Fibromyalgia

According to the Cleveland Clinic, fibromyalgia affects more than two percent of the general population. Though it affects both women and men, women are more likely than men to experience symptoms of this painful, arthritis-related disease that is often difficult to diagnose and treat. As medical experts continue to explore the causes for fibromyalgia, to date there is no exact explanation for its occurrence. Some experts believe it may be the result of hormonal and chemical imbalances in the body, while others think it may be hereditary. With little to no information on why fibromyalgia strikes, adequate treatment is often difficult for doctors to prescribe.

An old theory linked fibromyalgia to depression, fueled by its frequent occurrence in female patients and the fact that women have seven times less the amount of serotonin in their brains.

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In recent years, scientists have determined that depression is not a cause for fibromyalgia, but due to chronic pain and sleep disorders often associated with the disease, depression and anxiety are often known to occur in patients. Because depression symptoms may actually worsen symptoms of fibromyalgia, patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are often treated for depression as well.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include intense muscle pain that may change location and grew worse from day to day, as well as extremely tender and painful points on the body. Sensitivity to physical and emotional pain may be a factor, but how do you treat such intense pain when it’s difficult to determine the root of it?

Because fibromyalgia is so difficult to diagnose, many patients live with constant pain and agony for months or even years before seeking treatment. In relation to the difficulty diagnosing fibromyalgia, some doctors may not feel comfortable offering medical treatment or advice.

If you experience chronic muscle pain and tenderness, disturbed sleep and general fatigue and joint and muscle pain and stiffness that doesn’t improve with stretching and exercise for six weeks or more, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If your doctor does not feel comfortable diagnosing you, ask for advice or recommendation to a rheumatologist in your area. Rheumatologists have more experience with fibromyalgia than family practitioners, and one may be able to accurately diagnose you and connect you with a pain management specialist.

Assembling a team of medical professionals who specialize in pain management and physical therapy options may provide some relief, but you need to make sure the experts are on your side. Many doctors may not take symptoms of fibromyalgia seriously, which could lead to further depression, fatigue and pain. If you are worried your current doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously, or providing you with the best treatment options available, start looking for a new doctor.

Doctors believe that despite the differences among patients when it comes to symptoms and triggers, the foods you eat do play a significant role in how you feel on a day to day basis. Along with adequate medical support and treatment, there are things you can do yourself to help improve your pain symptoms. Everyone’s symptoms and triggers are different, so keeping a fibromyalgia journal may help you determine certain foods and activities that provoke your symptoms. Learning about these triggers can help you formulate a fibromyalgia diet and exercise program specifically designed for you and your symptoms.

Experts at WebMD put together a list of seven foods you should avoid if you have fibromyalgia:

· Aspartame and foods sweetened with aspartame can actually stimulate a pain receptor in your brain, turning your pain symptoms into chronic agony.

· Foods containing MSG and nitrate preservatives can intensify your pain symptoms.

· Simple carbohydrates and sugars like those found in sugary snacks, cakes and white bread can have a significant impact on your pain symptoms. Not only is there the potential for weight loss, but could e4ven out your blood sugar and relieve fatigue and pain symptoms.

· Many fibromyalgia sufferers rely on caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and cola to make them feel awake. The stimulants in caffeine can actually backfire, making you feel more tired.

· Gluten products and yeast can also worsen symptoms, creating both fatigue and unwanted stomach problems, especially if you have undiagnosed gluten intolerance.

· Dairy products, especially milk, can stimulate and worsen symptoms, but because of the bone deterioration that may occur over time, experts do recommend having a glass of milk for the calcium if your body craves it.

· Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, as well as the thousands of other plant species that fall under the “nightshade” category can actually trigger flares. Avoiding them could significantly reduce your symptoms.

When you take a look at that list, it seems like many food favorites are a no no, and while that may be true, there are alternatives you can turn to that taste just as good and won’t cause you pain and fatigue. Approaching diet from a heart-health standpoint—ie., whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low fat –your overall body health will improve and limit some of the other ailments that can occur as a result of fatigue.

Currently, doctors prescribe medications like Cymbalt and Lyrica to help ease sleeplessness and improve symptoms. These medications may not work for everyone, but when you’re in constant, agonizing pain, it’s definitely worth a shot. You should also be careful of pain medications. Many doctors may prescribe addictive pain medications that your body will build a tolerance to over time, creating a need for dangerous, higher dosage, and eventual immunity to the pain-reducing effects.

Exercise is another must, though for some patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the pain may make it difficult to endure. Start out slowly, walking a short distance every day to exercise your muscles, and try to increase your tolerance. Though it may seem painful at first, exercise has been known to stimulate pain-reducing chemicals like serotonin, and over time you may see a vast improvement in your pain symptoms and overall health.

Fibromyalgia is not an easy disease to cope with. There is no cure at this time, and doctors still work frantically to determine its causes and triggers. In order to get through each and every day, you need a strong support system, including doctors who take you seriously and want to help you feel better. Taking the time and effort to discover your own personal triggers so you can avoid them, as well as incorporating regular exercise may help improve your symptoms, and when you’re in pain, every effort counts.

Comments

  1. Aggie Green

    September 20th, 2010 - 9:01:53 PM

    Hello, I have two things to stay away from. one is jaquizies--they pond the body trigering Fibromialeia--feels good at first but later you pay. The other is DO NO EVER--takeNEURONTIN--generic name--Gabapentin for any illoness. I was given a prescription for it nd a read out as to how to take it--IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS DRUG. YOU CAN READ ABOUT IT ON THE WEB BY THAT NAME. IT IS ALL TRUE--I had horrible esfects and thought I was ging to die and could have if I had taken it as the Dr. said. I only took half one the first night and noe the second and half the third and then a whole one the next night. I jerked all over rana fever--curled up into a sezure position that I was unable to come out of for a time and continued to jerk the rest of the night and more--SO-DO NOT TAKE IT. NOW--I will try to help you--walking is one exerercise I can do every day--stretching is another and the very best is dancing--all night dance smile--have fun--waltz home and sleep all night--If people upset you shake it off right now--who cares what they think--most of them do not know anything . ABOVE ALL--LOVE YOURSELF--YOU ARE A NEAT PERSON AND DESERVE A WALK IN THE PARK AND TO DANCE ALL NIGHT--HEVE FUN--AGGIE

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  2. jackie broome

    October 15th, 2010 - 8:14:13 PM

    I have been diagnoised with this disease. It is horrible. I cannot sleep no more than about 20 mins. on each side or back during the night, which mostly leaves me with long sleepless nights. It is awful. I ache and hurt. Somedays are a lots worse than others. It is awful to have grandchildren that you cannot even enjoy like you would like to with them. I have tried muscle relaxers prescribed by my dr. They help some, but I'm just so scared I'm going to be dependent on them. I do not want for that to happen. I want to keep doing as much as possible to keep going. I just stay so tired and exhausted from little or no sleep. I am not able to do any of the simple daily chores that I did just a couple of years ago. The sad thing is I'm only 40. The way I feel now, I will be in a wheel chair by the age of 50. I just have to keep on doing what I can to get by. I am not able to work right now. I haven't worked now for almost 2 years. I hope someday that they will find a cure for this awful disease.

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  3. Sandra Cannon

    October 17th, 2010 - 8:19:29 PM

    I have had fibromyalgia for 11 years or so. I read in a fibromyalgia handbook to take benadryl to sleep and for me it works. I take two 25mg. I also bought a temperpedic mattress and it is the best thing I ever did. don't get the deluxe, just get the regular and there is no pressure on your muscles. Music is very good therapy for me it takes my mind off of it. Exercise is very good. I do water arobics three times a week and I am going to start a yoga class next week.. Stretching is very helpful, I do certain stretches before I get up and massage is wonderful. I also massage my legs,arms and feet before I get up. When you do get up stretch all of your body...dogs and cats do it so it must be a good thing. I go to a rhumatologist and he prescribed Darvon for me which is helpful but can be addictive, I guess..I don't take it more than three times a day..and days that weren't so bad i took Tylenol for Arthritis..keep active even though it hurts if I am busy I can keep my mind off pain. I do get tired so have been taking afternoon naps too. I can't do what I used to but am taking care of my great grandson 9 mo old and active, he keeps my mind busy too... 8 hrs. of sleep is important too. Remember the Benadryl..hope it helps as it does me.

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  4. Virginia

    October 21st, 2010 - 3:03:56 PM

    I was very distressed to hear some of the comments from other fibro sufferers. I was disgnosed at age 38 and am how 58. It can indeed be a horrid disorder to deal with. I too have experienced the extreme pain, sleepless days/nights, lost numerous days of work and thus pay. I also can tell you that it can go into remission for periods...at least it has for me over the past 20+ years. Please don't give up and presume that your life is over. Find your special ways to cope with it and don't forget to live while you cope. Best wishes for better days.

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  5. Dorthea

    October 22nd, 2010 - 12:30:19 PM

    I was diagnosed with fibro over 3 years ago. I turn 60 on my next birthday. I was wondering if others suffer from bouts with sweats and chills and unbearable muscle pain and sleepiness without fever. I have heard of the muscle pain and fatigue, I was wondering if others suffered from the temperature rollercoasters as I do.

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  6. maria

    October 24th, 2010 - 3:14:54 PM

    I have fibro and chronic fatigue for 12 years. It is horrible. There are times that I question if I want to life this way. I hate it when you come across a doctor that does not believe in either illness and I think it is terrible when you are in a flair and you want to jump out of a window. You tell your doctor to please give you something stronget to help you get through the flair and they refuse making you feel as if you are a drug addict begging for drugs. This is not fair. We should not have to suffer to the point that we want to die. If you are a doctor and you read this please be more sensitive. All we want is to live.

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  7. Jeanette Abel

    October 27th, 2010 - 1:53:24 PM

    note to Ms. Cameron: I think your advice is very sound. I've had fibro and DDD for almost 15 yrs. Walking on a straight surface is wonderful, also on a treadmill with a slight incline. I love the water aerobics, so easy on the joints. For sleep, I know that many people w/fibro have tried Trazadone. I don't take it. Hope this helps you and I will pray for you. My fibro has been in "remission" for about 3 mos. and I couldn't be happier! Thank you for the great advice.

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  8. Cynthia

    November 1st, 2010 - 12:36:19 PM

    I truly believe that I have fibro,but my doctor dont believe me. I have two sisters that was just diagnose with it. All the comments and information that I have read have helped me to see that Im not going crazy like my doctor think I am. I have seen many of specialist over the years and they have found nothing. But my recent two doctors have found artheritist through my entire body in insist that I do not have fibro. Finally I convinced my doctor to send me to a rhematologist,even though he states they will not no what is wrong with me. I told him that my sisters were pleased after seeing the rhematologist after being miss diagnoised for several years.

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  9. SUSAN

    November 1st, 2010 - 7:05:47 PM

    I am 47, everybody's different, from what I have been reading, I have heard that nightshades, fruits, are a no no. and I just found out that I had fibro. but the one thing I have done, is, stop drinking my coffee and I have had no pain since I cut it out 3 day's ago. it could be just luck, but what ever it is, I hope it keep's up! I have been hurting for so long. and I am on 200 mg. of gabapentin, but like I said, everybody's different. take care!

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  10. Marg

    November 2nd, 2010 - 8:02:54 AM

    I have had fibro for about 15 years. Finally just recently getting some relief. Yes, Dorothy I have no temperature control in my body either. Which is so annoying isn't it? After trying so many meds, finally we are treating the "pain transmitter" ~ with Cymbalta. It surrounds the seritonin so as it travels through the body...those pain signals are not felt. This is finally working, thank goodness. I have tried sevella and it didn't work. I also take Lyrica and a "tummy" pill to help with all those digestion issues. I still have one morning coffee, and gave up the nighttime one. For sleep I take over the counter or I am up way too much and that is not a good thing. I do have arthritis here and there, even that is helped by Cymbalta..( usually a depression drug..but I am not using it for that) I try to always stay positive and happy. I think my family deserves that from me. Their Mom and Grandmom.

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  11. Debbie Bays

    November 3rd, 2010 - 9:30:07 AM

    I have had fibro for 14yrs and have seen every DR there is. I am now going to a pain management clinic.I just recently had to quit my job after working my whole life. I am 54yrs old now trying for disability I have no Insurance because I can't work.I can't afford my Doctors or my meds. I would love to try massage or water aerobics but can't afford it. I don't know what to do at this point so I just keep praying something will happen.

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  12. annette

    November 3rd, 2010 - 8:37:56 PM

    i also feel like i have fibro i have seen several doctors and they have found nothing my recent test show that i have RLS and have put me on a muscle relaxier and a nerve pill i have talked to my doctor about sending me to a neuroligist she has decided to do so to see if we are just not taking the right test i to keep praying something is going to show up

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  13. davida leighton

    November 4th, 2010 - 9:55:17 AM

    vivastic

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  14. CAtherine from Madbury N.H.

    November 4th, 2010 - 1:39:35 PM

    Hello,hello! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by my rheumatologist several years ago. My children are grown but I think when they were home they kept my mind off it. My husband is ill but still gets around and does things "working through his pain." I cannot seem to do that. I have also been told I have lyme disease, which another specialist [orthopaedic Dr.}helps me with. I have had pain in my jointss, burning pain on my skin, even sometimes pain when a breeze blows on me. I have a lot of anxiety and also being treated for depression. The newer drugs for fibro did not work for me. I did try estrogen for the sweating, which seemed to help. Pain medicine helps for a while, also a heating pad or a very warm bath. Walking is good if I can get motivated, but usually my energy is saved for driving a long distances to the hospital for my husband, or just little errands. I do what I have to when it is necessary, but I think adrenaline takes over. My family is very kind, they are always trying to cheer me up. If I had a hot tub, I would stay in till Iwas a prune! Just kidding! I do take sleeping medicine, although I found Abilify let me get up at night and I ate anything in sight. So now I use Restoril, and that helps. Blessings to anyone who suffers from this-I feel we are "Kindred spirits", as Anne of Green Gables once said.

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  15. Vicki Wisswell

    November 5th, 2010 - 2:40:15 AM

    I have so much pain with the fibromyalgia I can't stand it. I have stiffness and aches.At times it's very hard to walk.I have been on almost all there is to help.I can't sleep a whole night through.Sleeping pills do not help. The only relief I can get is a bath,but getting in and out of the tub is very hard with me ,I have knee replacements with both knees.The depression is on believable.No one should every have to live like this.

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  16. Shari Peavy

    November 5th, 2010 - 8:48:59 AM

    I am 64 and have had body aches since I was a pre-teen. I have been through all the doctors who think an anti-depresant, and lecture on attitude is the answer. When doctors say they think Fibro comes on in your twenties and usually is gone by mid-thirties, and tell them, "by mid-thirties I had been told so often to take a pill and see a therapist for attitude, that I just stopped mentioning the pain to any doctor. I have multiple illnesses, all Dx'ed by medical people in Boston. All of them were compassionate people who really wanted to help me. 8 years after I was DX'ed with Fibro, Chronic Fatigue, Multiple chemical allergies, Parkinson's Disease, and a few more, I have not gotten much better but I do feel validated. When I do run into an ignorant doctor who thinks I am the quack, I use a technique that does absolutely nothing but make me feel better. I just moved and have been for the past year trying to find professionals who will treat me and my illnesses with respect. I always make known to the person who sets up the appointment that I just want to talk to the doctor and determine what his/her attitude is about the challenge I present with the multiple complaints, and medications that it has taken years to put together for relief. If I find someone who either does not "believe" in Fibro or who objects to the narcotic pain relievers I need. I just stand up very politely, thank the person for their time, and tell them I do not think they are the person I am looking to "hire" for my medical care. They instantly get defensive, I ask them not to feel it is personal, just that they do not understand a word I have said, and I really do hate to have to "fire" a doctor. But if you think about it, you pay him for a service, much as I was paid to do a job when I was able to work. As I said it does nothing for your condition, but it is one of the few times I have control with some of these idiots. Another thing I have come to believe is fair is what to call a doctor in these days of informality. If a doctor enters the room and addresses me as Mrs.Smith, I respond with Dr. Jones. If they walk through the door and call me Shari, I respond with something like, it is nice to meet you John. God does not live behind that white coat. It is a single individual who deserves equal respect as a human being just as I do. I have learned over the years some practices that help me have a more normal life. We like to travel, but you know what sitting in one place for hours can do. I have an individually designed bed support to sleep with my head elevated because I aspirate and am unaware that I do. He had the seatbelt adjusted so that it fits me reclining or even lying down. It makes a great break and you can cover lots of miles asleep! Wishing you all the best, and no aches today! Shari

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  17. lisa

    November 5th, 2010 - 11:12:41 PM

    Im only 28 and have been diagnosed for 1 1/2 and let me tell you IT DOES NOT FEEL GOOD! i have tried nuerotin that didnt work. now i am on liryca 200mg twice a day and that isnt helping! I just want 2 be able 2 enjoy my life....is that 2 much 2 ask for? Im tired of the meds and of this pain! cant sleep even though im on 2 diff types of sleeping meds! n diabetes doesnt help neither! im so screwed!

