Fibromyalgia

New Jen · Post by **New Jen** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:59 pm

I have had FMS since 2000. I worked on a hay ranch and also was a produce manager at same time. So, I was healthy and in good shape.But,in 1999 I had a terrible 4-wheeling accident. The doc's. said I was fortunate to be alive. Anyways, around the new year I noticed my energy level was changing for the worse and I also started aching. By the time I got home from work I was in tears. Plus I started sleeping a couple of hours a night and then I'd wake up off & on all night. So, I was exhausted all day. Anyways, I was diagnosed w/FMS. I found out an accident or something traumatic happpening in your life can bring on FMS. I had to quit my job and eventually had to go on disibility because I was in bed for months. But, I got a book called "The Fibromyalgia Advocate" by Devin J. Starlanyl, M.D. She is a Dr. who has FMS & also something I was diagnosed with Chronic Myofascial Pain. Anyways 8 years later I am doing so much better. But, I learned there are many things that make up FMS. Flu-like aching, anxiety, depression, IBS and that stress mental & physical, when we push ourselves is the worst thing for us w/FMS. After many med's they finally put me on a small dose of methodone 5 m.g. 3 times a day. It stopped my pain! To help with sleep/pain I take Elavil, for anxiety Librium and for Depression I recently was put on Cymbalta what a blessing it also helps anxiety and FMS pain! But, my goal is to work hard with this program and get off these meds. If anybody has any questions about anything I mentioned or just needs to talk. I'm here. We're all in this together!

Stagerlee · Post by **Stagerlee** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:11 pm

Hi Joy, I have the fibro along with some other junk. Anyways a year ago along with other pain meds my doc had me try Lyrica. It has helped SOOOOO much with the over all aches and pains. I take a dose in the am and in pm and it truly has helped me. I hope this helps you and others, Bruce

Emma's Mom · Post by **Emma's Mom** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:59 am

Hi - this is the first time i've participated in any chat groups, but i wanted to reply regarding fibromyalgia. I have been diagnosed since 1989, when it wasn't even considered a real "disease". I have been through multiple doctors and medical protocols.

The medications that are currently helping me the most are Lyrica, 150 bid, Cymbalta 30 mg in the morning and 120 in the evening (this also helps take care of the sleep issue) and i take good old fashioned Salsalate (prescription strength aspirin).

I have a very long list of medical issues and keep a shoebox for my meds, but found that for fibro, that medical protocol helped me the most.

I have found that stress aggravates the fibro and the pain from the fibro alternatively aggravates the stress.

I refuse to be taken down by this disease and I believe that keeps me going. There have been many, many times that i have wanted to just lay down and die. Including most recently, but that just doesn't seem to be God's plan.

Bless you all.

~*schnauzermom*~ · Post by **~*schnauzermom*~** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:39 pm

I do not have fibro but I am taking a medication for sarcoidosis and hashimotos called LDN or Low Dose Naltrexone. (You can google LDN) They use this med for fibro, IBS, IBD as well as other disease. People have had success with it.

LDN seems to be working for my sarcoidosis. Plus I have not had lasting side effects that lasted a few weeks. Thought I would share.

Good luck and good health!

Donna Gail · Post by **Donna Gail** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:37 pm

I was dx with fibro in 04. Had every test that and came back normal. I tried lyria and neurotin, but didn't help all the time, just when I have numbness and tingling in my hands and feet.The only thing that really helped me was rx pain meds, sleeping is a big part of this disorder, so xanax at bed time. I am on cymbalta. I guess it helps, but I don't like taking anti depressants. They just keep me from crying. The program really helps! with anxiety. I have been on private disabilty, but am going to need to work soon. I hope I can get a job even though I take pain meds. I can't function with the pain without them. My mother has the same illness and I believe it was my grandmother's main illness before she passed away, but back 10 years ago, I think the dr.s believed in fibro. Our fibro is connected to arthritis we have. Any constant pain issue can bring on fibro. Fibro wax and wanes, meaning in severity it it flares. I hope everyone finds what works for them. God Bless.

Celyon · Post by **Celyon** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:16 am

Hello Everyone,

I have been diagnosed with fibro since 1997. I have tried many things. After reading everyone's post it seems that each individual has to find what works best for them. Some of the meds you guys mentioned did not work for me or the side effects were so bad, I couldn't take it. I am currently taking wellbutrin for depression, depakote for mood disorder and lyrica for the pain.

