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I'm starting this thread after searching for "fibromyalgia" and finding only two posts including this term.
USAFmom stated in another thread that she had FMS, and desertmom stated that her Mom also suffers from it.
I was diagnosed with it in 2000, along with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and wondered if there were any others in this forum who suffered with these ailments as well.
Just thought it would be nice to have a thread here that addressed this specific health problem, and a place for those of us who have FMS to inspire each other, trade secrets we have in dealing with pain managemnt, and exchange ideas about new treatments, etc.
Anyone who would like to add to this, feel free. Maybe there are some people here who at least KNOW of someone who has FMS/CFS, whose input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks~ Lisa...
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My thing with my mom, is that she lives 2500 miles away, so I don't see her much at all. She also was diagnosed in the last couple of years w/diabetes. She takes all these meds, and puts up w/the side effects because the accompanying literature says it can happen. She does not advocate for herself, and when she does speak up, she is confrontational, which is not a good way to manage your health. On top of that, she still smokes, is around smokers and still eats the way she did before the diabetes dx. She is always telling me how she's baking a pie, making some type of roast, etc. OR, how she's cleaning. I know she'll be exhausted and out of commission the next day. I try to tell her not to do this for my two adult brothers, but she insists. UGH!
I also tried to get her to go for a scooter - she walks a few miles to the grocery. Walking is good, but not for a fibromyalgic with a load, and not if it's inconsistent. She also blames her problems on a broken rib that won't heal. It's like she denies she has issues, but uses them as an excuse at other times. I think she's always had this, undiagnosed. I remember her always sighing and being exhausted as we were growing up. She was subject to abuse, and with 5 kids we thought we were also the cause. I'm sure it didn't help.
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My Mom has fibromyalgia and a college roommate was diagnosed with it over Christmas (at 35). My Mom does not take the meds, but tries to control it through massage, saunas, and other natural ways. She is a former nurse and didn't want to deal with the side effects. Originally she took them and some of her pain meds were making her have weird liver functions that led to a whole set of other issues.
I worry about her because I can see when she is in pain, but she would never tell you. My Dad and I just know how to read her. She tries to do everything with the kids, and usually succeeds, but suffers the whole time. I think the week after we leave, she has to recover. She is an inspiration for me.
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I have tried to control it without pain meds. But the crazy cold freezing weather we have had lately, plus my only help being in IraqI have had a real hard time the last 12 weeks! it has gotten so bad my hands get stiff. One doc took pity on me and gave me some darvolcet. My pcm freaked and wrote up this thing about tapering me off of it. 8 weeks later I went in can of the pain and all I hear is how I had a problem taking narcatics. WTH? I said I had one prescription. He said one?? So I am lucky enough to be labeled a drug attack already??
I have an appointment next month with pain mangement.
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My diagnosis is the SOLE REASON I now live in New Mexico. In 2000, when I was first diagnosed, my Dr. suggested I move to a warmer climate. So, having family in Florida seemed the logical choice. However, that same year we bought property in NM, and I've never felt better than in the past 3 years since we've lived here!! (Me and Illinois weather just didn't get along!!)
At first I was on pain meds., but once I got pregnant with my DD I had to go off them completely. (Talk about a LONG 9 months!! )
I do some daily stretching exercises, try not to "overdo it" with my daily activities, and by now I should own STOCK in an epsom salt company!! When the pain gets too bad I just ask my DH for some of HIS pain meds, which he graciously shares with me. (Thank God!!) Other than that, I take alot of BC Powders or Excedrin to help with the pain. (I know this is eating up my stomach, but it's better than being in constant pain.) Then there's the list of topical muscle relaxers...I've tried them all...
As for whomever mentioned their Mother always being "on the go" (so to speak) that is exactly the personality type of someone with FM!! Not to sound like I'm "tooting my own horn", but we tend to be "overachievers", and push ourselves WAY too much! Even if it means "paying the price" (as I call it) for the next several days. (I just did a paper on FM last semester...and got an "A" on it, by the way...Go me!!)
For me, laundry is a dreaded chore. My arms ACHE for at least the next day. And then there's washing the car...I put this chore off as long as possible, because after using the power washer at the car wash, my arms ache for (literally) THREE DAYS AFTERWARDS! I literally have to PLAN so that I have nothing "pressing" for the following days after doing alot of things that so many people just DO and go on with their lives! It's depressing, to say the least, which is another topic unto itself with FM sufferers.
Okay, I could go on forever...but I'll stop now.
Maybe as this thread moves along I can answer some questions you may have about FM, why we do the things we do, why it's so hard for us to ASK for help, and the disappointment, resentment, and frustration we feel when friends/family just don't get (or BELIEVE) what our condition is all about, etc.
I really have studied this alot, and would be glad to try to answer any questions.
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Also, let me just suggest to anyone who has a loved one with FM...tell them to go to the dollar store, or Walmart, and get some antioxidants now, if they don't already take them!! I can tell a HUGE difference in how I feel when I take these, and when I don't!! Teas are also good for detoxing! We tend to have high levels of toxicity in the blood, muscles, and tissues (especially smokers, those who drink occasionally, or who eat alot of processed foods, or foods with preservatives) so anything that removes toxins is an excellant remedy!!
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I was diagnosed with this about 10 years ago, but it was new at the time and I wasn't going to take meds for it.
I've been diagnosed with chronic fatigue for about 18 years.....that one hits me the hardest. I'm exhausted all the time and have to really push myself to have energy to do everything. I'm more interested in getting help for that than for FM.
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Chronic Fatigue and FM seem to go hand in hand, don't they?
Unfortunately, there is no "cure all" out there. More and more meds are becoming available and are in the study phase. I'm hoping my dd is serious about becoming a doctor when she grows up and is able to discover "the cure". (Crossing fingers, here!)
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I can not believe I am reading this thread. My MIL is in the process of getting tested for FM, so I have tons of questions for you ladies.
Can it really be tested for? I can't get a straight answer from her or my FIL. She had some blood tests done last week, but all they found so far was high levels of calcium in her blood. She seemed to be in constant pain lately, especially her shoulders and arms. And very tired all the time. It's been going on for months, but she though she just had a "bug" or something. She is a diabetic, but not insulin depandent or anything like that.
If she really does have FM, her doctor said that there is a steroid therapy that she can go on for 3 yrs and that should cure it. She doesn't drink or smoke, but takes tons of various meds for many other things.
Any info would be greatly appreicated.
thanks
Lena
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I have had my diagnosis now for 6 years although I had symptoms since the early '90's. Things seem to be getting worse lately though and I've been having quite a bit of pain.
I think the worst thing is never really being able to plan things in advance as I don't know if I'm going to be up to it on the day.
I'm very interested in any alternative therapies. I did try massage therapy for a while but it only made me feel beter for a few hours, small children at the time didn't help!!
Along with the FM I have PCOS. Both conditions can lead to depression. I was taking anti-depressants but they seemed worse than the actual depression. Now I've just come off AD and life is pretty awful at the moment, hopefully that passes soon.
I'd love to hear any treatments or therapies anyone has found a success.