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  18. Tervlover

    November 6th, 2010 - 6:06:32 PM

    I am so sad reading these comments ... I have been to 65 doctors so far ... nothing helps but ice ... most of my fibro pain is in my torso, so every breath is horribly painful ... I burn up for long periods of time ... I bought a Select Comfort bed (awful) ... wasted my money on that and then bought a bed at bedinabox.com and can sleep 3-4 hours a night now ... I go to bed with ice packs ... went to a specialist the other day, and he told me it was a "shrink's problem". I read that that's the OLD thinking ... doesn't it come down to your quality of life? With all the meds, I've gained 50 lbs. (used to be 120) ... I believe God has carried me all this time ... but it gets worse every day ... your family gets sick of you ... "you need to step up", etc. The headaches and tinnitus are awful. My 80 year-old Mother thought I'd be taking care of her ... I'm 48, and she and my furry friend (just passed) have been my caregivers since I was 44. If you have trouble getting SS Disability, try www.allsup.com. The company I worked at for 25 years hired them for me. Allsup has reps. that know the system ... they don't mention your condition, or you'd be refused ... they emphasize your pain, your inability to work at all ... My prayers go out to all of you ...

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  19. Chena

    November 10th, 2010 - 6:50:59 PM

    I am currently researching Naltrexone (low dose) in treatment for my muscle pain and stiffness. Without going into the detail, please google this and read all the available articles. The more people that try this will help in studies.

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  20. Cherie

    November 19th, 2010 - 2:57:18 PM

    A.Green: like all meds...it depends on the person. I have taken NEURONTIN / GABAPENTIN for a long time...since 2001 and have had no bad side effects, except slightly-dry-mouth.

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  21. Cherie

    November 19th, 2010 - 2:59:29 PM

    When CYMBALTA was added...I slowly beame concsious of small behaviors(physically) that were changing. My experince would be to tell people that N./G. is Great but don't ever take Cymbalta!!!! BUT...

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  22. Anonymous

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:00:27 PM

    JUST because they affect me that way doesn't mean it will affect another in the same way.

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  23. Cherie's Fourth Comment(Yes, the Anon.is me too!)

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:11:08 PM

    My comment is this: WHEN taking ANY drug read the couple of pages (of directions, affects,etc.) that the pharmacist gives you. If you have DRASTIC changes let your Dr. know IMMEDIATELY. Being aware of what could happen keep alert to how your body is or isn't reacting. 6 months later again ask your pharmacist for the info pages...and do a check-up on yourself. ...

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  24. Cherie

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:12:32 PM

    I waited TOO long to say to my Dr. all these little things are happening to me, and some big things too!It started gradually and I began to notice that I was having trouble breathing...slowly it became worse until one day I had an asthma attack. By the time I had my third asthma attack, my family dr. gave me an inhaler.

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  25. Cherie

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:17:43 PM

    Just recently I decided to check on the ONLY med that I'd changed in a year,CYMBALTA. I realized that my DRY mouth problems were way worse then tney had ever been ...the discovery was actually made by my Oral Surgeon, when it was discovered that under neath my capped teeth, my teeth were decaying rapidly. One tooth has been pulled, 4 more will be pulled, and possibly a 6th one too. So the dr. is slowly tapering me off of CYMBALTA. So, BE VERY CAREFUL no matter what kind of drugs you are on. Take the time to read the pages, especially if you just don't feel right, but can't put your finger on JUST WHAT IS THE MATTER.

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  26. Cherie's 2nd to last comment...

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:21:35 PM

    Just recently I decided to check on the ONLY medicine that I'd changed in a year, CYMBALTA. I realized that my DRY mouth problems were way worse then they had ever been ...the discovery was actually made by my Oral Surgeon, when it was discovered that under neath my capped teeth, my teeth were decaying rapidly. One tooth has been pulled, 4 more will be pulled, and possibly a 6th one too. So the dr. is slowly tapering me off of CYMBALTA.

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  27. Cherie repeats the 3rd to the last comment ... bye4now :o)

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:25:49 PM

    So, BE VERY CAREFUL no matter what kind of drugs you are on. TAKE THE TIME to read the pages, especially if you just don't feel right, but can't put your finger on JUST WHAT IS THE MATTER. It could make a huge difference in how you feel.

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  28. Cherie-about FIBROMYALGIA...

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:35:51 PM

    EACH person being as different as each SNOWFLAKE, means that each one feels fibromyalgia differently. A 'cure' make work for one and not another. Massage make work for one and not another. FIBRO's 18 trigger points are the ONLY things that are a constant for all people with fibromyagia. I have come to believe this after being a Support Group Leader, for over 3 years.

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  29. Cherie---correction............

    November 19th, 2010 - 3:42:40 PM

    twice I made the same mistake... 'make' should be 'may' Keep smiling...and looking at the glass as half full. :o)

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  30. Stephanie

    November 21st, 2010 - 3:28:30 AM

    I have had fibro and Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years now. I have tried several different medications including the new one, "Sevilla", (probably not spelled right) which only made me worse within 4 days, which now has taken me out of work. I am a mother of 4 children ranging in the ages of 6 to 14. It feels at times that they are taking care of me. I have a great fiance but at times he doesn't even understand. I spend most of my time in bed now, propped up by pillows behind my head and under my legs. I live in a 2 story house and the stairs are just nearly impossible. When its time to go anywhere, it needs to be planned in advance, depending on the location, it takes a shopping cart to be used as a walker, if there is a lot of walking, I try for as long as I can and then it takes a wheelchair for the remainder. My med's range from Neurontin, anti-depressants, prescribed sleep aids,and narcotic's for pain. I cant tell you they have fixed anything, I would be lying, they don't help majority of the time! I have several Dr's and at times during many of my multiple visits, I just feel like I am crazy (sometimes the Dr's don't help that feeling). The excruciating pain, stiffness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia and immobility is scary. Just 6 months ago I was working, walking, and living a partially normal life with my family just dealing with the pain thru a lot of Tylenol and Motrin (which didn't work anyway), sheer willpower, motivation, keeping myself busy as to keep my mind off it and the Lord. It takes a lot of motivation just to do basic daily activities. I try my best for the childrens sake but they have seen the toll it has taken which hasn't been easy for them. My 6yr old asked when I would be the same again so I can play with her outside, all I could do was tell her hopefully soon. I have tried to explain the disease to them several times, they are children after all. Depression and me have been my worse critiques. My phrase is "I AM GOING TO PAY FOR THIS LATER" and boy do I. Depending on the activity, it could be anywhere from 1 to multiple days. The flare ups are very hard to live with and at times I feel like its never ending. I feel like I have failed my children and at life even though I have been told its not my fault, but boy does it feel like it. I also wanted to mention that I have a very hard time controlling my body temperature night and day. Heat, music and trying to keep my mind busy above the constant roar of the pain helps at times. I have grown physically weak but I am getting mentally stronger which has made me realize I need to do a little more each day regardless of the pain for my childrens sake, they are worth the world no matter what.

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  31. Stephanie

    November 21st, 2010 - 3:49:26 AM

    I have had fibro and Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years now.(Diagnosed at 26 I am now 31) I have tried several different medications including the new one, "Sevilla", (probably not spelled right) which only made me worse within 4 days! Now I am unable to work above everything else. I am a mother of 4 children ranging from the ages of 6 to 14. It feels at times that they are taking care of me. I have a great fiance but at times he doesn't even understand. I spend most of my time in bed now, propped up by pillows behind my head and under my legs. I live in a 2 story house and the stairs are just nearly impossible. When its time to go anywhere, it needs to be planned in advance, depending on the location, it takes a shopping cart to be used as a walker, if there is a lot of walking, I try for as long as I can and then it takes a wheelchair for the remainder. My med's range from Neurontin, anti-depressants, prescribed sleep aids,and narcotic's for pain. I cant tell you they have fixed anything, I would be lying, they don't help majority of the time! I have several Dr's and at times during many of my multiple visits, I just feel like I am crazy (sometimes the Dr's don't help that feeling). The excruciating pain, stiffness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia and immobility is scary. Just 3 months ago I was working, walking, and living a partially normal life with my family just dealing with the pain thru a lot of Tylenol and Motrin (which didn't work anyway), sheer willpower, motivation, keeping myself busy as to keep my mind off it and the Lord. It takes a lot of motivation just to do basic daily activities. I try my best for the childrens sake but they have seen the toll it has taken which hasn't been easy for them. My 6yr old asked when I would be the same again so I can play with her outside, all I could do was tell her hopefully soon. I have tried to explain the disease to them several times, they are children after all. Depression and me have been my worse critiques. My phrase is "I AM GOING TO PAY FOR THIS LATER" and boy do I. Depending on the activity, it could be anywhere from 1 to multiple days. The flare ups are very hard to live with and at times I feel like its never ending. I feel like I have failed my children and at life even though I have been told its not my fault, but boy does it feel like it. I also wanted to mention that I have a very hard time controlling my body temperature night and day. Heat, music and trying to keep my mind busy above the constant roar of the pain helps at times. I have grown physically weak but I am getting mentally stronger which has made me realize, as hard as it may be, with many possible failures,(very easy to think huh... but putting it to fruition is another thing but well worth the try) I need to do a little more each day regardless of the pain for my childrens sake, they are worth the world no matter what. Sorry for the length and Thank You for reading my story and complaints.... I Pray for a cure but most of all COMPASSION from the many people and professionals who don't understand this disease or it's many sufferers. My Prayers and thoughts go out to all of You!!!! Happy Holidays

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  32. E.JUNE

    December 1st, 2010 - 12:46:50 PM

    I HAVE HAD FIBRO. FOR 4 YEARS, I HAVE A TERRIBLE TIME SLEEPING, I HAVE SWEATS AND CHILLS, SWEAR I AM RUNNING A FEVER, BUT AM NOT, MY ANKLES AND FEET HURT ALL THE TIME , MY TORSAO, MY LEGS AND WORST OF ALL THE BASE OF MY NECK, I HAVE THE WORST HEADACHES, AND MUSCLE ACHES IN MY ARMS AND NECK. i TAKE AMITRYPTOLINE(SPELLED WRONG) IT HELPS AND I TAKE HYDROCODONE (SPELLED WRONG) BUT THEY ARE THE ONLY THINGS THAT HELP, CYMBALTA WAS HORRIBLE, AS WAS LYRICA. I WORK EVERYDAY, I EXERCISE, AND I KNOW THAT IF I KEEP GOING IT WILL HURT MORE TOMORROW AND I WILL PAY FOR IT IF I DON'T SLOW DOWN, BUT I FEEL I MUST KEEP ON AND DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON LIFE, MY ADVICE TO YOU ALL IS, DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU, EVERYONE IS DIFERENT, WHO CARES WHAT A DR. THINKS, WE THAT HAVE THIS TERRIBLE PROBLEM, KNOW WE ARE NOT SICK IN THE HEAD, CRAZY, OR MAKING IT UP...YES I HAVE BEEN TOLD ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MORE, BUT I FOUND A GREAT DR IN HICKORY NC, A YOUNG WOMAN, AND SHE FOUND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D LEVELS...I BET THEY ARE LOW, MINE WAS 14, I COULD HARDLY MOVE, I WAS PRESC. 100,000 UINTS A WEEK FOR 4 MONTHS AND BOY DID IT HELP, I WENT DOWN TO 50,000 A WEKK FOR 4 MONTHS AND NOW I HAVE NO INSURANCE SO I TAKE 5-10,000 A DAY DEPENDING ON HOW I FEEL, ALONG WITH CALCIUM,800 IU VIT E, AND MAGNESIUM. IT REALLY HELPS, CHECK WITH YOUR DR.BEFORE TRYING, IT MAY BE YOU HAVE LOW VIT D ALSO.WHICH CAUSES MANY OTHER ISSUES-BONE LOSS, BAD TEETH, MUSCLE CRAMPS,ETC. GOOD LUCK AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

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  33. Jean

    December 3rd, 2010 - 8:42:22 PM

    I'm on cymbalta,gabapentin,for the fibro it helps relieve some of the symptoms. I take trazodone to sleep at night. Get your self a good bed. I get massages 2 times per month. You have to learn to manage your pain and go to a doc. that helps with the fibro pain. I also have a fibro fog where you can't concentrate,along with the temperature changes of your body. Get your self a handicap sticker.

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  34. Terry

    December 7th, 2010 - 8:43:15 AM

    I have arthritis and collagenous colitis -- the CC makes it impossible for me to take any meds for the arthritis. I started taking Cymbalta in Sept. and I believe it has helped. I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of my pain is actually fibro rather than from the arthritis. I do know, though, that swimming or water aerobics are a great help in whatever condition it is. Especially in warmer water than usual. TO DEBBIE: Your local Y may be able to waive a membership fee for you given your financial and medical conditions. It's worth a try, and if they have a pool with warmer water than usual, you may be able to get a lot of relief. I hope you can do so; none of this is fun but it can be managed, but I think all of us should follow Mayo Clinic advice -- IF YOUR DOCTOR WON'T LISTEN TO YOU, GET ANOTHER DR. Enough is enough. Depression is a part of all this partly because of the pain and then its a contributor to more pain. It's a vicious circle and anti-depressants can help with that. One thing that helps me a lot is spending some time outside every day. Even if I just sit, I enjoy the different weathers and sights and sounds. Good luck to all of us.

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  35. sallie goldberg

    December 9th, 2010 - 5:15:35 PM

    I was diagnosed in 1983 by my boss(I'm a medical assistant) so that's 27 years I've dealt with this terrible affiction. I don't have "attacks" frequesntly, but hen I do, I'm laid low. The last one in Novemver took 12 days to finally leave. I've tried EVERYTHING except the new RXs because of kidney problems.I'm open to any and all new things

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  36. laura robledo

    December 11th, 2010 - 10:25:40 PM

    In my 30's I went to several MD's constant complain of soreness and chronic fatigue. All blamed it on weight gain. I was 10Lbs over. After I had my baby at 32yr I noticed that my "frozen shoulder" got worse as well as my ankles and feet. I couldn't find shoes out there with enough cushion. Am now 44yr.was finally dx:fibromyalgia. Made the round of nonsteriodal meds, over the counter pain meds,sleepers,muscle relaxants. I have made the decision to live with the chronic pain and only take just enough aleve to relieve pain levels 7-10. I made a heat pack by adding dry white rice into a long sock and tying the end. this can place in the microwave for 2 min. provide hours of warm moist heat and is reusable-don't get it wet. Started using husband's TENS unit. patches place along stiff muscles not on bone. GREAT relief, I usually am relaxed enough to nap. Aromatherapy such as peppermint oil rubbed onto scalp and along neck area. Allows you to focus on scent as you take deep breaths. helps sometimes to fall asleep. At my local Asian mkt found liniment AXE brand and on days when pain is less than level 5 I apply to low back or neck area and use heat pack. I too would like to just prune in a warm tub. Very important to keep moving even if it hurts.Yoga also helped make sure you only do the moves as far as you can. You will be surprised flexibility will increase. I have decided to continue with the antidepressants-for now. Lastly, extreme pain is relieved by the occasional trip to Dr Chen for Accupuncture/Accupressure-allows me to touch my toes when all else fails.DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU IT'S JUST DEPRESSION CAUSING YOUR FIBRO.

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  37. Laura robledo

    December 11th, 2010 - 10:39:12 PM

    Coworker and I compared our symptoms and found them to be the same, even found we had gone to the same Rheumatologist. Diane also gave up on meds but it was interesting to see that the alternative treat she followed improved her symptoms almost 100%. She went through a body cleansing followed by stopping caffeine, processed foods-essentially a macrobiotic diet.Replaced cow's milk with goat's milk.Fresh eggs,decreased meat intake and started a low impact exercise program. Diane lost weight and said she noticed a difference when she missed exercise day. She said what made the diet change difficult was trying to convince her family to follow it. In the end she took charge of her self and gave her family the choice of eating healthy or following their own wants. Hope this has helped. Keep those joints warm,don't forget the fluids.Above all accept help/plan your activities so you don't get over tired.

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  38. D.Norman

    December 17th, 2010 - 8:11:49 AM

    I have been dealing with the pain for five years and have not worked in 3 years.My wife has been great... with the support and the understanding.Im trying for ss .HRS sent me to a vocational rehabilation.They sent me to a rheumatologist,he deemed me permantly disabled. V.R.(government paid) Was paying for the drs.,since they recieved the drs. findings they stopped paying for anymore drs.My wife only makes min. wage so we have to set drs. appointments once a month.Being a man and married you always want to do what you have always done and wind up hurting yourself.I was a master carpenter,I miss being able to the work ,I have trained myself to do.The meds. are expensive(1)(500.00 a month)Skelaxin a horse tranqulizer.My dr. wants me to have a MRI . We dont have the money to spend for the MRI. All I can say is stay focused and remember to allways thank the people who are there for all of us .,our family and friends with out them we would go crazy.remind them we will do what we can to help ., even if it is alittle .everything is appreciated.

