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I think I have fibromyalgia

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Posted 2/19/2010 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad your family is starting to understand this a little better.  They probably were relying on what the other doctor said and now see that he didn't know what he was talking about. 

 

The terms trigger points and tender points are sometimes used interchangably but people with fibro call them tender points.  She obviously checked that out, which is good.

 

Samantha, I just noticed the extremely long "signature" you have made.  Our rules  (forum Rule #18) allow ten lines only...and that includes spaces...so please change that.  It uses up valuable band width for the multiple forums.  Thanks!

 

Sherrine

Posted 2/19/2010 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
My fibro symptoms began after the birth of my daughter 22 years ago. It took me 10 years to get a diagnosis other than depression. One doctor banged on my knees and listened to my chest and told me I had osteoporosis! Anyway when my fibro first started I felt like someone would feed me sleeping pills. I could not stay awake and when I woke I was in a stupor. It was terrifying! Along with that I had incredible pain - my clothes even hurt me.

Over the years I have learned to adapt and know what some of my triggers are. I have tried many medications the latest being Savella (which is specifically for Fibro). My problem with Savella is the sweating (had the same thing with Cymbalta). I must be sensitive to this type of medication. I am seeing a new rheumotologist next Friday so we will see what he has to say.

Keep an ongoing list of all medications and the dosage you take and any surgeries you have had. (take this with you to your doctor appts.)

Type out your fibro story and save it on your computer so you can take it with you when you see doctors (so as not to repeat it over and over again).

Those are my hints for anyone just starting out with Fibro. Don't expect your loved ones to understand. It took my family almost 20 years to GET IT! I went so far as to print out articles and make them read them so they would see it was not in my head.

Good luck with your new doctor.
Posted 2/26/2010 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
I've had fibromyalgia for about 40 years, and I've learned some things that have helped me get by. First of all, doctors don't help. They don't understand fibro and have nothing to offer but meds that make you feel loopy.

I believe that stress may be the cause of fibro, or it at least aggravates it, so avoid stress whenever possible. Don't take on more responbilities than you can manage, if you have a choice. Choice is the important word. Choose what you're going to do with your time, and don't feel that you "have to" to this or that. Let others help when they can.

One thing that helped a lot with the sleep issue, which in turn helped with the pain, was listening to self-hypnosis tapes at night, the kind designed to teach you to relax.

Regular light exercise is good, but overdoing it will backfire on you, and you'll hurt worse for a couple of weeks. If you want to increase your daily exercise, do it VERY gradually.

Avoid cold, especially cold wind.

Hope you find some of these ideas helpful. Good luck.

Joy

Joy

Posted 2/26/2010 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Samantha,

Did you have your tests done and did you get the results? How are you doing on the medication?

Hope everything is going well!
Posted 3/4/2010 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have been thinking about going back to a Rheumatologist - just moved and need to find a good one - I find this is your best bet with fibromyalgia. You may ask to try a thyroid med even if tests show normal. Reading a lot about this connection. Going to Dr today at 3 and am going to do the same. Please wish me luck.
Posted 3/4/2010 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Just came home. Thyroid results are normal and won't let me even try thyroid med. She sent me home with Savella. Hope it helps.
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