Found Any Help?

I'm always sad to hear that someone else has FM [Fibromyalgia]. But there is hope. Many of us are finding things that are helpful. One frustration is that is can be different for different people, so there doesn't seem to be one treatment that works for everyone. I can keep my pain level bearable most of the time. I take pain medication at night to help me sleep comfortably. I use glucosamine, which helps me. And gentle exercise in warm water helps. Stretching exercises help. I have found relief with therapeutic magnets. You also need to drink plenty of water. Also, there are certain foods that, if I avoid them, reduces my pain. They include dairy products and aspertame. I find that low doses of amytriptoline help manage the pain and help me sleep. The disorder was explained to me as inflamation of the facia tissue, which is what sheaths muscles and organs and reduces friction.

I wish I could give you the magic answer to make all the pain go away...unfortunately, I am still trying to find it too!. I have good days and bad days with my fibro...today has been a bad day. It is cool and rainy. Those days are the worst. I do know that when it is warm outside and sunny I tend to do better. The pain goes down (never away, but somewhat managable) and my energy level goes up. I would love to be able to do the things I used to do, at the pace I used to do them. Until we find the answers, stay strong and keep pushing for answers.

I have fibromyalgia (fibro for short) too! You are right, one of the major symptoms is chronic pain. The level of pain can vary from day to day, but mine stays pretty intense too. Another major symptom of fibro is extreme fatigue. I am almost always exhausted...not merely tired, but truly exhausted. I have a chronic case of insomnia too. Plus, migraines come my way fairly frequently. What helps? This varies from person to person and from day to day. I have found that OTC pain relievers do absolutely nothing. I take ultram --prescription non-narcotic pain reliever for the pain. I also take a birth control pill that releases 23 days (as opposed to 21 days) of hormones. This helps with the migraines. Then, I use allergy meds daily. I have found that when my allergies flare, the fibro also flares. Outside of traditional medicine, hot water helps. I take a long, hot shower daily AND a long hot bath most days. The hot soak in the afternoons is the only way I get through most nights. I also use a few herbal products --be sure to talk to your doctor first. I use valerian and a mix of herbs. Water exercise also helps. WHile water exercise is the easiest for me, but I have started using an elliptical trainer on a regular basis. IT was hard at first, but after time it got easier. I also tan--indoors (tanning bed). I know that they are bad for me, but the bright light and heat generated by the bed makes me feel better. It's not for everyone, but it works for me.

As Jennifer said, Magnesium is very important. People with fibromyalgia are severely lacking in this mineral which aids in over 300 bodily functions. I take Magnesium in the form of a multi-vitamin, 2 Calcium/Magnesium/D supplements a day, and 3 Mag-Citrate a day. Mag-citrate if Magnesium and Malic Acid. Once I started on that I noticed an immediate difference. A couple of years ago the stores in my town ran out of this supplement. I went a week without it and the pain increased. Once I got back on it my pain eased. It is also important to learn to pace yourself, know your limitations. Do not overdo it. If you know you have an event coming up that will probably wipe you out, rest up for it. And when you are done, you are done. For IBS I take acid dophilus which is an immune builder for the digestive system. I suck on peppermints whenever I feel nausea or indigestion or cramps or heartburn. Also good is a tea from Traditional Medicinals called Eater's Digest which contains peppermint, licorice, chamomille and a couple of other digestive aids. But remember, sometimes you have no control. The stomach is a second brain and releases chemicals. If you are upset your stomach will start acting up. I find that not only does the weather affect my pain it will also affect my IBS. Stress is a major inducer of a flare. And finally, as much as you may not believe it (I didn't at first) exercise is important. You must start slowly. If that means just walking to the end of your driveway and back, then do it. Slowly build it up. I am now walking 3+ miles in an hour - a very brisk walk. If I am in pain I will slow down until the pain eases up and then speed up again. It is important to keep the muscles from getting stiff as well as to build up your heart rate. The exercise can also lift your spirits emotionally. And finally, the exercise will certainly help you sleep at night as it will tired you out. I am exhausted at the end of the day. I am in pain as well, but I would be in pain whether I walked or not. It is important to remember that no two people are alike and what works for one person may not work for another as far as medications are concerned. I tried 8 different anti-depressants until I found one that worked without side effects. Read the book that was recommended and do as much research as you can. See if you can find a support group in your area. They usually have professionals attend as speakers. Good luck.

Oh my. I'm sorry you have this. Where are your pains at? For me they vary. Some are all the time, some are part of the time, and some just seem to haunt me when everything else is going wrong. I am currently working on adding supplements to my diet. I have read that most people with fibromyalgia are deficient in magnesium which causes muscle pain in itself. That being said it adds to the terrible cycle of pain. For me NSAID's never worked. I have terrible pains in my hip to my knee, my hands (the computer does not help), headaches, IBS, pain in my feet, EXTREME fatigue, and that oh so wonderful feel of my skin being ultra sensitive (kind of like when you have a high fever). I recommend reading the book "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A survival manual" by Devin J Starlanyl. It is very interesting. The only help I have found to make it through a lot of days are Tramadol (a pain medication) and hot baths. I take a hot bath several times a week before bed to help ease the pain so I can sleep. Please write back. I would love keep in touch with you about this. I am not sure how to make friends on here yet but I will try. :)

I do not have this as far as I know. But I wanted to share something with yall that may or maynot help. When I was in the girls home there were two girls in there that their Mother had been bed ridden for two years because her fibro was so bad. She started drinking this stuff called relive and got up and was so much better. There are all types of this stuff from what I recall but I am going to post the link if any of you are interested and this is not any sight affiliated with me but I have been wanting to find it for my Mother,she has fibro, and want to share it with all of you in case you are interested. The site is http://www.nutritionmadesimple.info/ This is a number to order it 1-866-287-3548 I hope this helps. Have a great day.

Here's my story. I've had fibromyalgia for 3 years. One year ago, I lived on my couch strung out on pain pills and this was life. I was desperate for help. I got introduced to a wellness company. I got rid of chemicals in my cleaning products, shampoos, body washes, lotions, and started taking vitamins. I have had zero pain now for two months. Their over the counter pain cream and ibuprofen controls the days that I still have a little pain. I've gone from one step away from disabled to fully functioning. Check out my wellness site at www.CrystalD.fourpointwellness.com for more information. Keep moving and never ever give up on healing! It is possible to go into remission.

I have been on SSDI for FM and a bad arthritic condition. Since FM is a central nervous system disorder I have had great success with Neurontin. After 10 years of pain and nothing could help the Neurontin has given me my life back as much as is possible. I was Rx'd it by a Pain Management MD. Lyrica is often given instead of Neurontin if the side effects from the Neurontin are too strong. But the side effects lessen when you get up to the right dose for you. And unlike pain killers, you don't have to keep increasing the dose. Once you get stable on your dose that's it -- that's where you stay. Trun down your speakers and thry this site. It's by a nurse who tells you exactly how to use Neurontin for FM: http://web.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/nfaq.htm