Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Hi, Mike. I'm so sorry to hear your tragic story. My daddy used to say, that if our family didn't have bad luck, then we wouldn't have any luck at all. I was always sickly as a child and it only got worse as I grew into adulthood and went through pregnancies and miscarriages and physical abuse. I was in a huge flare about 12 years ago, when I went to a dr. at the clinic I was using and was " lucky " enough to see a dr. who had a very good knowledge of fibro. He immediately got me on treatment for it. I don't want to say that what happened next is common to all with fibro, but over the years I have declined. I went back to work for a few months after the dx, but couldn't handle it and couldn't stay " well " enough to be reliable for work. I couldn't even do day care, because I would be bedridden too much of the day and my energy level just sucked very badly. Anyway, I don't want to bore you with details about me. I pray that you will find the same support and information about how fibro effects each of us and what works and doesn't work for each of us. I have loved this group ever since I joined it last summer when I was in the worst flare I have ever had. Love and gentle hugs, Debi/Central Cal.-55 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Be a good e-mail buddy, and ALWAYS protect your friends from email address harvesters which can lead to more Spam, unwanted mail, and even viruses. Copy and paste forwards into a new email and place parenthesis around the addresses. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **************The year's hottest artists on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. Go to AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys?NCID=aolcmp00300000002565) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Hello Everyone, I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to introduce myself. I also want to provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested may have a better understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. Sorry that it is long but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on my own! My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was involved in a MVA when a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving almost flipping it over ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no patients on board at the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and not able to work for about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It took my attorney about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in debt, forcing me to rely on public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt due to lack of rent, basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting paid, My apt caught fire and I lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were hiding and both survived and were able to move with me. For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress and many debilitating pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of 25 I was trying to maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the pain in my back and legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept increasing. After several years of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not Quality life for a 25yo and I finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) Laminectomy I tried so hard a long to avoid. I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week Hospital stay and 3-6 months of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, So on March 20th, 1999 I went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to everyoneÕs amazement and confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours later, I walked out of the Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO NEED for meds at all. My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. The hospital staff called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! It was a new lease on life!! So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for me... It allowed me to live life again. In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I purchased our first home. Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed driver tried to flee from another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From this point I began to experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the same area that was previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my Orthopedic Surgeon advised that the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor in comparison and tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just Aleeve would work just fine. As long as the weather was good! I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from time to time and I just brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would experience pains in my thighs each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it on the sore back. My arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had tightness in my lower and upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of being very tired and my entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I again blamed this on my back pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for it. I was never one for DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon for my back. I had a Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at work) but not once did I have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back related issuesÉ On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work Christmas party we were rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but just a good jolt to the car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was starting to hurt and getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not been able to do my job since. At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to toe, intermittent pains down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and intermittent pain in my right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right handed and cannot work because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because all these years I experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I knew it was from my back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a pinched nerve! She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5-C6), and no change in the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed EMGÕs on both my Upper and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it was a pinched nerve or carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs came back text book normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be but FIBROÉ.. I was Devastated!!!!! Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed me with ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I guess to officially diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt dazed from the Lyrica and very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in 3rds cause otherwise it would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The Lyrica has slowed down the sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands and arms are killing me mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and such pain in my hands I can hardly move them. It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my mind I am always feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back injury. Another Contributing factor is that I was under the false impression that those that suffer from Fibro have pain all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is different and experience different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a NCMT as well as an instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am not convinced it was fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I have but explains that I need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how to cope. A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so depressed because I have gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am VERY MAD that I now must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels this is not real and there has to be another explanationÉ. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Mike, I know exactly what you are saying....I still feel that there has to be an explanation as to why and what, but all I get from my Doc is it is Fibro. I refused to take heavy meds and they wanted to put me on naronten (not sure if that is how it is spelled) to curb some of the affects....but I refuse to take this lying down and doped up. I wish you all the luck in the wolrd and I hope things will get better for you with in time. > > Hello Everyone, > > I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to introduce myself. I also want to > provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested may have a better > understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. Sorry that it is long > but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me > in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on my own! > > My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. > > I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was involved in a MVA when > a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving almost flipping it over > ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no patients on board at > the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and not able to work for > about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It took my attorney > about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in debt, forcing me to rely on > public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt due to lack of rent, > basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting paid, My apt caught fire and I > lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were hiding and both survived and > were able to move with me. > > For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress and many debilitating > pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of 25 I was trying to > maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the pain in my back and > legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just > to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept increasing. After several years > of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not Quality life for a 25yo and I > finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) Laminectomy I tried so hard a long > to avoid. > > I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week Hospital stay and 3-6 months > of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, So on March 20th, 1999 I > went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to everyoneÕs amazement and > confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours later, I walked out of the > Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO NEED for meds at all. > My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. The hospital staff > called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! It was a new lease on life!! > > So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) > after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for me... It allowed me to live > life again. > > In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I purchased our first home. > Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed driver tried to flee from > another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From this point I began to > experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the same area that was > previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my Orthopedic Surgeon advised that > the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor in comparison and > tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just Aleeve would work just > fine. As long as the weather was good! > > I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from time to time and I just > brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would experience pains in my thighs > each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it on the sore back. My > arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had tightness in my lower and > upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of being very tired and my > entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I again blamed this on my back > pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. > > Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for it. I was never one for > DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon for my back. I had a > Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at work) but not once did I > have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back related issuesÉ > > On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work Christmas party we were > rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but just a good jolt to the > car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was starting to hurt and > getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not been able to do my job > since. > > At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to toe, intermittent pains > down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and intermittent pain in my > right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right handed and cannot work > because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because all these years I > experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I knew it was from my > back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a pinched nerve! > > She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5- C6), and no change in > the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed EMGÕs on both my Upper > and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it was a pinched nerve or > carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs came back text book > normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be but FIBROÉ.. I was > Devastated!!!!! > > Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed me with > ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I guess to officially > diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt dazed from the Lyrica and > very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in 3rds cause otherwise it > would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The Lyrica has slowed down the > sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands and arms are killing me > mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and such pain in my > hands I can hardly move them. > > It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my mind I am always > feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back injury. Another Contributing > factor is that I was under the false impression that those that suffer from Fibro have pain > all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is different and experience > different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a NCMT as well as an > instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am not convinced it was > fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I have but explains that I > need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how to cope. > > A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so depressed because I have > gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am VERY MAD that I now > must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels this is not real and there > has to be another explanationÉ. > > Mike > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 , Thanks for the understanding! What also makes this ruff is that this is more common in women then in men and people look at you like your just weak! My partner hates that i take the meds i am prescribed and really wants me to do a homeopathic approach. But this is all new to me and stressing out about whats going to happen to my Job with after being on STD since 12/16 Do i even still have a job? So it's all a bit stressful. > Mike, > > I know exactly what you are saying....I still feel that there has to > be an explanation as to why and what, but all I get from my Doc is > it is Fibro. I refused to take heavy meds and they wanted to put me > on naronten (not sure if that is how it is spelled) to curb some of > the affects....but I refuse to take this lying down and doped up. > > I wish you all the luck in the wolrd and I hope things will get > better for you with in time. > > > > > > > > Hello Everyone, > > > > I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to > introduce myself. I also want to > > provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested > may have a better > > understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. > Sorry that it is long > > but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single > paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me > > in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on > my own! > > > > My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. > > > > I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was > involved in a MVA when > > a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving > almost flipping it over > > ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no > patients on board at > > the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and > not able to work for > > about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It > took my attorney > > about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in > debt, forcing me to rely on > > public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt > due to lack of rent, > > basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting > paid, My apt caught fire and I > > lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were > hiding and both survived and > > were able to move with me. > > > > For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress > and many debilitating > > pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of > 25 I was trying to > > maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the > pain in my back and > > legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, > Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just > > to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept > increasing. After several years > > of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not > Quality life for a 25yo and I > > finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) > Laminectomy I tried so hard a long > > to avoid. > > > > I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week > Hospital stay and 3-6 months > > of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, > So on March 20th, 1999 I > > went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to > everyoneÕs amazement and > > confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours > later, I walked out of the > > Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO > NEED for meds at all. > > My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. > The hospital staff > > called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! > It was a new lease on life!! > > > > So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a > rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) > > after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for > me... It allowed me to live > > life again. > > > > In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I > purchased our first home. > > Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed > driver tried to flee from > > another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From > this point I began to > > experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the > same area that was > > previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my > Orthopedic Surgeon advised that > > the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor > in comparison and > > tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just > Aleeve would work just > > fine. As long as the weather was good! > > > > I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from > time to time and I just > > brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would > experience pains in my thighs > > each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it > on the sore back. My > > arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had > tightness in my lower and > > upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of > being very tired and my > > entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I > again blamed this on my back > > pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. > > > > Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for > it. I was never one for > > DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon > for my back. I had a > > Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at > work) but not once did I > > have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back > related issuesÉ > > > > On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work > Christmas party we were > > rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but > just a good jolt to the > > car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was > starting to hurt and > > getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not > been able to do my job > > since. > > > > At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to > toe, intermittent pains > > down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and > intermittent pain in my > > right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right > handed and cannot work > > because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because > all these years I > > experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I > knew it was from my > > back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a > pinched nerve! > > > > She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5- > C6), and no change in > > the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed > EMGÕs on both my Upper > > and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it > was a pinched nerve or > > carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs > came back text book > > normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be > but FIBROÉ.. I was > > Devastated!!!!! > > > > Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed > me with > > ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I > guess to officially > > diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt > dazed from the Lyrica and > > very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in > 3rds cause otherwise it > > would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The > Lyrica has slowed down the > > sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands > and arms are killing me > > mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and > such pain in my > > hands I can hardly move them. > > > > It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my > mind I am always > > feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back > injury. Another Contributing > > factor is that I was under the false impression that those that > suffer from Fibro have pain > > all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is > different and experience > > different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a > NCMT as well as an > > instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am > not convinced it was > > fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I > have but explains that I > > need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how > to cope. > > > > A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so > depressed because I have > > gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am > VERY MAD that I now > > must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels > this is not real and there > > has to be another explanationÉ. > > > > Mike > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Mike, I know this is easier said then done....but don't stress about the thing you can not control. I have learned through my studies that there is a few things that you can't control and the things you can one may normally just let loose of. So take hold of what you can and remember there is always tomorrow (cliche I know). I have tried an experiment on myself and please don't laugh, but all I can say is bananas.....lol and read my Intro into the group. I hope it helps....but there is a fine line between potassium and FM. I am not a doc, nor do I play one on t.v., but I said before I refuse to take this one lying down. Believe it or not....this is fairly new here in the United States, but in India they have been reserching it for quite sometime. Right now I am working on the Psych part of it and a freind of mine that is a resident here in the U.S. is working with me to see what we can come up with. I know for a student of Psychology this is quite a big task to take on, but there is no time like the present for a chalenge. Mike, I really hope you find the patience for others rather than they having it for you.....remember it's easy for others to make bad judgements when they have no clue as to what they are talking about...and since we are getting the facts about what we have, we have to learn how to