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Posted 5/21/2012 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have had fatigue, body pains, stomach issues, mental issues, muscle spasms and weakness, etc for years. Just last week I was told the doctors could find nothing wrong with me through tests so I was diagnosed with fibro. Come to find out it was more than just sore muscles! The problem has always been that I would feel like death but then get better. So It was like I was wearing the doctors out but then I would stop going. I have even been diagnosed Bipolar 2 at an early age but I never felt that was right and the drugs just made me feel worse. The "fibro fog" is horrible! I thought I was having a stroke. When the fog was bad so was the pain & then the migraines set in. Over the passed year and a half I have been iron deficient, vitamin D deficient, B12 deficient, & in the passed 3 months alone I've had 3 colds, bronchitis then pneumonia!! Not to mention I've been in physical therapy for shoulder/neck pain so bad I couldn't breathe or sleep. I had finally had enough so I went to a new doctor that did what none other had done. She put all my symptoms together. Sometimes I wonder if its really Fibro or something more serious like heart problems but I've been tested for almost EVERYTHING. My blood pressure runs 100/60 - I do just chest pain & short of breath but she says thats part of the disease. I just don't want to hurt anymore!! I'm 34 & have felt like I am 80!! The doctor has started me on Savella. So far its made me horrible spacey, nauseous, and just yucky BUT when I take the little doses the horrible body ache (especially in my hips, legs, ankles) lessens. So Can anyone offer any insight? Should I stay with the Savella? What works well for everyone? I guess I just feel the need to connect with others that understand what I'm going through... smilewinkgrin smilewinkgrin
Posted 5/21/2012 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LDA...welcome to the fibro family! I'm sorry for your pain...you will get to know that the members here are very caring and understanding.

Fibro comes with a lot of crummy symptoms...if you haven't checked out fibro 101, please do. It is the second thread on the top of the page. Sherrine has compiled lots of helpful info for us fibromites.

When it comes to pain relief, we are all so differant. It's trial and error. I've been on Savella for about 3 years now and have found it helpful. My rheumy started me out with 2, 2-week sample titration packs...I had a month to work up to the normal dosage of 50 mgs, 2x daily. I was lucky not to have any bad side effects. Starting out slowly, helped..I think. I also use muscle relaxers as needed.

I've found that gentle stretching and walking helps...so does some form of relaxation therapy, like deep breathing and meditation. Soaking in the tub helps too. Many of us use the microwave moist heat pads to help with the achiness.

Keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy...it really helps distract the pain.
Migraines are something I'm familiar with...there are meds like Imitrex that are helpful and for the worst types of migraine there are nasal opiod sprays.

Around here the phrase ...one day at a time is used often. I try not to let pain be the focus of my day....it helps if I can concentrate on having fun.

Taking time to do what I can to help myself has been a big step in dealing with chronic pain...focus on better days ahead. Wishing you the best, I'm glad you have joined us.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 5/22/2012 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
The physical part of FMS is awful but what it does to a person mentally is inhumane. So sorry you had to go through all that to finally get a diagnosis! Are they saying now that you're not bipolar, or are you speculating about that?
Posted 5/22/2012 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
applevenus - The symptoms of bipolar 2 & the mental symptoms of fibro are very similar! The depression with fog then feeling better - which during the times when I felt better I would try to get as much done as possible. Then the insomnia... I haven't gone to see my psychiatrist to see what his thoughts are but I'm wonder if the bipolar diagnosis is correct. In my 20s I had only gone to the doctor a handful of times complaining that my WHOLE body hurt.

With Savella, I'm terrified of serotonin syndrome! That seems to be all the warnings say. And over the years I've developed more sensitivity to medications. And smells! Chemical smells can really mess me up! I was on Elavil for the passed 2 years, as well as muscle relaxers, 800 mg ibuprofen & emergency Loritabs.

I have a rather large hoard of muscle relaxers! They have been my best friend over the passed year! Back in Feb the muscle spasms were horrible. I even went to the ER because I though I was having a heart ache. turns out the muscle around my should & ribs was just spasming! How embarrassing...

So should I go to see a rheumatologist as well as my family GP?

You are all so nice! Thank you for the welcome. I've felt very alone, right now I don't know whether to be relieved to have a diagnoses (to know its not all just in my head) or cry because there's not really a "cure" or agreed upon medication to make it better.
Posted 5/22/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Unfortunatly, its true. It's a lot of trial and expense to see what works best for you.  One thing that has really helped me was to be tested for Vit D3.  I was low in it and wouldn't miss my daily pill.  As for pain, we all have different meds we use. And a lot of us have other issues, some that can cause pain, or just be a pain to manage!

I'd say either a rheumy or a pain management doc could help you find what is best for you.  I see a PM, he's the one who gave me my fibro dx.

Check out the stickies at the top of the page, there is lots of great info there.

Good Luck!

Posted 5/22/2012 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, LDA,

As you've found, people here are very helpful and friendly! It definitely helps to know you're not alone. I couldn't believe it when I first came here.

I actually see an allergist/internist for my fibro, the doc who diagnosed me. But I think that's kind of unusual. Rheumatologists are probably more likely to know more about fibro. It really is a roller coaster in the beginning, as you said...there's no cure, on the other hand, the good news is: YOU'RE NOT CRAZY!

Debbie
Posted 5/23/2012 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I'm feeling pretty crappy today. I was doing alright then I got my period! I'm in sooooo much pain, it isn't even funny. Even my eyelashes hurt! I've cried for 2 hours. I don't want to be sick!
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