BrendaNY
New member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2023
- Messages
- 6
- Reason
- DX FIBRO
- Diagnosis
- 11/2023
- Country
- US
- State
- NY
Hi all, I'm so glad I found this site! I have been poking around for about a month and there is so much to take in. I was finally diagnosed in November, 2 months into a debilitating flare. I have had many symptoms for years that I was able to "deal with" but this time, I couldn't even make it from my couch to the bathroom for months. I was poked and prodded by both the Rheumatologist and Oncologist before receiving any kind of treatment or medication. Thank goodness, neither doc feels my illness is terminal. The Rheumatologist informed me that I'm her first FM patient. This worries me a bit, she's young but not 20s-30s, easily 40 so I'd think she would have other FM patients. Do you guys agree? I don't have many options in the area but found another Rheum with high ratings so I'm on his waiting list, likely to see him in about 6 months. Until then, I'll plug on with my current provider.
This flare occurred in conjunction with flares of both my dermatomyositis (sine myostis), and Sjogrens. I've been told one AI condition could trigger a flare of another or all? Long story but I'm just beginning to get a tiny bit of strength back after over 4 months. I'm still very weak and tired.
All this caused severe weight loss. I'm 5' 6", before flare, was thin at 135 Lbs., now down to 102 Lbs. I'm trying very hard to eat but as many others discuss, have a lot of stomach troubles that may or may not be related to FM (to be discussed at next appointment). I'm still too weak to cook much or clean up & I live alone. Any advice on what to eat that would be healthy(ish), and help me put on some weight?
Also, unfortunately I had only started on with my most recent employer in July. Getting so sick in September was the absolute worst timing. Their policy for employees there less than a year is to grant unpaid medical leave for 6 months, but they would still need to post and fill my position. I've heard that the job has been filled but fortunately I'll still have health insurance as an employee through March.
I'm hopeful that in a month or so, I'd be ready to start a job hunt. I've depleted most of my savings being out so long. But I'm terrified that I'll have another flare like I had. Also - when I have the guts to start looking, do I disclose I have FM so they know being out for long periods is possible? I'm so torn about this. I want to be honest but know this would be a huge deterrent to any company.
I look forward to any replies, in particular about the weight loss/how to gain as well as what to do as far as a job hunt. Thanks all!
This flare occurred in conjunction with flares of both my dermatomyositis (sine myostis), and Sjogrens. I've been told one AI condition could trigger a flare of another or all? Long story but I'm just beginning to get a tiny bit of strength back after over 4 months. I'm still very weak and tired.
All this caused severe weight loss. I'm 5' 6", before flare, was thin at 135 Lbs., now down to 102 Lbs. I'm trying very hard to eat but as many others discuss, have a lot of stomach troubles that may or may not be related to FM (to be discussed at next appointment). I'm still too weak to cook much or clean up & I live alone. Any advice on what to eat that would be healthy(ish), and help me put on some weight?
Also, unfortunately I had only started on with my most recent employer in July. Getting so sick in September was the absolute worst timing. Their policy for employees there less than a year is to grant unpaid medical leave for 6 months, but they would still need to post and fill my position. I've heard that the job has been filled but fortunately I'll still have health insurance as an employee through March.
I'm hopeful that in a month or so, I'd be ready to start a job hunt. I've depleted most of my savings being out so long. But I'm terrified that I'll have another flare like I had. Also - when I have the guts to start looking, do I disclose I have FM so they know being out for long periods is possible? I'm so torn about this. I want to be honest but know this would be a huge deterrent to any company.
I look forward to any replies, in particular about the weight loss/how to gain as well as what to do as far as a job hunt. Thanks all!