Early onset OA at 35 years old and battling with fibromyalgia at the same time

Hello I'm new and I'm lost.

I was already told I have joint hypermobility syndrome when I was younger but was never offered any support. Fast forward a good 20 years and I'm almost unable to move some days. I was undiagnosed ADHD and ASD which come with lots of stimming behaviours that may have exacerbated areas. As a kid, I was told it was growing pains and the pediatrician was avoided for whatever reason. Fibromyalgia was thrown around and I wasn't convinced so had x-rays on my big right toe and my right knee by pushing until the doctor caved. It's osteoarthritis. Only a bit in my right knee but more in my toe. Waiting on an x-ray to confirm left knee OA. But then it was also confirmed I DO have fibromyalgia, I'm just lucky enough to have both.

I do have a question. When do I know exercise is becoming more damaging for the OA when I'm trying to treat the fibromyalgia? I also don't medicate with pills due to past experiences with addiction and overdoses. Creams and gels don't work. My toe feels like it's breaking every single time I put my foot down to walk. Having ASD also means I don't feel/show pain the same so where I'm saying "I'm in agony" - it just looks like I'm having a great day. I do self medicate but that's a conversation for a different chat board.

Apologies for droning on I just haven't anyone to talk to. No one I know seems to understand or even believe me at times, regardless of x-ray proof!

Thank you for reading :)

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,381

    Hello @KirstyAR and welcome to the Online Community forum. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    You have people to talk to now on here, some of whom will understand the kind of things you are going through, and I am sure some others will be able to share their support and experience as well. I hope that you can get some answers that help you. Have you discussed this with your GP/Consultant?

    Best wishes

    Peter

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