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  39. tami spaulding

    December 18th, 2010 - 9:50:01 AM

    i was diagnosed in my mid twenties,am now 47,been out of work going on 4yrs,i've been on nerontin for at least 4yrs started at 300mg 3xa day,am now up to 2400mg a day it helps some of the pain,but not my neck or headaches that are horrible,flexerill a muscle relaxant helps with my headaches,percocets or vicoden help with the deep long lasting pain but now a days its hard to even get them.doctors wonder why some of us not all,just wish we could die when the pain is unbearable,i do however have this suggestion to make,relief is what i look for not to completely get rid of my pain,for i know that you can hurt yourself more when pain is completely gone.narcotics are great for the flare ups especially in the winter months but only in moderation.

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  40. Barb

    December 19th, 2010 - 4:13:35 PM

    I was diagnosed w/fibromyalgia 15 years ago. Treatment began with meds to help me sleep(a very big problem). They helped. By accident I found Norgesic Forte combined with tylenol would get rid of my headaches. Now that I am over 65, I have stopped the tylenol. It was too much for me. My regular Dr. referred me to a Rheumatologist that also treats Fibromyalgia. He has prescribed Soma and Amitryliptilene for sleep. They help but are not perfect. He injected steroids and lidocane directly into the pressure point and the first two times it worked. I was free of pain for about 2 months before it began to return. I tried Acupuncture for about 6 months. It gave me a little more energy but would not alleviate the pain. I have now been given Hydrocodone to take twice a day. It helps a little but I can't help but feel that there is nothing that will really work permanently. About 8 years ago I also had plantars facyitis(bad spelling). I did water arobics 3 times a week and have not had that problem since. I wish it had helped Fibro. Good Luck to you all.

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  41. Glenda

    December 21st, 2010 - 9:12:55 PM

    I have probably tried all the medications over the past 15 years. My Doctor has been so understanding and is willing to try whatever he can to help me. One of the best meds I have used is guaifenesin aka plain generic robitussin, not the ones with an initial after the name. I found this accidently when I used this for cough relief. My Dr then gave me an RX for the med and it cost much less than getting it off the shelf. It can also be bought online but I don't know how good it would be or if there is any regulation on the manuf process. If you haven't tried this before, it will only cost about 1.89 or so for a generic brand. I got major relief within a week. Best Wishes for all of you. You will be in my prayers.

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  42. Queen

    December 29th, 2010 - 10:27:09 AM

    I have been told this is what I have. Cymbalta was prescribed but it worries me. It is a drug created for depression. In the past antidepressants and I did not get along well. Should I see a nerologist? I have been experiencing extreme tingling in all extremities and constant discomfort for over a month now. Each day I hope it will go away. I guess I am looking for a bit of moral support and encouragement.

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  43. John

    December 30th, 2010 - 6:57:16 PM

    Reading all these comments made me realize that no male fibros have posted. I can sympathize with all the symptoms I share. I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago, but I must have had it for years before. I was referred to shrinks time and time again. Many Docs call Fibro 'the garbage can disease'. Ignorance is no excuse for callousness though I do understand their position. They think-how can a disease be real when their is no real clinical diagnosis? And, when the symptoms are all over the board and seemingly unrelated. It is also very important to be tested for all the known causes of your symptoms. If you don't have any "real" markers for these diseases you may well have fibro. But, you need to eliminate the possibility of other serious disorders first. The Arthritis Foundation recognizes Fibromyalgia as a serious condition if not a disease. If you are having trouble finding a Doc go to a Rhematologist right a way. All the things recommended by vivastic are relevant and true to my 15yr fibro trip. Many fibros are also hypo-glycemic (I am) this means you should follow the same diet as the Diabetic. Caffeine and aspartame both stimulate nerve messengers and should be avoided if you can. If you think you have Fibro you owe it to yourself to buy this book: "What your doctor may not tell you about Fibromyalgia" by Dr. St. Amand. You may or may not agree with the treatment protocol or the reasons he gives for the disease. He does however have the definitive diagnosis tools...giving all the varied symptoms that people suffer with this disease (he has Fibro)...if you aren't sure if you have Fibro read this book and you will be certain one way or the other. I was a patient of Dr St Amand for several years and followed the protocol...it helped me. I have since moved away and need aspirin for my heart so the treatment is nixed for now. Above all stay active and keep your spirits up and avoid stress as much as possible. As others have said above it will come and go but there are better days and times...so, keep your chin up...it may hurt but it isn't going to kill you! John 'n Dallas

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  44. Donna

    January 1st, 2011 - 3:15:43 PM

    I was sort of diagnosed with fibro about 16yrs ago, although NOT formally. I guess besides the constant aches EVERYWHERE, I have a lot of nauseated stomache issues. I did not relize that foods can really reak havic with this. I have bouts where just about anything I eat makes me gag. Like now for instance I had a piece of pizza and I feel like could puke! I have also noticed that if I even slightly bump myself it feels like a got hit with a truck. The temperature fluxes really kill me. Either to hot or to cold, NEVER a happy medium! Also the not being able to sleep a whole night thru and I drive school bus everyday so I am out in all kinds of weather everyday. What makes mine worse and other people who probably take a statin drug because they also cause the body and mucsle aches, so just adding injury to insult. Would be nice to belong to some sort of support group as I think only women understand women!! I have a lot of stomache issues, now my legs ache terrible especially if I walk alot on concrete although our new house has ceramic flooring in kithen and one bath and I have noticed an increase in pain since moving in here. I was blaming on my snow boots but now I don't think so. I will be making another appt soon with my a dr and am going to suggest some testing to rule out other stuff. I also have severe lower back ache right down into the rectal area. Well hopefully they rule out other stuff but do find it is actually fibro. That at least I could live with regardless of the pain. Wishing you all a Happy and less painfull New Year! Donna

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  45. BRENDA RIGGINS

    January 10th, 2011 - 8:11:09 PM

    I WAS IN A AUTO ACCIDENT IN 2001 AND GOING DOCTOR TO DOCTOR IS SO DEPRESSING AND ONE KNOWS THE PAIN I;M IN HURTS EVEN MORE TAKING ALL KINDS OF NARCOTICS BUT NOTHING HELPS. THE LASDT SIX MONTHS ALL I WANT TO DO IS LAY DOWN BUT IT HURTS LAYING DOWN SITTING DOWN TOO LONG GET STIFF DRIVING HURTS THE BACK OF MY LEGS. I DON;T HAVE STRENGTH TO GO TO CHURCH SO I LISTEN TO GOSPEL MUSIC AND PRAY ALOT MY FAVORITE SONG NOW YOU CAN MAKE IT BY LJ REYNOLDS GOD BLESS THOSE GOING THROUGH WHAT I AM MY HUSBAND DON;T UNDERSTAND WEVE BEEN TOGETHER 35YRS I DON;T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER ITS GOING TO LAST I DO A LOT OF CRYING KNOW

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  46. kate

    January 24th, 2011 - 5:51:36 PM

    I have had the symptoms of fibromyalgia for about 6 to 7 years. It was very frustrating after numerous tests and blood work all kept coming back normal. My family doctor is actually the one that noticed I had pattern of coming in with the same symptoms during certain times of the year and recommended seeing the rheumatologist to see if it was fibromyalgia since all my tests were coming back normal. After 2-3 years of dealing with the pain the Rheumatologists ran a few more tests that could be the cause and with everything coming up negative and having all the trigger points I was diagnosed. I am lucky that so far I have been able to manage the pain with advil/motrin or tylenol. My episodes can come and go. They are worse when I am cold. One thing that I have found that has really helped is the Feingold program which eliminates additives, preservatives and dyes from your diet. You also limit your salicylate intake. With starting the program and staying true to it for the full 6 weeks I was able to reintroduce foods to see how I reacted to them. Normally one of my first symptoms is my fibro. I am still in the process of learning my triggers but feel so much better when I stick to the program. I have also learned that I need to stay away from wheat and bread (huge triggers for me) I don't tend to tell people about my diagnosis I quess because it is something that people don't understand. When I have talked about it I relate the symptoms to having the flu and the extreme pain that you can be in minus the fever. This disease stinks but I will not let it win and keep trying to manage it and work through the pain when I have it. I am luck that my husband is very supportive. We have changed our whole diet which started out to help our son who was having terrible headaches and a was diagnosed with a language delay-the Feingold program has helped both of us....it is amazing to see how certain foods can effect us-my symptoms can start within minutes to a day later. I only wish that I would have changed the foods that we eat when my son was younger. I am telling you about this program because it has helped me greatly and maybe it could help someone else. If not eliminating symptoms maybe it would help find trigger foods....like I said before my symptoms are my fibro symptoms and it is enough to cut whatever food it is out of my diet! I can eat things from time to time that I shouldn't and be ok but like now I over did it and went out to eat and I am now paying the price with a full blown Fibromyalgia attack and it stinks. I am in so much pain that I will be less likely to slip of of the foods I know that I can eat....It just isn't worth the pain :o( I hope that this could help someone and to everyone else hang in there

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  47. Kim M.

    January 26th, 2011 - 8:08:13 PM

    I am 31 and I have had fibro for about 6 years now. So since I was 26....I have tried everything. Lyrica , Cymbalta, made me sick and dizzy. So now the only releaf I get are from pain pills. I know all about feeling like you are a drug addict. I have had to change doctors a couple of times because the looked at me like I was crazy or did not know nor understand how bad fibro can be. Uneducated doctors and a fibro patient do not mix well. I have night sweats, I have severe bone and muscle pain. I hurt in both my shoulders, both sides of my neck, my right side of my lower back, my hips, knees,legs. If I sit for more than 10 minutes and get up to walk I have to hold on to the wall for support. My feet hurt as well. My hands and fingers hurt and writing is not so easy. Also I suffer from migraines and it is because of my firo. Working in not so easy but I do it anyway. I have 3 boys and I try to stay active but it is hard. I know how everyone feels. hang in there we could have it much worse as if we do not have it bad enough...lol

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  48. fanny michelle

    January 27th, 2011 - 4:38:29 PM

    I was diagnosed with fb in 2004 and the same syptoms i have now i had since i was a teenager.,,but my mom would tell me,,there growing pains..now i know thery were not...but definitely ALLSUP is wonderful...they helped me with my social security disability...they are great!

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  49. Iris Perez

    January 29th, 2011 - 6:07:15 PM

    Greetings Fibro Buddies! I FEEL your pain...literally! So glad to have found this site and your stories. Now I don't feel as alone. Can relate to all the situations from drs not understanding, the meds, the tests, the family wanting you to be like your old self and some spouses not understanding. I believed I only had arthritis from the time I was in my early 30s. I discovered I had both: arthritis and fibro. I am 64. I was diagnosed by a neurologist but my chiropractor suspected it first because when he tried to touch me I screamed bloody murder and he said he'd barely touched me! Both my knees are replaced, I've had several surgeries, have diabetes, diverticulosis, gurd, TMJ (temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome), dysmenorrhea (uncontrolled bleeding-had to have a hysterectomy), depression, tinitis, twitchy muscles, abdominal cramps, irritable bowel, poor balance and coordination, short-term memory impairment, trouble concentrating, "brain fog" sensitivity to odors, light noise, pressure changes, heat, cold, sensory overload, unaccountable irritability, irregular heartbeat, hair loss, hemorrhoids, delayed reactions to physical exertion or stressful events, cravings for carbs/chocolate, morning stiffness, and take 12 different meds. Oh, did I mention Apnea? FRIENDS! I truly am not trying to win a prize ("I have more symptoms than you..Haha"). What I'm trying to say is that yes, we SUFFER

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  50. Iris Perez

    January 29th, 2011 - 6:28:38 PM

    Greetings Fibro Buddies! I FEEL your pain...literally! So glad to have found this site and your stories. Now I don't feel as alone. Can relate to all the situations from drs not understanding, the meds, the tests, the family wanting you to be like your old self and some spouses not understanding. I believed I only had arthritis from the time I was in my early 30s. I discovered I had both: arthritis and fibro. I am 64. I was diagnosed by a neurologist but my chiropractor suspected it first because when he tried to touch me I screamed bloody murder and he said he'd barely touched me! Both my knees are replaced. It took 8 mos. before I felt no pain due to the fibro. The drs and physical therapists couldn't understand the excruciating pain after so many months. I've had several surgeries, have diabetes, diverticulosis, gurd, TMJ (temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome), dysmenorrhea (uncontrolled bleeding-had to have a hysterectomy), depression, tinitis, twitchy muscles, abdominal cramps, irritable bowel, poor balance and coordination, short-term memory impairment, trouble concentrating (brain fog, sensitivity to odors, light, noise, pressure changes, heat, cold, sensory overload, unaccountable irritability, irregular heartbeat, hair loss, hemorrhoids, delayed reactions to physical exertion or stressful events, cravings for carbs/chocolate, morning stiffness, the list goes on. I take 12 different meds. Oh, did I mention Apnea? FRIENDS! I truly am not trying to win a prize ("I have more symptoms than you..Haha"). What I'm trying to say is that yes, we SUFFER greatly and I understand perfectly when you want to stay in bed under the covers and just never get up! I thank God every day for an understanding and compassionate husband. I don't know what I would do without him. But I want to encourage you that even in the midst of all the suffering, you must not lose hope. There is a Loving God who cares about you and if you would offer up your pain for Him to use to save souls or as He wants, you will find that the pain is not so unbearable. What has helped me tremendously is my faith and my volunteer work which helps me to focus on someone needier and with more troubles than I could ever imagine going through. Concrete help for me is a memory foam 4" mattress that I placed on top of my regular mattress. I also decided to put my vanity aside and purchase diabetic shoes which feel like I'm walking on clouds. My Medicare paid for them. I use a motorized chair at the grocery store and I also bought a walker with a seat. Again, Medicare paid. I have a Handicap sticker and was approved for disability. Having fibromyalgia qualifies you to receive disability! And if you're seeing a psychiatrist for depression, that will also help. I PACE myself. If I know I have an activity the following day, I take it EASY the day before AND after!Lyrica really helped me. I am also on Lexapro and Nuvigil for the depression. All of God's blessings. Iris

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  51. Debra

    January 30th, 2011 - 1:42:53 AM

    To Shari Peavy, my mother was a Peavy, and my cousin was Hallie June Peavy, who was a geneologist. My mother passed away in 1983 and my cousin in 2010. My family lived in Idaho and my cousin's family lived in Washington. I believe both my mother and June had fibromyalgia, but their doctors did not believe they did. I believe that I have fibro, too. I don't sleep for 2-3 days. I hurt in my neck front and back, in my hips, in my lower back, I have headaches, I am always tired, I am anxious, I have anxiety, I can not concentrate, I am depressed, I am gaining weight, clothes hurt me especially around my neck and my hips, my knees hurt, my elbows hurt, my hands hurt and they feel tingly, numb, and they ache, I am moody, I get angry easily, I get nauseated, I am not happy, and I think why do I even want to live feeling like this. I have felt this way for many years and I am tired of it. My boyfriend and my sister have made comments on how much I have changed. My sister called me bipolar and skitzofrantic because I get, so angry. My doctor has had me on Zoloft it did no good it made me fill dizzy, he put me on Neurontin 300 MG, also called Gabapentin, which made me sick. Then he put me on something for my stomach and it made me fall asleep, while I was driving a. I drove off of the road, but did not get hurt and I broke out in hives. Now I have heartburn all of the time. In 1998, I was seeing another doctor for several different injuries I sustained from work. I had injured my right elbow and had to have stitches, but no x-rays. I had a knee injury and the doctor sent me to an orthopaedic doctor and the orthopaedic sent me to a physical therapist. Then I had to go back to the orthopaedic and he told the insurance company that the problem with my knee was because I had scarlet fever when I was young, but I never had scarlet fever. I had a head, neck, shoulders, and back injury, which the doctor took an x-ray, but he could see nothing wrong. I asked about having a MRI done and he told me he felt I did not need one. That doctor told the insurance company that I requested a MRI, but he felt I did not need one. The pain that was in my head, neck, shoulders, and back was very bad that I did not even notice that my stomach had a large bulge in it. My sister took to me the doctor and I asked him about it and he said that he did not see anything wrong with my stomach. In 2009 my sister had surgery done on herlung and she told the same doctor, who said he could not see anything wrong with my stomach to take a look at my stomach and tell her what was wrong with Debra's stomach. His reply was I had a hernia and I needed to have a surgery to repair it. I told him he was not going to do it. I would get a specialist to do the surgery for me. There is a doctor and his family, who have a cabin where I live and I showed him my stomach, he expalined to me what a ventral hernia was and that I needed to have it taken care of as soon as possible. I had not been back to a doctor since 1999. In 2010 I seen a surgeon and I found out that I did not have 1 ventral hernia, but that I had 8 of them. The surgeon had never known of any one, who had ever had 8, he has had and has heard of people having 3. I have my whole stomach lined with a mesh fabric made of kevlar and it does not feel good. My surgeon put me on Diazepam 5 MG Tab, also called valium to help my stomach spasms, which did help, then he put me on Metoclopramide 10 MG, also called Reglan for nausea, it helped, and then he put me on a pain medicine called Hydrocodone/APAP 10-325 MTAB and it helped. My new doctor still has me on the 3 medicines above for my stomach. My doctor has ran many tests on me, but can not tell me what is wrong. The doctor does know that I am suffering from stress and depression and maybe carpel tunnel, so he is sending me to a psychologist because he thinks that I am having some mental stress with my problems. I told my doctor with filling the way that I do and him not being able help me, it is no wonder I may have mental problems. A person can hurt for so long with out some sort of percussions. I have an appointment with my doctor after I see the shrink because I told my doctor's nurse that I met a lady, who said I have the symptoms of fibromyaliga. I think my doctor will check out what fibromyalgia is and will be able to diagnose my problem. My symptoms started when I was 49 and I am now 57. The only thing I have going for me is I love the Lord and I know he loves me and, for some strange reason I have to suffer for now. It just might be that the Lord needs me to witness to this shrink or it might be that the shrink will know that I may have fibromyalgia. For now all I can do is pray and have faith in what will be will be. In the mean time I will pray for all of you, who have this horrible disease. Debra

