I'm 21 with fibro and I can't imagine not being in agony every second of every day. Being pain free for even a second seems impossible.

I am 42 at the end of this year. I’ve had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for more than half my life. I want to encourage you younger people who are experiencing pain: you can live a fulfilling, joyful life in spite of, and because of, your pain. Your pain can have meaning. Pain control is essential; find a doctor who listens to you. There may not be a cure, but there is always hope for a beautiful life. ❤

I’m 17 with fibromyalgia and it took so long of doctors not believing me before I was diagnosed. It REALLY sucks. It really is the invisible illness. Trying to explain to people why I fall asleep all the time is frustrating and embarrassing. My heart goes out to anyone who may be dealing with the symptoms. It gets better when you find out what works for YOU.

You are sooo lucky that you are able to work still. Of everything that Fibromyalgia has taken away from my life, I have to say the going to work is the one that I miss the most. 😢 I get really annoyed when I hear people bitching about having to go to work. They have no idea how fortunate they are to still be able to work.

It was the 1 year anniversary of my fibro diagnosis last month. I was finally diagnosed at 21 after years of suffering from chronic pain and associated symptoms. I honestly cannot remember a conscious moment in my life that was completely pain-free. I think I became truly aware of my anxiety, depression and chronic pain at age 9, I have a specific memory of looking out a window and being hit with all of those realizations of how something was definitely wrong, I can still remember that memory pretty vividly. I'm seeing more and more young people suffering from chronic pain, getting diagnoses of fibromyalgia and its really concerning to see so many other young people suffering. It was such a relief to finally have my pain recognized and validated after a year of constant medical exams, x-rays, mris, blood tests. It just took one doctor to take my concerns seriously, look at all the tests I'd had done and consult my medical history to confirm my diagnosis. She also did the pressure point test but my diagnosis was pretty clear at that point already. It was really emotionally painful having gone undiagnosed, my pain dismissed since childhood and going through tons of doctors who didn't even suggest fibromyalgia. I had to do so much medical research by myself, advocate for myself when I was having the worst flare up I've ever experienced. I hope people in the process of getting diagnosed are able to go through it faster than I did and find pain management solutions that help them cope better ❤

I’m 20 and I am a man with fibromyalgia. Just want to say I know a lot of women get prescribe this illness or whatever you wanna call it diagnosed. But men also suffer and it’s very disheartening that I can’t find other men with the same issue. I hope everybody has a good night love everybody

My daughter was diagnosed 3 years ago and she 14 now ,I cried so much to the doctors to help her and they couldn't understand how someone so young was feeling like this she went through so much and she has learn to deal with ,yesterday I was diagnosed with fibromylagia and its been horrible ,I wish there was more awareness i had to see different doctors they didn't take me seriously, guys don't give up if one doctor won't listen go to the next I know its exhausting, God bless you all

I’m 24 and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 23. So glad that I’m not alone.

The nerve pain is the part of fibro that is so bad it can actually make me cry. That and the loneliness.

Fellow fibro warrior here!

I'm 43, have had the symptoms for 25 years but only got diagnosed at age 35. For years, doctors dismissed it as 'growing pains', 'female pains' (yes, you read that right!), 'its depression/anxiety/stress' ... was told to 'just relax', 'just go on holiday', 'just go to a spa'. There is nothing JUST in living with fibro; everything is an effort.

GIRL I'm also a 22 year old with fibromyalgia and i understand how frustrating and stressful it is that people think that just because we're young we can't have any illness STAY STRONG WE'LL GET TROUGH IT 💖💖💖

I'm 23 right now and was diagnosed at my 15th. They researched me for a hole year before diagnosing me with fibromyalgia. It is an enormous challenge to live a normal life with this. In my teenage years it was the darkest time of my life. Emotionally and fysically. My fibro triggers are: bad emotions, the weather and random. I had moments where I would cry and scream because of the pain during a thunderstorm. Right now Im doing better. My mental health is a lot better and I have a strong kind a healthy body. I noticed that when my body is strong that the fibro got less. So I have had a few good ish years, sadly right now my mental health is bringing me down. Mostly because of the stress of living an adult life. Money, jobs, housing, covid and all of those shizzels. I wish for all of you that your pain eases

