Hi, new here.

Hi I am new obviously my problems started about four years ago. I can't imagine those of you have fought this for years or have the horrors of watching children deal with this. Year after year it just has become worse with added symptoms some days I swear there is no end in sight. Since my mommy came to visit me from japan it seems a little brighter (really great she can't speak good english) i think it saved my family doctor from some really hurt feelings. After this last month she finally made me make an appointment with a pain management specialist. My doctor has tried everything, but real pain meds and when he did use them it had instructions to take so often then only give a supply for 10 or 15 days like I only need to go to work and school for half the month..... Kinda makes me mad it's cruel, some of the drugs he tried I know well due to my own major, and all they did was make me feel worse while I get stuck arguing about the fact there has to be a reasonable management plan where I can live my life to the best I can and not be stopped by pain intense enough you throw up from it.... really hard to work that into a normal daily schedule. Recently trying the new drug savella I feel worse by the day soon I don't think i will take it. I hope it works for someone but for me it has some severe side effects and interactions to drugs I all ready take. I am most likely babbling on and on, but it is the first time I have really talked to anyone other then a doctor, and it's nice to be able to say it's a bad day i hurt and not have to really explain something that will not be understood anyways to someone who really don't care. I have hopes by next semester I will make it back to school so i can get closer to my dream of being my own "Washu-chan". And maybe go home or stay I do really like the USA minus i miss my weird foods, and in utah the asian market for food isn't huge.

Hi, Watashi, and welcome!  I'm sorry we have to meet like this but you have come to a good place.    We have great members that love to help one another and, as a bonus, we really do care about each other, too.

 

I have had fibro for 22 years.  I have been able to control the pain by using ibuprofen with food, extra strength Tylenol, malic acid/ magnesium supplements, and vitamin D3.  When I'm in a flare I am taking the maximum dose of both ibuprofen and Tylenol.  I am never pain free but the pain is manageable and I can live my life and enjoy myself.  I do have Vicodin in my medicine cabinet for break through pain but I have never taken one.  I don't want to start the narcotics if I can prevent it, and, so far so good.  Many times when you get on narcotics they work great for a while and then you need more to get the same relief.  That can spell trouble.  That's probably why the pain doctor gave you a small amount...probably to take when you absolutely have to.

 

Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibromyalgia, including links about the malic acid/magnesium supplements and the vitamin D3 and how these work in your body.  Many people with fibro are deficient in these vitamins and nutrients and that can cause more pain and fatigue. 

 

Try hot showers and baths.  They do help.  Also, you can get a Bed Buddy at Walgreen's and other places.  You put it in the microwave and it gives off moist heat.  Actually, you can make one yourself.  Take a tube sock, fill it 2/3's full of long grain rice (not instant) and tie a knot at the end.  Pop it in the microwave and it gives off moist heat due to the moisture in the rice.

 

You do need to keep moving.  If you sit or lay too long, you will be stiff as a board.  There are some good stretching exercises on the Fibro 101 thread.  Also, do some gentle exercise.  Walking is excellent and so is swimming if you have access to a pool.   

 

I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  Read back posts since there is a world of information in them.  Also, don't hesitate to ask questions.  We are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from  you soon.

 

Sherrine