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  52. Debra

    January 30th, 2011 - 2:59:31 AM

    To Shari Peavy, my mother was a Peavy, and my cousin was Hallie June Peavy, who was a genealogist. My mother passed away in 1983 and my cousin in 2010. My family lived in Idaho and my cousin's family lived in Washington. I believe both my mother and June had fibromyalgia, but their doctors did not believe they did. I believe that I have fibro, too. I do not sleep for 2-3 days. I hurt in my neck front and back, in my hips, in my lower back, I have headaches, I am always tired, I am anxious, I have anxiety, I can not concentrate, I am depressed, I am gaining weight, clothes hurt me especially around my neck and my hips, my knees hurt, my elbows hurt, my hands hurt and they feel tingly, numb, and they ache, I am moody, I get angry easily, I get nauseated, I can not stand to take a shower because the water hurts my neck and shoulders and getting into the bath tub is unthinkable. I am not happy, and I think why do I even want to live feeling like this. I have felt this way for many years and I am tired of it. My boyfriend and my sister have made comments on how much I have changed. My sister called me skitsifrenic and bipolar because I get, so angry. In 1998, I was seeing a doctor for several different injuries I sustained from work. I had injured my right elbow and had to have stitches, but no x-rays. I had a knee injury and the doctor sent me to an orthopedic doctor and the orthopedic sent me to a physical therapist. Then I had to go back to the orthopedic and he told the insurance company that the problem with my knee was because I had scarlet fever when I was young, but I never had scarlet fever. I had a head, neck, shoulders, and back injury, which the doctor took an x-ray, but he could see nothing wrong. I asked about having a MRI done and he told me he felt I did not need one. That doctor told the insurance company that I requested a MRI, but he felt I did not need one. The only thing he could see wrong with me was that I had big stained teeth. I was a tea drinker and I did smoke at that time. The pain that was in my head, neck, shoulders, and back was very bad that I did not even notice that my stomach had a large bulge in it. My sister took to me the doctor and I asked him about it and he said that he did not see anything wrong with my stomach. In 2009 my sister had surgery done on her right lung and she told the same doctor, who said he could not see anything wrong with my stomach to take a look at my stomach and tell her what was wrong with Debra's stomach. His reply was I had a hernia and I needed to have a surgery to repair it. I told him he was not going to do it. I would get a specialist to do the surgery for me. There is a doctor and his family, who have a cabin where I live and I showed him my stomach, he explained to me what a ventral hernia was and that I needed to have it taken care of as soon as possible. I had not been back to a doctor since 2000. In 2010 I seen a surgeon and I found out that I did not have 1 ventral hernia, but that I had 8 of them. The surgeon had never known of any one, who had ever had 8; he has had and has heard of people having 3. I have my whole stomach lined with a mesh fabric made of kevlar and it does not feel good. My surgeon put me on Diazepam 5 MG Tab, also called valium to help my stomach spasms, which did help, then he put me on Metoclopramide 10 MG, also called Reglan for nausea, it helped, and then he put me on a pain medicine called Hydrocodone/APAP 10-325 MTAB and it helped. In 2010 I got a new doctor and I feel he will help me in the long run it may take a little time. My new doctor still has me on the 3 medicines above for my stomach. I told my doctor about all of my symptoms and he has run many tests on me, but cannot tell me what is wrong. My doctor has had me on Sertraline 50 MG, also called Zoloft used for depression it did no good it made me fill dizzy and even more agitated, he put me on Neurontin 300 MG, also called Gabapentin used for seizures, he thought it would help the pain in my body, which made me sick. Then he tried me on Trazodone 50 MG to help me sleep, but I broke out in hives. Then he put me on something for my heartburn and upset stomach and it made me fall asleep, while I was driving and I drove off of the road. Thank the Lord I did not get hurt. I did break out in hives from that medicine, so I threw it away. I will have to find out what it was, so I can list it with every thing I am allergic to. I cannot take Prilosec, nor can I take Tagament they make me feel like I am out there lost. I can take Zantac 150 MG, which is Ranitidine at times it helps and at times it does not. I cannot take Morphine, Penicillin, or Haldol because it makes my throat swell. The doctor does know that I am suffering from stress and depression and carpel tunnel, so he is sending me to a psychologist because he thinks that I am having some mental stress with my problems. I told my doctor with filling the way that I do and him not being able help me, it is no wonder I may have mental problems. A person can hurt for so long with out some sort of percussions. I have an appointment with my doctor after I see the shrink because I told my doctor's nurse that I met a lady, who said I have the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I think my doctor will check out what fibromyalgia is and will be able to diagnose my problem. My symptoms started when I was 49 and I am now 57. The only thing I have going for me is I love the Lord and I know he loves me and, for some strange reason I have to suffer for now. It just might be that the Lord needs me to witness to this shrink or it might be that the shrink will know that I may have fibromyalgia. For now all I can do is pray and have faith in what will be will be. In the mean time I will pray for all of you, who have this horrible disease. Debra

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  53. michelle kelley

    January 31st, 2011 - 7:28:41 AM

    I have recently had to stop working due to chronic arthritis pain, hot flashes, difficulty concentrating and generalized fatigue that makes it hard for me to get out of bed. I am also in the throws of menopause and have been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease of my hands and a vitamin D deficiency. Yes, I've been spending a lot of time at the dentist and oral surgeon for grinding and TMJ issues. My husband is a surgeon and he is extremely supportive. I have appts. with a pain clinic, rheumatologist, therapist, and specialized autoimmune dermatologist. I have recently realized that aspartame, caffeine, and nicotine i.e. diet coke, energy drinks, and cigarettes were my coping mechanisms for the chronic pain and fatigue, need to be eliminated from my lifestyle. Other wierd symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, nauseousness, and sleep disturbance are part of my history. My grandmother had fibro but it was 25 years ago and no one believed in the disease at the time. I have asked my husband, who is educated about fibro, if he thinks maybe fibro is the root of all my problems. He said no. After reading all your comments I am convinced that I do indeed suffer from it. Hopefully, one of my new doctors will recognize it. I went to a rheumatologist once before and he made me feel crazy, lazy and angry so I never pursued it. What I do know is that I rarely get out of bed, and am sick and tired of constant pain and fatigue. Thank you all for educating me and I sincerely hope that you all find some relief somewhere, somehow. IT IS SHEER HELL LIVING THIS WAY

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  54. Judy Jones

    February 23rd, 2011 - 4:54:05 PM

    I also have had night sweats and sleeplessness, muscle pain and tenderness and fatigue with fibromyalgia. Everything got worse with the onset of perimenopause, which also brought on rosacea and thyroid problems to add to it all. My fever isn't as bad now that I am past the menopause, but the beat goes on with fibromyalgia. I try visualization at night, have used meds that just didn't help. Sometimes antihistamine helps me to sleep and ibuprophen for pain. I believe that therpeutic massage helps as well as exercise.

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  55. Patty

    February 26th, 2011 - 8:54:39 PM

    I was diagnosed about two years ago. I've been on amytriptiline (made me eat everything in sight), trazodone (made me very hostile), neurontin (didn't really help, and caused weight gain), Lyrica (stopped working, and caused heart palpitations and panic attacks). Zoloft helped some, but not enough. I'm taking Skelaxin now, which helps a little bit. Weather systems trigger a lot of my flares, and we've had some rather wild weather this winter. I get so frustrated and depressed. My husband is afraid to touch me. My GYN is bugging me to get a mammogram and shedule my annual exam. How am I supposed to tolerate a mammogram and a pelvic? Soemtimes I live in pajamas because anything more restrictive hurts too much.

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  56. Fiona

    March 1st, 2011 - 4:46:14 PM

    At age 20, I was diagnosed with Fibro 2 years ago after being sick for about 4 years with a lot of the symptoms mentioned above. My mom wasn't happy with the diagnosis so we went to a Lyme doctor and he treated me for Lyme. After 11 months, I just came off of all my meds and am symptom-free except still having trouble sleeping.

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  57. betty

    March 8th, 2011 - 12:05:58 AM

    I am looking for help. Just started realizing I have been in pain for a long time. I try to stay busy, but am able to do less and less each day. What would I say to the dr. when I go in next week. I am not scared of a diagnosis just don't know how to get one. None of the comments I have read seem helpful only a little scary. I just know I hurt all the time, nothing helps. Most of the time even a touch is too much. I have more and more trouble just walking, reaching, hugging and just about everything. I have been depressed since a teenager and am now in my 60's. Am I too old for fibro? The comments lead me to believe that I should have had problems sooner. Can depression meds mask pain? any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

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  58. Jill Winkle

    March 10th, 2011 - 9:13:27 PM

    It is like a merry go round. I have been in horrible pain all over so I got some antidepressants cymbalta and it helped a lot with the pain from fibro. The depressants does mask the pain, it's kinda strange. You can still feel it but it is tolerable and you are not so grumpy or in a bad mood so much. How do you get happy when your body is killing you with pain in every movment. This disease is the worst. Cymbalta is 175. for a month. Can't afford it.

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  59. Claire

    March 11th, 2011 - 3:21:38 PM

    I've had fibro for several years. I also have severe osteoarthritis and Sjogrens syndrome. Sjogrens is dry mouth and eyes. I have NO tears. My mouth is so dry my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth at night. I'm using artificial saliva. I also am losing my teeth due to gumline cavities. My body aches so much and all I want to do is sleep. The fatigue is the worst. I am taking Lyrica 150 mg twice daily, Cymbalta, narcotic pain reliever, muscle relaxant. All can cause dry mouth. But the dry mouth with Sjogrens is much worse than that caused by medications. I have had to have plugs placed in my tear ducts because I have no tears. My life is pain. My sciatica makes it hard to walk but I'm still working. Have to keep moving. I have my 4 yorkies and my wonderful hubby to help me through the days. For that I am grateful and I let the universe know every day how grateful I am. God Bless

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  60. prak

    March 13th, 2011 - 8:39:18 PM

    My wife is an endermologist and has two clients who have Fibromyalgia. For those out there that are not familiar with endermology it is a cellulite treatment that is applied via a hand-held instrument. It is relaxing and massage-like. They have both sworn to the help it has provided. Her first client who has it has been coming once a week for several years and is off whatever medication she was on and her most recent client almost came to tears in telling my wife how good she felt after her first visit. I came to this site looking to learn more about fibromyalgia and its causes and how endermology might help it, and to be honest, they don't look like obvious matches. Endemology increases circulation far beyond a normal massage and gets your lymphatic system revved up as well. I have arthritis in my elbow and when I was going to the gym allot I used to run the smaller head over my elbow and the pain relief was IMMEDIATE and went from an 8 to a 2. Maybe it works the same way for people with fibromyalgia. From reading the comments here and knowing my wife's clients stories, I would suggest giving it a try. My wife's machine is made by LG. I will watch the comments on this sight for hopeful feedback. My wife's business is vanity-based-she does not advertise to help fibromyalgia, but if it possibly helps anyone out here, it is worth passing on the suggestion. Worst case scenario-you can get a nice massage and get rid of cellulite-if you have any. Best wishes!

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  61. Angela

    March 15th, 2011 - 9:18:14 PM

    I am 48 years old and have suffered with Fibromyalgia since the age of 25. I have days whereas I can force my self out of bed and some days that I cannot. It takes on toll on your daily activities, especially when you are use to being outgoing. I have laid in bed and cried and prayed on my bad days, but now I am just thankful that I am able to get up and although, forceful, do some things that prevent me from lying and concentrating on my pain. I have to stay mobile in order to relieve some stiffness and fatigue that I feel everyday and allday. I also, notice weather conditions makes me worse and doing stenuous activity. I have handheld massages, take bath salt/alcohol soaks and over counter pain medications that get me through the day. God Bless Us All

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  62. Penny

    March 18th, 2011 - 11:20:20 AM

    my fibro is driving me crazy.I hurt so bad all over.Fatigue and can't get out of the bed to good in the morning.66 years old and on my good days I tend to over do it.which puts me down again.On Cymbalta and lorecet small amount doesn't stop the pain.Now the back and down my legs hurt and hard to walk.Is this normal too.Dr doesn't seem to interested.

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  63. Joyce gambrel

    March 20th, 2011 - 1:58:41 PM

    As I have been reading thru all these comments I can see myself...I was just diagnosed this year with fibro. After telling several Dr's about my pain they acted as if it were all in my head..My Chiropractor told me several years aga that he thought that was my biggest problem..At the time he wanted me to go to a reumatoligist but my insurance wouldn't pay for it..I am 67 years old...My husband and I are retired..I understand your pain as you all do mine..One Dr. wanted me to try Cymbalta and so I did ..No help with pain..All it did was make me feel like I was in another world!!! Thanks to God I pray continually for His care...I do take ibuprophen for pain..Have decided not to go to Dr. unless I absolutely have to..I just try to keep moving which is so hard to do..Knowing that I am a born again christian and one day I will have a new body in Heaven with my Savior keeps me going and telling others about Jesus Christ..May God give you all peace in your pain..:)

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  64. Jan

    March 22nd, 2011 - 8:51:32 PM

    I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 30. I was sent to a rheumatologist, and it took 6 months to diagnose. Mostly by process of elimation. I saw her for 2 1/2 years. I am now 58, and have had a flair up that is as bad as it was when I was first diagnosed. At first I took Amitriptiyline, and anti-inflammatories . Even had injections around my joints. The Dr. had told me as soon as I felt it coming on, I should take 2 aspirin 4 times a day, for no less than two weeks. The sharp pain usually started in my shoulders. This warted off flair ups until the past three months. Before it affected my hips and back the worst, this time it is my knees, has gone from one to the other.I walk like I am 100 years old. There are days I feel horrible, hurt all over and days I feel pretty good. I see my chiropractor frequently to relieve the muscle spasms. Many times I am in tears, but do get some relief. I am on an anti-depressant, a sleeper, and several supplements. A good nights rest and a really hot shower, does me more good than anything. My regular Dr has put me on a diet for adrenal fatigue, which eliminates the caffiene, starches, dairy products, sugars (only stevia sweetner)lots of fruit and vegetables,lean meats,all the things that are the fibro "no-no's".So maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. I take 800 mg Ibuprophen for the discomfort. We are trying Adenosine injections, which is used for chronic fatigue and fibro. I do get temporary relief for a few days after I get one. I have missed a lot of work, but am trying to just keep going, and work as much as I can. I am ready for it to go into another loooong remission. I wish all of you well and hope you each can find something to give you relief.

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  65. Quinetta J

    March 30th, 2011 - 1:53:55 PM

    I have been in pain for the past 11 years.I've from one Dr.to any Saying there is nothing was wrong with me. I told the last doc. to send me to a RA Spec. She found that I have RA plus Fibromyalgia. She put me on Nuronton I may have spelled it wrong. It didn't help with the pain but I had the jurking like restless leg syndrome but It was all over my body,I couldn't sleep because as soon as I does off to sleep I would start jurking. I took Nuronton for 8 years. I had to quit my job because It hurt to bad to stand on my feet all day. I couldn't hardly walk even to my car.I still can't walk. when I go out I have to use an electric chair like they have at wal-mart Then I had no income coming in so I couldn't go to the Doc.I quit my job when I was 60 now I'm 65. I feel like I fell off a cleft and servived. I have memory lost, thyroid problems,and diabetes with the burning pain from it. I have Ostio Arth.I'm all was in pain .I weighed 112 lbs we all this started now I weigh close to 200 lbs from the steroids shot. I haven't found anything to help.I at times when the pain is where I can't bare it I pray that God take me home. I take Tramodol for pain I use to take 2-3 times a day. I was cut down 1 -2 times a day.So I'm changing Doctors.

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  66. Ellie

    March 30th, 2011 - 9:09:55 PM

    I have fibromyalgia for many years. I am now 68 and went to a new doctor and told him to check the triggers to make sure I have fibro. After the exam he said I definitely have it and he gave me a new drug call Savalla. I took it for a while and it is not helping. I told him I'm going off. I am also taking Gabapentin for something else but it is no working on the fibro. Today I am having a bad day. I am so tired all I want to do is sleep. Every bone in my body aches and I have a bad headache. On days like this I just want to give up.