I think I have fibromyalgia that is getting progressively worse. It started off as regular pain in my right leg and back but now I'm almost always in pain all over my body. Heck, sometimes my scalp hurts. On top of that, I have extreme fatigue to the point that I struggle to function, sensitivity to noise (too much or too loud is painful) and now allergens (I have chronic sinusitis because of this), and I've been diagnosed with depression for almost 10 years. I'm only 23 years old but I feel like a 60-year-old woman. I don't understand how I'm supposed to live an adult life and do adult things like this, considering that doctors do not take me seriously! I have an appointment in three hours for what seems like the hundredth time and I swear I'm going to put my foot down. I'm currently in my first year of a biomedical degree which has been challenging for reasons mentioned above, but if I manage to make it through I might dedicate my life to finding a cure for chronic conditions like this. It's no way to live.

i’m 24 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when i was 17. i haven’t been able to work or study. i’ve been struggling with anxiety too. i don’t have any close friends but my partner is very supportive. best of luck to you💕✨

I was diagnosed 3 years ago at 20 with Fibromyalgia. So far I've been managing with Celebrex (really strong advil). It's not just an ache, it's joint pains to the point I can hardly stand up or step up to a bus. I had chronic pain since age 8, but everyone thought it was growing pains. I'm glad to have a diagnosis, but there's not a lot of treatment options.

Im 43 years old started feeling the chronic pain at the age of 11 years old. Took over 20 years to get the right diagnosis. I thought had cancer my entire life crazy. I wake up each day of my life to help the VOICELESS and hungry it help me tremendously keeping myself busy not complaining while others are starving to death

My poor Daughter is only 15 and was just diagnosed after many years of pain! She was diagnosed with Amplified pain also knee issues. Please pray for her. 🙏

I finally got diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 39 and it has negatively impacted my life. However, I’m trying to stay positive and motivated to continue to enjoy life despite this terrible disease. I know it’s hard being in your 20’s with fibromyalgia, but stay strong and make sure you engage in self-care because it can enhance your psychological well being💕💕💕

I just diagnosed fibromyalgia. I'm 26 yrs age. Keep fighting and much love y'all

I’m 24 and just got diagnosed last June! I’ve evidently have had Fibromyalgia and possibly adhd since childhood. It’s so relieving to know I’m not making stuff up and that I’m not alone . . .

I had fibromyalgia all my life since I remember. It was "stress", "depression", even attention seeker at first. They' ve diagnosed me with fibro when it becames so bad that disabled me 9 years ago. So, in fact, they diagnose it at woman in middle age, but that doesn't means you are having this since you were a child. But a middle age woman has not the same energy as in her 20's, and she usually can't continue working or became disabled. Until then you do not get your diagnose. And as I have this since I can remember, I thought it was normal having pain all day. I thougth I was only more weak than others. Sorry my english, I am writing this in a flare.

Thank you for sharing...O really appreciate you getting the word out.

I am a person with about a dozen symptoms of fibro.. heavily suspecting that I have it after years of fighting with doctors for a rheumatologist or diagnosis. I see a lot of comments about distressed people who are young like me thinking that this will be a burden for the rest of their lives.. I just want to say that you are seen. I know how scary it seems, big lifestyle changes can be daunting, but you will grow and learn how to take care of yourself and cope with these ailments. It will be tough, but you still deserve to live a normal life in anyway that looks like for you. It will get better. Be kind and gentle with yourself and recognize your needs. It will be okay, trust me. We got this. ❤

Keep fighting girl! You’re doing great! This fellow Fibro warrior is cheering you on!! 💜

Another fibro warrior here! Thank you for this video and hope you're doing ok.❤

Good on you girl!!! Keep up the good work! 💪💪💪🧘‍♀️

Thank you for this info!

Thank you for sharing!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I hope you're doing well!

This video just helped me so much❤️❤️

It's really refreshing to read these comments and see that I am not alone. At age 18, I was diagnosed with Fibro. Amongst other disorders that come along with fibro. That was 21 yrs ago. I was told i may never walk or work again. No sports ever. And 0 quality of life... that being said.. I've been a chef my whole life, played sports, lived hard and played hard. I live every day, every minute in some kind of pain. Ppl do not understand why, because they can't see anything physically. That is the hard part of this condition along with the mental aspect of it all. I am an MMJ advocate and that has truly made my life bearable and functional. To anyone out there struggling, know you are not alone. Some days are better than others... but try and appreciate the little things. It goes a very long way. Love from this NY'r turned Texan

i have a very similar story. started experiencing the pain when i was just turning 16. i got diagnosed when i was 17 (after seeing tons of doctors and doing a million blood tests). im 23 now. i've learned a lot about my body and medicine and healing and whatnot. i still struggle with accepting my limitations though. people dont realize how much grieving one must do when theyre diagnosed with a chronic illness so young. shout out to everyone out there fighting their own invisible battle. i see you