be patient with others and not to fly off the handle at times. Best regards, > > > > > > Hello Everyone, > > > > > > I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to > > introduce myself. I also want to > > > provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested > > may have a better > > > understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. > > Sorry that it is long > > > but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single > > paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me > > > in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on > > my own! > > > > > > My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. > > > > > > I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was > > involved in a MVA when > > > a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving > > almost flipping it over > > > ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no > > patients on board at > > > the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and > > not able to work for > > > about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It > > took my attorney > > > about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in > > debt, forcing me to rely on > > > public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt > > due to lack of rent, > > > basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting > > paid, My apt caught fire and I > > > lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were > > hiding and both survived and > > > were able to move with me. > > > > > > For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress > > and many debilitating > > > pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of > > 25 I was trying to > > > maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the > > pain in my back and > > > legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, > > Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just > > > to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept > > increasing. After several years > > > of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not > > Quality life for a 25yo and I > > > finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) > > Laminectomy I tried so hard a long > > > to avoid. > > > > > > I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week > > Hospital stay and 3-6 months > > > of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, > > So on March 20th, 1999 I > > > went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to > > everyoneÕs amazement and > > > confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours > > later, I walked out of the > > > Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO > > NEED for meds at all. > > > My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. > > The hospital staff > > > called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! > > It was a new lease on life!! > > > > > > So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a > > rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) > > > after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for > > me... It allowed me to live > > > life again. > > > > > > In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I > > purchased our first home. > > > Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed > > driver tried to flee from > > > another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From > > this point I began to > > > experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the > > same area that was > > > previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my > > Orthopedic Surgeon advised that > > > the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor > > in comparison and > > > tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just > > Aleeve would work just > > > fine. As long as the weather was good! > > > > > > I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from > > time to time and I just > > > brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would > > experience pains in my thighs > > > each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it > > on the sore back. My > > > arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had > > tightness in my lower and > > > upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of > > being very tired and my > > > entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I > > again blamed this on my back > > > pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. > > > > > > Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for > > it. I was never one for > > > DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon > > for my back. I had a > > > Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at > > work) but not once did I > > > have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back > > related issuesÉ > > > > > > On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work > > Christmas party we were > > > rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but > > just a good jolt to the > > > car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was > > starting to hurt and > > > getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not > > been able to do my job > > > since. > > > > > > At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to > > toe, intermittent pains > > > down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and > > intermittent pain in my > > > right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right > > handed and cannot work > > > because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because > > all these years I > > > experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I > > knew it was from my > > > back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a > > pinched nerve! > > > > > > She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5- > > C6), and no change in > > > the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed > > EMGÕs on both my Upper > > > and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it > > was a pinched nerve or > > > carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs > > came back text book > > > normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be > > but FIBROÉ.. I was > > > Devastated!!!!! > > > > > > Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed > > me with > > > ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I > > guess to officially > > > diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt > > dazed from the Lyrica and > > > very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in > > 3rds cause otherwise it > > > would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The > > Lyrica has slowed down the > > > sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands > > and arms are killing me > > > mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and > > such pain in my > > > hands I can hardly move them. > > > > > > It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my > > mind I am always > > > feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back > > injury. Another Contributing > > > factor is that I was under the false impression that those that > > suffer from Fibro have pain > > > all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is > > different and experience > > > different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a > > NCMT as well as an > > > instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am > > not convinced it was > > > fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I > > have but explains that I > > > need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how > > to cope. > > > > > > A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so > > depressed because I have > > > gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am > > VERY MAD that I now > > > must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels > > this is not real and there > > > has to be another explanationÉ. > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Hi Mike, I want to welcome you to the group. I can tell that you are overwhelmed with the dx of Fibromyalgia. When I was first dx, after 2 years of trying to find out why I hurt all over and felt fatigued and foggy all the time, in 1991, I went into complete denial. I was sure the doctors had missed something, although I had been tested for everything from Epstein Barr Syndrome to Lupus to RA. I had two cervical discs replaced, because of a car accident, at C1 and C2 and I could use my arms and hands again, but the pain