Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Fever at a young age. Was inconvenient but controlled with large doses of Enteric Aspirin and alcohol (well, I was young innit ? )
zoom to 25 years ago I was diagnosed with (then little known) Fibromyalgia. I knew something wasn't right for about five years previous. Carried on with various Codeine based stuff, was OK but started recover from work/gigs slower than usual.
Eventually, over the course of the next few years, it got harder and harder. Treatments had now progressed to using Antidepressants, Anti Epileptic drugs, and Dihydrocodeine. By this time I was panicking I wouldn't make a gig because of the pain and fatigue, which would make me worse.
After chucking my job, I tried to keep gigging, but eventually came to the conclusion that the whole situation was too much. Not gigged since. Messed about with recording etc. Even now I still really miss playing live.
Apart from the Fibro pain, fatigue, and brain fog, I know can no longer use my right arm much from shoulder to finger tip. I can't lift it above my shoulder, it's very weak and painful. I thought I'd broken it !
I remember having what I thought was a massive flare, with the same thing in both arms, but only my right has recovered.
Currently back at Rheumatology, via our practice's Physio, on Etoricoxib, Duloxetine, and Opioids.
Sorry for the huge rant, I just needed to get it off my chest