I was diagnosed as a teen 10 years ago. I’m mid twenties too and it really has obliterated my life - I can’t be out of the house for more than a couple hours without more and more pain building up to unbearable levels. And afterwards I need two or three days in bed. Sleep is often unpleasant and I wake up from vivid nightmares each morning (caused by pain while subconscious) it almost seems like the pain is worse when unconscious, I read that it may be because immune function is more active when asleep and fibro (some say) is autoimmune. Most of my female family members developed fibro at puberty, and we think it has to do with estrogen because that hormone is linked to amplified pain. That said after a decade and an entire family with this diagnosis, I am not a single step closer to an answer or solid science on this diagnosis. It is a syndrome with many possible causes. I notice many young women are getting diagnosed like me and I wanted to say that you have legitimate medical issues, the fibromyalgia is not the correct answer. It is another illness or something that hasn’t been discovered yet. On one hand it helps to have a diagnosis but this one is the most useless. It gets zero recognized and there are barely any resources or studies being done for us. It feels like not one cares. I sometimes wish I had a worse illness so I could get seen and treated, have a chance at a cure. But I don’t. Simply put I feel like life is passing me by, and instead of a faster or more sure death from a terminal illness I am alive and will stay that way for a long time but it utter agony, and on top of that expected to live a normal life because I am young and don’t look normal. I know someone with MS and she is more functional right now than me… that’s how useless my body is. And not a single thing has changed since I was diagnosed 10 years ago. I can take painkillers, exercise, eat better - it helps but not for long, then I am back to a steady feeling of nothing changing and it just feels horrible.

Hi I’m 32 I have had pains in my body for 2 years, and I have finally been diagnosed with this. I have extremely bad lower back ache, it’s a killer the pain. I cry with pain, I can just about walk up the stairs then I have to crash out on my bed. It really does get me down. I also have two children so housework can be hard. All I want to do is sleep 💤 x

I am a Fibromyalgia warrior too.RELATABLE AF!!! sending a gentle hug ❤️❤️

Got diagnosed with fibromyalgia back in 2017. Diagnostic took like almost a year. And four years later I'm still struggling with pain lile the first day. But I managed to reduce my pain medication, which is great. Thank you for the vid.

After dealing with whole body aches that gradually got worst every day. I had to return back to nyc to be seen by parents’ physician. She worked efficiently with her staff in her clinic to check for any big disease and got me a neurologist walk-in that same day. I’ve been ignored and not taken seriously at all by UHS in Binghamton for 3 months. I finally caved and came back to the city. I’m so thankful that at least I have a trusted doctor who sees me as a person and not just business. Going outside and being active definitely helped with my symptoms during the day, but at night and when I’m lying down it’s the worst. The Loneliness and feeling of isolation from my friends and family was one of the hardest things. I try to remind myself that everyone is going through life and it’s tuff, but ultimately no one around me really understand the pain and that’s normal. To anyone who’s going through chronic pain, I have so much respect for ya’ll. It’s only been a couple months for me and it feel like a fight every single day. Thanks for reading and stay positive guys ❤️

Im 20 years old and i just got diagnosed TODAY ive been dealing with it for 3-4 years about i have chronic back pain and neck pain the most im constantly fatigued, anxious, depressed etc. i feel you and i really wish i can get my story out there ive had a very hard life and i just wanna share it!

thank you for creating this video and saying that loudly. I spent more than 7 yrs now since I was 21 or 20 yrs old if I remember that right. and Drs didn't understand what I am going through and all what they were saying that I am stressed because I am in Engineering college and it's hard study and faculty but I got difficulty nearly in everything. for every stage in my life I feel pain in different organ I always thought that I just have bad luck for feeling all this in my life although not all in my age feel the same. I recently I went to psychiatrist and he identifies it but just by experience without any test. so thank you for affirming that loud, I have all the symptoms you've mentioned since long. REALLY BIG THANK YOU!

I’m 24 right now but was diagnosed when I was 16 (have probably had it before then.) I remember being told because on my minor age they were going to call I t’ hyper pain syndrome’ and it was fibromyalgia in reality. I hate going to the doctors but I’m glad I went then and got the proof in that time because I need it as much as the world does sometimes. She is right because the condition is really just constantly managing it :”) good luck everyone fighting it day by day too ❤️

I have fibro since my 20 years, along with depression and anxiety. If anyone read this, don't give up. Gym and yoga actually makes the pain go away after some time and consistency, it is like magic. Also, therapy, doing things to relieve the pressur eon my mind, like walking and writing.