and other symptoms were there. I was very active, had my own business, was married, raising 3 kids, volunteered at their schools, their sports and at church, took care of a big organized house, worked in the yard and played competitive tennis. I never got sick and never even felt tired except for the good kind after accomplishing something. I couldn't have a chronic disorder. But I did. Little by little Fibromyalgia took away the life that I once knew. It may not do that to you. You may not get any worse than you are now. But I did. While I stayed in denial I got progressively worse and went into a deep depression. I stayed there a long time. Without going into whatever came at what times, I finally got over the depression, with the help of a psychiatrist and anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Some time after that I reached acceptance of my having fibro. Since I've reached acceptance, around 2004, I've dealt with having the monster better and better. It's almost like going through the steps a person goes through when loosing a loved one. It goes from denial to acceptance with several steps in between. I'm sorry you have fibromyalgia. I hope we can help you go from denial to acceptance, without too much emotional pain added to the pain you already have. We are here to support you. You can vent here. You can bring happy accomplishments and sadder disappointments. We are open 24/7. Come here for whatever you need from factual information to just comforting. I hope I can help you with whatever you need. Feel better, you've taken the first step, Marti m wrote: Hello Everyone, I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to introduce myself. I also want to provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested may have a better understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. Sorry that it is long but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on my own! My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was involved in a MVA when a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving almost flipping it over ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no patients on board at the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and not able to work for about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It took my attorney about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in debt, forcing me to rely on public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt due to lack of rent, basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting paid, My apt caught fire and I lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were hiding and both survived and were able to move with me. For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress and many debilitating pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of 25 I was trying to maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the pain in my back and legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept increasing. After several years of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not Quality life for a 25yo and I finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) Laminectomy I tried so hard a long to avoid. I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week Hospital stay and 3-6 months of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, So on March 20th, 1999 I went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to everyoneÕs amazement and confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours later, I walked out of the Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO NEED for meds at all. My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. The hospital staff called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! It was a new lease on life!! So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for me... It allowed me to live life again. In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I purchased our first home. Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed driver tried to flee from another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From this point I began to experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the same area that was previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my Orthopedic Surgeon advised that the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor in comparison and tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just Aleeve would work just fine. As long as the weather was good! I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from time to time and I just brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would experience pains in my thighs each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it on the sore back. My arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had tightness in my lower and upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of being very tired and my entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I again blamed this on my back pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for it. I was never one for DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon for my back. I had a Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at work) but not once did I have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back related issuesÉ On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work Christmas party we were rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but just a good jolt to the car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was starting to hurt and getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not been able to do my job since. At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to toe, intermittent pains down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and intermittent pain in my right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right handed and cannot work because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because all these years I experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I knew it was from my back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a pinched nerve! She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5-C6), and no change in the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed EMGÕs on both my Upper and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it was a pinched nerve or carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs came back text book normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be but FIBROÉ.. I was Devastated!!!!! Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed me with ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I guess to officially diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt dazed from the Lyrica and very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in 3rds cause otherwise it would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The Lyrica has slowed down the sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands and arms are killing me mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and such pain in my hands I can hardly move them. It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my mind I am always feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back injury. Another Contributing factor is that I was under the false impression that those that suffer from Fibro have pain all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is different and experience different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a NCMT as well as an instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am not convinced it was fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I have but explains that I need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how to cope. A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so depressed because I have gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am VERY MAD that I now must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels this is not real and there has to be another explanationÉ. Mike --------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 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Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Hi , I realized when I saw this post that I haven't welcomed you. I'm sure others have but I want to welcome you myself. As I've said to Mike we are here to support you on your journey with Fibromyalgia. I can understand why you want it to be something else. I wanted it to be something else too. I was young, with 3 kids, married, had my own business, played competitive tennis, was extremely organized, volunteered at my kids schools, their sporting events and at church and was almost never sick or even very tired. I fought the dx tooth and nail. While I was fighting the dx I became very depressed and have fought that off, but had the support of my psychiatrist, and yes drugs for depression and anxiety. Eventually I accepted that I had fibromyalgia and started fighting the illness rather that myself. I definitely manage my fibro better now that I accept it. I do take 5mg hydrocodone up to 3X day, which I know you don't want to do, but I don't feel drugged out and don't get " high " , I just get rid of enough pain to be productive throughout the day. I started the drug several months ago and it has made a lot of difference in how I live now that I am 59. I put if off as long as I could.