Hello everyone

General
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Hello, my name is Susy and I just joined this site last night. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has commented on my page and made me feel welcome already. I suppose I just want to tell people about my history and possibly hear some stories from other people too.

For the past year I have been facing a downward spiral of my health. I used to be a vivacious, happy go lucky, never worried, always willing to lend a hand, and healthy individual. My memory was superb as was my creative streak (the reason I went into Graphic Design at the university). Unfortunately, since then, my memory is gone, all I have left is a fog of forgetfulness and anxiety. I was diagnosed with panic attakcs/anxiety disorder about 5 months ago, something I had never worried about in the past... and these attacks were bad. I did have panic attacks when I started my new job, but that was just because of the pure stress and anxiety that place could bring... Previous to that about 5 months prior actually, I was sick, all the time. Anything from upper respiratory infections, tonsilitis, strep, and the flu to urinary tracy infections, yeast infections, stomach problems... they always had me down. I had went to my doctor countless times trying to figure out why I was sick. Of course, he did nothing but pump me full of antibiotics and send me on my way.

So now here I sit with an answer... a week ago I had ran to the convenient care clinic here in town because a stray cat bit me and I wanted to get checked out... he looked it over, told me I was fine except for a severe sinus infection. So, it was back on the meds.. I hadn't felt better by the end of the meds so I went to my regular doctor to get checked out and have him check out the cat bite again because it looked infected.. He took some blood work and then it all began. I was sent to a rheumatologist who told me I was suffering from virus induced Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome... Really?? That sounds just wonderful... well what caused it? How did I get it?

I had Mono and had never been diagnosed with it, even though I went to the doctor so many times trying to find answers to my pain and sickness... I had been around people, hugged people, kissed people, shared drinks and smokes with people and you are going to tell me now, 5 months later, that I had Mono that whole time and I still have it?? Oh no... how many people have I gotten sick... how could my doctors not have tested me for that...

So that's my story... I am still trying to research and understand my sickness... trying to get a grasp on what this will entail in the future, if my pain is going to get worse or if it will stay like this... there is no telling. I do know one thing though, I miss the old me... it makes me sad to think I will never get that back.. I will never be who I used to be...

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Angelonearth,

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It makes me feel better in a way that there are other who understand what I am going through and what I am feeling. How long has it been since you were diagnosed? What kind of meds are you on? My doctor hasn't prescribed me anything but muscle relaxers. I have been on anti-depression meds for around 5 months now, but my rhuematologist told me to go back to my regular doctor and get switched to pills that help both the anxiety and the fibro. I am hoping to get something for the pain and something that helps me sleep... I can handle pain but it's the lack of deep sleep that I can't handle anymore...

I hope your day is well and you are having a good day :) I have been sick all night myself, with little sleep and pain in my back, shoulder blades, wrists, and fingers at times... at least tomorrow is turkey day :)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving :)
Susy

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Susy, I don’t have any answers for you except that time tends to help make me more accepting of this and I am able to adapt better. As far as the mono is concerned, something like 90% of the people over the age of 30 have the virus in their system. It is very common and it is unknown why some people become symptomatic and some don’t. Maybe has to do with lifestyle, stress, sleep habits… who knows? You have bigger things on your plate right now to worry about. I hope that you get good treatment from your docs and can resume a somewhat “normal” life soon.

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Suzy

Welcome to this great group,you are in the right place,fellow sufferers. I guess the way to go is to search the web and take in as much as you can about this condition.

I am so sorry that you are having to cope with pain whilst trying to get on with life. I found that I had to leave work but I am much older than you,in fact just about every body in this group,but there are folk here who are managing their condition and still getting a life. So hand in there and get informed and stay strong. Take Care Barb.

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Hi Susy, WELCOME !!! We are so glad you have joined us, learning what fibro is & how to manage it… Is a process, and it takes time… The good news is everyone here understand & you are not alone. I can tell you acceptence is something we all struggle with, it’s hard because you just want the old you back, boy do I understand that ,
Be patient with your self, and take it slow…
Sounds like you have already been through so much…
Finding the right Dr. Is very important, and it sounds like you may have one,
introducing your self as you have is great !!!
You will find everyone is so supportive… & we really do understand

Hugs & blessings

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My heart goes out to you. Know that we are hear and your not alone with this fibro. SOFT HUGS

s l m

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Suzy,

Welcome...to the club that none of us want to belong to. :-) After reading your post, I can identify with many of your symptoms. For a couple of years my symptoms were getting worse and like you the relentlis brain fog, anxiety...the ease of which I caught viruses and bacteria. I have a friend who suggested I be tested for lyme diseaes and coinfections...thank God I did that. I was already dx with lupus and fibro...but this lyme doc discovered a host of other problems. Mycoplasma, anaplasma, yersinia, epstein barr virus, herpes 1 and 2 and a bad case of candida. Doctors cant know everything and they miss a lot of illnesses because they stick to their specialty and dont think outside the box.

