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Why do I have severe cfs/m.e. - fibromyalgia- pots - mcs- emf and related syndromes ?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cortland, NY

Did I do something wrong . Did I work to hard in construction and weight lifting. Was it from toxic environments as I worked around a lot of old musty mildew dry wall . I just know I’m not well . It’s more than just pain . I get sore frustrated having to be in bed most of my time . I try to walk some just because I get sore from being in bed . I really wanted to continue to do things and go places , ugh working was my world . Though I can’t work or anything anymore I wish I was exleast healthy… read more

October 6
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A MyFibroTeam Member

I agree, your pain and suffering isn't your fault. I more than understand what you said because I get angry thinking back about making money and doing things but I feel completely useless now. It hurts horribly but one thing I've learned is everyone is different. Our genetics are different, lifestyles etc and also I had gone to a physical therapist and he told me the same thing as mentioned in the previous post. Short and slow movements or exercises are very good for the body. I personally have a lot of things going on like lumber radiculopathy and arthropathy, lumbar stenosis, cervical spinal stenosis, degenerative SI, facet arthropathy, fibromyalgia, polyarthritis, chronically elevated inflammatory markers, chronic migraines, chronic diverticulitis, chronic fatigue, spasmodic dysphonia and ankylosing spondylitis unspecified etc.... I get angry, depressed etc but I know there's nothing I can do, but I do try to do stretches and exercises without killing my spine lol. I can't do jumping jacks so I do legs lifts or whatever in the chair for example. Also there is medication that has helped me like pregabalin and methacarbamol. But try not to beat yourself up, it's not your fault and there will be a day where you might find out how to handle your pain and go back to doing what you loved! You never know! Take care and GD bless

October 6
MyFibroTeam

First and most importantly — you did nothing wrong. Please hold onto that. Fibromyalgia and its related conditions are not punishments, and they are not caused by working hard or living fully. You were out there building things and being strong. That's something to be proud of, not regret.

The honest truth is that Show Full Answer

First and most importantly — you did nothing wrong. Please hold onto that. Fibromyalgia and its related conditions are not punishments, and they are not caused by working hard or living fully. You were out there building things and being strong. That's something to be proud of, not regret.

The honest truth is that researchers still don't fully understand exactly why some people develop fibromyalgia. It's likely a combination of factors, which may include:

- Genetics and how your nervous system is wired
- Physical trauma or prolonged physical stress on the body
- Environmental exposures over time
- How your brain processes pain signals

Construction work is physically demanding, and exposure to certain environments may play a role for some people — but that still doesn't mean you caused this. Your body was doing its best. What you're describing — being mostly bedbound, frustrated, sore, and grieving the life you had — is something many MyFibroTeam members deeply understand. One MyFibroTeam member shared: *"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired... working was my world."* You are absolutely not alone in feeling this loss.

The grief of losing your ability to work and move freely is real and valid. Being stuck in bed while your mind still wants to go and do things is genuinely hard.

Gentle movement, like the short walks you're already doing, is actually one of the most recommended strategies for fibromyalgia. It helps with stiffness and soreness from being in bed, even when it feels like the last thing you want to do. You're already doing the right thing there — give yourself credit for that.

Talking to your doctor about a care plan that addresses both your physical symptoms and your emotional wellbeing is worth prioritizing. You deserve support on both fronts.

October 6

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