Hi, MPCUTIE, and welcome! You sound like so many of us on this forum. We go from doctor to doctor, test to test, to find out what is wrong. It can be a long, drawn out process. You just need to make sure the doctor you are seeing treats fibromyalgia patients. Some doctors still think it's all in your head. I use a board certified Internist for my doctor for nearly everything, including fibro. Many use a rheumatologist for their fibro. Still, there are a few rheumatologists that think fibro is a "catch-all" illness too. I always suggest that you call the office and see if they treat fibromyalgia patients.
Whatever type of doctor you end up with should test you for other illnesses first before a diagnosis of fibro is given. There are other illnesses that have many of the same symptoms as fibro. Once they are eliminated, then the diagnosis is usually given.
Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibromyalgia, including a list of symptoms and also a link called What Else Could It Be. This will show you why you need to rule out the other illnesses first. Many can be ruled out with blood work so maybe your doctors have done that already.
Be sure to keep moving, though. If you sit or lay too much, you will be stiff as a board with fibro and the pain will be worse. There are some good stretching exercises that really do work in Fibro 101. Also, you need a gentle exercise to do daily. Walking and swimming are my gentle exercises of choice. I always feel better after a walk. I almost loosen up while walking.
Moist heat is wonderful for fibro. Hot showers and baths feel oh so good! Many here have a Bed Buddy. You can get these at Walgreen's and other places. Or, you can make your own by taking a tube sock, filling it 2/3's full of raw long grained rice and tying a knot in the end. Pop it in the microwave and it gives off moist heat.
I am in control of my pain. You most likely won't be pain-free but you can be in control of it and have a full and enjoyable life in spite of fibro. You will need to try different things to see what works best for you because, unfortunately, what works for one fibromite doesn't necessarily work for another. Some members are taking several prescription medications. I chose not to do that and have been able to use over the counter meds and exercise and stretching to help me be in control of the pain.
I use ibuprofen with food, extra strength Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, and vitamin D3 supplements to help with my pain and fatigue. There are links about the supplements in Fibro 101 because many with fibro seem to be deficient in these vitamins and nutrients.
I suffered with lower back pain for years, too. Then I learned how to get in and out of the car and bed correctly and now I really haven't had much of a problem with my lower back. I still have pain in my middle to upper back, shoulders, and neck. Here is what I do.
First of all, I do not sleep flat on my back because it makes my back hurt more. I don't sleep on my stomach either. I sleep on my sides with a pillow wedged behind my back. This way, I can partially be on my back but have support. That helps me. I also get out of bed using a cane. I roll on my side, draw my legs up in a sitting position so the legs are actually hanging over the floor, and then I push off with the cane. Gravity will bring your legs down and you will be pulled to a sitting position without using your back muscles.
When getting in and out of a car, sit on the seat with your feet on the pavement. Then, either using the seat or the steering wheel, swivel your feet into the car while keeping your back straight. I buy cars with leather seats because they are slippery. But, when I rent a car and get cloth seats I had to come up with another idea...and I did! I get a garbage bag and a towel. I lay the garbage bag on the seat and the towel over it. Then I do the above. The garbage bag and towel let your rear end swivel like you were on a lazy susan! LOL Just reverse the above to get out of the car.
Don't use your back muscles when you are lifting things up. Use your legs instead. By doing the above things, my back rarely hurts me now. I hope these suggestions will help you, too!
I'm so glad you found us and joined in! Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. I hope to hear more from you soon.
Sherrine