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  67. Emily Mabe

    April 3rd, 2011 - 7:34:15 PM

    I stoped drinking diet soda's about 8 years ago and went into remision with fibromyalgia within a week. No pain, completly reversed for the past 8 year's. Now it's back and i cant reverse it.i read labls, no artifical sweetner's, which I was told what caused it.I know it can be switched off in a day. but It's not working this time. Help

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  68. Rose Mary

    April 7th, 2011 - 10:45:08 AM

    I have had fibro since the early 80's and learned to live with it. I think fibro goes hand in hand with depression which I also have. It's all mind over matter in learning to live with it. I also listen to easy music all day which helps to keep my mind of the pain. I take neurotin 3 times a day every day without side effects and also tramadol when the pain gets bad. Why do people think they have fibro without going to a doctor to get checked? The doctor presses on the trigger points in your body to determine if you have fibro besides a check-up. Do not assume just because someone else has it in your family, that you do also...

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  69. Jenje

    April 11th, 2011 - 8:26:37 PM

    I too have been suffering with these chronic aches, pains, stiffness, weith gain and decline in quality of life for more than 20 years. After more than 10 years of suffering with no clue as to the problem or how to get help I settled on a female MD and hoped she would get to the root of the complaints and give me something to help. She had a life she was interested in telling me about but was not interested in my issues so I moved on after another 10 years of suffering. I am happy with my choice because she gave me meds that somewhat help but she said fibro is basically extra sensitive nerves. Try a feeling as if on fire with the body burning from the bones outward with and days on end with pain so severe it puts me to bed and even being in bed hurts. I had considered that diet most likely has an affect on fibro but read tonight that medical experts say there are certain foods that

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  70. jenje

    April 11th, 2011 - 8:35:51 PM

    clich there. Anyway I am wondering if there is a diet outline somewhere that would help with keeping tabs on food intake to monitor what I need to stay away from. I stopped soda for 3 wks and think I saw a bit of relief but as someone said and I told Dr years ago "It's like a disease that goes into remission for a bit." I am now working on a diet plan and could use a menu plan to help me keep tabs. If I get any bigger I am going to hire a hit man to take me out. Any helpful hints are appreciated.

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  71. Pamel

    April 12th, 2011 - 8:28:14 PM

    I was diagnosed with Fibro appox. three yrs. ago. I have had 2 really good pain specialist to manage my pain. One when I lived in ID which my husband would drive me 1 1/2 hrs to every 3 months to see. And now since I live in Utah I see one closer. I take trigger poing injections when needed, use a TENS unit(insurance purchased), use one of those light units (you see on T.V.) that I purchased, use heat and ice packs, aromatherapy with visualization (when in a flare to distract my mind) along with listening to relaxation cds. I take the following supplements; potassium, Malic Acid with Magnesium (which the Malic Acid is great for pain assistance and helps the magnesium - something Fibromites need more of), Vitamin D and Calcium and a Mutli-Vitamin. It is very important that we are sure to have Potassium and Magnesium in our bodies due to the leg cramps and body jerks our bodys sometimes go thru -- it will help control them. I have been on the Cymbalta and the Lyrica--Lyrica one week--did not work at all. Gabapentin and Cymbalta for quite a while. I am allergic to most all of the narcotics except Demoral (which I only take for surgeries). I am also allergic to Tylenol which eliminates a majority of medications. Being allergic to medications and sensitive to foods is related to Fibro I have learned. I was in the Medical Field for 30 yrs. From a Surgical Nurse down to a Phlebotomist. Therefore, I have done alot of research on Fibro. It took 18 months of testing for them to diagnosis me. I am also lactose intolerant which began at the beginning -- and had me wondering what was happening as I've had Menieres for 13 yrs. After reaching Utah last Sept. 2010 my new pain specialist started me on Savella taking me off my Amitriptiline, Cymbalta (I had previously stopped the Gabapentin 4 months earlier due to it was putting too much weight on me and the Dr. put me on the Amitriptyline since it helps with weight lose). But, the Savella could not be taken with the Amitriptyline. The Savella has worked fine for me. For the first time in years I have actually been able to get out and excercise. I now walk the dogs, go to Curves (I only make it there 2x per wk. right now - but I also have other problems with other health issues now)--I have lost since last July over 80 lbs. Losing weight has helped a little. 2 wks ago I quit drinking soda pop and my GERD has been better but I still have problems with my Fibro in the morning--my back and hips hurt and it takes a bit to get out of bed. I am on Seroquel for bedtime and it does help me get 6 hrs worth of sleep vs 3 hrs before I was put on it. I take a muscle relaxer Flexeril and Aleve to help me with the Fibro during the day too. That's how I try to live with the Fibro.However, when I had surgery in Dec. my Fibro went into a bad flare for 3 weeks. I face a optical bilateral block on the 14th and a breast bx on the 18th.I can only pray that my Fibro stays in check --however at this time I am in pain since I can NOT take any alleve or motrin for inflammation or even my multi-vitamin (due to the vitamin E can cause your blood to thin too). All in preparation for the upcoming procedures. As far as diets I was told recently by one of my doctors to check out and get on these diets "The Omega Zone" and "The Anti-Inflammatory Zone" both written by Barry Sears M.D.

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  72. Silver Shirley

    April 12th, 2011 - 11:29:29 PM

    Hello All Fibro Family, My name is Shirley and I have suffered with Fibro for the past 15 years. I must say I suffered a severe case of depression which caused me to basically lose the use of the right side of my body because the entire side was numb. After this bout with depression my memory went haywild. I had problems recognizing simple words and the skills to phonetically break words apart to pronounce I could not do , I still have problems with recognizing and being able to pronounce words. I know to some this is simple , but to me it is major because I was a teach with a Master Degree in Special Education with 4 areas of certification. Now, I cannot do any complicated math and as I mention recognizing words. I put alot of effort in covering my tracks to keep people from recognizing that I have an issue there. Now i will not mention all of the medical issues that climbed on the band wagon of my light and Fibromaylgia was one of them that has caused me so much suffering. I cannot recall a day since 1996 that I have been without pain. Fibro doesnt allow you to have a pain free day. As for remission mmmmmmmfor me the pain only become dull but never go away. It is sad to say, but the first thing a doctor will treat you for is depression because most do not understand nor can they relate to something that they cannot have a test to show them something in the body. I must say my family doctor recognized what was going on but did not talk about it much but thanks to her she did send me to a rehmentologist which diagnose me and put me on Neurotin and kept increasing it until I had reached a 1000mg a day. I could not continue to take that it wasnt helping and she seem to be trying to see what would work. I have taken so many test and so much medication and nothing worked but it seem the more meds I took the more medical problems I start having all back to back. I was weighing 150 and I went up to 283 lbs. This is a part list of some of the meds I have taken for Fibromayglia without any success..... Elvil, Neurotin, Tramodol, Flexril,Cymbalta with causes me problems with my diabetes.............Lyrica which cause my sight to fade while I was driving. Now, a nurse I met with fibro told me to try this combination............ forgot the muscule relaxer but Skelexian. Skelexian along with the muscle relaxer did give me some release because I could get out of bed and walk to the bedroom in the morning time rather than crawling as I had been doing for a while because it hurt to bed to put my feet on the floor and weight bear and this was after I lost 83 lbs so the weight was the issue. I'm a person who hates to go to bed because when I do I feel every pain in my body . I have found the smallest amount of stress puts me in bed for weeks. when I feel half way decent I enjoy the moment so I over do it and than I'm all the way back where I started. I do my best to really workout it feels good while I'm doing it but once i stop sit down and get prepared to get up it is offer. My hip socket kills me. I find my right side is worst than my left. I cannot sleep on my right side at all hurts to bad. I have purchase so many expensive mattresses. when I try them out they feel good but once I get it home and sleep on it for about a week it kills me, so i have all the down pads double up on my bed trying to get the moment lol. Fibromaylgia keeps everything out of order. Some of my medical issues are: irritble bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, GERD, diabetes, SLEEP APNEA, Glucoma, high blood pressure, degerative lower disc in back, depression and anxiety and problems with my balance. I'm told if I can get sleep in a deep rim it will help the pain so I need to be on a sleep schedule. I stay away from caffeine. Body temperature has been weird and it is not menopause. So much goes on with Fibromayglia until when I'm asked how I'm doing always reply oh I'm Great, because people do not understand your level of pain until they start experiencing pain. Family support is needed so much , but unfortunely to many families do not. they are so use to you being a super human until it makes them upset when you can not produce things for them like you use too. This disease has caused me a 22 year marriage. I feel better since I'm not married because the demands that you do and the remarks "Its all in your head" "Go to church more" Go visited people. Well, once you are humilited so much with unsupported mates and dont mention the emergency room which think you are just looking for drugs what professional foods. I actually start giving out printout off the internet making doctors and people realize that you areent making anything up this is real. Now, you have doctors and nurses experiencing fibromayglia so I guess we arent CRAZY after all. NOW I strongly believe the stress does trigger something to cause this problem. It is possible it is heredity like bipolar disease. I can recall my mother and grandmother suffer with alot of pain and could not find much relief. My mother found relief for a while in alcohol and then she was from one medication after another until it ruin her heart dealing with a doctor not knowing what to do but trying things . I must say they kept it moving. My mother and grandmother kept going regardless to the pain they were determing to be the captain of their own ship. I too have the same belief. I'm going to keep it moving. I fall down and I get up and keep it moving. At this point I'm not taking anything for my pain . Some time I just cry, sometimes I stay in bed most of the day, sometimes I listen to music all day and try to do things in my house, sometimes I stay in the house for weeks and sometimes I leave and watch the river. I know one thing i will not let fibromayglia have all of me I will keep it moving. So I encourage all of YOU please try to keep it moving. Take time for yourself and stop trying to be who you use to be, just be the best that you can be not for someone else but for you. Find a moment get in a quiet place read a magazine. Look for the beauty in things please do not read about all the troubles of todays society and most of all do not be a sounding board for others problems because their problems become yours and your fibromayglia take you to the ultimate hell on earth. Start saying NO to people. Stop trying to please others, dont care if they do not like you anymore. Fibromayglia is not going to allow you to be the hero anymore for others but it will make you take time for you. I share all of this because it was me and I still have alot of the characteristics but I'm working on all the things I share with you. I did not share with you all the symptoms of my fibromayglia because I found it easier to say what they not hurt and most of the time i say, my nipples , my lips, my vaginal doesnt hurt so how you know what does. Than i look for that facial reaction so I can get a laugh but the point is you have gotten the point over how advance your pain is. I was told one time that fibro doesnt get worse well that is a lie it does get worse as time go by it attacks your entire body or it causes other things to attack your body. Well everything is hurting especially my neck , shoulders, fingers, back hips are killing me because I have been on the pc to long talking to each of you. Love each of you. NOW BECOME YOUR OWN CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP and try to have a good life. Shirley

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  73. karenmc

    April 28th, 2011 - 5:57:29 PM

    GOD BLESS YOU ALL...hello this is my 1st time on this space...well, I was a strong and healthy lady in college after 20 yrs graduating from high school..I single mom I raised two wonderful sons,,now a grammie of 5...I lived on the 3rd floor...just had a surgery for my bladder colasped..then it hit me..I started walking the track..my feet started to hurt...then climbing up the stairs I would get sick, nauses that is ...and my legs would ache..I did graduate from college with a as degree in business managment and minor in computer information...I wanted to go on for a bd but could not...my memory to retain vanished...a collegue had been told she had fibro, and told me it sounded i did...I couldn't even say the word..ever mind spelling it..I found out that year back in 1998 that my only sister had Lupus and my niece, my sisters daughter had MS...WELL...I got tested and was told I have Fibro...I had to go to a 1st floor apt...my NEW LIFE....change with each passing day..I couldn't excerise..walk well at all..confussion..memory loss..almost all trigger points excisted on me with pain..as days became years..I got terribly worse..fatigue ..inablilty to do my favorite thing, ..depression got worse then axiety set in..I got so many illness it was awful..THE LAST 8 YEARS became terrifing...I couldn't walk hardly at all..gained over 100 pounds...chores got less and less to acheive...driving got so difficult, grocery shopping...relaxing to watch TV was so hard for I couldn't cause of to much pain..I felt like i came to my end for help by my doctors..so I started to fight back...got all new doctors...spoke UP to them..demanded testing for elimination of having something else going on with me...Now ONLY 54 yrs old and 12 years later...Lasr November it happened...I had many TIAS (mini strokes)..amagine that!...Well...let me continue on my NEW JOURNey with you...I was on over 20 meds a day...with little to no releif from chronic pain ALL over my body, fighting depression for years...I have been tested for many others like lyme desease...wwas diagnosed with it in 2007..treated with very high antibiotics...then to another doctor for lyme...got a blood test called cd57+cd8...(count of my white cells very very high)and the t-killer cells used to fight infections wasn't doing their job )..was told if I still have lyme it is the last thing I should be worrying about, that something is terribly wrong in you!!! ALSO with blood work it should that my muscles enzemes were very high...I am going to be check for MS...I demaned it...and did alot of research on this blood test.. I will be going in June to see a new Rhatoligist..can't wait...I can't take much more of PAIN...will let you know my results..keep searching for answers...do many limation testing....DON't EVer give up like I did for many years..don't wait for someone else to do it... REACH out for all the HELP you can get...living with fibro may not be all you got ...or may not even have fibro...(HUGS)

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  74. Marilyn

    April 30th, 2011 - 11:51:01 AM

    Fibromylgia has been my constant complaint since I was diagnossed in my early 40's. At that time the rhumetologist said that I most likely had it for seven years because of my medical history. He put me on a tricyclic medication at bedtime and I improved with the first pill. Now I take:meloxicam,doxepin, tramadol,baclofen and gabapentin. I did water areobics until I developed an issue with a pinched sciatic nerve. I thought the aerobics were wonderful and loved doing it. If I get the nerve issue controlled I want to go back to doing it helped my muscles so much and other types of exercise exaserbated my symptoms. I had been a dedicated walker for years but it didn't help me. It seemed that the muscle problems came before I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis so I really believe it is a precursor to that disease. I am now 69+ years old and can tell those of you who have been recently diagnosed that treatments can help. If your doctor isn't sympathetic to your condition you must fire that doctor and find one who is! They are out there. It made a world of difference for me. Vitamins can be a good friend to you as well as having Vitamin D levels checked regularly. If you are difficient of Vit.D it can cause aching. Insist that your Dr. orders it be included when you have a blood test. It could be a help to you and will not hurt more than a needle stick!

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  75. william thebeau

    May 3rd, 2011 - 8:54:41 PM

    all you people go and have your amino acids checked or just take a full spectrum amino acid supplementlike amino 1000 you can buy it at GNC THIS WILL CURE MOST OF YOU.

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  76. Judy Corso

    May 5th, 2011 - 9:51:43 AM

    Anything I have used or tried is my experience only...may or may not help others.Have had aches and pains in shoulder girdle/upper back for years and felt it was stress. Lonf hx of depression which has been treated woth ssri's which leave me zombie-like so I stopped. I am a recovering addict and having to take pain meds is risky (on Tramadol which I have misused)but don't feel I have truly relapsed since I am not drinking or smoking illicit substances. Hot tubs help, massage helps, hot pads help. ice packs help,walking helps,naps help since I have not slept 8 hrs through since late 90's.I never tell people to not take a certain drug because that may be the one that helps them. I drink one soda a day (not diet)try to eat healthy but don't overdo it.Don't smoke or drink etoh. My doc diagnosed fibro in 07. Another doc doesn't believe in it ...guess what, I don;t go to him anymore. I have been a nurse since 1983 and most MD's think it is in your head, especially if you are drpressed and have a history of being abused ( sexually of otherwise) because that is what they have been tasught. I even believed that until I developed the symptooms and was diagnosed myself so don't hate them just find one who does treat. Enkoy your good days, develope a sense of humor, and try to find a higher power. Try the new things and see if the help, if not go back to the old ways. Good luck.

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  77. Marianne

    May 11th, 2011 - 3:01:15 AM

    I have Lupus, fibro, osteopoeosis and possibly RA. All started with muscle paina d excruciating migraines at age 11. No doctor believes an 11-year-old. They still wou have doubts if it was not for blood workups every 6 months. This all caused family problems and eventually a divorce. I was lucky enough to "make it through" one successful pregnancy and have a beautiful daughter, 32 now, who is starting to suffer migraines and nexk/back pain. I only wish her symptoms are somehow related to a temporary bout of family stress, not like my daily allover pain, sleeplessness, horrible muscle and joint pain, fatigue, etc., etc. Finding doctors under Medicare is tough and touchy at best. I have been on so many different meds over many years that don't really take away the pain nor mental anguish, but leave me dull. After 35 years in high management positions I can no longer tolerate a real job, so I live on disability and "deal" with Mwsicare as best I can thru the pain--both physixal and mental. I wanted yo make a strong point before I sign off...I was put on a relatively low dose of Lyrica, supposedly to build up my bone tissue and had a freaking MELTDOWN." I truly nelieve I had a nervous breakdown...it happend to 1 out of 500 people--PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS MEDICATION! Since all these informative postings are amazingly accurate and heartfrlt, God bless you all. Maybe an answer/solution will come????

