Hello I'm Claire, ask me questions about living with chronic pain

Bubbles007

Barbiesnemesis said:

Hello @Claire, I too, like others here, have fibromyalgia and as Henry says it is a curse! There seems to be no real help out there except 'self management' and medications that have negative side effects and no positive benefits. Also I have severe depression and anxiety which means it is difficult, nigh on impossible, to motivate myself any more. I have fought against my depression for my entire life - I am now 54 years old. I lost my job, my friends, my financial security, and my 'raison d'etre. I can't see the point of me any more; I just exist with pain in my body and pain in my mind. 

Aw gosh I am sorry for your pain I hear you and send love and strength to you ❤️ 

gareth79

Hi Claire , 
I have joint hypermobility and fibromyalgia diagnosed 2 years ago, my mother also has fibromyalgia diagnosed over 20 years ago.......
I don't take anything for pain, arms, shoulders, wrists, ankles and legs all hurt, fatigue is so annoying....although still work 40 hours study 20 hours a week and get on the push bike when I can .......

Alex_Alumni

Hello and welcome @gareth79 thanks for sharing your experiences in this discussion, it sounds like you've got plenty on your plate!

Do you feel as though you would benefit from any additional support for managing your pain, or just generally managing things day to day? If you're interested, you can look into self-referring for a needs assessment. This can help with aids and adaptions you might need at home for example, to help lessen any high levels of fatigue.

What are you studying at the moment?  

durhamjaide2001

My questions to Claire are
How is it like parenting with chronic pain?
How do you cope with your pain? 

Is there anytime you aren't in pain? 

gareth79

Hi  Alex, thanks for the information, however I do manage to cope with everything from the pain to fatigue, it seems  many people with fibro struggle with anxiety and depression, I don't have that, I just accept it for what it is and keep going, I find when I stop doing things or give up on things it gets worse, so for instance I go out  cycling but I force myself to do it at times, and can't cover anywhere near the distances I used to, but still enjoy it.  As for the fatigue,  this time of year the fatigue is worse, but it's manageable just annoying. 
Studying, I am currently doing a psychology degree, this year I needed more points to progress to year 3 so I'm studying mental health and counselling at present. ( When I have the energy to concentrate ☺️)

Alex_Alumni

That sounds brilliant @gareth79 I hope the rest of your studies go well

You're welcome to spend time looking around the forum if you'd like, we've even got a Six Nations Sweepstake running if rugby is something you enjoy. Here's a few of the best places to get started:

• Recent discussions is where you'll find all the latest conversations our members are having
• The categories page shows all the different topics for discussion
• The virtual coffee lounge is a place to chat, get to know other members, and play games too