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Nicola Bal's avatar

Hi Vikky, fibromyalgia was also my first diagnosis too, in my early 40’s. I’m turning 49 this year and have ADHD and FND diagnoses added along as Iv gone through perimenopause.

At the moment, the brain fog is crippling! I have just recently been referred to occupational therapy and neuropsychology while also waiting for brain scanning.

Iv spent the past 8 years trying to understand why my body felt like it was failing me, alone, without medical support, and it’s been hellish.

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Vikky Leaney's avatar

Thank you for your comment. Have you considered HRT? I have found it helpful.

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Nicola Bal's avatar

Yes I do take hrt 🙏🏼 I found it particularly helped with the raging person who lived within, but less so with the executive dysfunction fog-frustration.

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Caitlin Oliver's avatar

Great article Vikky! I live with fibromyalgia as well, going on 8 years. I resonate a lot with what you wrote and your journey to get a diagnosis. The correlation between ADHD and fibromyalgia makes so much sense.

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Vikky Leaney's avatar

Thanks Caitlin. I am just writing up my PhD thesis that links chronic stress (high cortisol levels) in childhood, trying to 'fit in' as an undiagnosed ADHD-er and physical illness in adulthood.

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Jamie Mustard's avatar

Thank you for this article. I can relate to so much of this. It took 3 years to get the Fibromyalgia diagnosis for me. But that time I found that I also have Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos so I am getting attacked from all sides.

I am in a massive flare right now. So I have just been looking around on the internet for random things to read about flares. It's nice to know that I am not alone. I just keep learning everything I can about all 3 things that I have and I have been building my own knowledge that I pass on to my Dr every time I go in.

I just started an LDN about 4 weeks ago and I was doing good until last night. I am wondering if it the weather. Here in CO it can't make up its mind if it wants to be warm or cold.

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Vikky Leaney's avatar

Hi Jamie. Thanks for your comment. I have hashimotos too! Can I ask whether you are neurodivergent as my PhD has linked all of these things together in women?

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Jamie Mustard's avatar

Yes I am dyslexic, I see numbers in the air when I have to do math problems. I am also ODC when it comes to strange things. I have never thought of those being link. That’s interesting. I am going to have to look into that more.

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Kellie price's avatar

Wonderful article. Thank you. What was the diagnostic

process?

How did that test work?

I found for my Pain. I use castor oil topically and it is especially effective as an anti-inflammatory antimicrobial antibacterial are using conjunction with a hot pack just applying the oil area causing pain kindly Kellie.

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Vikky Leaney's avatar

Thanks Kellie. Unfortunately fibromyalgia is one of those conditions where you have to rule out everything else as there is no blood test etc. that can confirm diagnosis.

It took many years and finally I had to go private, fortunately my husband's work health insurance covered it..

One of the 'tests' used is the Widespread Pain Index ((WPI).

I have tried all sorts. But heat therapy is the one that provides the most relief.

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Barbara Frandsen's avatar

I am sad to read about your chronic pain. I, too, have pain, but not like yours. I hope you have good health insurance. In addition, I pray that a miracle cure will be found that will help you. I also pray for your 9-year-old child who must witness a suffering mother.

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Vikky Leaney's avatar

Thank you for your kind words.

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