I’m 23 and I’m not sure what I’m dealing with but hearing this story gives me much needed hope to keep finding out what’s wrong, I’m not crazy, I’m not weak, I’m not making it up, I just have no idea what is going on lol but I know I’m not alone

I was diagnosed with CFS in 1989, but worked out it had started in 1970! Then in 1990, I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, which must have been there all along. In the 80’s, I was able to walk off my weight, and gained a small reduction in fatigue. In 1998, I walked off the weight again, but pain and fatigue always creep back. I am now 71, and the pain and fatigue has been unimaginative. Pain is my daily companion, and my mobility is highly compromised. I am on a whole swag of medications, just to keep me up and moving around. With pain, always.

FELLOW warrior #support. I have had symptoms since 15 but doctor said it was exam stress. Make sure you get more than one doctors opinion

Great video. You have good friends, it is important that they understand how fibromyalga has impact on your life. (i have been hurt many times by reactions of disbelieve of blamed of "you make this up, to avoid things"....really awfull). I am 54 years and have this condition for 34 years. Wish you the best!

i'm 42, was just diagnosed with this after having covid..... sadly i may have to quit my job that i love (cooking) because my legs have such pain at times they stop working and i almost fall or drop things.... thank you for sharing, nice to know we aren't crazy or alone

I'm 25, and was diagnosed with fibro in 2017 as well. Trying out a healthier lifestyle definitely has helped me out a lot.

This makes me feel strong knowing im not alone

My mother has just been diagnosed with this and now I can try and understand what she was and still is going through :)

I’ve had it since 24. I’m sorry you’re going thru this. 😌

i just got a prelim diagnosis of fibromyalgia and starting a new drug regime im so excited to see what helps

I've been I'll for 39 yrs started when I was only 20 yrs old. I feel your suffering it has taken my entire quality of life away.

I have had fibromyalgia since I was in 4th grade (which I had to repeat due to attendance) and I am almost 42 now. It gets lonely, depressing and almost impossible to have a life due to constant pains almost daily, anxiety and other crap that comes along with it. Anti-depressants don't work and now I have a medical marijuana card from my doctors (never smoked until now... not the best form of choice but, it helps a great deal when needed). hope you all can get through your symptoms the best way you can to get the relief you so deserve. God bless.

Watched this video a couple weeks ago and it resonated with my pain so much. Yesterday I was told I may have fibromyalgia, it all makes sense now. Tomorrow I get my results. We'll see!

Thank you for sharing your story! No one else I know has the random stabs of pain (like being stabbed with a needle repeatedly) so it's good to hear another fibro-folk understand it too.

i'm 23 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and cfs when i was 20. still after 3 years of having it people around me act like they dont believe me even when i'm crying from the pain just because i dont have an open wound or a broken leg. its isolating seeing so many people my age live their lives while im constantly stuck at home and in pain. the doctors do nothing at all to help

Im 52 with fibromyalgia and joint hypermobility. I relate to everything you are saying.

It does suck! 18+ years with it! Stay fit and mentally strong and keep your head up! 👍🏾

For me, the way that it feels is like if the feeling of anxiety became a physical pain you could feel radiating throughout your entire nervous system and sometimes it even clusters in very specific spots more than others. It becomes so overwhelming it almost feels like if someone wet a thick blanket of that feeling and threw it over your neck and told you to now go walk. It’s like all your body knew was trauma, stress, and pain to the point that it is now permanently scarred into your mind and you can’t get out of it. That’s why 5HTP I hear is good because it can improve serotonin function. You need to find ways to feel good so that you can rebrand your brain with better patterns of feeling. That is the only way I have been able to improve slightly. It’s hard to feel good. It’s hard to cure your depression. You need to not be in pain to get out and solve problems so it’s hard to make changes. But one step at a time I think there’s hope through diet and lifestyle changes.

My GP didn’t understand it & told me it was “growing pains” at 12 but it just progressed from there. I actually googled my symptoms after not getting answers for so long. At 27 I found the word for my condition & it was Fibromyalgia. So from there I went to a rheumatologist & he took down a medical history & tested my tender points. Prescribed me medications. It’s a lot of medication. Good luck to people who have this because it’s not really understood. I feel like either the medical community don’t really understand it or they are also participating in gaslighting these (majority) female patients about their condition. Cause I felt crazy. Until I got the diagnosis confirmed.