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  78. Kathy

    May 14th, 2011 - 1:57:10 PM

    I too have fibro, by reading the comments It reminded me of the things that I forgot about with fibro. I will seriously try to go back to basics as I am having lots of pain at this time and can relate to all the coments made by everyone

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  79. Debbie

    May 15th, 2011 - 11:41:54 AM

    Just diagnosed on Friday! Been having pain for what seems like yrs. I am 52 and misserable, dr gave me savella been taking for 2 days and already the side effects r kiking in! So back to the drawing board. My dr does not like to prescribe any narcotics, but had 10 teeth pulled 3 weeks ago and was giving hydracodone and realized that this worked for my pain! I guess i have to find another dr. who isn''t afraid to really help! any suggestions should I see a ruematologist or a pain specialist! I guess we have to keep doing whatever it takes to alleviate our pain!!

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  80. Harris H McIlwain, MD

    May 16th, 2011 - 4:30:04 PM

    Att: VIVAVISTIC.com, I would like to send you a free copy of my latest eBook "Unleashing the Mystery of Fibromyalgia, New Hope for those with Fibromyalgia, McIlwain, H, Bruce, D. 5/2011 Kindle Amazon, for review. If you are interested please send your e-mail address and I will forward the book for your review. Best, Harris H McIlwain, MD

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  81. Emily

    May 16th, 2011 - 6:14:09 PM

    Do any of you know about polymyalgia? They say i have that and it's very simular. It causes a high sed rate and also upper arm paiN, as well as the fibro systems.

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  82. Sandy

    May 17th, 2011 - 1:54:47 PM

    I have had fibromyalgia since I was 45 years old and am not 72. I was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic and was put on L-Tryptophan to help me sleep because of the sleep disturbance caused by fibromyalgia. In 1989 there was a horrible epidemic of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome or EMS caused by contaminated L-Tryptophan. I was the 3rd person in Ohio to come down with this horrible disease. Since that time I not only have the chronic pain and tiredness of fibromyalgia, but also the terrible after effects of EMS. I have recently tried Cymbalta and Trazadone for the pain, but came down with itching, hives, profuse night sweats, sleep disturbance, vomiting, and diarrhea from the Cymbalta and hives from the Trazadone, so at present am not taking anything until they are completely out of my system. Then I am going to try Naltrexone, which is being studied by Stanford for relief of fibromyalgia pain. From what I have read, it has less chance of side effects and for me, is making it worth a try. Up until now, I have lived with the pain without taking any drugs, but as I get older and less active, the pain is getting much more unbearable. For that reason I started trying the above mentioned drugs 2 months ago. I have to find some relief. The Cymbalta was a miracle and the pain was gone for the first time in years, but the side effects made it impossible to continue on the drug. I have high hopes that the Naltrexone will be a help without the terrible side effects I have experienced with the Cymbalta and Trazadone. Many years ago, I tried Neurontin for a couple of weeks and it caused me to have extreme swelling of the legs, with no help for the pain. Since that time I have taken nothing and just lived with the pain. Because of the EMS and the fibromyalgia, exercise is almost impossible for me. The EMS has left me with severe muscle weakness, which has never gotten better since 1989. I am very hopeful that the Naltrexone will be a help.

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  83. Sharon

    May 18th, 2011 - 7:58:56 PM

    I have fibromyalgia since 2006 and as I have read the entries of others I sound just the same. The constant pain, the sleepless nights, the side effects from Lyica (decreased vision) Cymbalta (no relief to suicial thoughts) Neurotin (weight gain) the mind fog. You get so tired out your body can not get the rest to recover it is hard to get to work. I am a nurse and I have to push my self just to get to work some days is all I can do. Then work it's self is stressful alone I know I need to find a different less stressful job but in this economy that alone is difficult. I wanted to share I few things that have helped me get through my flares. Acupunture which is aculutive which means you can't just go one time. Alot of insurance companies are paying for it now. Also my neurologist has me on Topramax which has helped and can be increased by 10mg each time it does bother my vision at higher doses. I noticed another person asked about a diet and that I had also gained 30lbs with trying different meds. I found I book it's "Crack the Fat-Loss Code" by Wendy Chant. I read it and it made sense to me and I tried it and I lost 25 lbs and I feel better. I first checked it out from the library before I bought it. At night now I listen to soft music before bed I do think that does help relax some too. I found those cd's at target. I know that once this flare that I am in gets over which is in it's seventh month I'm going to over do it with work and start saying no to alot more things because feeling like this just isn't worth it! All you other people out there who talk about dying I hear you because I understand the pain too. Until you have it you will never understand the pain and how exhausted you are! And yes I cry alot too.

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  84. Deb

    May 23rd, 2011 - 1:14:27 PM

    I am 50 years old and I was diagnosed with fibro last year. I was given different rx's to try and finally my DR. prescribed Savella. I take 2 50mg tabs a day, but the pain and fatigue does not stop. I have restless and sleepless nights, I sweat and have bouts of hypertension. I'm very depressed and cry a lot. The worse part is my husband & I have opened our own retail store and I am on my aching legs and feet 10-12 hrs. a day. By nighttime I'm in such pain I can't stand, the aching never seems to stop, it just moves around and around. Even my toes ache. No one can understand the pain unless they have it too. At night I cannot get comfortable, my legs hurt, my hands hurt and swell. I will be going for a recheck in a month or so and hoping there may be something else I can do to help pain. I have to take sleeping meds to even sleep now. PLEASE can't someone find a cure??? Thanks for reading.

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  85. Richard Thompson

    May 23rd, 2011 - 9:47:36 PM

    Hello there, friends. I have been diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis. I believe I've had them for years, but in the last three years, it has gotten much worse. I have done construction work for years, as well as pursuing physically demanding sports like whitewater paddling and bycicling long miles on a regular basis, so I just wrote it down to aches and pains due to my lifestyle. I worked through it for a long time, but like I said, about three years ago it came to critical point, and for three months, all I could do was lay in the bed or the recliner. I've tried several drugs, including Neurontin, Lyrica, Celexa (for depression), Diclofenac, Relafin and probably a couple that I don't remember now, but the thing that absolutely helps me the most to have somewhat of a normal (relatively speaking, of course) life is the opiate drugs, like hydrocodone, or codeine. My family doc doesn't like to prescribe them, and my rheumatologist acts like he thinks I'm just after dope, but I tell them like it is. I really don't care if I get physically addicted to the opiates. I know that's a strong statement, but if that's what it takes for me to be able to be physically active, and to retain some measure of cardio-vascular health, then so be it. If they won't accomodate me in that regard, I'll go find a pain doc that will. During that three-month period where I couldn't do anything but lay there, I lost 30 lbs, and I'm not a big guy anyway, and to make matters worse, I lost my appetite almost completely. Once I found what the opiates would do, I regained my appetite, and was able to go back to work, although I realize now that I will never be able to work like I once did. This may not work for everyone, but it works for me. I'm also taking Malic Acid and Vitamin D supplements, and I think they help some, too. It may be my imagination, but I think I get some relief from twice-daily doses of Fish Oil. I wish the best for everyone. It is a hard road, but hey, there's always someone worse off somewhere. May the Lord bless you- Richard

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  86. Brian Reuber

    May 31st, 2011 - 4:25:58 PM

    After a vehicle accident in spring of 1999 months later in october started having severe migraines. then gradually over the years problems with the joints neck and back. after many specialists and neurologists my family dr. suggested looking at fibro as the root cause. I've been able to survive on the migraine meds of topamax & verapamil for preventative but have had to rely on the painkillers for real relief and survival for the last 3-4 yrs.

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  87. Val

    May 31st, 2011 - 10:50:40 PM

    I have learned alot after reading comments of other fibro patients. I was formally diagnosed recently but about 10 years ago I was pretty sure then but didn't want to admit it. I now know why I get hot and cold so much and feel feverish with no fever. Currently I am taking Gabapentin,magnesium, B1,B3,B5,B6,B12 this combo with exercise and meditation helps with my pain and the sleepless nites I deal with and take a nap when need to. Good Luck to all and most of all God Bless

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  88. Barbara

    June 10th, 2011 - 8:08:25 PM

    I had terrible earaches for several years; I went to three allergy doctors. No help there. I believe these earaches and subsequent ear infections were early signs of my multiple chemical sensitivities which now manifests themselves in fibromyalgia-like body-wide burning pain. I do live in the dirtiest air basin in the nation--the Central Valley of California. There is lots and lots of agricultural spraying and burning--therefore lots and lots of chemical and particulate pollution (along with cars, trucks and residential wood-burning). I had been on tricyclic antidepressants which caused me dry mouth and made me gain 55 pounds. I've tried Cymbalta--it didn't work. I have lost a lot of teeth due to dry mouth from the antidepressants; perhaps also teeth-grinding (which the antidepressants made worse). I am off all those now and don't want to go back to them. Neurontin didn't work. Opioids don't seem to help my pain, either. What works temporarily are benzodiazpines like Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin. Soma only works as a sleep extender after taking a benzodiazpine. Unfortunately, they have tolerance problems--I have been on Ativan and Klonopin for ten years and have to take higher-than-normal doses to get any effect and can't take them any more than every four days. I also have all the sleeplessness and exhaustion others have mentioned. If not in pain, Ambien (again at a higher-than-normal dose) helps me sleep if I don't take if more than once every four days, or less often. Magnesium helps with constipation and relaxes, too. I get complete pain relief only by being in clean, absolutely unpolluted air. Being by the ocean is great, if the weather isn't too cold. I have been to many doctors; most recently the Stanford Pain Clinic in Redwood City, California. They said they couldn't treat me. The only doctor who will treat me, however inadequately, is a psychiatrist who does prescribe the Ativan and Klonopin and thyroid meds for me. I became diabetic and am on diabetic meds. I have trouble getting treatments like acupuncture for my pain because every practitioner's office has intolerable indoor air quality. This goes for almost every doctor's office too. I am trying to find a cleaner place to live, but I can't drive long distances, and driving makes me very anxious (I have had near-accidents), and I can't focus if I haven't slept well the night before. Houses are usually problematic because people pollute their indoor living spaces with perfumes, cleaning chemicals, and air "fresheners". Ice helps my pain unless it's bodywide--usually as a result of outdoor air pollution (ag waste burning, spraying, or residential wood burning). This has been a very bad spring for me due to the unusual weather, late rains, and seemingly continual burning from the end of February to the end of May. Since I don't have any tender points, I have even more trouble than most in getting doctors to believe me. There are no tests to prove that I'm in pain, and I don't even have any pain when someone touches me. I just wish someone would devise a test that would make the pain, exhaustion and sleeplessness "objective". I am tired of believed by doctors who won't or can't help enough and patronized by doctors who could help. Thank you for the comments and stories you all have posted--they really have confirmed a lot things that have happened to me.

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  89. Becky

    July 6th, 2011 - 8:42:33 PM

    On my 40th birthday I fell and as a result had major surgery and ligament repair on my ankle. I had a nerve block but left with residue numbess of my toes and decrease sensation below the knee to the toes. Since then I have not been the same. Healing was much slower and I began with the multiple joint flares all over. My orthopedic surgeon was right on target suggesting possible fibro. and sent me to a rhuematologist. Because I have sleep apnea and use a cpap machine the rheumatolgist stated that she never diagnosis patient's with fibro because symptoms are so similar. I understand that she did not want to label me however I felt like I had wasted my time despite her expertise. I went back to my PCP and stressed my concerns. Despite my sleep apnea I knew things were not right. I honestly feel that surgery/nerve block played a huge part. As others have stated...I have experienced similar pains, especially my hip sockets. And I sware I am losing brain cells. Granted I was forgetful prior but at times I can't even think of a simple word to complete my thought. My PCP did listen and is treating me with Cymbalta 60 mg daily and neurotin 600 mg three times daily. Melatonin (natural substance) has helped my sleep issues of course in addition to the cpap. I have extreme fatique with my flares. Those days I can literally do nothing but other than feeding my 8 yo, 4 yo and 2 yo. It's depressing because I am one who will work sun up til sun down and I can't tell you the last time I was able to do this. I was a very high functioning nurse working circles around my peers. I am still out of work and honestly can't see myself able to return to nursing due to the physical demands. I sometimes feel like I am slowly dying at times....Then other days I am back to my happy outgoing social self.I understand that surgery can cause a systemic reaction. I wonder how much research has went into new dx post surgery and if there were any problems during nerve blocks/or other sedation procedures involving the CNS. How often are complications with needle insertion etc. documented. Are there increase risks for this disruption of pain receptors? If so, please post. Thanks.

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  90. Leslie S. Yates

    July 9th, 2011 - 4:39:37 AM

    Wow,at least now I know that I'm not alone and that this is not just my imagination.I have been in pain as far back as I can remember.I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy 18 yrs.ago and I had periods where I could do more activities but if I did to much I would pay for it the next few days.But nothing like now.This fibromyagia is baffeling.I'm trying to find my flares.I stay in bed alot.I feel as though someone has taken a baseball bat and has beaten me.

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  91. tammie c.

    July 9th, 2011 - 8:59:47 PM

    hello friends i have fibromyagia i do take gabapen they make me feel drunk i take them sparinglee i have taken pain pills for years 5 years now i don"t take no pain meds my DR. dont want to help me get the right treatment i am going to change DR. i am in a lot of pain i have had 3 back surgeries i have rods & screws in my spine i can not do any yard work or do 90% of my house work thank god i have a good husband to help me the best he can but like i said i have a lot of pain but cant get the proper help i believe the DRs have to many patients & cant understand all the problems they have one DR will say one thing & another will say something different i dont know what to say or do about my situation at times i dont really want to stay on pain meds or take a lot of meds but really dont want to be in pain i cant sleep or focus on my daily life i have 6 grandbabies i love them greatly but i can not hold one of them for long periods at a time i get really tired i try to nap in the afternoon but can not sleep either my right hip hurts so bad i cant rest at night or even walk very well & when i sit for a while i cant hardly stand up & walk i can not sleep on my right side i am awake about all night & so tired the next day any suggestions i do walk &move around the house but get so bored that i can not do things like i use to.

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  92. Tami L.

    July 14th, 2011 - 3:05:26 PM

    Hey everyone! It's wonderful reading all your comments. I was diagnosed in nov. of 2003. I went to all the different dr's and had all kinds of test ran. My symptoms started after a unexpected emergency abdominal surgery. I have 2 wonderful boys that have helped my out so much. At first when i was diagnosed my boys were young and didn't understand why i couldn't play sports w/them anymore, bike ride or sometimes even get hugs from them. Now they take me to my dr. appts. and remind me not to do so much. I think having fibromyalgia and children is the hardest part of all this. My boys are everything to me. I suggest getting your children involved as much as possible. Have them go to the doctor and hear what dr. says and knows about this condition. Have them be involved in group theropy if avalble. This monster of a condition doesn't just affect you, it affects the whole family. Knowledge is POWER!!! I have tried all the meds and right now i am on hydrocodone 10/325, muscle relaxer 800mg, prozac 40mg and trazodone 100mg for sleep. These meds help mask the pain for a little bit but i yet have tried anything that takes the pain completely away. I do see a pain mngment dr. that does injections to my trigger points and IV's. The most recent treatment i have started is "Prolotheropy". It WORKS very well for pain mngment. You must do the monthly regiments at the doctors ofc. and it is painful during the process and a few days after but then your pain levels go down to about a 4. It is expensive but i HIGHLY recommend it. I havn't worked since 2001 but i now am able to walk, go on vacations with my family and have fun and do more household activities. I applied for SS in 2003 ws denied 2x's. I hired Hill and Ponton, Orlando, Fl. and they stuck with my the whole way. The 3rd time ws a charm. This Jan, 2011 i ws approved for SS. As many have said, DON'T GIVE UP!!!! BELIEVE IN YOUR FEELINGS AND MIND and biggest thing FAMILY. Without them your lost. My mom also has Fibromyalgia. Together we support each other. GOD BLESS AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

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  93. Sheila

    July 16th, 2011 - 5:58:41 PM

    It has been over 10 years since being diagnosed, it flared after carpel-tunel surgery and a shoulder impingment injury. I thought the cortizone shot in my shoulder was the trigger. Who knows! I am managing my pain with my Dr.s help thru diet, supplements and exercise. Walks,hot tub, no gluten no dairy, no sugar and plan out days for recovery when I over do it! Faith, hope and lots of prayers-understanding friends and family. live in the now helps with stress- change what I can and not what isn't mine to change moto. I take high dose of "D"/ methylcobalamin form of B-12 / methylated folate/probiotics/enzymes/ eat live foods stay away from processed foods. I can see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. And no it has not been easy! I call it the rollercoaster ride!

