When I first started dealing with fibromyalgia, it started as migraines. Migraines that no matter what, would not go away. A headache all day, every day-the only difference is the severity would fluctuate.
I had pain that started in my neck and went down my back. A flick to the skin could leave me flinching for minutes. When I finally said enough is enough and started researching for myself, I remember going to my primary care at the time and asking if we should look at fibromyalgia as the cause of all the issues I was having. It made sense to myself and the friends that have stood with me.
“You’re so young, you don’t want that in your medical history yet.”
I pressed on, knowing I wanted answers, even if there are very little answers when it comes to fibromyalgia.
I was sent to a rheumatologist that immediately said yes, you have fibro. While no one wishes for such, it was finally an answer of WHY.
This battle has been a confusing and long one. Despite ongoing research into fibromyalgia, unfortunately, there are still medical providers out there that shrug fibromyalgia off.
Sometimes, we just have to take a step back. Don’t be afraid to research. Print off articles, take them to your doctor, and ask questions. We are our best care providers.
You are sure to encounter people that don’t understand, individuals that are less than supportive. You have to remember, they are not living in your life. Fibromyalgia is REAL. 
While fibromyalgia is always a struggle and mine isn’t controlled, I’ve made it this far. Sometimes, we just have to take it one day at a time.
5 Comments
As well as othersHow long did it take you to get a diagnosis? Do you have any other diagnoses that would explain some of your pain? I have much pain and some is explained by other diagnosed as such as rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis as well as others but some of this pain I feel is fibromyalgia
Hi Deb,
I do have scoliosis in my back and some potential injuries in my back from a car accident that never healed.
Hi Jenna, I was wondering if you’ve tried float therapy for some relief to your chronic pain, scoliosis, fibro etc? A lot of people have not heard of it and I think it would help you and your followers a lot. It is a wonderful therapy that allows you to relax all of your senses, muscles, mind and everything else by taking away all distractions and just lettting your body float in about 10 inches of body temperature water with 1000lbs of epsom salts dissolved in it. You float on the surface of the water and after awhile your body cannot distinguish the difference between the water and the air. It helps to decompress your mind and body and after you are finished you feel completely relaxed and recharged. I’m sure you know of the benefits of epsom salts(magnesium sulfate) and the effects it has on the body. Do a search for one in your area and try it out. I think there is also a study going on for float therapy and fibromyalgia: http://fibromyalgiaflotationproject.com/
I’ve heard of it but there’s nothing in Iowa.
I cannot imagine living with this. My close friend has this and it’s so tough for her. so glad she finally has a diagnosis for it