Hello fellow fibro warriors. I’ve been a member since 2014 and this is my introduction, finally. (I sincerely apologize in advance for the length - I’ve edited though)!
I’m in Canada and have had a formal diagnosis since 2010. Illness has totally consumed me, with no exaggeration. My medical condition is labeled as “complex” by the profession which translates to “difficult to effectively treat”. I have many interwoven symptoms/conditions of different and constantly emerging illnesses. The last two years have been the most difficult as I’ve struggled to cope with pain. In August, I began to receive weekly trigger point injections (lidocaine) at a pain clinic. They aren’t the most pleasant to endure, but they are effective. I have also been using medical (prescribed) cannabis oils for 3 years to treat mood and physical symptoms, with varying success. It works more effectively for me, in conjunction with the injections. When there is pain, nothing else matters. Prior use of some pharmaceutical pain relief meds have left a devastating trail of permanent damage. I don’t feel depressed about my condition but I do feel resigned. I’ve withdrawn socially and emotionally because it is easier in many aspects. Many people discount my illness/pain, or worse, make comparisons. I don’t have the energy or inclination to try being nice, patient, or empathetic with anyone anymore. My personality has morphed into someone that none of us knows - pain changes people. If you’ve read this far, thank you. There is some good news: my faith, gratitude, humbleness and compassion have remained intact.