Do you have Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Read and print the Spoon Theory. You might have extra copies for anyone who doesn't understand what you go through each day. I'm on a Facebook Fibro group where you will be able to dialog with those going through the same things.

I am a fibro spoonie. I think my diagnosis was less of an issue than it was for others I have talked to. It still took me 6 months because of how long it took to get my sleep study. But I had been exercising on a regular basis for more than a month but never seemed to get beyond the "being sore" stage. I tried physical therapy but it was the pt that first suggested fibro as a possibility to me after I complained that trying to stretch one area made another one cramp. "If you were having issues with your hips I'd say you might have fibro" "as a matter of fact I DO". My husband couldn't lay an arm over my hip or rib cage without it feeling like he was digging in like with a knuckle. My rheumatologist didn't even hesitate with my diagnosis when I finally was referred to him.

My main issue is making sure I get rest. if I do something I need to be able to play a day to recover. Knowing my limits can be a challenge, as sometimes I don't realize I've pushed too far until I have overdone it.

I do find I am affected by weather changes and am not a fan of cool damp weather. I get overheated easily too. Massage can hurt but I think it helps. Light stretching can help too.

I've been diagnosed with both. Being able to get a good night's sleep is crucial. Treatment has helped tremendously. However, that treatment, Lyrica, has been the cause of a significant amount of weight gain which will not budge no matter what I do. Most of the time, I prefer the life I have now with the weight. Occasionally I wonder if it's been worth it.

Fact is, I miss the me I used to be. My hands are so foreign.

I see a psychologist because the neurologist stress it. She's basically making sure I do not become suicidal from the meds. It's a waste of time and money, because I've learned coping techniques on my own. It was 8 years before I was diagnosed. Eight years of being told nothing was wrong with me and knowing something was terribly wrong. I had to learn those coping skills on my own for self-preservation.

The spoon theory is a good one. Listen to your body. And, don't overdo it when you do have the odd day of feeling energetic. It's hard to do. But, remember, it is better to do consistently.

Oh, that reminds me, move as much as you can. I knit because it limbers my fingers. If I have an intricate pattern, it will distract me from the pain too. Not always. But, often enough that I try. Walk around the house every hour. I move during commercials on my bad days. Walk back the hall or up and down a flight of stairs. Also, I try to walk outside too. If it's only 5 minutes, it is 5 minutes more than I would have had. I'd worked up to 30 minutes at a minimum everyday. Then ended up terribly sick and am having to start all over.

I won't give up. Though I do get discouraged.

((((Hugs)))) I'm so sorry you are dealing with this, too.

Thanks for the input and comments. I'm calling my doctor in the morning for an appt.

I had influenza A in November 2014 and started experiencing what I now know is post viral fatigue syndrome shortly thereafter. After 6 months, I believe, it's considered chronic fatigue syndrome.

I recently started acupuncture and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY. Sorry for the all caps but I can't emphasize enough what a difference it has made. The doctor I go to is a real deal, Chinese doctor who has been in practice for over 30 years. Whatever the cost, it was totally worth it for me. I'm not 100% better but I can function again. Unloading groceries from the car no longer knocks me on my butt for the whole day. My muscle pain is still there and it's constant but I can push through that most days. It always seems to get worse when I ovulate and/or have my period and when I am dehydrated.

PVF/CFS totally sucks and sometimes I wonder if I will be dealing with this crap forever. It is a silent illness, people see you and don't understand or forget because you don't have outward symptoms. I think you just have to learn to be vocal about your limitations.

I have had a fibro diagnosis for 20 years. It is not the worst of my issues any longer, but sure doesn't help me feel any better with the liver disease and associated problems.