Finally Fibromyalgia 

Written by katwilson04

Fibromyalgia.  Not a word I’d ever heard of till I became ill.  And now it’s a word that’s associated with my life because I’m Chronically ill. 

And just when I thought life was possibly settling down, I was getting in to some sort of routine with my body, I discover that it has a different idea. 

11th April 2017.  

The day I finally lost the plot, got angry and came away with the diagnosis I’ve been fighting so long for.  The day someone finally took me seriously.


Fibromyalgia.

Yup, muggins over here finally got the Fibromyalgia diagnosis to add to my never ending list of problems. 

I can’t say that I was pleased to finally have the diagnosis, why would I be pleased? But now finally, I have it in writing, oh and also I am now being believed by the medical world.  So pleased? Not so much.  Relieved, exhausted, pissed – most definitely.

After all the research I did, the people I spoke to, the 18 months of endless appointments and the 2 specialists I saw, my battle was over.  But the one thing that the specialist said to me “And what will having the diagnosis mean for you” – has stuck with me.  Of course, having this diagnosis means that I am infact not going insane.  My body is actually fighting something, and the symptoms now have a reason for being there.  


But I can’t help feeling he was right. What has it meant for me? Nothing. I left that consulting room deflated. I had fought for so bloody long, that when he finally agreed with me, that was it. Nothing. No more to be said.  No more to be done.  

I think knowing I’ve had Fibromyalgia for so long has tainted my feelings. I’ve subconsciously known for so long that the exhaustion, fatigue, itching, restless limbs, hot and cold sweats (etc etc) were “because of something” and probably most likely it was Fibromyalgia, I’ve carried on living my life the best way I can. I’ve adapted and learned from things.  So I guess 18 months of “coping” has hardened me to actually, finally hearing the words.  Hearing that I was right all along.


So what does it mean for me now? I haven’t a clue.  I’m still trying to process everything.  I’m still trying to gather my thoughts and work out where I go from here, and even what I do from here.  

But come time I hope to have a better outlook and a way forward.  If life would stop beating me down, maybe I’ll get there. 

18 thoughts on “Finally Fibromyalgia ”

  1. The last pic says it all, you must take care of yourself now. Having a diagnoses means you know and you also know your body by now. Don’t exert yourself because you know that you will end up paying for it and then you lose days, it’s counter productive. Manage your days with few tasks rather than long days pushing yourself when you know you’ll end up in pain. It isn’t what you want for yourself and it isn’t what you want to hear. At such a young age you should be able to do what you want when you want, but you know that’s now the way. So perhaps if you break down your weekly tasks into small chunks you can do one at a time throughout the week and not end up broken at the end of the day… The only thing that matters is your quality of life, and I’m sure by now you’ve worked out that you can’t win, there’s no real cure other than drugs to knock you out and it isn’t what you want. There will be days you can’t do as much and days you can, work around it and make a plan that suits you despite the illness. That’s only my opinion for what it’s worth and it is how I manage my pains. You get up, get dressed and you work, that’s more than a lot of people do. Stop beating yourself up and do what you can. Much love, always xxx

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  2. It’s good news that you’ve finally got a diagnosis Kat but fibro is a bitch! Please take a look at the Fibro Guy on FB https://www.facebook.com/thefibroguy/ he changed Lauren’s life – she’s had fibro for nearly 10 years but it took 5 years to diagnose by then she was in a wheelchair and the only thing the doctors and consultants did was prescribe more and more meds and take out a perfectly good appendix plus lots of stays in hospital on morphine. Adam has dvd’s that you can use at home. I’m not saying it’s a miraculous cure and it takes a lot of hard work but you’ve been doing that every day for years. Huge hugs xxx

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  3. Kat, lovely, just remember that you are Kat and not defined by your diagnosis. Yes! You will have bad days, but you will also have better days so focus on those. You are surrounded by people who care and will support you through highs and lows so remember you’re not alone and we love you for Kat and that includes everything about you, illness and all, nothing less. Mx

