If there is one fact about Fibromyalgia, I regularly share it is that everyone’s experience and range of symptoms vary enormously, this is one of the reasons it is so complicated to diagnose. What about causes though? Is there a pattern there? Today I am going to focus on sharing with you my Journey to Diagnosis and consider some of these causes. If you don’t fancy reading the whole post, why not scroll to the YouTube video at the bottom where you will find me telling you the story in person!
A Major Event
A long time ago once my symptoms began but before my diagnosis, I remember reading that a stressful event can trigger Fibromyalgia. Well, my symptoms began arriving about two to three weeks after my wedding day. Although the day itself was far from stressful there was naturally some stress involved in planning and organising it all, don’t worry I was no Bridezilla as I’m sure my bridesmaids would agree. Incidentally, I also read that an accident or injury can cause Fibromyalgia. It may not become apparent immediately but remain dormant. Next time I am going to tell you the story of my accidents – I think some of them may well give you a laugh. After the events, I can indeed laugh about a couple!
My Experience leading up to Diagnosis
So here is the journey, in brief, I go into it in more detail in the video.
- I began having regular pain and was using full dose paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
- I developed massive stomach pains and found out it was due to the Ibuprofen.
- Prescribed Cocodomol and Ibuprofen Gel.
- Exhaustion due to sleep problems, prescribed Amitriptyline.
- Began doing research and found Fibromyalgia information.
- Regular blood tests all came back clear.
- The GP agreed with Fibromyalgia as likely diagnosis and referred me to a Rheumatologist.
- Bad experience with the Rheumatologist.
- Change in legislation enabled GP to give official Fibromyalgia diagnosis.
I consider myself fortunate that the whole journey took just under a year. I am acutely aware that some people don’t get an official diagnosis for several years. I put this down to having an excellent GP who realised I did some real research and not just a quick Google search and skim of the headlines.
Why me?
The one question that I beg you not to ask yourself is why me? It is so easy to go down that route, but nothing good can come of it. Let us look at that question in the face, what is it saying? A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is a lousy outcome, so all you are doing to yourself is encouraging yourself to find every fault possible! Why does anything happen to anybody? It is not what happens that is the important thing but how you deal with it. You only need to look at inspirational people like Katie Piper to know that. A horrific thing happened to her, and she had to go through goodness knows how many painful operations as well as the psychological healing. Did it stop her in her tracks? No, she is living the best life she can. Not the life she led before but, you know what, in the “whole world” scheme of things I think it is probably a better one. If you suspect you have Fibromyalgia, or maybe you have just had a diagnosis, understand that it is quite alright to have low days, days when you feel hopeless and don’t see the point of yourself anymore. We all do. Don’t let those days become the norm though; there are still things you will be able to do, there will be better days when the symptoms are less severe. On those days don’t push it or overdo it but remember to shine!
Some Useful Information
If you are looking for more information about Fibromyalgia why not check out my series of posts about Fibromyalgia alongside other commonly related conditions. You may also like the post about How Emotions Impact Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Fibromyalgia is changing how you expected to live your life; I cover a bit of that in my post about Living as a Married Couple without Children.
Are you on the road to diagnosis? I would love to hear about your experience. It would be great if you could leave me a comment below I love to hear about other people’s journeys.
On Monday at 6 pm (BST) I am bringing you a craft post, including my first crafting YouTube Video. I’d love to see you then. For a lighter-hearted Fibromyalgia post about my life as an “accident waiting to happen” check back next Friday.
Until next time,
Gentle Hugs,
Susan
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