Shadow of who I once was...FMS/CFS/SLE/RA?

Question

I am 20 years old, and my troubles started when I was just 17. I found when I was studying for the TEE my hands would swell (double their size)... my hands would curl up. I couldn't stand anyone touching them. From that point it was 2 years of occasional flares - which I could deal with, no problems.

The real trouble started 18 months ago. I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and am getting treatment with a TNF injection called Enbrel (Etanercept). I have to be honest, it has helped immensely.
The Lupus (SLE) and the Fibromyalgia (FMS) is more of a problem. I'm sick and sore every day. I'm so exhausted with battling myself I end up sleeping up to 22 hours a day. I'm struggling to maintain a healthy weight (I have lost 25kgs in 2 yrs). I feel like crying every day - I live with my parents and they have been supportive but they are getting sick of me feeling sorry for myself. I know how they feel, I'm sick of me too! It's so damn infuriating! I've hit rock botton, help???

Answer 1

Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even. The object of this is to prevent blood sugar starvation by keeping a certain amount of usable sugars constantly going into the bloodstream. Only the proteins needed by the body at the time of digestion are utilized as proteins-the rest are changed into sugar and burned as energy food, increasing blood sugar level.

Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.

A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It's important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they're helping to support their body daily. I strongly recommend you take Co Q10, in soft gel form, 100mg three times daily, this will increase your energy within two weeks. I've enclosed a link for the best form I have found.

There's no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.

I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to http://www.activator.com

Take a proactive role in learning about fibromyalgia to help control it, and be vigilant about following your treatment plan. Emotional support is very important too. Living with fibromyalgia may be difficult if your family, friends or employer do not understand the condition. Seek out supportive family, friends, clergy, support groups or a mental health counselor.

I also suffer from this condition and understand exactly how you feel and what you are saying. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away for you. If you follow my suggestions you will feel better.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 2

I can sort of relate for I have FMS too and have been getting some swelling but nothing like you have described. I am 32 years old and lost my job in January for missing too much work due to my illness. I hurt all the time and have no energy. I can't do anything for the pain. I do sometimes feel sorry for myself, it's very easy to do when you see others around you that aren't suffering the way you are. You feel that no one understands but there are people who do understand. There are people who are worse off than you.

You have to have a positive attitude even though it's extremely hard with these types of illnesses. Be glad that you have parents that support you. There are some people out there with no one to support or believe in them. If you need someone to talk to you can email me at [e-mail].

Also, there is a great site called Fibrohugs.com that you can go to and there you will find others like you that understand. There are people there with Lupus and RA also such as yourself. Check it out.