\ I hope you will be able to manage your fibromyalgia without any pain meds and that it doesn't get any worse. I do think that with me the time I spent fighting against the dx instead of fighting the illness was very unproductive. This support group is here for you 24/7. If I can help you in any way let me know. Or just post to the group for anything from good to bad. It's a good place to vent. Take care of yourself, Marti mkroske6149 wrote: Mike, I know exactly what you are saying....I still feel that there has to be an explanation as to why and what, but all I get from my Doc is it is Fibro. I refused to take heavy meds and they wanted to put me on naronten (not sure if that is how it is spelled) to curb some of the affects....but I refuse to take this lying down and doped up. I wish you all the luck in the wolrd and I hope things will get better for you with in time. > > Hello Everyone, > > I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to introduce myself. I also want to > provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested may have a better > understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. Sorry that it is long > but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me > in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on my own! > > My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. > > I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was involved in a MVA when > a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving almost flipping it over > ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no patients on board at > the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and not able to work for > about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It took my attorney > about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in debt, forcing me to rely on > public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt due to lack of rent, > basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting paid, My apt caught fire and I > lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were hiding and both survived and > were able to move with me. > > For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress and many debilitating > pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of 25 I was trying to > maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the pain in my back and > legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just > to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept increasing. After several years > of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not Quality life for a 25yo and I > finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) Laminectomy I tried so hard a long > to avoid. > > I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week Hospital stay and 3-6 months > of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, So on March 20th, 1999 I > went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to everyoneÕs amazement and > confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours later, I walked out of the > Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO NEED for meds at all. > My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. The hospital staff > called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! It was a new lease on life!! > > So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) > after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for me... It allowed me to live > life again. > > In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I purchased our first home. > Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed driver tried to flee from > another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From this point I began to > experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the same area that was > previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my Orthopedic Surgeon advised that > the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor in comparison and > tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just Aleeve would work just > fine. As long as the weather was good! > > I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from time to time and I just > brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would experience pains in my thighs > each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it on the sore back. My > arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had tightness in my lower and > upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of being very tired and my > entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I again blamed this on my back > pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. > > Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for it. I was never one for > DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon for my back. I had a > Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at work) but not once did I > have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back related issuesÉ > > On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work Christmas party we were > rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but just a good jolt to the > car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was starting to hurt and > getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not been able to do my job > since. > > At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to toe, intermittent pains > down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and intermittent pain in my > right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right handed and cannot work > because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because all these years I > experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I knew it was from my > back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a pinched nerve! > > She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5- C6), and no change in > the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed EMGÕs on both my Upper > and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it was a pinched nerve or > carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs came back text book > normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be but FIBROÉ.. I was > Devastated!!!!! > > Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed me with > ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I guess to officially > diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt dazed from the Lyrica and > very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in 3rds cause otherwise it > would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The Lyrica has slowed down the > sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands and arms are killing me > mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and such pain in my > hands I can hardly move them. > > It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my mind I am always > feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back injury. Another Contributing > factor is that I was under the false impression that those that suffer from Fibro have pain > all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is different and experience > different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a NCMT as well as an > instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am not convinced it was > fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I have but explains that I > need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how to cope. > > A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so depressed because I have > gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am VERY MAD that I now > must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels this is not real and there > has to be another explanationÉ. > > Mike > --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Big HI to Mike in Lansdale, Used to live in Harleysville myself! So howdy neighbor! Your story sounds like so many of the ones here. Lots of physical and emotional trauma. All the symptoms sound the same. Sounds like Fibro with complications to me. Just so you don't feel too lonely, I have had physical and emotional trauma in the past as well as a fractured spine and my car was rearended three times, once by a snowplow! Ain't life grand? Just me, perhaps, but I think when you stop fighting the diagnosis and start finding ways to cope, you will do better. Fibro isn't going to kill you. Don't let it kill your spirit. Kiss the kittens for me. I have 10 of my own plus two doggies. Ruthie (now in NJ) > > Hello Everyone, > > I am very new to this and just wanted to take this time to introduce myself. I also want to > provide some background on my situation so that anyone interested may have a better > understanding of where my thoughts, ideas and fears may come from. Sorry that it is long > but itÕs difficult to put 13 yrs of my life into a single paragraph or 2.. So please forgive me > in advance, I am new to this and I always thought I could deal on my own! > > My name is (Mike) 36-Yo " Male " from Lansdale Pa. > > I am a former Pennsylvania EMT. In 1995 at the age of 23, I was involved in a MVA when > a car ran a red light striking the ambulance that I was driving almost flipping it over > ending my EMS career and almost my life. Thank God there was no patients on board at > the time. However, I suffered a herniated disc in L5-S1 area and not able to work for > about 1 yr. I had to fight long and hard for WorkmanÕs Comp and It took my attorney > about 1 yr to get me even a dime. The time that past put me in debt, forcing me to rely on > public welfare, having my car repossessed, almost loosing my apt due to lack of rent, > basically destroying my life. Soon after the battle of getting paid, My apt caught fire and I > lost everything I had. Luckily my 2 Kittens at the time were hiding and both survived and > were able to move with me. > > For sometime after the accident, I suffered with so much stress and many debilitating > pains at some points I would pass out from the pain. At the age of 25 I was trying to > maintain a new job and life while walking with a cane because the pain in my back and > legs were that bad. I was on so many meds (Soma, Oxycontin, Flexerall, Paxil, Zanax, Just > to name a Few) I was like a walking zombie and they kept increasing. After several years > of doing this pain management routine I realized this is not Quality life for a 25yo and I > finally decided to stop this madness and have the (80%) Laminectomy I tried so hard a long > to avoid. > > I was told it would be a long road to recovery with a 2 week Hospital stay and 3-6 months > of Rehab etc... I new that I waited and avoided this long enough, So on March 20th, 1999 I > went in for my surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia to everyoneÕs amazement and > confusion, I was full of energy and in NO PAIN at all. 24 hours later, I walked out of the > Hospital on my own with out my cane. I never needed rehab, had NO NEED for meds at all. > My Dr was astonished and completely in shock with my recoveryÉ. The hospital staff > called me ÒThe Miracle BreezeÓ I was in and out like the breeze! It was a new lease on life!! > > So I returned to work 4 days after my Surgery and on a rollercoaster (with Dr's Approval) > after 3 months. Being Pain free was a tremendous blessing for me... It allowed me to live > life again. > > In October 2003 and almost 4 yrs of no pain, my partner and I purchased our first home. > Just 30 days later we were involved in a minor MVA where a crazed driver tried to flee from > another accident she caused and by doing so she ran into us. From this point I began to > experience pain. I had an MRI and found a slight herniation of the same area that was > previously injured. I didnÕt want another surgery and my Orthopedic Surgeon advised that > the only other option is pain management again. The pain was minor in comparison and > tolerable with some minor meds like Ultram but on most days just Aleeve would work just > fine. As long as the weather was good! > > I had backaches everyday and a little pain in the both legs from time to time and I just > brushed this off as related to my back injury.. I also would experience pains in my thighs > each time I climbed stairs. I also shrugged this off and blamed it on the sore back. My > arms would hurt at times where they felt weak/tired while I had tightness in my lower and > upper back I again blamed this on my back injury. I complaint of being very tired and my > entire body just felt drained never getting enough sleep.. I again blamed this on my back > pain because I know that pain drains the life from youÉ. > > Each pain I experienced I shrugged it off and blamed the back for it. I was never one for > DrÕs and the only one I have ever seen was my Orthopedic Surgeon for my back. I had a > Primary care Dr (because I needed to pick one for my benefits at work) but not once did I > have a need to go. All symptoms were textbook signs of Back related issuesÉ > > On Dec 16th 2007, 4 Years Later, Driving home from a work Christmas party we were > rear-ended while at a traffic light. There was not much damage but just a good jolt to the > car! (I know, I donÕt have much luckÉ). 2 days later my neck was starting to hurt and > getting very stiff. I left work and went to my DrÕs. and have not been able to do my job > since. > > At the time I was complaining of over all tiredness from head to toe, intermittent pains > down my legs (similar to Sciatica) with numbness and tingling and intermittent pain in my > right hand/arm almost like Carpal Tunnel in my hand. I am right handed and cannot work > because of this. She mentioned Fibro and I Shrugged it off because all these years I > experienced many -many types and pains all over and in my mind I knew it was from my > back. The tingling/numbness in the arm I was convinced was just a pinched nerve! > > She sent me for MRIÕs a found a degenerative disc in the neck (C5- C6), and no change in > the lower back. So she sent me to a Neurologist who performed EMGÕs on both my Upper > and lower extremities to rule out pinched nerves. I was so sure it was a pinched nerve or > carpal tunnel in the arms and Sciatica in the legs. But the EMGÕs came back text book > normal and the Neurologist said there is nothing else it could be but FIBROÉ.. I was > Devastated!!!!! > > Just a little more then 2 weeks ago my Primary Care DO diagnosed me with > ~Fibromyalgia~. I have an appt with a Rheumatologist next week. I guess to officially > diagnose. My DO put me on Lyrica and provigal. At first I felt dazed from the Lyrica and > very tired. Then I added the provigal and had to cut my 100mg in 3rds cause otherwise it > would make me too Jittery and I didnÕt like that feeling. The Lyrica has slowed down the > sporadic sharp, shooting, stabbing pains all over but both hands and arms are killing me > mainly my right. I wake up each morning with my knuckles red and such pain in my > hands I can hardly move them. > > It will take me some time to come to grips with this because in my mind I am always > feeling that it isn't Fibro and it's just Pain caused by my back injury. Another Contributing > factor is that I was under the false impression that those that suffer from Fibro have pain > all at once all over the body! Not realizing that everyone is different and experience > different Flares in different parts of the body. My Partner is a NCMT as well as an > instructor of Massage Therapy & Healing Science and I still was/am not convinced it was > fibro. Being in the field he is in, he understands the dilemma I have but explains that I > need to come to grips on things so that I can begin to learn how to cope. > > A few days ago I just had a complete break downÉ Feeling so depressed because I have > gone through so much in my life more then outlined here and I am VERY MAD that I now > must endure this burden as well. But yet a part of me still feels this is not real and there > has to be another explanationÉ. > > Mike > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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