"Proof that I wasn't making all of it up" that was my stress and anxiety also adding to the pain before I got diagnosed

Seeing all these other young people with it makes me feel a little less doubtful. I'm 24 been suffering from it since I was 20 shortly after I got out of the military. I also told myself I was to young to be hurting like this and always tired and stiff but I'm learning it affects people of all ages now.

I am 20, and was only diagnosed a few years back, but I've been showing symptoms since I was a child. The running theory is that it was brought on by the extreme trauma I suffered in early childhood.

Fibro sucks, definitely messed up my KZfaq career because it was just too difficult to maintain with trying to meet the algorithm and daily uploads and stuff. Good luck for anyone who’s dealing with it x

I was diagnosed with fibro at 18. I take duloxetine and flunarizinum and 90% of the symptoms went away. Recommend this treatment.

Greetings to you dear young beautiful girl, i loved your voice and your smile. I'm 36 diagnosed with fibromylgia. I want you to know that someone feels you and prays for you to stay strong and stay stress-free and optimistic. Remember you are a fighter and you must be around people who cherish who you really are and believe in your strength and compassionate nature. Sending love to you and all my fellow fighters around the globe xoxo

I'm 17 I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia with fibromyalgia few months back. The symptoms started when I was 12.

Fibro Warrior here!!! Stay strong. I was also disfavor you young (23) and have been dealing with it for 21 years now. Find a partner who supports you and understands fibromyalgia. It is the best advice I can give 💜🙏

I'm 28 now, but I was officially diagnosed with fibro at 18. In retrospect, I'd been suffering from small symptoms here and there for my entire life- it just took stress to bring it out more and more. Every stressful event in my life was followed by more symptoms, and an increase in the severity of what I already had. Like so many other people diagnosed with fibro, I didn't know what "normal" was supposed to be, so I didn't realize how abnormal it was to experience as much pain as I did as a young person. I was always a bit rough and tumble as a kid. When I got hurt, I assessed how severe the wound was, got up, and walked it off. When I played baseball and softball growing up, I didn't know that my teammates weren't experiencing the same severity of muscle soreness that I was. As I got older, symptoms grew stronger. My pediatrician began to consider whether I might have an autoimmune disorder, but fibro was never considered because I was waaay out of the age range the medical establishment had dictated as the norm for fibro. I had walking pneumonia for most of 9th grade before we finally figured out what was going on with me. While the pneumonia itself wasn't directly connected to the fibro (as far as I'm aware), it was a physical stressor that caused a decline in my health generally. In 10th and 11th grade, I was severely bullied by an older kid in my band class. The kid had problems, and while I can understand why those issues lead him to act out, it still wasn't acceptable behavior. Sadly, the school administration felt too sorry for his situation to ever really discipline him. He bullied everyone he thought he could break. I had a position of leadership in the band- in 10th grade I was 1st chair clarinet so I felt responsible for my section, and in 11th grade I was a student conductor, responsible for *everyone* in the band. I've always been rather maternal. They were my little ducklings, and I couldn't bear to see them bullied. So I interfered, putting myself between him and them. That made him angry, of course. He directed the bulk of his bullying towards me, hoping he could push me past my limits. He couldn't break me. It did, however, contribute to my unseen illness. At 15, I had to go to the ER with anaphylactic shock. My allergist still isn't sure what caused it, or whether it's at all connected with the fibro, but the working theory is that I'd just had an overload of physical and emotional stress, and my nerves freaked out, so I reacted allergically. (We're looking into the possibility that I have an eosinophilic disorder, now.) For 11th and 12th grade, my band director was...somewhat emotionally abusive. Once again, being in a leadership position, I took a lot of flack from him. While most of my teachers were very understanding, this one thought that I was a spoiled kid who wasn't actually sick but just looking for attention. I think he's the only person I've met who thought I was faking it. Anyone who was paying attention could see how pale and gaunt I had become (I was too nauseous to eat very much, all the time). Anyone who was paying attention could see that I was in pain a lot of the time, even though I tried not to let it show too much. I even nearly passed out during marching practice one evening. "Nearly" equals collapsing onto the grass, not being able to see for a few seconds because black spots were impairing my vision, and feeling intensely weak and nauseous. A nearby trumpet player very gallantly helped me up and supported me while walking to a nearby bench. He even got me a bottle of water. I'm pretty sure I saw the band director roll his eyes, but I can't be positive. Eventually, I'd had enough. I quit band about a month into senior year. That's probably what salvaged the remainder of my high school career. At 16, as a senior in high school, I missed at least %40 of school days because I wasn't well enough to go to school. Thankfully, I had understanding teachers who were very accommodating with telling me what we'd be working on ahead of time- so I could work on my school even while at home- and always allowed me to take tests or quizzes I had missed (though this was partially because I made a point to come to school early as soon as I was doing better, so that I could take those tests ASAP). I was able to graduate with a great GPA. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend college for a few months before a massive increase in the severity of my symptoms caused me to have a significant physical and mental breakdown, and I had to take a medical withdrawal. Things have gone steadily downhill from there. I've even been diagnosed with centralized sleep apnea (ie: sometimes my autonomic functions- like breathing- just don't work like they ought to. I've been struggling with the breathing thing since junior high- I just didn't think it was that significant. I'm hoping now that with the combined efforts of my allergist, neurologist, hematologist, and psychiatrist, we'll find a workable solution to my symptoms. In spite of all that crap, though, I'm now pretty happy overall! My family are very supportive, for one, and I've found ways to be useful. That seems to help a lot with my mood. I was depressed for a long time after leaving college, and as the therapy and medication helped me to break through the fog of despair, I found I wasn't as helpless as I thought. I sometimes work on small projects to donate to people in need. It takes a little longer for me than someone healthy, because it make my hands sore, but it's worth it. More recently, I've been helping my sister-in-law homeschool my nephew and nieces. While my sister-in-law focuses more on math and history, I'm more focused on ELA, science, and helping the littles develop their fine motor skills (Asperger's runs in the family, and fine motor skills are often difficult to master for Aspies). It's so fulfilling to teach something to kids, and later see that they have actually digested and understand the information given to them! Right now I've been working on growing plants (while making an effort not to overdo it and cause a flare-up), and while I've done a lot of reading, there were also a few things I want to try for myself- y'know, set up my own experiments. I can teach this to the kiddos, too! :) Sorry that was so long :P I just felt compelled to share my story here. I just scrolled back up, and wow that was essay-length :\ P.S. For anyone who has migraines as one of their symptoms, my neurologist recommended Aimovig, a once a month injectable medication. I had gotten to the point where I had migraines more often than not, but the Aimovig wiped out about 90% of those. It's now comparatively rare for me to have a migraine! It's soooooo refreshing, so I want everyone else who suffers from migraines to know about Aimovig!