I also recently began changing the way I eat and what I eat. I am using a food plan from prevention and my cholestoral and blood pressure have improved. I am also trying again to walk for exercise. Exercise is my biggest problem. I like many of you still work full time and I just cannot add anymore pain or fatigue to my day.
So this week I started walking around the block at lunchtime. The time is about 15-20 min. It did hurt and wipe me out the first day, but I woke up this morning feeling okay.

I find that standing in a hot shower and stretching helps to get me going in the morning and during the day, if I can I just move around as much as possible, since I work at a desk.

It was great hearing everyone's experience; you are all remarkable people.

little italy · Post by **little italy** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:27 am

Hi Celyon!!!

I too was diagnosed with fibro in 2004...mine was so bad I had to quit my job and go on SSD...I have tryed lots of antidepressents and and pain killers and none worked...the only med I take is xanax for anxiety...I always see adds and even sent away for info on lyrica...I'm too afraid to try it because of all the side affects(plus I cant afford it)...I'm not very moble because of all the pain and stiffness...my Dr alway told me to get out and exercise but never could understand how I can because of the pain and stiffness being so bad and with being so tired all the time...I also have had some people say to me "well I have fibro too and I'm able to work"...that would always make me mad because for some people the fibro is so bad that they cant work...and alot of people think your faking it since there is no med test that says this is what you have...It was 3 months before my 31st b-day when I had to quit my job that I loved so much(I was a preschool teacher)...now I'm 35 and still struggling with fibro...I have 2 boys, 14 and 10, and my oldest is always mad at me for having this because I'm not able to do all the things I was able to before...It just seems like I'm fighting a loosing battle...sorry for rambling on, I guess I just needed to vent...

Thanks for reading, Little~Italy

rowey1 · Post by **rowey1** » Sat May 09, 2009 5:03 am

Hi Im new to this, hope everyone is having a good day, Ialso have fibromyalgia, recently moved to Texas and tried to go to work the myofacial pain was so severe I was hot everywhere, we moved from California, I guess its more humid here causing the pain to worsen, the medication I was on adn worked well was Baclofen, Trazadone and Prozac combined... works wonderfully. although there are side effects to everything must ask Dr. Also Klonopin 1 mg as needed for anxiety...I am now on Lyrica but trying to get off because I believe my pain is a side effect from Lyrica + weight gain...I understand the pain and mine changes it is not the same daily, as I tyoe now I feel burning in my fingers, I do hope to go back to work one day its been 7 months and I am missing getting out...And having Money.

Celyon · Post by **Celyon** » Tue May 12, 2009 3:45 am

Hello Little Italy,

I understand completely what you are going through. One of the hardest things about this disease is learning your limitations and listening to the ignorant comments of others.

I use to get so angry when people say, "you don't look sick". My response is "I hope I never look the way I feel" In fact that has been one of my main things. I always take special care to my appearance especially when I'm feeling lowest.

My children never understood me either. They are adults now and they try harder to understand, but then they treat me like a child when I try to push myself.

Most of the people I know with fibro are on disability. I am afraid if I don't work, I will die in the house. Coming to work keeps me alive.
To get going in the morining I take a hot shower and I stretch my arms and shoulders in the shower.

As the day goes by I feel a lot better. It also helps that my employer is very understanding, especially with my moods and depression.
I also know what you mean about the exercise, but I started walking since I've been on this program and it really improves my attitude and my energy.
Just do a little at a time. Do you have a park near you or anywhere you can take a short walk every day. Start with 10 min a day for a couple of weeks and see how you feel. If you can do more do it. Just take everything slow. "A little something is better than nothing." Take care and please feel free to share your experiences good or bad and your progress.

*D* · Post by ***D*** » Tue May 12, 2009 10:38 am

hi all,
my wife has fibro and she used to have it so bad that she could not get up or down and had to be helped out of the bath tub.I remember one time she had to have a pain blocker in her shoulder and as they were doing it.I was there to hold her hand..family did not understand.I remember her sisters sons wife told me that she was just playing and was not sick at all. all the time I know that when she went to her doctor I was right there with her.
in 2003 she got her disability.we moved from virginia to north carolina. she still has her bad days.the pain never really goes away.weh we met I know what was wrong with her and still loved her. see we met again after over 40 years. were childhood sweet hearts in the 7th and 8th grade.
so for those that have fibro. I admire you if you can work. for those that can't and can go wal,king or like we will do shortly after her bladder surgery gets better. go to the ymca and get in the pool. she used to go and it helped the water therapy.take care all and hang in there.you might not be healed in this life. but in Heaven you will have a new body.those of you that will get healed the Praise God for it.God Bless.
don
don't put off today what you may not be able to do tommorrow.