I’ve had fibro for 27 years annie and been able to work during much of that time although I had to make adjustments and learn to pace to do it. I was lucky, I had an adaptable profession.
One of the issues is it is a syndrome. No two people will have identical symptoms. Generalised pain and fatigue are common, the location and type of pain often varies. I found referral to an NHS pain management clinic really useful. Yes, medication was discussed as one option but there was access to psychological approaches (CBT primarily which also teaches pacing techniques), specialist physio and acupuncture. I was also very fortunate to get an NHS referral for homeopathy which has helped enormously, if for no other reason than my consultant treats me as a whole person. I also found a nutritionist who used applied kinesiology (I know, many say it’s rubbish but I suspended disbelief) very helpful, adjusting my diet helped and helps enormously. I’ve found yoga and Mindfulness useful. Can’t tolerate massage
Fibro usually interferes with sleep. We’ve often met on GN in the early hours. Lack of sleep really impedes pain management. It’s a difficult cycle, without sleep it’s hard to manage pain but the pain disturbs sleep. You don’t say how the diagnosis has come about. I hope via a rheumatologist or neurologist. If it’s GP diagnosis I would strongly recommend requesting a consultant referral for management advice. A consultant is often the gateway to a pain clinic.
For myself I use medication when I need to alongside other approaches. Physiologically I can’t tolerate any medication which is too strong. Other people can. We’re all different. Please PM me if it should seem useful. I’m more than happy to share experiences but do remember its an illness that can vary so much, it can flare and settle or stay at a constant level. It is a pain that’s for sure.