I freakin hate when they try to treat pain and everything else with antidepressants. It's bull. Zoloft sent me to the hospital. It's awful. I had to take down all my symptoms and help diagnose myself. I'm glad you got diagnosed young.

For anyone reading this now (2023). I ll be 45 in couple of days, had first symptoms around 10/12. I was dancing then like lot of little girls/teens, and they thought I was growing up too fast and my joints were too fragile so I had to stop. Then it s been a slew of everything you can all imagine and know like it was in my head, or I was not reacting normally and should see a psychiatrist who would teach me how I must react (as if everyone react the same way, needless to say it had then an awful impact on my mental health to hear that). I ve been diagnosed at 25. Had just separated from my husband (can ruin your life this much, yes… and well, I m pretty unlucky on that side). My mum has been very supportive when I ve had my huge drawbacks as she helped walk again from 100m to 3/5km walks (was exhausted after 100m at one point). I ve lived on my own, with an abusive bf (told you I was unlucky *lol*) and also back to my parents. I ve always had them at least to go back too. I m here to tell you my story because we are all different. I ve had months of living quite normally (maybe one or two takes of painkillers a month), small drawbacks (couple of days unwell, from 3 to 5), medium (a week or two) and severe drawbacks (couple of months to almost a year under heavy medication). I m currently in the last one. I work part time (i m on sick leave though right now). You might experience through time an increase of sensitivity to light, heat etc. I have curtains that make the light a little dimmer on bright days, but I can still enjoy a sunny day (it just makes my eyes less tired), I have plaids etc. Whatever helps graduate my environment one way or another. My advice will seem weird, but might help some, and it ll be useful when aging for everyone anyway: always consider what s the more practical for you when you have a crisis. I mean how your kitchen is organized, how your room (how your clothes, your books etc are stored) is organized. If there is something that feels harder to reach when in crisis, if you can, change it or find a way around. Think of the weight of things: plates, pans, dishes. Plates especially. You can find light and resistant, I promise (I am very careful of this since I m 21 and had my 1st flat). Take glasses, mugs, cups in shapes that will hurt you less when in crisis, same goes for cutlery and everything basically. It ll help a little with the pains, and it ll tire you less. Now, I know it ll sound very hard, but take it from someone who is currently learning to use a wheel chair because I am that tired (I do my best for it not to last) : you have a superpower… you are well aware that life is complicated and that you must enjoy the good moments even more. Millions of people are not aware of this and take life etc for granted, but you don t. You know the value of good people around you, of a good quiet day, of a good night. YOU KNOW. And it makes you a beautiful soul. And the whole community of people with fibromyalgia is with you every step of the way. Lots of ❤. (Was veeeery long, but if it helps one person, just one, I m glad).

