This past week has been my worst yet. Some days I can barley even get out of bed and i live in a two story house and I dread and try to avoid those stairs as much as possible. I’m 19 and Iv had fibro since I was 12. I finally started seeing a new doctor and got some blood work done to see if I also have arthritis. It’s really hard being so young and not being able to do much like work or even keep the house clean, luckily my boyfriend is extreamly understanding and wants to help me in any ways he can which I am so greatful for. But the worst thought that crosses my mind is that every year it’s worse and worse…what I am going to do when I’m 28 and can’t even walk…this scares me…will I be able to have kids? Ugh I hate this and I just needed to vent. Thanks for listening lol
Hi Mikayla,
I was diagnosed in 2010 and I'm now 27 years old. I have some of the same questions that you do, will I be able to have kids and keep up with them? What if I can't walk in the future? I also have Arthritis. We have to take each day as it comes. Some days I can't get out of bed, but most days I make it to work and find a way to function. I'm glad you have a great support in your boyfriend, we need that support, especially from the people we love and cherish. My husband is also extremely supportive and I don't know what I would do without him in my life. Despite my obstacles, I say to myself, I am going to be able to have kids and I will continue to walk! That may not be true someday, but for right now it is. It is better to think you can than you can't. They are making wonderful advances in the medical field every day and who knows what they will come up with next month? next year? in 10 years? : )
Hugs,
Sara
Hi Mikayla and welcome to the group! I am glad you reached out for support. Some of the things I have done to help myself are reduce my stress, get enough sleep, and focus on the positive. I find when I focus on all the wonderful things I have going for me, I do so much better emotionally and am better able to handle the pain. When I focus on this that are wrong or might be wrong in the future, it doesn't help me. I have had Fibro for 16 years and I still work and have a wonderful 10 year old daughter. I have had challenges for sure along the way but I keep trying to think positively. There are a couple of groups on here you might be interested in. There is a young persons with Fibro group and also a mindfulness group, you can find these under the groups tab. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. Hugs!!
Hi Milayla,
I’m sorry you’re experiencing so much pain and heartache in your daily life. I just joined yesterday because I felt so alone. The good news is that you’re in the right place! I’m 35 and started having fibro symptoms that I know of about a year after having my son. I worry every day what’s going to happen to me when I get older. In fact, it depresses me to see people literally twice my age move quicker than I do. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through at that age because doctors won’t help me now because I’m so “young.” I hope you gave a good medical team because it’s essential through this journey.
The thing abput fibromyalgia I’ve noticed is that it’s different for everyone. Not all coping strategies will work but don’t give up, there are always alternatives. As for having children I can tell you that the combination of fibro and my mom passing has forced me to decide there is no way I could have another child. But please remember, if you find a man willing to be there for you and your child and/or a family member to help you out it will be a lot easier. Of course I say this based upon my own symptoms so its not definitive. You have a lot of support here. We will help in whatever way we can.
Hello Mikayla,
You have a lot on your plate for a person your age so I can really understand your fears and frustration. Here's the truth though: there is no playbook written about life with fibro. Everybody experiences it somewhat differently than the other people with it. Therefore, even if I were to lose my ability to walk, that doesn't mean that you will too. There is no way to know where our fibro will bring us. Read a few of our home pages and you'll see how everyone experiences it differently. Some people seem to have minor symptoms and continue to work. I don't think they are in the majority but they are out there. So please try not to stress yourself out over the "what ifs" that may never come to pass.
And if you do find yourself unable to walk, then you learn to adapt. I use a cane to keep upright and keep going. I pull myself up the flight of stairs to my house using my arms because my legs are unwilling to do the work some of the time. I have a walker and a wheelchair. I use those motorized scooters at local stores. I accept any means out there to maintain some independence. Doesn't mean I'm crazy about any of the above but these methods do work for me. I have even discussed the idea of tying a laundry hamper to a rope and pulley and dragging my groceries up the flight of stairs to my house. (I know someone who actually did this!)
Will you be able to have kids? Several members have done just that. I think there is even a subgroup devoted to parents with fibro. You might want to check into it. I think that you would have to discuss tapering off some meds with your doctor because a lot of our meds are dangerous to fetuses. So that's another consideration. It's not an impossibility. I know of at least one member who got off her meds and stayed off them for the duration of her pregnancy. It's important that you taper off the dangerous drugs before you try to conceive, since they can cause great harm if they are in your system once you conceive.
I'm sure that younger members can give you better info than I have. I just urge you to keep on keeping on, because things might be far less difficult than you envision them to be or better medicines - or even a cure - might be available in the near future.
Good luck!
Petunia
Hi there, BostonFibroMom,
Your comment about doctors not helping you now because you are too "young" really stuck in my craw. I don't see how your age precludes you from receiving help! At any rate, if you do live in the Boston area, I have a doctor in the North Shore area whom I love. She has helped me so much with my fibro! Her name is Vidya Raju and I go to her Saugus office. She is a doctor at North Shore Physicians Group. I don't think I'm allowed to include her phone number but if you are interested, just friend me and I'll email it to you.
BostonFibroMom said:
Hi Milayla,
I'm sorry you're experiencing so much pain and heartache in your daily life. I just joined yesterday because I felt so alone. The good news is that you're in the right place! I'm 35 and started having fibro symptoms that I know of about a year after having my son. I worry every day what's going to happen to me when I get older. In fact, it depresses me to see people literally twice my age move quicker than I do. I can't even imagine what you're going through at that age because doctors won't help me now because I'm so "young." I hope you gave a good medical team because it's essential through this journey.
The thing abput fibromyalgia I've noticed is that it's different for everyone. Not all coping strategies will work but don't give up, there are always alternatives. As for having children I can tell you that the combination of fibro and my mom passing has forced me to decide there is no way I could have another child. But please remember, if you find a man willing to be there for you and your child and/or a family member to help you out it will be a lot easier. Of course I say this based upon my own symptoms so its not definitive. You have a lot of support here. We will help in whatever way we can.