Dealing with Multiple Health Issues After Breast Cancer

Hello ladies. I had arthritis (severe back pain) and fibromyalgia, which I ignored till COVID in March ‘20 blew it up: very common. Now I have over 50 symptoms, bad cognitive issues (can’t drive or work), just a shell of who I was. Note to CalGal: get an antibodies test asap. Just last week the Federal govt is taking long haul seriously, so you want to have some proof if/when relief kicks in.

There are some amazingly strong individuals in this group. The ability to keep going with odds stacked against them. So commendable. It makes me realize I can keep going and do my best too. I’m grateful for all your stories.

I have fibro, RA, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Sjogren's, of course HBP, and I'm 72. Will be 73 in May. I've been sick for 30 years. I understand all of you. What I do is keep busy without killing myself. I make wire sculpture and jewelry. I also paint. Many of my friends don't understand but I had 2 who did and stood by me no matter what. Unfortunately the youngest, 13 years younger than me, died a year ago from repeated seizures. It was hard to get through. But I still have my other friend and my husband and they are my wonderful support team. I make sure I rest enough every day. No matter what you are doing, you have to stop and rest. If anyone wants to talk I'm here. Love to all.💕

Hello to everyone. I am 60. I have MS and fibromyalgia. The MS gave me optic neuritis which means I’m legally blind and cannot see well. I no longer drive. Haven’t since 2014. My fibromyalgia symptoms showed up in 2018 while I was in school to get my masters and be a mental health counselor. It just killed my energy and hurt all the time. The pain I experience from fibromyalgia is burning heat all over my body and joint pain. For all of my life, I was a go go go personality. When I lost vision I slowed down but through vision rehabilitation I learned how to manage and kept going. Now fibromyalgia has kicked my butt. I really feel useless many days.

After listening to a lot people on here I feel like I’m not that bad off. I really should just get it together before my health gets any worse. Do what I can now.

Hi everyone! Yes. Giving up on my old life has been the hardest. I trained competition obedience dogs and police dogs for years. Eventually I learned to train dogs to help those with disabilities. I also owned, rode and trained Arabians. I can’t even imagine riding a horse now. I’ve tried everything for my back pain. Cortisone shots (10down the spine), nerve burning, pain pills, lidocaine patches and pain cream. Nothing seems to work. I was born with spondylolisthes that never got help until 1995. My body is so used to use muscles to keep my spine from slipping more those lower back muscles are had as a rock. At least from a wheelchair I can choose when to exercise or not. Walking and standing are extremely painful.

I have had Fibromyalgia since I was 23. For quite a while I had been able to continue going. They used to say I am a Type A personality, to me it seems like ADD. Before I was diagnosed I played softball competitivly, I worked 2-3 jobs. I had to go out on disability. My doctor wanted me to go out on disability. It was something I didn't want to do. When I hurt I would try walking around. I can't stay in bed too long my back will hurt tremendously. I am 57 and my mind hasn't seemed to be 57. I really think that me having ADD, I haven't been diagnosed yet, has helped me stay busy and mobile. What I learned that instead of trying to do what I used to, instead what I learned is...you have to morn your old life remember you lost your health, and old life. Then what I did was change, if I wanted to go biking, I go for a drive. It took 5 yrs before I accepted I can't ride my bike anymore. Modifying your new life. I also learned that I needed to get up and move. You don't have to go for a walk or exercise. Just get up and move. It's been tricky but you have to find you limit, go slow and every day get up. If you need to take your pain medication so you can. If anyone wants to talk please do.

I’m 25 lol but I have fibromyalgia too, sometimes I put creams on it and it helps a little bit. Maybe a chiropractor would help, sometimes I’m sad too but I keep my friends and my boyfriend close, they help me get through it , maybe talk to you friends about what you’re going through.

I feel like I’m in the the same boat with the both of you. I’ve been sick since Jan 12th. I’ll be 65 in April. All of a sudden I have really high blood pressure. I went to the hospital hoping I’m not having a heart attack or stroke. I was so dizzy and lightheaded out of nowhere. They give me a Covid test. I comes out negative a few day later. But now I’m sick as a dog with body aches, coughing and soooo tired. I just slept for days. So I f/u with my doctor she believes I have Covid and tested too early. She put me on blood pressure meds and gives me an antibiotic and an inhaler. 2 1/2 weeks I’m sick in bed. Everyone acts like I’m faking it at this point. I have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and still can’t shake the weakness and body aches. 6 weeks now. Had to quit my part time job. Which really makes me sad, mad and very discouraged. (Depressed) Everyone in my house just doesn’t care to hear it. I should be well by now. What do I do?

Hi Debbie! I also have Fibro and joint pain as well as a fused back. I’m 58 and I think I just really wore my body out in my younger years. Depression is hard especially when the fibromyalgia flares up. I try hard to do a craft or something and be around family or friends instead of staying in bed. Sometimes tho the pain is just to bad so I use my heating pad, weighted blanket and curl up and watch Netflix. If you’d like to chat. I’m here.