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  4. Perfect timing for me to read this as I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia last week after struggling for so long. I’ve got other issues too that I’m still trying to manage and accept, such as connective tissue disease and now a stoma, and it’s hard to get my head around fibro as well. It’s about managing with whatever resources you have, adapting your life, going easy on yourself but learning what you are and aren’t capable of. Just wanted to send you a hug and let you know you’re not alone ♥

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    1. Aww thank you, and I’m sorry to read you have just been diagnosed too! I’m slowly learning that it’s more common that I ever thought, more and more people are being diagnosed. And yes managing, adapting and going easy on yourself seems to be the best way of going forward. Sending hugs to you, and thank you for stopping by! Xx

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  5. Yet another very true statement. I’ve recently been diagnosed with fibromyalga. In my head I already new. But it is such a bitch. There are way to many parts of my body that hurt nowadays. I try not to let it beat me, this is my body it’s just an intruder that isn’t welcome. I just have to learn coping strategies.
    Debbs 😃

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  6. Hello Kat darling. You are now about to endure the myriad of ideas and advice given by others… the only ones you should take into account, are those who know your plight and actually have Fibromyalgia. I have had Fibro since I was a teenager… I’m 48yrs old now. I only received my diagnosis about 4 1/2 years ago. So believe me when I tell you, I understand the brief relief of the diagnosis, and then the disappointment of it all! I outline my journey with this illness in my 1st blog, and I also have a Facebook page/podcast/vlog all called ‘FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal’. You may find all of my outlets on our FB page:

    I read/share others journeys/blogs/poems and articles about Fibro. Our goal is to spread awareness, so those around us can better understand all we go through, as well as help my fellow warriors feel connected.
    I know it all must be very overwhelming for you right now, and I understand if you need more time to process, before reaching out or looking into outlets like ours. But I’m here if you need me. I’m a night owl, so my hours are unusual (for the US anyway, haha, I live in Southern California).
    Do not lose hope… you can find some normalcy within this illness, it just takes some time to acclimate. Also know that what works for one of us, may not work for others, so there will be a lot of trial and error, while figuring out what best helps/suits your needs. I use the least amount and lowest dose of meds I can possibly get by on. Opiates, etc., are things I avoid! They make me feel like a zombie, and I’m unable to stay focus. Fibro Fog is already an obstacle, so avoid things that will steal your ability to think clearly.
    I hope you’re having a decent day today. Sending my love and hugs.
    You are not alone! 💜💋 MJ

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    1. Thank you for such a lovely comment! Also thank you for taking the time to read my post too!

      Thank you so much for the link to your page, I will be checking this out for sure!

      I’m still very unsure as to what I do next, it seems I have fought for so long and then finally being told I was right all along, it’s confusing as to how I should feel now. I’ve carried on for so long just getting by that I think that seems to be my norm and the way I’m coping, but perhaps this isn’t the healthiest way to deal with it.

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      1. You will find your way sweetheart! And thank you for liking/following me and,My page. I hope that I may help you find some comfort and understanding, during this difficult adjustment, with the info I provide and share through my personal blogs and podcast. I am very real and open about everything! You’re going to go through something like the grieving process for a bit, that’s normal. Don’t be afraid to reach out, if you feel that you’re having difficulty processing this, and/or if you’re feeling a bit dark/depressed. I’ve dealt with this nearly my entire life! Most of all, please try not to isolate yourself as much as possible. That is our go to, but it’s not always healthy. Getting some sunshine is key, whether it’s going for a walk or simply just opening up your windows/curtains to let the sunshine in your home. It will help elevate your mood. Listening to uplifting/upbeat music, watching inspiring/funny movies, or reading a good/positive book, are also a great ways to get your mind off of negative things. Feel free to contact me anytime, and I will get back to you as soon as I am able. I promise. I liked reading your blog and felt an instant connection to how you are feeling. My first blog was actually my Facebook post, which recieved such positive feedback, that it inspired my FWmnn to come to fruition. Now I get to help others find their way through, on this stressful yet tremendous journey. You will discover just how strong you truly are my darling Kat! 💜💋MJ