Same as you god help u

I’m 23 and have had chronic pain and other fibro symptoms for 4 years now. Cutting out gluten has helped tremendously but I’m still in great pain. Hoping my doctor will diagnose me when I ask about this disease.

Thank you for your story. I'm almost 24. I was told I had fibro a few years ago and then when gabapentin didn't work the doctor told me that since that didn't work, I didn't have it (yeah, that's not how it works). I also have Psoriatic Arthritis and my new rheumatologist touched my pressure points like you're describing, and he said he thinks I have it too. So I guess I'm "officially" diagnosed? He said fibro is extremely common in people with PsA as well. We're hoping my biologic will manage both conditions. I'm right there with you, it's really hard when you think people don't believe you because you're "too young" or it's "just stress". It took 5 years of telling my neurologist, my rheumatologists, and my PCP to get someone to really listen.

I am 19 and I just got my diagnosis yesterday. Lot of feels but hopefully I’ll get better at learning to manage it

I don’t like the misconception that it only affects middle aged women. I was suffering with it at aged 16 and many doctors did not want to diagnose me because of my age.

I was diagnosed last year and i just turned 18 so i understand

Hi I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia & ME at age 20 in 1980. I've had it now for 42 years

Cymbalta made me crazy. Coming off of it was even worse. So far Lyrica has helped. I only get flares during period time. I get so frustrated by the lack of understanding from others.

I've had this since I was quite young! Doctors kept saying it was 'growing pains'!Yea,after 21 years of age I don't think it's growing pains any longer! I am now in my early 70's and only about 5 years ago I was finally diagnosed with this!Not that that was a relief bc I still hurt,I just wanted relief! The doctor put me on Cymbalta -all it did for me was given me palpitations! That was four months ago-I quit it!

Fellow fibro warrior here! I also have cfs and well hypermobility... surviving each day with a 😊

My pain gets me bad and nobody of my neighbors believe or understand me

I have had it for a long time, way before they really knew any thing about it. I had mono when younger. I also has sars after working with children. No Dr believed me I believed myself and my symptoms. Self care is important, yet, the answers are being discovered. Don't give up

I am Abdel Rahim, a Moroccan national. I am 29 years old and have been suffering from fibromyalgia since 2016

I'm 32. I was diagnosed at 20. Because of my illness I had to stop going to college full time. I'm slowly taking classes although I know I won't be able to follow my dreams because my my illness. I work part time but can only work 4 hours 3 days a week. I hate this illness.

I've been diagnosed by the end of June. My symptoms started 6 weeks after C-section. I was not expecting that at all.. I'm 26 years old and my legs are constantly burning. Some days I can't stand more than 5 minutes to wash the dishes. I used to do 10.000 steps a day and now I can't take my baby for 10 minute walk in pushchair.

I had fibromyalgia since I was 20 years

ive had fibromyalgia probably my whole life, but i didnt notice really until i was 14. ten years later i was diagnosed at 24. i also have many other 'invisible' disabilities combating my fibromyalgia. i have ptsd and a neurological disorder caused from trauma and just its hard not to be stressed sometimes but im being treated currently for mostly everything and i have mainly good and ok days.

There are moments of less pain & fatigue, but NEVER no pain or discomfort. So this seems very strange. Plus the illness causes stress in your life because of not being able to keep up with things. Stress & emotions don't create the pain! Added stress can take away from the extra energy required to get tasks done. Pain takes a lot of energy.

