Shari's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

I'm so glad to have stumbled across this site. It feels good to know that somebody out there understands what I'm going through.

I just found out I have fibromyalgia a couple of months ago. Along with this diagnosis, and the numerous doctors and specialists it took to find out, I have been in a lot of pain for the past few years. Along with my fibromyalgia diagnosis, I also found out I have COPD and emphysema.

Once I finally knew the reasons for all this pain, especially the daily headaches and severe pain in my neck and shoulders, it was not only scary but a kind of relief.

While my doctor was still on the hunt for what was wrong with me, she sent me to the pain clinic, and they gave me four cortisone shots in the back of my head. I was miserable and depressed, but miraculously it took the headaches away immediately, and that was in May of this year.

The doctor told me I could come back and get shots in my neck however during an MRI they ordered they found nodules on my thyroid, so until I found out that diagnosis they didn't want to do that procedure yet.

I have one grown daughter, two grandchildren, a son-in-law, two sisters, four brothers, and my mom. But I am alone, or I should say I live alone.

After losing my job three years ago, I just haven't been the same. My finances are bad, the amount of money I pay for all the copays I have had since getting insurance through this new job are bad, and oh my goodness what they take out of my little paycheck every week to have this insurance is bad. I've been told to stop letting everything stress me out because that makes my pain worse.

Who has been there for you? How?

My co-workers make that, "Oh I'm so sorry face" and they hug me in sympathy (which hurts), but I appreciate the kindness.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

I am 53 years old and never expected to be going through this. I had a gastric bypass six years ago so that I could walk and stand without pain.

I have ruptured discs and arthritis in my back, but after losing 200 pounds, I don't have to ride around on a scooter anymore. So what's next? It was my diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

I just want to shut down, lay down and sleep all the time. I think I need some therapy, but until then I appreciate you all listening. I haven't been given proper medication. However, I'm still taking meds for pain and nerve damage and muscle relaxers.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I'm not proud of anything lately. I have no accomplishments to speak of unless getting out of bed and putting a smile on my face through the pain and dealing with passengers at the airport count?

What's your advice to someone else living with fibromyalgia?

My advice would be to stay on top of your doctors to make sure you have proper care and medications.