRI ruled out MS for me as well. As it turns out, my

neuro symptoms may have been caused by celiac disease; the vertigo,

headaches, peripheral neuropathy, hand tremors, blurry vision, etc.,

have all gotten better since I started the gluten-free diet.

Have you been tested for either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Take care,

JoAnn

Robin wrote:

>> So I wonder what do people do?

>