Hello everyone,
My name is Michelle and I am 29 years old and was diagnosed in 2010 with Fibromyalgia, hypertension, Hashimoto's Disease, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, RLS, have been told that in both my ankles I have developed large calcium deposits that have been formed due to my bones not properly connecting which has caused major foot pain (I was told it can only be corrected with a very invasive surgery that is also extremely painful and took take up to six months of recovery for each ankle if I have the procedure done) and have noticed symptoms of depression when I am in pain. Some of the diagnoses I am unsure about. Long story short though, I basically went from taking no medication to being on several since the pain triggered me going to see a rheumatologist and preventive medicine doctor. Lately, I have noticed chronic neck and shoulder pain along with finger and hand pain that I haven't consistently experienced until the last few months. I have made plans to see a specialist in December who has a FM clinic and is also a surgeon. He is also planning a research study with the hypothesis/belief that FM stems from the herpes virus and that FM symptoms can be improved by treating it like a virus. Once I get more information, I will be happy to share more about this study and things that have been suggested to me to help reduce the chronic pain.
In the mean time though, it has been difficult coping with all of the pain but I have found it very difficult to cope with the finger/hand pain while driving and typing at work. If anyone has any suggestions such as certain gloves that make it easier to type and or drive with less pain it would be appreciated. I have noticed that I grip the steering wheel tightly even when I try not to and I often experience much pain in the knuckles and finger tips whether I am typing or even just using my iphone. Any great websites too that cater to people with FM would also be greatly appreciated! I am very happy to have found a forum where I can talk to people who can relate to what I am going through. It is my goal to not give up on my career that I have spent years (and money) to obtain through undergrad and graduate school. Therefore, anything that can keep me comfortable and keep me pushing through is worth it to me to at least try!
Thanks,
Michelle