Posted by Kevin on November 13, 2003 at 12:54:29:
Hi all,
I was diagnosed with FM way back when I was 11 and am now 21. All my life I have fought against doctors that don't believe in FM, People who don't understand, not just the kids at school, teachers are just as bad if not worse. All that time I had immense support from my parents who fought so hard for me they nearly had nervous breakdowns. I am now in university studying Biology/Ecology which is where I always wanted to be and I expected to be happy but if anything, apart from the friends I’ve made its one of the worst experiences of my life.
I was practically never in school until I was 15 when I was finally moved to a disability friendly school. I took my GCSE's at higher level in one year and passed with flying colours. I then went on to A levels and, taking only 2 I passed those too. All that time I had a goal, I wanted to go to university. Now I'm here it's REALLY difficult. The pain and fatigue I just cope with and on days I can't cope, I stay in my room which is a regular occurrence. It takes almost super-human effort to cope and my motivation to work is severely lacking for two reasons:
1. I am trying my hardest; I’m in my third year and have only passed half of my modules. After achieving such high grades in all other studies, getting F after F is painful and demoralizing.
2. Once I have my degree what can I do? I have no aim other than to get a qualification and maybe hope treatment improves so I can get a job and get off benefits!
One of the big problems is the attitude to FM in the UK. It may be better now but being sent to cognitive pain therapy, psychiatrists etc. and not really having any doctor actually HELP has made me dubious to ask for more treatment. I am currently prescribed 8/500mg co-codamol for pain and the anti-depressant dothiopine hydrochloride for sleep. I also take a number of supplements including ginkgo biloba, Co-Q 10, evening primrose oil, Siberian Ginseng but I can’t afford them really and as far as I know I can’t get them on prescription. This message is not asking for specific help it would just be nice to hear from other people with FM, maybe find out if work is a valid aim and if anyone could help with the pain/fatigue that are a daily axe to grind.
Regards
Kevin.