Thinking back to my worst days with Fibro it was often a toss up as to whether the pain was worse or the brain fog. At the time I would have probably said it was the pain, and that I’d rather have the all-encompassing brain fog because at least then I was so out of it I didn’t notice the pain as much. These days the pain is light enough that I can ignore what is there. Unless my shoulder is acting up (usually because I did too much of something – writing, exercising – or because I tried to wear a bra) I can ignore the pain that is there. Every once in a while the general pain will flare up for a few hours or a day for no reason.
The brain fog still shows up occasionally as well. It and sleep are my two big issues now and really neither of them are anything compared to what they used to be. The all-encompassing energy suck is by far my biggest nemesis these days when it comes to Fibro. When it hits I just can’t do anything. My brain still works and sometimes I can still manage to get some work done because my brain is still firing. But, occasionally, the energy suck hits with brain fog attached and then I can’t do anything but watch “reality” TV (cooking shows, dating shows, etc).
What I experience is in line with about 19% of Fibromyalgia patients who report that lack of energy is their primary symptom.
Of course, we are not the majority. After all, the hallmark of Fibromyalgia is chronic pain. So, it makes sense that 45% of Fibro patients report that pain is their worst symptom. While this survey is old (published back around the time I was diagnosed). I doubt seriously that the numbers have changed much.
I realize that not all of my readers have Fibromyalgia. You may have another chronic illness that causes you pain, brain fog, or steals your energy. But, I’m still curious to know. What is your worst symptom?
ITALIAN CLICKER says
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH FIBRO IN 1991 AFTER I FELL DOWN A FLIGHT OF (14 STAIRS).
I HAVE PAIN SOMEWHERE/EVERYWHERE EVERY DAY. I AM NOT THE PERSON I WAS,
BUT I TRY TO DO THE BEST I CAN. I DO KNOW THAT I WON’T OVERDO ANYTHING. EVEN IF I FEEL OK I STILL PROCEED WITH CAUTION. ONE WRONG STEP FORWARD WILL PUT BE BACK 10.
I GO TO MY D.O. EVERY TWO WEEKS FOR OMT MANIPULATION. AND THAT’S A BIG HELP. I ALSO, ON A REGULAR BASIS, GO FOR MASSAGES FROM MY NAPRAPATH WHICH IS THE BEST. SHE KNOW HOW TO GIVE ME RELIEF FROM MY TRIGGER POINTS.
I’M NO GOOD WITH MEDS—VERY, VERY SENSITIVE ( I CAN ONLY TAKE CHILDREN’S IBUPROFEN) SO I TRY ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT IS NATURAL.
I DO HEAT, ICE, TENS UNIT, MAGNESIUM OIL.
I DON’T PUSH MYSELF—I JUST DO WHAT I CAN AND THAT’S IT. I DON’T FEEL GUILTY ANYMORE EITHER ABOUT SAYING NO. I’M SORRY, BUT I CAN’T, MAYBE ANOTHER DAY! I KNOW MY BODY AND I HAVE TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR ME!
FIBROMYALGIA IS ONE BIG PAIN, BUT YOU HAVE TO KNOW YOUR BODY AND REACTIONS.
EVEN THE CHANGE OF THE BAROMETRIC PRESSURE BOTHERS ME.
ALONG WITH JUST FIBROMYALGIA, I HAVE VERY BAD SEASONAL ALLERGIES. SO IT’S ALWAYS
ONE OR THE OTHER/OR BOTH FOR ME! I JUST TRY TO KEEP TELLING MYSELF IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE.
SORRY TO GO ON, BUT SOMETIMES IT HELPS TO VENT TOO!!! 🙂
maureen says
I will say that after 25 years of having been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I would have to say that pain is tops and then lack of energy and sleeping issues after that.
The pain affects every other part of life and for some reason this year it has been a doosy.
Because it is hard for my body to read where the pain is because of the nerve issues I am sometimes at a loss as to where the pain really is. From TMJ to knee pain to back and foot pain it seems to be a daily thing that can and does cause issues.