About Me

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago. I also suffer from sciatica and now diabetes. My hands and feet swell severely when I am in a flare. I experience pretty constant pain in my hands and feet. It has taken a really long time to get where I am now. I used to teach severely handicapped children. I began having pain in my hand and all of my joints. I maxed out on aspirin. Finally, I went to see the Dr. and requested an RA test. My mom and grandmother both had RA. I fully expected to hear that it was my turn. I didn't. My brother was diagnosed with MS. So my rheumatologist says that "you have all the genetic markers". MRI of my brain came back normal, however, the neurologist cautioned that it can take up to 3 for it to show itself. In the meantime, I have been "experimented" on. My primary thought I had Lupus, so sent me to a rheumatologist who put me on Plaquinil. I had an allergic reaction to it. Next, a round of oral predenezone, and it was the least pain I had felt in 5 years! I took Cymbalta for 2 years. It helped some, but gradually quit working. I actually felt better off and lost a couple of pounds. I have been taking Lyrica for 2 months. So far so good. It takes the edge off. I am definitely walking better and feel it has been a godsend for me. I've had my dose upped from the starter dose. Now I have been diagnosed with diabetes. I'm using Byetta and it is doing a good job of controlling my blood sugar. I am also have hypothyroidism. I have been to doctor after doctor and am tired of getting my hopes up that everything will go back to "normal". It has been a long road just to get a diagnosis. I miss my life. I really don't remember what it feels like to feel good. I don't visually look disabled, so, the vibe I get, even from those who are typically sympathetic is not so good. I really miss my life.