New to the Forum - Fibro Since a Teen

[ElementalFlower]

Hello all!

I found this forum a couple of weeks ago in a really low spot emotionally for me. I am in college and this semester has been very difficult and stressful. I've started new medications with weird side effects, developed pain in new areas, all while taking more classes than I normally would have and transferring schools.

I actually developed chronic pain when I was 16 and now I'm in my 20's. They originally diagnosed me with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome and, funnily enough, told me it would go away. Since then, I have had doctors tell me that I don't have it, it doesn't exist, or a variety of other things. I even developed a habit of taking my parents to appointments, so that doctors would take me seriously. One time that I didn't, I was told by a pain management specialist to "text less". Ha - it is so fun when people assume that due to your age or appearance, you cannot have pain.

I was diagnosed with fibro around 6-7 months ago, but I feel like I am just now coming to terms with the diagnosis. I feel like it consumed me for a while, but recently I have been opening myself up to things I have always been afraid of doing because of the pain like learning to crochet! My biggest fear right now focuses on the future. I genuinely wonder if I will be able to manage a career, run a house, and other activities with my pain levels as they are. This fear is somewhat quelled by seeing other people in this forum lead successful lives, so I am glad to be here

 

[SBee]

Hi @ElementalFlower just wanted to welcome you.
I really understand the need to take time to come to terms with your diagnosis. First I was relieved to be believed\diagnosed. Then followed a time when I thought well what an earth am I supposed to actually do with it?
You sound like you have your head screwed on pretty well. Taking your parents with you as a serious support. Great idea. Good luck with the crochet - I would never have the patience!

I think its plain to see on this forum there is a huge variation in ages of people with fibromyalgia. I suspect many have been suffering symptoms for many,many years before receiving a diagnosis.

I genuinely hope you will find a lot of information and support from the forum.

 

[sunkacola]

Hi @ElementalFlower and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry this is happening to you at such a young age. It is true that you can still have a life....it's just a different life from what you would have without having chronic pain. I hope this place is good for you, and that we can help you to navigate this and have the best life possible each year.

You can ask us any questions you may have, and people will respond to tell you of their experience. This is also a place with very supportive people, so if you ever need or want just to vent or ask advice, we will respond to you. We try very hard to keep this a safe place. Let us know what we can do to help you.

 

[ElementalFlower]

Thank you so much @sunkacola and @SBee! I have already found it to be helpful for me! I really appreciate a community like this existing to support each other.

 

[Altered life]

Welcome to the Forum.
These conversations give us many insights.
I just posted a msg saying that recently I had to, for the first time, quit an online learning course, due to the pain interrupting my ability to process /retain information.
But, like you, I understand the fundamental importance of Creativity; so I took up Adult Coloring Book Art. Love the new markers & paints available now, who needs crayons!
So, I applaud your decision to take up a new hobby. My sister crochets' she can make anything. I tried but had difficulty maintaining the same tension. If you're a natural like her, you could sell your handcrafted crochet items online or at craft markets. It's always good to earn extra dollars from crafting.
The importance of striving to find new ways to keep the mind interested & active is essential. Because the alternative is depression & hopelessness.
Best wishes, stay in touch with us, we appreciate the interactions.