u/coolintraining

Just had my first rheumatology appointment and feel so incredibly defeated. Two doctors (my doctor brought in another doctor at the very end of the appointment) determined I just have tendinitis and need to do physical therapy. They also said that it’s possible I have fibromyalgia and made me do a check list which I scored low on because the options for areas of pain did not correlate to where I’m feeling pain. I’m thinking about getting a second opinion but I would like to know if that’s crazy from you guys. Here’s a brief rundown:

- 2 months ago I started to get really bad pain in my toes and ankles. I didn’t think much of it because I work on my feet all day.
- 2 weeks later everything got very painful. EVERYTHING. Every joint in my hands, especially my thumbs, my shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, neck, ankles, and toes. Everything bilateral. I couldn’t move without being in pain. Nothing was swollen.
- A week of no relief I went to urgent care. They ran some basic tests. Everything was fine except I had a high crp.
- I followed up with my pcp. She ordered more test. Everything fine. I requested a rheumatology referral.
- Waiting for my rheum. appointment I’m still in pain constantly. Can’t work properly, can’t keep up with house work, can’t sleep, can’t have a fulfilling social life. Ibuprofen and Tylenol do absolutely nothing. The lowest pain I experience is a 4/10 and no longer than a day. Usually it’s a 6 or 7 with 8 being on bad days. I spend so many days in bed because I can’t do anything

I don’t know what else to do but I’m desperate. I can’t keep doing this. They said I need to be more active but I’m so worn out and in so much pain after work that I can’t do anything.

27f

I’m not diagnosed yet but I go to a rheumatologist in a week. I’ve been having significant pain since the beginning of April and not much helps but I’m doing my best.

My therapist talked to me about the spoon theory and that I shouldn’t push myself which totally makes sense but I’ve seen on here multiple times that I need to stay active. My job is extremely busy and stressful and I’m required to move a lot with no breaks and I’m extremely exhausted afterwards and my boss has very little tolerance for excuses.

Should I still be pushing myself to stay active in the afternoons or should I rest? Either way I’m in so much pain by the end of the day. If I rest everything gets stiff but if I keep moving everything aches. On weekends I take it easy and try to go for a nice walk and that usually works out good but like I went to the zoo last weekend and was in so much pain halfway through I had to stop multiple times.

How do I find a good balance?