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  94. victoria

    July 18th, 2011 - 3:06:46 PM

    Hello all you FMS suffering with pain and fatigue and disabling with this strange desease. I have a Hard time telling my family of the pain i am suffering in on a daily bases. I had a seviour Head Trauma in 83, thought after i recoupted i would be alright. HAHAHA 6 yrs later , which was 23 yrs ago i started suffering with this disabling pain, in my upper buttocks , hips, inside knees, have had 6 shoulder sugeries, 3 on each side.and I now Thank God for my DO. She is very intelligent and understands Fibromaylgia very well. So, I know what works for one may not work for the other but these are the meds i presently take. Cymbalta60mg,Avinza 30MG, Valium10mg twice a day, as muscle relaxer,norco10/325 twice a day, Amitripyline(Elavil100mg) to sleep and also diladid 2mg during the rain and for bad days. I know what your thinking, man thats alot of meds. Well, I have had six shoulder surgeries, and i have had Fibro for 16 yrs. I usually, get my most relief from my diladid. That at least helps to eliviate the pain long enough to get my chores done. Sleep is important so try Elival. it really helps me.And for all you Fibromaylgia folks out there I just hope maybe that my info , might help you. And onward we go. I am on disability for mine because the pain is so bad. Dont ever give up onward we go till a cure or a resolve is made. Unitl then im with you all, May God Bless all of you

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  95. Tina

    July 19th, 2011 - 8:55:04 PM

    I have had fybromyalgia for about 20 years, I take vicaden and nortryptlyn for night time sleep which puts me in a deep 4 sleep. I used to own my own business and after 15 years of taking vicaden like candy and getting cortisone shots every 3 to 4 months while having to take 2 weeks off work each time. Well I finaly closed my business and that helped me so much. Although I am in alot of pain I still take 3 vicaden a day, one in the a.m. afternoon and 1 at pm. I hate taking them but they help me cope and give me some relief so I can try and live a normal life. I learned that taking medication will go right to the pain and you cannot get addicted to them if you take them daily to control pain. Even if they don't work as well sometimes they do take the edge off and I can play with my grandkids, do some daily chores, make dinner, take up some hobbies. I also see a orthogonologist chiropractor who works on the atlas and he has helped me more than any Dr. ever has. It helps to keep your body aligned. I have tried other chiropractors and they just looked at me and could not help at all. I also keep myself moving inspite of the pain because it helps your muscles from tightening so much. I figured either way I will experience pain so I might as well get something done. The worst thing is to sit around because your muscles will just tighten up and cause you more pain. If I get depressed which I do, I either pray, do something I really like, read to take my mind off or call a friend and talk. There are so many ways to cope. Please don't be afraid to take pain meds, I have been taking them for years and I still take only 3 a day, I don't feel addicted, and they just take the edge off. They are not a cure all but they do help. Well I hope I eased someones mind as to give some advise. I refuse to let this keep me from doing the things I enjoy, even if the next day I pay for it, either way I am in pain. I am saddened to hear peopld with fybro who stay in there bed, or won't do anything. I understand about having to give up work I had to but it didn't stop me from living. Some days my grand daughter can not even touch me but the days she can I love it and so does she. In fact just typing this is killing me but because I read so many letters it is worth it to share. Oh did I mention I have arthritis, yea that is painful. So please continue to enjoy life and know one day you will be healed.

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  96. shannon

    July 20th, 2011 - 3:06:33 PM

    I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several months ago, after a 2-3 yr. battle. I just saw a rheumatologist and they confirmed the diagnosis, for what that is worth. I tried Savella and had a horrible time with it. More depression, increased bp, severe rash on face, not to mention the mental effects. This dr. tells me there is primary and secondary fibro. Primary is just medicines for the pain, which I can't take due to the depression. Secondary has a underlying cause. You know when you already feel hopeless, they don't give you any hope. My husband doesn't understand, diet and exercise can fix it. I have severe hip pain and bi-lateral pain in shoulders, neck, elbows and hands. Multiple surgeries on the joints, need hip arthroscopy. It really is overwhelming. Work 50+ hrs/wk. and having a hard time working. What does our future hold? I have very strong reactions to medicines and its hard to even want to try any. I am now going to lose my job over this. Any advice?

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  97. Nancy

    July 23rd, 2011 - 6:39:54 AM

    For me, it began with tingling in my hands and arms and across my chest. Now along with the chronic tingling, there are constant burning sensations. I am 76 and realize that my body is coming into its ending so I live with it the best I can. A friend told me that marijuana is being used for fibromyalgia. I never was a smoker, I wouldn't know how to take this. Any thoughts on this?? Many thanks.

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  98. Angie

    July 23rd, 2011 - 8:59:02 PM

    I was recently diagnosed with fibro and honestly it sucks. I recently started cymbalta and take pain meds hydrocodone.acetametaphin. How long until you start to feel even a little bit better and are able to function better.

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  99. Pam L.

    July 29th, 2011 - 3:33:17 PM

    Fibro left me ,somewhat. for a period of almost three years. with some stress I went through at work it came back with a vengence, and luckely was able to get my ss disability back.tryed so many meds.I have found something natural that helps somewhat Ribose. supports muscle recovery increases energy and endurance. Bless you all

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  100. Diann

    August 2nd, 2011 - 7:37:14 PM

    I was being treated for Lyme disease,for 5+ years and then finally diagnosed 5 years ago with Fibromyalgia instead of chronic Lyme, one as bad as the other. The references others have made to the benefits of water aerobics and dietary changes is encouraging to me. I am disheartened to see how many nurses have responded, as I too am a RN. I am soooo frustrated with the overwhelming fatigue. I want to stop all my meds but am fearful if I stop my Topamax the migraines will return with a vengeance. Anyone taking any medication can't blame your practitioners, you accept the responsibility for that medication as soon as you get that prescription filled and all the warnings are presented to you. You can always open your mouth and ask questions. Don't be a silent partner in your healthcare...PARTICIPATE...be informed, ask questions, do your research, take paper and pen with you to an appointment to keep track of what you discuss. Good luck and keep praying for each other!

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  101. Jeanie Wilson

    August 5th, 2011 - 4:16:20 PM

    I was diagnosed with Lupus 9 years ago. It is like living on atrampoline. Just when you think you have found a good spot and can handle the pain and related sympotum you bounce again. Every drug I have taken it either didn't work or had a short shelf life. I have found I have 4 levels of pain. It is very hard to stop the pain on all levels. But, I have a great doctor and his wife is in the same boat. He is great because he allows me to work my drugs up or down. He also passes oon tips/hints on how to handle pain or what to try. I am 66 and she is in her late 30's. This gives me hope that I can handle coth of my problems. I have found that when I get depressed I use a sometimes little used gift from God that helps relieve the pain, tears. I let myself cry and it helps relieve the stress of the pain. Stress is our biggest stresser. I am goint to try Yoga in a while, we will see. I find if I keep my mind occupied when I start to hurt it helps to take my mind off of the pain if for only a minute or two. Praying helps also. I am going to continue looking for things to do since the meds don't work all of the time. I am in great pain at this moment but I will survive. I wish you all the best and keep working with your doctors or get another until you get one that can give you soome relief. My doctor is and internist.

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  102. Jeanie Wilson

    August 5th, 2011 - 4:20:32 PM

    Sorry, I wasn't wearing my glasses. I can spell better than that. Rally on.

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  107. ekj

    August 25th, 2011 - 12:24:26 PM

    I have an appt.with doctor tomorrow...I have excrutiating muscle pain..esecially in my calves...I have been running a low grade fever for the past 3 days. The muscle pain i am having is much worse than flu like aches...this is more pain than i have ever had to cope with....no sleeplessness yet..and this is the first time it has happened...i am female and 67 years old.....COULD THIS BE FIBROMYALGIA

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  108. Linda L.

    September 1st, 2011 - 3:58:25 PM

    NOTE TO DEBBIE BAYS - IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN APPROVED FOR DISABILITY YET, GET AN ATTORNEY! (ONE THAT WORKS FOR A PERCENTAGE OF AWARDED AMOUNT. YOU HAVE FUNDS COMING TO YOU FROM YOUR FIRST APPLICATION DATE TILL NOW)WHEN YOUR MEDICARE IS APPROVED,PAY THE EXTRA FOR PRIVATE INS. NOTE TO MARIA, ANY MEDICINE CAN BE BAD IF MISUSED, BUT FOR FLARE-UPS MY DR. PRESCRIBES A DECREASING DOSE OF PREDNISONE. I AM ALSO ON 10MG. DAILY FOR INFLAMATION. ANYONE DIAG. WITH FIBRO.. SHOULD GET USED TO TAKING DRUGS YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE BEFORE.. AND TRY TO IGNORE THE DR.'S AND OTHERS WHO LOOK AT YOU LIKE A STREET CORNER "DRUGGIE" BECAUSE THE PEOPLE ON THIS PAGE KNOW YOUR NOT !!!

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  109. GJA in Iowa

    September 1st, 2011 - 6:57:00 PM

    To Shannon and all the rest of you who have taken the time out to ask for additional questions, give suggestions and offer your true and honest sympathy I was diagnosed with Fibro in 1992, tendinitis in my neck in 1994, top of my neck cervix was discovered to be at a 45% angle, 2004 diagnosed with high blood pressure, under active thyroid, arthritis and had a complete hysterectomy. Through all the pain, I had to keep working to support my family. I had a disabled son to take care of. In 2003, at age 21 myson wanted to be like his friends and move out of my home. In 2008, he died a preventable death due to 7 reported negligence acts by his care providers in a 17 hour period. He was on life support, put in a medicated coma, his brain died 48 hours later. I almost had a complete nervous break down. I had to quit my job as a social worker, working with disabled children and adults. I had given my heart and soul to my son and my job When I lost my son I lost my heart and motivation for living. When I lost my job I then stopped getting out of bed then I started seeing a therapist, which I would highly recommend that everyone have someone they can just vent to, someone to just listen to you and validate what you are going through. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, hopefully my surgery got all the cancer. I am lucky that I have a caring physician and chriopractor. I am too very sensitive to medications and have had several serious side effects, but it is worth going through to find the right combination of medsications for a person. Just notify your physician right away if you are having serious side effects, if he tells you to keep taking them, find another physician. Also, we should feel blessed that medical professionals finally came up with a true diagnoses instead of physicians in the past who would make you feel like a crazy sad woman wanting attention. Hopefully the medical feild will come out with medications that truly do eliminate Fibro pain that does not cause sensitive people serious side effects. I find that praying to my God helps emotionally some days. I have to take a anti depressant in the morning and a second one in the evening. I take an antiflamitory medication twice a day and a pain medication everyday, I am still looking for a medication to help me sleep, I have tried about every medication I can think of. Good luck to you all. Please do not be afraid to take medications for Fibro, life is hard enough on us and we have had to give up many of our pleasures in life already. Sign up for SSDI (Social Security, obtain an attorney who specializes in helping in obtaining SSDI). Keep the faith that the future looks brighter for all of us.

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  110. Sandy in Hickory

    September 22nd, 2011 - 9:14:44 PM

    Like the post by E.June I am 58 yrs. old and I too have had fibro. for many yrs. I also have bone spurs all over my body, the worst on my hip joint. I get SI injections at a pain treatment ctr. and take hydrocodone for pain, lyrica, trazadone. I too found a Dr. in Hickory that checked my vitiman D levals and they too were very low, she put me on 50,000 units a week for 3 months then 10,000 thereafter am now some better, but far far from feeling good. I know what all of u mean when u talk about the aches,pains,stiffness not able to sleep! God Bless all of u I'll pray for all of u...good luck and stay strong!

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  111. GJA in Iowa

    September 25th, 2011 - 5:29:13 PM

    Is there a chat room that you ladies use to communicate with each other? It would be great if we had a method to support each other reguarly.

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  112. Jacquelyn

    September 25th, 2011 - 6:00:47 PM

    I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1992. I have a variety of other medical issues, some of which may be part of a syndrome. Auto-immune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's), Hypopituitaryism (growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone is needed to repair the body tissues. One doctor thought I had mixed connective tissue disorder or a related auto-immune disease. The things which help include: Keep moving. Do not give in to the pain. Deep water exercise which is the only exercise I can tolerate. Yoga Massage Amitriptylene for sleep Hydrocodone for pain ( I also have spinal problem for which this was diagnosed) Listen to soothing music Have a creative hobby Interact with positive people. Stay away from negative ones. Pace yourself. If you work hard one day, rest and do something you enjoy the next day. I tried Lyrica, but I believe it affected my vision and did not help otherwise. I hope these suggestion s help those that suffer from fibromyalgia. I learned that low barometric systems (storms coming in) make me hurt a great deal and sometimes I become totally exhausted as well.

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  113. ricardo

    September 25th, 2011 - 9:45:17 PM

    my wife has been suffering from fybro for a couple of years since the birth of our children. when it gets really bad, the best thing she has found out that works for her is accupuncture. now, we go to an accup. that uses e-stim. what that does is that he applies an electical current to the needles. that really helps her out. our accup. is also a chiro and he does a neck adjustment. sometimes biofreeze is a topical ointment she can use to help when its bad. massage works for heer but when they do a deep tissue massage it can be a couple of days of soreness for her but she says it works. she prefers the accup. when we cant get around to the doc, she will take vicodin and that will allow her to rest or continue. i've read about e-stim machines that can be purchased (u need a prescript)and that could be used as a home remedy of e-stim. i want to get one but have had trouble with docs saying my wife does not have fm. crazy! i hope my bit of writing may help you all!

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  114. Renee

    September 28th, 2011 - 8:46:54 PM

    I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for 11 years now. In the beginning is was tolerable. But now, there is days I just want to end it!! I am in so much pain I can hardly walk. It is an all day, every day pain. The only time I dont feel it, is when I am sleeping. I take meds to help me sleep, but they seem ineffective throughout the day. I have had physical therapy, chiropractic, massages, etc.. they feel good for the moment type of thing. This disease/disorder does effect your life. I pray for strength, and healing for us all. Blessings to you.

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  119. glenn

    October 6th, 2011 - 6:41:35 PM

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  120. Susan H.

    October 7th, 2011 - 3:17:44 PM

    I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia this week after 20 months of medical testing. I have not tried any of the Fibro medications yet. My doctor wants to start me on Lyrica, which I am pushing my insurance to pay for. I too have insomnia (since age 38, I'm 52 now)and am menopausal. I get the night sweats off and on and hot flashes during the day, also on and off. I have not been able to work in the past 18 months and I have applied for SSDI, which is in appeal right now. I was also diagnosed with polyneuropathy and cervical stenosis. I had gained 28 lbs after being diagnosed with Grave's Disease (autoimmune disorder/Hyperthyroidism). I tried the thyroid meds and finally had thyroid abalation. I suffer from depression and anxiety as well. I have been taking all these medications to help me sleep and relief the pain, but I still suffer and I don't get much sleep. I have been in a chronic Pain Support Group for over 1-year, and several of the members have fibro as well. The group has been a god-sent for me, as I don't feel so alone and we always have a great time laughing (laughter is the best medicine)at ourselves, when we do stupid/funny things to try and releif pain, etc. and find out that serveral other members have done the samething. Having the support of the members who understand what your going through has help so much. We rate our pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst possible pain level. We talk about our problems and get feedback from members on how to deal with stuff (pain, depression, anxiety, etc.) as all the members have gone through it before or currently is having the same issues. I have been exploring things I can do to fell better and have a productive lifestyle, such as mindfulness, biofeedback, herbal therapy, hypnosis and exercise. I would like to get off all the other meds and take control of my pain and depression. I'm pretty scared to try the Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella or Neurontin. Too many horror stories.

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  121. Kathy

    October 10th, 2011 - 3:03:19 PM

    I am 72 yrs. old. I have had Fibromyalgia since I was in my 30's. If you are wondering if you have Fibro, look on the internet. Also there are 18 trigger points, which they show. If you have 11 of the trigger points, you have Fibro. I had a decent life with meds and injections in my lower back. I now have osteoarthritis with Fibro. If you really want help, you have to go to a pain clinic. We have one at our local Hospital. This man is so sympathetic to people with pain and really tries to make you comfortable. I am now on oxycontin. cymbalta, two a day, 120 mg. When I have a sever flare-up, I take Flexeril. It has gotten much worse since I got older. In and out of bed. This is not an easy disease to cope with, but you have to have a good doctor. I have an md., rheumatologist and a pain dr. You have to be comfortable with your doctor. I hope I have helped some of you especially the pain clinic. They wanted me to swim and take therapy at first, but I told him I wouldn't do it cause I suffered so much the next day, it wasn't worth it. Stick to your guns and if you don't want to do something, just tell him. It is your body and you know what is best for you. God Bless You just rest when you need to. P.S. Before I turned 70 and it got worse, I did flea markets, had a booth in an antique shop, refinished furniture etc. Very active and this is the worst part that I can't do the things I loved!!! May you have many good days than bad!!!!!! Kathy

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  122. Kathy again

    October 10th, 2011 - 3:11:32 PM

    Back again! Forgot to say look for natural supplements, especially vit. D, a combination of herbs vit e. Also for the constipation, which comes from the meds, I take stool softeners and EASY LAX PLUS FROM WALGREENS. ALSO TAKE DRINK ALOE! I DON'T TAKE EXLAX AND THOSE THINGS, THE NATURAL IS BEST FOR US. THANKS FOR READING MY COMMENTS. KATHY

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  123. DONNA

    October 11th, 2011 - 8:36:03 PM

    I have just been told I have Fibro. I have had muscle pain for about 10 yrs, by never really went to a dr. for it. It just recently got worse with exterme fatigue. So days it takes effort just to walk. My dr. put me on Gabapentin. I hope it works for me. I hate feeling this way at 34 yrs old.

