Young fibro sufferer

[ajawit]

Is anyone out there dealing with Fibro at a young age? I'm 23 and have been dealing with it for at least eight years. I find it especially difficult being so young and "healthy looking" because most people think I'm making it up or exaggerating. The other hard part is dealing with being this age and HAVING to work full-time and being a full-time student. I can't just go to the doctor whenever I want or pay for a gym membership or chiropractor, and I can't just eliminate the stress and physical stresses in my life. (Not that everyone older than me can, It's just frustrating being so out of control of my life and hearing everyone say "cut out the stress!")
Anyone else out there to talk to?

[jerriek]

Hi. I'm 22 and I just got diagnosed with Fibro. I'm a graduate student and i was also working and i've had to quit my job and take a little break from school because of all the pain. Its been pretty tough but i'm trying to be very positive about all this and its great to come to this website and understand more about how to cope with it.
I'm lucky to have very supportive people me but there are days when its very frustrating because no one seems to understand you.
I wish you the best and keep your spirits up

[ajawit]

Thank you all so much....you have no idea how much it helps to know that even just one other person out there understands. Especially the feeling of being punished - it's hard not to feel that way. It's also hard not to think that you're doing something wrong or at least not doing anything right. You're not taking care of yourself...etc...etc...everyone likes to tell me if I ate right and exercised more that I'd feel better. Easy for them to say. Even getting out of bed some days is more exercise than I can handle.

Thanks again, everyone. I'm sending out best wishes to all of you.

[blahblahbabe22]

Hi,
I've had Fibromyalgia when I was 22, about 9 years ago...I've gone through the whole deals both physically & emotionally, in face I am still going through it everyday. Because it is an invisible illness, I felt like I was being punished for some reason. Noone around me understand me and I've lost my jobs, my boyfriend of 7 years and a big chunk of my life. It's a real struggle and I do look fine on the outside. Inside, I feel hollow. I don't know what I can do to help you but I'd like to be able to talk to someone too. Spiritually, this helps me. I just want you to know that we share same experiences and that I truly understand you. If you just want to talk, please write me anytime. If you don't mind, may I add you as a friend? Hope you keep your spirit up.

All the Best!

[Lowen]

Hi!

I'm a 23 yr old girl and I couldn't agree with you Lola_mama more. (and thanks Lola_mama) for your input on missing puzzle piece!

But yes, I am young and have been feeling chronically fatigued since I was around 12. I have a wide variety of symptoms, and there is a possibility that I have MS or an autoimmune problem.

But I am a healthy looking too. I am a healthy weight and generally appear healthy--as much as I love my family and friends, I really don't think they take me seriously. It's frustrating to say the least. I am at the point where I don't really bring it up anymore either--I just keep my feelings to myself which has also been kind of frustrating.

Also, like you, I can't afford a chiropractor or massage or a gym membership or anything of the like. I'm currently saving up money, so I can join this overpriced yoga place near my house because I'm getting desperate and yoga is supposed to be EXTREMELY beneficial for people with all kinds of diff. problems. I'm still struggling to finish school at a snail's pace and I walk dogs for a living now, primarily because I can't keep a regular job because I have too many days where I feel like I can't make it 8 hours without rest at some point. On the up side, doing something like dogwalking is good because I am able to attain a decent level of exercise and I love animals.

But then I found this site and there are so many people here going through the same thing or at least something similar. It's great because we all know what it's like! I hope it helps to hear that you are not alone.

[Pengipen]

Hi there. Im 23 and have had FM for 2 years

[Lola_mama]

I am 24.  I was diagnosed 3 years ago.  I feel like all I do is get worse and worse and there are no answers.  I have 3 kids (I know I'm young to have 3 kids LOL) and I can't keep up with them.  I feel so bad because I'm in constant pain and even though my husband says he believes me, I feel like he just doesn't understand and he does get irritated by my constant problems.  I'm not making this up or imagining it.  I try not to even bring anything up unless it's really bad anymore.  But even though I don't vocalize half of my pain, I'm still complaining daily.  I am at such a dead end.  I totally understand where you are coming from!  WE NEED TO CHAT!!