Anyway fast forward....i have been on antifungals for a month and a half now...you cant believe the difference it made just addressing that...I didnt have a typical yeast infection to make me suspect candida....but you are a prime candidate for it because of being on antibiotics. Has your doc checked you for it? Also what got my attention with your post is that you were bitten by a cat...I am pretty sure that I was bitten by a flea or tick from the foster dogs that i used to take in and that's most likely how I contracted these bacterial infections. So you my dear should get tested for at the very least for Bartonella, it is a coinfection of lyme disease, aka cat scratch fever. If you can get yourself to a lyme literate doctor or a holistic doc, they will test you for things that a regular GP wont.

The fact that they diagnosed you with virus induced anything is a step in the right direction, however you can't stop there. you need to find out what virus you have and possibly a bacterial infection that would cause you to contract viruses. It's the typical, what came first, the chicken or the egg...bottom line is if you have bacteria, you need antibiotics for it. These conditions I have...I think are exhaserbated by the bacterial infections living in me. In a couple of weeks I start IV antibiotics.

Keep searching for answers Suzy!

Tracy :-)

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Hi Susy, like all the others I want to say I am sorry you have to be here. But I am so happy you found us. They have offered me support, but more than that they have given me a wealth of information to guide me through this(through different discussion links on here.

you will find, although different in many ways, our stories also now follow similar roads.

Welcome to the world of Fibro now to deal with it step by step.

Hugs

Terri

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Hi Suzy and welcome to our group!

I'm sorry about your diagnosis. It is hard to accept fibro at first, for all of the reasons you mention. But as MBP says, time does help us to adjust. That plus painkillers, lol.

And speaking of which, you do need a doctor who understands the need for good pain control. It's not fair to expect you to live without pain meds. Muscle relaxants aren't enough.

I think it's important to also join a group devoted to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as their issues can be different than ours at times. Some of us have both and can guide you but not all of us know about it.

I don't know how to advise you on your questions about sharing drinks and smokes with others in regards to the CFS. I think your doctor could answer these questions and help to set your mind at ease. As was mentioned elsewhere, 90 percent of people have had the virus that causes CFS, and we don't all end up with CFS so that's certainly hopeful.

You're doing the absolutely right thing by learning more about your illnesses. You'll learn a lot here and meet good and kind people who'll try to help you to the best of their ability. One thing I can assure you of in regards to your fibro, as long as you come here, you'll never be alone with it.

Again, welcome.

Hugs,

Petunia

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Yes, I will never be who I used to be, but I am who I am. Thanks for sharing your story Susy. I guess we all just make the best of what we have. You take care of yourself.

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Tricky, you said it so well!

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome

http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/fibromyalgia.asp

Dear Susy,

Your story sounds very much like many of ours. Here are a few articles that will explain much, and at the top of the page under groups, click that and you will find sub-groups dedicated to yeast overgrowth, CFS, and so many other problems that are found with Fibro.

You can also use the search engine at the top left and find all discussions on each and every thing. The very best thing you can do for yourself is to arm your self with all of the info and understanding possible.

At one time we were all dynamos, all go getters, but alas, we have been forever changed.

Welcome to the group, we are pleased to have you with us, and hope to help you form a better understanding of what you are up against!

Hugs,

SK

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Hi Susy, This is a lovely supporting group and you will get loads of help and support. Victoria xx

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Hi Suzy, I'm new to this site too. When my Fb got worse I went on the Dr Oz site, it really helped explain alot. There is a ton of info. Hope it helps. :)

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Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement :slight_smile: I can tell I am going to meet some great people on here. The articles have been most helpful and I am already realizing the highs and lows if this condition as you have told me. Today was a great day, little pain and energy until almost 1:00 pm… Then I started getting exhausted. But I will adjust I suppose :). Happy Thanksgiving to you all and I will talk again soon.

Hugs,
Susy

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Welcome! I just joined a couple of weeks ago, and have already learned so many things I had not been aware of before. I hope joining will be as helpful for you as it has been for me! It’s really nice to relate to others who have been through the same thing.
Take care,
Candi

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Hi soonersmile! Nice to see you on the boards! You offer some great support and info too! We love our nurses here, there are probably about a dozen that I know of!

How have you been? Anxious to hear from you, hope you are on the upswing!

Hugs,

SK

Hi Nana7, how about you, how are you, what's cookin'?

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Hi Flygirl,

I thought about you and Allergic the minute she mentioned yeast, and I know that you both can turn her on to great info about it!

Hope you are well,

SK

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Lisa, what a beautiful and heartfelt letter. Thank you. I have tears in my eyes. You're right, everything we had is gone in the blink of an eye and yet we are reborn, in a sense. I couldn't agree with you more. Now, when I look at an older person or someone frail, I take the time to try and figure out if they are well or not. And if not, can I help them out a bit? I dunno, it's a curse and it's a blessing, all in one, odd as that may seem.

You've only been on for a short time but you have a very powerful viewpoint. And I'm LOVIN it, girl!