Fibromyalgia

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Thanks so much for bringing this up Karen. I have recently come to the conslusion that Fibromyalgia is the only thing that describes what I've had for years. My doctor doesn't really buy into it, as I found out at my annual physical last month. I wasn't thrilled or satisfied with his answers. What do I need to do to find out if this is what I suffer from? I made an appointment with a rheumatologist to get the ball rolling, at the advice of a friend. However, they can't see me until January, 2007. This morning I go for more bloodwork to narrow a few more things down. I knew of no other course besides process of elimination. What does one do to find out if they really have it? I would love some advice from people that already know. Thanks

I'm so sorry to hear you have it on top of everything else. What a brave soul you are!!

A rheumatologist is the only doc who is trained to find out! Try a younger doc, the older ones sometimes don't support this

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thanks Lut!!

[Laura's Babies]

Ny heart goes out to you and all the people who suffer with this! ((((HUGS))))

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Yes, I have it. It along with my arthritis insures I'm miserable most of the time!!!

I'm so glad I have Pet Talk to take my mind off the pain.

[Daisy and Delilah]

What types of meds do the doctors prescribe for the pain? Is there any medication that takes care of such horrible bouts of pain?

[K9karen]

What types of meds do the doctors prescribe for the pain? Is there any medication that takes care of such horrible bouts of pain?

Thankfully, I was first diagnosed 30+ years ago by a young rheumatologist who believed in it and was fascinated by it. It is one of the hardest ailments to diagnose. Blood work may show "sed" levels up, but mostly that's for arthrisits (I also have OA)
I started with "Elavil", like a sleeping pill but I was too groggy and couldn't wait for 2 weeks for my body to adjust. The severe pain causes restless sleep, so of course you wake up feeling worse, and fatigued.

Celebrex, Bextra, Vioxx, all the good stuff, taken off the market helped with my bursitis, but barely, Cortisone shots in my hips, shoulders help a bit.

There are pressure points that doctors use to diagnose..chest (I sometimes get lumps), inside the elbows, wrists, ankles, shoulder blades. Moist heat helps as well as gentle physical therapy. But sometimes you feel so bad, you don't even want to go to therapy! One orthopedic sarcastically told me I had the "yuppy disease". He also misdiagnosed my spine/neck problems, caused worse damage with wrong PT so I dumped him like a hot potato. See ya, bye bye, stupid clod.

My fibro seems to worsen with stress (Zoloft not helping-wish there was a pill that erases bad memories) and when the seasons change, especially the fall. Honestly, since my spine has just started to bother me again (where I had surgery) I do take pain killers at night before bed.

Not only that, I was feeling much better with my life in all aspects until my wrist accident. AND I have TMJ so bad I take
muscle relaxers at night.

Not to worry though. I guess I sound like a sicko. I have a lot to deal with, but we all do. I have great friends (you guys) girlfriends of 50 years, John and my Logabeanie. I'll feel better, but it just seems like it takes forever!

[K9karen]

Yes, I have it. It along with my arthritis insures I'm miserable most of the time!!!

I'm so glad I have Pet Talk to take my mind off the pain.

THAT TOTALLY SUCKS BIG TIME! I'M WITH YA BABE!!!
GENTLE CYBER HUGS.....

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thanks for the information Karen. I just don't know how you do it. You truly are amazing! I took Elavil a couple of years ago and it took me a month and a half until I felt like I wasn't hungover the next day. Those things are really strong. I have a friend that takes one every night to help her sleep. She was lucky too, in that she found a young doctor in Key West to diagnose her Fibromyalgia. She takes Celebrex and does ok with it but some days, she can barely get around. I tested normal for rheumatoid arthritis in my tests from yesterday. My sedimentation levels are very high and I guess that means my osteoarthritis is getting worse. I just talked to a lady at the pharmacy that takes Lyrica. She has osteoporosis, scoliosis, and two herniated discs. She said the Lyrica is working so far. It amazes me how many of us are in excruciating pain all the time. There has to be some relief somewhere!!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

My Dad had it too Poor you - big hugs

[jackmilliesmom]

I suffer daily but for the pain my Orthopaedic and Rhumetologist prescribed a medication called Arcoxia which has helped with the inflamation and some normal light pain releif such as neurofen.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

THAT TOTALLY SUCKS BIG TIME! I'M WITH YA BABE!!!
GENTLE CYBER HUGS.....

Thanks! Those Hugs really do make me feel better!!!

I'm on 4 different meds for my blood pressure so the only thing I can take for pain is ibruprofen. One of my bp meds knocks me out so I have to take it at bed time. Bad thing is, I slept through 2 tornardo warnings this spring but the doctor won't take me off of it because he says I need it. sheesh!!!
At least if I get killed by a tornado I'll never know it.

[K9karen]

Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease, so make sure your doc checks for Lupus too. Some of the symptoms are the same.

The scary part is my spine, where I had surgery, is killing me, after almost 4 months of very little discomfort. I hate going to sleep (look at the time) because I get stuck in a position and have to scream to be helped to move. So I need to call the surgeon and reschedule my Dec appointment cause this is getting out of hand. All I seem to do is complain, and I apologize. I feel like a walking disaster. An old rotator cusp injury is driving me nuts too. Geesh. *Creak* *Creak* *Creak*