Fibromyalgia: “You are not to blame for what is happening to you.”

Hello Fanny, thank you for agreeing to share your story with Carenity.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your diagnosis?

Hello, my name is Fanny. I’m 50 years old, and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2017, after about a year and a half of going from doctor to doctor without answers.

What were your initial symptoms, and what was your journey like before receiving the diagnosis?

My first symptoms were excruciating pain in my right elbow, as if it were broken, particularly in the mornings when I woke up. Since I’m left-handed, I had no reason to feel pain on my right side. The initial diagnosis was tendonitis. The next time I experienced such severe pain, it was in my left hip, and I was completely immobilized. Once again, the diagnosis was tendonitis.

After these incidents, I pushed for further testing and was referred to a rheumatologist, who ultimately confirmed the fibromyalgia diagnosis.

How have your symptoms evolved since your diagnosis, and how do you manage them today?

The years following my diagnosis were filled with ups and downs. I was able to manage my condition reasonably well while working part-time. However, in the past two years, my condition has worsened. I now experience daily migraines and persistent fatigue that never goes away.

What treatments are you currently using to relieve your pain and other symptoms?

I manage my body pain with a medication called duloxetine, which I take at 120 mg daily. For my migraines, I use amitriptyline, at 25 mg per day. When my pain becomes unmanageable, I take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or codeine, but I try to limit their use as much as possible.

How has fibromyalgia impacted your family life?

Fibromyalgia has had a huge impact on my family life. My husband has found it difficult to adjust to my condition and the fact that we can no longer do many of the activities we used to enjoy together. It’s not easy for either of us. My children, on the other hand, have been very understanding. Since they’ve moved out of the house, they’re not directly affected by my condition as much.

Have you tried alternative treatments or therapies? What were the results?

I’ve tried nearly everything available to relieve fibromyalgia. Some of the things I’ve tried include weekly physiotherapy, mesotherapy (a treatment that involves injecting medication under the skin), thermal spa treatments, and even a five-day ketamine infusion during a hospital stay.

I’ve also tried micro-physiotherapy (a type of functional rehabilitation), shiatsu, energy healing, and acupuncture.

Nothing has been truly effective, though I like to think that without these efforts, my suffering might be worse today.

How do you view the future with fibromyalgia? What are your hopes and goals for your health and quality of life?

Recently, I received official recognition as a person with a disability, which has helped me access more support. Although I haven’t been able to work for the past two years and was recently let go due to medical incapacity, this recognition provides some relief and understanding. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to work again, but if I can, I hope to retrain in a field that accommodates my physical limitations.

What advice would you give to other Carenity members with fibromyalgia to help them manage their daily lives?

For those with fibromyalgia, I would say that every case is unique, and you need to listen to your own body and feelings.

Take time for yourself, and don’t feel guilty. You are not to blame for what is happening to you. It takes time to come to terms and learn how to live with fibromyalgia, a condition that’s so often misunderstood by others.

Do you have any final words you’d like to share?

Stay strong and don’t lose hope. You’ve got this!

A big thank you to Fanny for this interview!

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Take care of yourself!