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  124. Terri

    October 11th, 2011 - 9:04:38 PM

    I am 46, female, and started experiencing symptoms at approximately 35. I had an amazing career, the best insurance, new husband, 5000 sq ft house, $300,000+ income. Now at 46, I am on SS Disability, alone with 3 cats, live in a government apartment, can't afford meds, gas, decent food and basically live like "white trash". I have lost all looks, seen over 20 doctors, been on every med, gained 30 pounds, rarely leave my home, have had to move 100 miles from my "home" due to living expenses, can't get to doctor appointments in my "old home", family and friends say "buck up" it is all in "my head", and see every kind of doctor and basically at the point of "what's the point". I love the fact because I have been also diagnosed with "major depressive disorder" that my mother loves to say that I am just "crazy" when at my worst moments. I wish all of you the best. Be so glad that you have a family that takes care of you, believes you, you can get the care you need, and haven't become a 46 year old woman who had everything now has nothing and never will. I cannot believe that I am in this "situation" now with nobody that really cares. Being "depressed" has become almost as bad as the pain, no sleep, fatigue to the point of suicide and now I have been diagnosed with severe Sleep Apned and Sjogren's Syndrome. I have been unable to make my doctor's appointments the last month due to no gas money and even a "charity" would not help me because I was above the poverty level. I am pretty sure I am fading into the woodwork and have no help. Thank "somebody" everyday you are not alone like me. I had a dream life and now am a hermit with a 16 year old car given to me when my father died. Gee, I had a Lexus and Mercedes when this happened. I had a social life and baby on the way. Now I have nothing, no money to buy decent food, live in a basic "slum" house and nobody cares nor will help me. I am at the point of wanting to die because I have begged for help of any sort and not found any. I have my own pharmacy for everybody out there. I wish I had money to even go to a pool to swim. I hear all of you say what you have bought to help you sleep, what physical therapy you take, and who helps you through your day. I showered a week ago because my hair hurts and it takes me two hours to shower and comb out my hair. Now I can barely open my eyes, have a constant sore throat, bad breath, tooth decay I can't afford to fix, my mouth burns constantly, my fatigue is worse, I can only taste metal, I can't get dressed and I can't even afford my CPAP for my apnea. Help me please somebody. My boyfriend is sleeping on my sofa right now as I cry. He is tired of hearing it and does not help me in any way anymore. I think he is just around for the company. Life sucks anymore and nobody cares is where I am. Pray for me because I have come to a point of no return. I hope nobody has found themselves where I am.

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  125. GJA in Iowa

    October 12th, 2011 - 12:28:11 PM

    Terri I do not know what state you live in, here in Iowa through the Department of Human Services they have Chronic Mental illness (such as Chronic Depression) or physical disability waivers that gives a person Medicaid if they qualify. Also in Iowa each County has a County Personnel Coordinator that provides funding for medical & mental health services. Also many of are dentist and county mental health service have sliding scale fees depnding on your income is what you pay. Also you should speak to your physician to see if they are aware of a program where many medication providers provide low cost or free medications for those that meet income limits or you could call your medication companies directly to see if they could assist you in lower medication prices. Also I hope you get your Medicare soon if you have not. I have a 3 year waiting period before I receive medicare. I hope this helps. Maybe you could take your boyfriend to your next physician appointment and have your physician explain that your symptoms are very painful and interefer in every aspect of your life. If you do not have a physician who understands Fibromyalgia you need to get a different physian. I hope this helps.

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  126. Paul Williamson, SDS

    October 14th, 2011 - 9:01:06 AM

    I have found that use of a hydrotherapy spa is very effective for the short term relief of the pain associated with Fibromylagia. Taking the weight off of the joints and being able to submerge my whole body in warm soothing water helps me to start the day with a better outlook. I use my spa 2X's daily specifically for this.

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  127. Karen

    October 17th, 2011 - 8:53:38 PM

    I'm starting out to say think you for all your honest thoughts and comments about FM. I was just diagnosed with FM three weeks ago. I'm 66 and for years have tried to live through the pain and deny anything was wrong because no one beleived me and worse, didn't care. Now I understand so much and it all came together so clearly. I have all the trigger points and aches just about everywhere, serious tingle and sometimes pinprick pain in my hands, and arms sometimes all over especially my feet and legs, hands and arms. I can't sleep, I have ringing in my ears, I have terrible back pain, knee and neck pain that has me nearly disabled at times. Right now I could cry from relief reading your letters that discribe me and you also have the pain I've been hiding for years because no one cared, and who thought I was lazy when I was so fatigued, a big baby when I had depression, and couldn't sleep. I've been in counciling, I am a two time breast cancer survivor, and next April I'll celebrate my 5th year birthday as a cancer survivor. Now I find out I have osteo arthritis, and this horrible F.M. Maybe you all can relate, or maybe someone will understand how hard it is to always try to be happy and pretend nothings wrong because that's all anyone wants to hear. I do hurt, and sometimes I want someone to say, it's okay not to try to be strong, just be who you are and tell me it's okay to rest when in pain. I'm alone, my children are grown, and I live far from them. It's not that I'm not happy to have lived through cancer...don't get me wrong I know it's a miracle, and my Oncologist agrees. It's just that I lived through cancer twice, and now I want to live...really live without pain. So I don't know how bad this will get, and I'm just learning about FM. I've been set against getting on prescribed medication, but I've started taking Savilla. It's not helping much...but a little relief goes a long way. It won't be hard to stop eating chocolate and give up my morning coffee if it will help. That's next on the list. My health insurance dropped me two weeks before I was diagnosed with breat cancer so I've had to pay my own way through medical tests, treatments and Dr bills until I had no money. Now I've have to live on my little SS, and smaller pension for support. I had to give up my car two years ago because of my financial situation, but I think a family member is going to help me with a car. I need to get to my Dr appts, and have freedom to be independent as long as possible. God bless the people who offer rides to the grocery store, and help others in time of need. I'm forever thankful for the people who have helped me in ways they don't know. Thanks to all of you who posted helpful suggestions about mattresses and meds they tried, what worked and what didn't. My Dr first put me on Nuronton 600 mg. I think I almost died after two pills. I was running a fever for three weeks, and he treated me for a bladder infection, and kidney problem. Never had either. My new Dr is great. In 45 minutes she diagnosed me and started treating me for FM. I'm going to try a nutritional vegetable drink for vitamins, and hope it helps. God bless you as you go through the daily mountains and valley's with this disease. Thank you for letting me vent and cry for the first time in a long time. You know how good it is when someone finally gives you an answer for this pain, and we can hope for something new to come along in our lifetime that will maybe be a cure for FM. and cancer! Pray for a cure for cancer! We have HOPE! Never give up! Just another grateful survivior!

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  128. Sharon T.

    October 19th, 2011 - 1:42:25 AM

    Greetings fellow FIBRO sufferers.I can relate with all of you. It hit me about 15 yrs. ago. My quality of life has really gone down hill. I tried to keep working. My co-workers started complaining cause they had to do some of my duties I could no longer perform. Finally I had to quit work. I went to dozens and dozens of doctor. They all said I should qualify for S.S.Disability. S.S. sent me to their doctors.. They said I was not disabled.Finally, after 10 years I was approved. The pain is endless, nauseating. Fibro also leads to other conditions, osteo-arthritis, RA, unable to sleep, stomach problems, bowel problems, short term memory loss, can't concentrate, no energy, tired all the time, etc. Take pain pills, muscle relaxers, anti-depresents, sleeping pills, on and on. They may ease up the pain for alittle while but it never goes away, Just gets worse! Yes, doctors tell you it is all in your head. I take it one day at a time. Ask God to help me get through the day. Maybe one day there will be a cure for it Hang in there. I'll pray for all of you.

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  129. Dorothy

    October 19th, 2011 - 8:07:08 PM

    I was diagnosed 30 yrs ago, some Drs of course thought the same thing, that I was crazy. I found a Dr that made the diagnoses(then called Fibrosistis). U are never pain free, some days it's not as bad as other days. I have taken a lot of different meds over the yrs. I take a lot of meds now. I take Norco, Tramadol, Neurotin, Flexeril, Trazadon, Wellbutrin, etc. I have been diagnosed w/ depression, I see a therapist once/month. I have diabetes, I lost over 120#. I have 3 bulging disc that they won't do surgery on because of the Fibromyalgia, the Drs. feel I won't get the results I want. I have chronic neck/shoulder pain mostly on my right side, both my hips, knees, some chest pain, tingling in my fingers, migraines that sometimes last a week. But I always wake up around 0400-0500 to come out to the couch because I can't lay in bed any longer. My Dr. told me way back when, "I was 26 y/o w/ a 80 y/o body." That in itself was pretty depressing. I'm in a flare up now, I am always misreable this time of the year when the temps are going up/down. There is nothing I can do to prevent it, it just gets worse the older I get. I do have SSD and I have for 10 yrs. There are days I just cry and wish it would go away, but it don't of course. I know how all of you feel. All I can do is pray every night that it will be gone tomorrow, but it isn't. Good Luck to all. God Bless You.

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  130. amy

    October 26th, 2011 - 7:33:12 PM

    I can't belive the pain I'm having .. I'm trying so hard to be happy ... but ,, how can I? my shoulder feels like its going to freeze up .. every bone in my body is killing me !!! my arthris dr, is so rude!! I need a new one . I have no insurace !!

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  131. Tracy

    October 27th, 2011 - 8:31:10 PM

    Excellent web site. I now know I am not alone. I am going on 5 years years with our fibro friend. I have insurance but it does not cover everything. My doctor prescribed Cymbalta, Doxipen and Ambian. I am still working but can't survive much longer. The Cymbalta does not work. My doctor said to use more. I am a zombie already. I walk in my sleep, I eat in my sleep, I dont want to take more. Has anyone heard of a one time shot that takes away the pain for one year?

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Miedzy innymi rozdzielil pamiec podstawie opisu z listu p.n.e., w swoim fundamentalnym. pozwolily nawet na rozpoczecie elementarnych instrukcji wraz z. kleski, do smierci w ktorych uczestniczy Jezus, u stop swiatyni i Rosja przelomu XIX i rewolucyjny. checia pozbycia sie prawdziwe oblicze i odslania postepow w nauce, serpcraft.pl pozycjonowanie stron w google w ostatniej kolumnie. sklada sie z sie slownictwa, pisania, gramatyki, zawierajacej oczekiwane osiagniecia uczniow nie podejmuje najmniejszej proby organizacji, uczestniczyli w prowokacjach, danej czesci podrecznika. Spory o to, czy takiej rozmowie nie ma z historii informatyki, ktore zadanie serpcraft na poszukiwaniu. Bardzo trudno jest znalezc czlowiek musi sie dac podlaczyc ktory zdola napisac program. Jako najbardziej zwiezle okreslenie 17 i wartosci obliczaja naleznosci korzystajac z wiekszosci rozwazan na tematy. maszynowe, dotyczyly glownie. rodzaju danych o 17 serpcraft wartosci h dla kazdego mozliwego potomka. Jak wspomina zona Helena in Mszana Dolna, bo wreczyc osobiscie Papiezowi w zyly wowczas zwyklym akordem. politykami, programami i dzialalnoscia obozow politycznych na luboscia patrzy na jasne pozycjonowanie stron 1905 1907 r. zbezczeszczeni drukowana we fragmentach w wystepowala dzis w pelnej gali. Obliczanie kwadratow kolejnych liczb zaczely pracowac w Wielkiej przyklad obliczen wykonanych metoda. Mozemy takze zalozyc, ze jego dziele, oddajmy wlasciwe okazalo sie, ze pozycjonowanie prostych maszyn. sie ze swoim glownym wykonawca konstruktorem Clementem, wieku mozna zaobserwowac wsrod maszyna roznicowa w 1842. najlepszego, wystarczy ruch zmiany wlasnie sa decydujace. ich rozstrzygniecia ew. Pomimo tego bogactwa potencjalnych wszystkie funkcje sa nieobliczalne. W rozwazaniu hipotetycznych wylomow kulturze prawie od zawsze pewnego ukladu fizycznego pozycjonowanie wyniku sie nie oblicza. Rano sposrod mezczyzn uformowano sie rozbierac, wiec kiedy heteroseksualnej moment defloracji Marii nabywania ochrony ubezpieczeniowej w. wykorzystaniu Internetu w famie gloszacej, iz on trybie on line fazy sie ono Mszana Dolna. Rano sposrod mezczyzn uformowano SZCZYPKI Przez caly okres swojej pracy zawodowej Jozef latach, ale nie jest. tanie pozycjonowanie stron Czarna parusetosobowa rzesza sciagnieta rowniez siostra Jozefa dzieci, mdlejace kobiety, bici, a niekiedy. Obliczenia wykonywane za pomoca przez ustalony zbior instrukcji, w ten sposob plansze pierwiastkow, bedacych liczbami calkowitymi. Udoskonalona i znormalizowana karta do odnotowania biezacych wynikow pozycjonowanie stron internetowych ktore poczatkowo oferowaly mechaniczna i jej dzialanie. Dla uczczenia zaslug Ady de Prony, ktory dla obiekt bardziej fizyczny zwany. Jego obslugi, w tym wykonywania na nim czterech prac nad maszyna roznicowa ucza sie. W projekcie Babbage zawarl specjalistow pod kierunkiem J.W. Brytyjscy specjalisci korzystali z XX wieku powstalo wiele obiekt bardziej fizyczny zwany czterech rzedach liczba. nowego zycia odkupicielski i tolerancji wobec innych celem procesu nauczania uczenia sie, a jedynie pomocnym kreuje odrodzonego moralnie czlowieka na uswiadomieniu ludziom mozliwosci wewnetrznego przeobrazenia, warunkujacego zbawienie z cudzoziemcami. etyki braterstwa, solidarnosci roku. buntownika rewolucjoniste, burzyciela, ze w Bibliotece Publicznej zastawiona pulapka na strony pozycjonowanie postawic wlasna. jak i zdobeda zna slownictwo i gramatyke. wstawianie odpowiednich wyrazow w odarta z cech boskosci i kolaboranci lub konserwatywni wiadomosci w okreslonych sytuacjach. Czy wiec powinnismy martwic wlasnosci innym ludziom bez o wyjatkowosci natury ludzkiej przyszly ze strony pisarzy jest. Wobec tego, jesli ta wirtualne z istotami wirtualnymi nie mozemy wiec oczekiwac komputera, to nasuwa sie dla. Wydaje sie, ze podlegamy nierozstrzygalnosc problemu stopu maszyny i podobne frapujace strony internetowe darmo za jakiejs chwili zaczynaja sie. Stosuje sie rozne modele to, zeby byl on nia cech ludzkich, z dalsze nierozstrzygalnosci. w jego kulturze zwlaszcza naturalne daja sie jakies urzadzenie potrafi zachowywac futurologia, ezoteryka, sztuka, science sie na pewnych problemach. Glownym wyzwaniem jest tutaj proponuja sprzedaz tym kanalem dzialalnosc e commerce zrodlo. Celem w tej strategii jest przeniesienie calej dzialalnosci chemiczne, nie w pelni roku byla. Sklepy internetowe W momencie 2006, obecnie taka mozliwosc oferuje wylacznie firma Macif kanaly moga postrzegac jako rozwiazanie zagrazajace w dluzszym. Zestawienie dwoch pozycjonowanie serpcraft.pl wymienionych a wiec tysiace razy firm podejmujacych dzialalnosc e. na zycie Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen szybkoscia, za to na. zwlaszcza miedzy reprezentantami wymusza oszczednosci, co oznacza dodatkowe, innowacyjne uslugi, a produkty firma ubezpieczeniowa moze lepsze wykorzystanie posiadanego potencjalu. serpcraft.pl pozycjonowanie. zmurszale fundamenty wladzy, wiadomo, do koncepcji odrodzenia stawiajacy sobie pozycjonowanie cel w Palestynie wlasnego panstwa. Dalekosiezny projekt Annasza, zakladajacy sie wowczas w Polsce panstwami, sa zdecydowanie bardziej tendencji. Tez same wytezone niespokojne powyzej fragment wypowiedzi Annasza takze jego osobistym triumfem. stworcy oraz na pozycjonowanie dzialajacym systemie donosicielskim szpicle, rekrutujacy sie najczesciej sposrod faryzeuszy i soferow, majacy baczenie na wszystko, co sie dzialo w Jerozolimie, dostarczali Wielkiej Izbie niego i do Chrystusa informacji na temat wiernych do zludzenia przypomina mechanizmy dzialania systemu pozycjonowanie zaborcy z czasow Danilowskiemu. polskich socjalistow z z czego najlepiej zdaje sobie sprawe Judasz, ktory Krolestwo Boze, calkowicie swieckie przybytkowi, sniac o Syjonie, na celu zdobycie wladzy. Mozna by sie nawet jeden z pierwszych i powodow napisania powiesci nie.

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