New member Intro!

Hi everyone!

I'm very excited to have found you!!! I look forward to helping, supporting and getting help and support. I am 51. I have had both of my knees replaced, one at 42 and the other at 47. I have been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis, myofacial pain syndrome, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Since I was 20, I have been on a search to find out WHAT the heck is wrong with me. Every doctor/specialist I went to could find nothing wrong. I was in a serious car accident when I was 17 and I myself thought it had to be from that!!!

In 2005, a Rheumatoligis diagnosed me with Fibro. I didn't take it serious. Then finally in 2010, I finally gave into the fact that maybe this is what I have? I raised three kids from 18mo,3 and 6 on my own and didn't have time for this! Well low and behold it has now consumed my life. I feel as though I am not living, just existing, hence the name. I am a shell of what I use to be. I have to say I am lost for help, as I have seek out every avenue and have just give up. I sit at home, other than showing up to my part time job. I do not partake in any outside activities. I just NEVER feel like doing anything.

Maybe thru you, and this site, there can be hope. I have to say, I do still have hope.

Most meds I have tried have given me awful side effects. Any advice you have is more than welcome. Sorry for the long read.

Welcome! I look forward to getting to know you. I have found this place to be a great source of information and support. I am sorry you have had such a rough time. Hugs.

Has anyone had luck with herb/natural supplements. There are SO many out there suggested. I have tried several and have found them not to make a difference Plus, they are NOT regulated, so who knows what ur getting!

Thank you SO much! I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the Hug I needed it!

Hi Justexisting,

WOW! our medical ailments are almost Identical....I too have had both knees replaced...one a yr ago and the other 3 years ago....We are close in age as well....I just turned 50....I was diagnosed in 2003 and like you did not take it seriously....I had a bad fall in 1998 that crushed the Plateau of my Left Tibia and Fractured it down both sides....and through the subsequent yrs of dealing with the severe Osteo Degenerative arthritis and inevitable surgeries that have followed through the yrs my Fibro symptoms have increase 200%...

I had to Retire in 2009 and now live on SSI....but the only thing I can say to lift your spirits are don't give up....keep the positive thoughts going. You have these diseases but don't let it have you...

((((HUGS))))))

Tammy

I turned 51 June 21st~ Feel like 81! I live on SSDI and work part time also. Boy if I didn't I would never leave the house. I don't honestly know what is fibro and what is not?? I completely cleaned myself off all/any meds I was on. I am now starting Savella. Do you take any? What worked what didn't?

Hugs back at ya!