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  7. I am sending you love and hugs because this is not an easy thing to live with, it is worse than the chemo and radiation I had for cancer because that is cured now, but this pain continues. Read all you can about FBM and rest whenever you can. I have had this hateful thing for 28 years now. It helped to have a great doctor who understood fibromyalgia. My doctor’s wife had it and I was lucky to have him. He went to lots of seminars in the 80’s and 90’s and even learned acupuncture. When I would have headaches for days he would do it to my face, neck, or where the pain was the worst. I am sorry to tell you that you will always have it. He tried many different meds over many years and we finally found a combination of anti-depressants, SSRI’s, antianxiety and even anticonvulsants that eventually worked for me. The only pain med I took and still do when the humidity is really high was and still is Tramadol, with or without the Arthritis str. Tylenol. When my doctor retired I was sad but I have a really great Rheumatologist that has continued my treatment, and when I have exacerbations he adjusts my meds and or increases the dosage of one or the others, then when it’s in remission so to speak I go back to the regular routine. I would be a basket case without Elavil for being sleep deprived worsens the condition. I still have a night now and then when my legs won’t stop jerking and I cry and walk around for hours until I can take another pill. Maybe you would like to keep a journal which would help you understand what you were doing that triggered a really bad day or week, I wish I would have done so. My mother was diagnosed 3 days after my DX. It runs in families. My grandmother also had it but back then they called rheumatism. I have sons who are all in their forties now and I keep praying that they don’t get it. Thanks for letting me share some of my story, I hope that it helps you in some way. Be good to yourself…and if others don’t understand your pain it’s because they have never felt the pain you have. I would rather give birth than have this. Be happy and take care, and change doctors if they have a problem giving you the meds you need to cope with FMS. Too many people are in pain because they have underinformed doctors.

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    1. Hi Sharon, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I had heard that in runs in families, and now you say that, both my grandparents on one side had rheumatology problems, so perhaps that’s where mine stems from?! I’m still very much trying to adapt and adjust, I don’t think I’ve properly let the diagnosis sink in, but I’m working on it, I think! Xxx

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  8. I am sorry that you are suffering from this. Giving birth or cutting off a finger is less painful because that pain goes aways, FMS does not. The barometric changes and humidity can exacerbate the pain. Everyone feels pain differently but no one knows how bad you hurt unless they have lived in your shoes. That includes doctors so don’t be afraid to change doctors if you’re not feeling any better. Read everything you can about FMS. Sometimes acupuncture can help. I have had this since 1981 and I had a great PCP at the time, his wife had it so he was up to date with it. We tried many different antidepressants, pain meds, and SSRI’s until we found the combinations that worked for me. Now there is Savella and it has let me stop a couple of other meds. My PCP retired but not before I found a rheumatologist to care for me too. He is really good at changing my meds when I have exacerbations and then we go back to my usual med schedule and doses. Try to rest as often as you can, I have night time spasms and going to sleep often is the worst time for me. Destress as much as you can as that also makes it worse. I hope you find peace. Oh, here is something my PCP told me way back then…orgasms increase your serotonin level which can help lessen some pain. 🙂

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  9. Hi Kat darling. I hope you’re having a decent day today. I’m sharing your blog on my ‘FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal’ podcast tonight, because I know your story will ring true with many others. I hope I do it/you justice. I’ll send you the link once it is up. SoundCloud/audio will be up tomorrow, and the YouTube/video will be up in a few weeks. I will also post the link to your blog, so people may find you, and reread it if they would like. Thank you for sharing your journey with Fibro. Sending my love and hugs 💜💋 MJ

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