In 2012 I was hit by a van whilst crossing the road and suffered whiplash. I had damage to my left hip/groin area and to the left ankle, as well as post traumatic amnesia from the accident.
Despite receiving some physio and specialist input the pain in my hip/ groin and my neck and shoulder area increased and my symptoms felt as if they were getting worse and multiplying.
Since the accident I was constantly fatigued which, I put down to analgesia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I visited my doctor numerous times with the symptoms I was suffering with. They were supportive but they were unable to confirm that my problems were due to the accident and pain relief wasn’t helping me.
Eventually I was referred to a rheumatologist, and at the first appointment (in 2019) I was assessed and diagnosed with fibromyalgia, he informed me that this can be triggered by a traumatic event and was confident that the accident was the cause. He recommended a medication (duloxetine) which was prescribed however the side effects made me feel very tired and groggy which made it harder for me to function. This was not helpful with my stressful job as a manager of neurological services. I was still working full time at this point, but I was struggling to cope with my workload.
My symptoms now included increased pain and stiffness, restless legs, chronic fatigue, sleeplessness, pins and needles in my arms and legs, hypersensitivity to touch, hot and cold areas on my skin, low mood, memory difficulties, word finding problems (brain fog) and anxiety.
The mounting stress of my working environment caused what I now know as a fibro flare up
My GP signed me off with work related stress. After some time off sick I was still struggling to manage my symptoms, so I made the decision not to return to that job.
Leaving the job helped me with my stress levels and allowed me to focus on myself a bit more. Around this time, Helen introduced me to the Mollii suit which I trialed for my Fibromyalgia symptoms. She said it has helped some people manage their pain and fatigue levels better, so I was keen to give it a go. I used the Mollii suit every other day for 3 months. I charted my pain and symptoms before using Mollii and at the end of the three months. My widespread all over body pain and sensations had significantly reduced and any pain I did have was more localised and easier to deal with. Whilst using the Mollii suit it was easier to get to sleep and easier to get out of bed in the morning. The pins and needles, burning sensations and tingling had disappeared during the day. I also found that I could walk further and that I enjoyed it more.
Helen also gave me some really, useful information to manage my Fibromyalgia and work at improving the various symptoms one step at a time which made it achievable when you are feeling overwhelmed and shattered. The breathwork and other tips helped me move forward with my condition.