Sam's Story
Shortly after I finished college I started developing pain which continued to get worse. I had always been an active runner and stopped running as much during college to focus on my studies. At first I thought maybe I was just getting out of shape but the pain kept getting worse and I started to get leg cramps. As a runner I had experienced cramps in my legs before but never like this. I thought maybe I should start running again to see if the pain goes away. This only made it worse and after I would run for just 5 minutes I would have horrible pain in my back that would last for what seemed like an eternity.
After about 3 months of these pains and cramps I went to see my doctor just to make sure there was nothing seriously wrong with me. He ordered some blood tests which all came back fine and told me to take some multivitamins and ensure I was eating healthy.
Well I followed his advice and after about 2 months the pain did not get any better and I was starting to now feel sick to my stomach quite often. I knew something was not right at this point. I had been eating healthy and taking vitamins daily and should not be feeling so much pain and sickness. I went back to my doctor and he ordered more tests but they all came back fine.
At this point my life was getting pretty hectic with a young daughter and my husband was working out of town so I just tried to deal with the symptoms and move on. A year or two passed and my daughter started school and I was still feeling the pains and stomach issues and headaches so I decided to call my doctor and resume trying to figure this all out.
To make a long story short I was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after probably about 8 months of tests and working with my doctor. I really wanted to try to power through the pain by getting back to an active lifestyle as I was convinced this would make me feel better. I realized quickly that this would be something I would have to build up to as I found I was in a lot of pain if I over did it even by a bit.
I started taking small walks regularly and worked my way up to longer walks. I also started swimming lightly and of course sitting in the hot tub at the pool really makes my muscles feel good. Over time I have learned what makes me feel better and worse and it really is just trial and error. I have been living with Fibro for approximately 4 years now and it does seem to get easier with time.
Good luck to everyone out there and remember to stay strong, stay positive and remember, it will get easier.
Sam - Seattle, WA
Share your experience with us. Send us an email at this address. You do not need to include your name if you do not want to but please include your location.
Your submission will be checked for spelling and grammar and posted on the site for others to benefit from.
