Hi Lorna, I'm Lindy. Nice to "meet you".
I can relate to what you say. It's very frustrating when life as we knew it, changes!. Even simple things, that used to come easy, are much more difficult, or unachievable. It's a pain in the a**!
I was also diagnosed last year, but like yourself, had symptoms for years previous. I came to a complete halt! My body seized up and I couldn't believe the pain all over.
After a month off work, I went back, and plodded on - until 2 months ago. I had to go off sick, after a fall. Been seen by neuro, and presently waiting on an MRI. Meds are being increased today, by my GP, on advice by neuro. It's going to take 6 weeks, for the gradual increase, for the dosage of gabapentin to be doubled to 1800mgs per day. So, rather than go back to work and risk going off again, if I can't tolerate the increase, Im asking for another 8 week line when the current 1 lapses on the 11th of July.
I have needed the break from work, to be honest. I didnt realise how exhausted I was. Gubbed, would be an appropriate word.
For someone who was very active, and always on the go, it frustrated me no end, that I couldn't do what I used to. Mentally and physically! The fatigue, pain, brain fog - the whole shabang.
However, all is not lost Lorna

. We just have to learn how this condition affects us. In turn, when we know how it affects us, we learn to do things differently ( or find other things we CAN do) and we learn to listen to our bodies. I think that's the most important thing. I don't push myself further than I know what I'm capable of. There's no point, as it knocks me for 6 if I do.
What started as a " wee hello" , has turned to war & peace lol.
Anyhoo - you take care of yourself. You know your body better than anyone else.
Much Love
Lindy x