You have no idea how much of a blessing your video truly is!!! And I am SO, SO sorry! (And not in that patronizing way I’m sure you’ve encountered. Along with garbage like “but you look fine!” . Those condescending idiots might read a half-page article and suddenly they become an expert?!?!?). I’m not one of those people. In fact I’ve had fibromyalgia since age 3-4, begging my mom to cut my legs off. It was triggered when my estranged father visited, (WWII active combatant Marine veteran and industrial construction worker: he was strong and trained to kill). I’d just met him, he was beating the snot out of my mom and sister. I screamed at him to stop. He didn’t like that. Charged at me and last I remember was both his hands around my throat, crushing me. Fun story (sorry, I felt my “trigger” was important to mention). At such a young age, I’ve no memories before that day. No memories of ever being “normal”. I wasn’t properly diagnosed until I was 22, too! I had been misdiagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy before that and put in a wheelchair until I got (early) Internet access and researched countless hours, fitting no Muscular Dystrophy symptoms. Back to the doctors for 4 years at square one. I won’t bore you with more, but my pain is everywhere, especially a crushing sensation usually in my legs like someone parked a tank on me (then a building fell on the tank). Several other super fun things like IBS, fatigue, spasms, raging headaches… you understand what I mean instead of just telling someone “I understand!” When they clearly don’t! Also Zoloft was torment!!! I actually just weened myself off it o er the past few months. I went from having *zero emotions* (up or down or to the sides), and that’s NOT “ME”. I knew it was the Zoloft. Getting off is harder than people realize, but after a few months I have *emotions* again! It started with crying, but I loved it! Because I couldn’t before even when appropriate! It’s so much better to feel *something* instead of zombie-nothing-dude. And positive emotions have been returning too: anticipation, excitement, joy, fun, smiling and laughing without faking! And I can connect to people again! When you mentioned Zoloft I knew I had to write you and thank you and ask how you’re doing and tell you I’ll be praying for you, like it or not! 😇✝️. If you ever need anything, I’ve got your back!!!

I can fully agree that it is sn 'invisible disease'. I was diagnosed with Bi polar disorder when i was in my 30th's. That was a hard enough blow. Then these crawling, aching pains, not like arthritis - in my joints. As i see with all the comments - the same, it wasn't known of. It eventually took a seasoned specialist who confirmed i had fibromyalgia - he checked all the pressure points. Its pain in the fibres of the joints - I thought i was 'losing it', feeling down because I'm sore. He stated clearly that severe depression can 'mask' fibromyalgia, that's why doctors just seem to brush it off and say depression. I felt helpless at first - first BP disorder, then this. It's debilitating, dont want to lie down, then the depression hits ---- prayers for all of those who suffer, its just sad - in my case i have - well - an old friend, who said it cant be that bad, her husband has arthritis, I don't say anything

the more i learn about fybromyalgia the more i think i might have it... i mean the way she (and others ive seen online) talks about it, with stabs of pain in the joints and a general ache in her body, plus being reaaly tired even after a full night, that has been my life for the past 4 years. I see a physiotherapist so i think im going to talk to him about it (i also know fybromyalgia is linked to hypermobility and i know i might have that as weel, given the way my knees and elbows behave, so that might be another clue)

Hi, in UK, generally, I find Tramadol is the best to diminish the extreme severe pain on most days. IBS C is very painful as part of th fibromyalgia illness as is restless legs syndrome and I have lots of medication for all these daily!! Sending kind thoughts thank you for video here x

I've had fibro 32 yrs. The one thing I hate beside pain/fatigue is Drs saying it's related to stress. Back in the day, they used that excuse for menopause, PMS, and a variety of "female conditions". I was told I was under severe stress for 18 months by several drs until they found a necrotic tumor malignancy that had burst inside me (ovary)....so, I really question the BS. I wish for your fibro to never get worse, and that a cure is found so you can live the life you want. You're young and it hurts me to see young females suffer so. Hugs to you and anyone else suffering this ❣

2014 .I diagnosed I'm older but it hurts as much . It's a positive when it's detected.

I’ve had pain since I was 14. I have menstrual pain beyond the severe point. Same way with joint back shoulder neck and stomach pains. Headaches and severe fatigue every single day. I’m 22 now. And researching this because. My dad and boyfriends mom has suspicion. My scans and test results were CLEAR. there’s nothing just pain with no reasoning.

Fellow fibromyalgia warrior here ... 🥺 I’ve gotten a prescription too for duloxetine.. 60mg and i feel like i need more, i also need more help from someone or just find it in myself to eat better. Meaning actually eating. And eating nutritionally ..

I’m 22 and have recently been diagnosed! I’ve been called a hypochondriac my whole life and I’m in agony constantly. I have crippling pain in my lower legs and I struggle to do daily things. How isn’t this recognised as a disability? X

I don’t know if I have fibromyalgia or not. I have a great pain tolerance but when I remember that I’m always in pain I often wonder if that why I had been so pissy or whatever. Thanks for sharing your story.