Does anyone believe in this disease or do you think it is just a cop out.

In response to the title of your post...fibromyalgia IS NOT a cop out. It is real. I have it and am learning to live with fibromyalgia and manage the symptoms every day. Now, my guess is that if you think you have fibro, then you don't think it is a cop out. There are many that do, though, and it makes it very difficult for those of us that suffer. In terms of going to the doctor, it seems like few doctors will diagnose fibromyalgia. There isn't really a test to show you have it...all testing they do typically comes back fine and they (the docs) seem to think that if they can't see it, then it's not there. This is not true and a very sad way to think. My fibromyalgia is VERY REAL and disrupts my life on a daily basis. No one in their right mind would want this disease, so making it up would be crazy. I don't get up each day with the attitude "hey, I think I will hurt and be tired today." Rather, I try to get up feeling positive and do everything I can to minimize my symptoms so taht I can get as much as I can out of life. In the meantime, to make your symptoms less severe, try taking nice hot showers each morning and relaxing hot baths at night. I do better when I eat right and don't have too much processed food. There are also several good generic medications that will ease the pain without the loopy feeling of narcotic medications.

I am 18 and back in October I was diagnosed with FMS. I have read many books on it and I do believe that it really is such a thing. My suggestion to you is read up on it a bit and if you feel that you fit the symptoms then look into treatments for yourself. If you can afford to go to the doctor to get a prescription for it, then look for at home remedies or try yoga or water aerobics. There are many things you can try, you just need to pick one right for you. Hope this helps you out.

LOL I absolutely believe in it...reason being I have it...and its not fun by any means....Sadly though, there are still medical ppl (docs etc) who do NOT believe it exists but it is slowly becoming more accepted as time goes on... You said you cna't afford to go to the doc so I really dont knwo what to suggest to you..sorry about that..

I have been hurting since my 30's. I've been to doctors, had spot treatment, everything. Then, about 8 yrs ago I found a book on Fibro, I took it to my doctor, he sent me to a Rheumatologist and I was finally diagnosed. Many of the treatments I can't take because of the pill problem, but at least I have a name for whats wrong with me.