Fibromyalgia etc

I'm 65 and have had chronic pain since childhood. Just recently I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I had test and have carpal tunnel, tarsal tunnel and genital lichen sclerosus. I'm now on disability and don't know what to do. I thought every thing was related to fibromyalgia
I tried all meds, ointments, therapies., acupuncture, pain doctors. I'm reading that castor oil is good for sore joints and for lichen sclerosus. I don't currently take meds, none helped . I do meditation, yoga etc
I got into a Alternative pain treatment center in Chicago that is 4 weeks, 5 to 8 house a day. I will have a pain psychologist, relaxation therspist, PT and OT, Pain Nurse, for integrated therapy. Group therapy, bio feedback and other therapies. I'm very hopeful, I exhausted my search. I've tried the Mayo and Cleveland Clinic and was denied. I have empathy for everyone with chronic pain, especially fibromyalgia it's turned my world upside down. But I'm grateful and thankful to be alive. Keep looking and don't give up.

I first have to be evaluated Jan 30th by their pyschologist, then I can start my therapy. I've researched alot and there is a correlation between our thoughts, relating to our body, and having a spiritual belief. I do mindful meditation to calm the mind and thoughts, I do guided imagery to get in touch with my body, and I believe in a higher source that controls the universe. The mind is very powerful, what you think can happen, what you think you become. I receive temporary relief just by training my mind to relax my body and think pleasant soothing thoughts. Our thoughts and imagination is powerful. Remember that everything that the Master of the Universe did not create man used his imagination and created it. The car, the phone, Disney World started with a thought and then they imagined it. I believe that the use of our mind and thoughts are an untapped source for pain relief. Many doctors and clinics have caught on to this concept of integrated medicine instead of surgeries and medicine with harmful side effects. Just for a minute close your eyes concentrate on your breathing and picture your hand in front of you, can you see it with your eyes closed, now tell yourself your hand feels warm and tingly while focusing and breathing deep and slow. Most doctors will tell you to relax more a destress your life, but don't tell you how to accomplish this. They quickly give you some type of pill to take. Our body is a magnificent machine and know a how to heal itself. Just think if left alone a cut will heal. The cells in the body are always regenerating. We don't really have to do much, the body breathes, walk sleep on it's own. We just need to give it nourishing foods and water, some exercise and fresh air. Our body is under our own control through our thoughts and behaviors. Unwanted or non beneficial thinking can be changed. No one thinks in our own minds except ourselves. Our thoughts and behaviors are learned and so are our behaviors. We are taught from infancy what to think and believe. Most are negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors. What was learned can be unlearned and replaced with positive thoughts and behaviors. You have heard you are what you think. Modern medicinema and technology has come along way in understanding the function of the brain. One function is our thoughts and how they dictate our behavior. I have had and experienced many mindful thought therapies and they work, but only for so long. The key is to master them which is a lifelong process. I am learning to be a more peaceful calmer person through daily meditation, thankfulness, gratitude, kindness, compassion for others and for myself and the big one is forgiveness for myself and others. All this adds up to love, compassion, empathy for yourself and others until I encompass the world and everyone. We all want and need the same things from one another. Everyone wants and needs to be heard, understood and love. Even the most cruel respond to kindness and love, that's why they are so cruel due to lack of love and fear. Thanks for reading and listening to my heartfelt post. Peace and loving kindness to you

You are lucky to have all that available to you. Northwestern is a great hospital. I got fibro at age 64 and had to retire. I'm grateful I didn't have it while I was young but the aging process and fibro is not fun.
Everyone has to find what is good for them. What works for one doesn't work for others. What keeps me going is Cymbalta, Baclofen (a muscle relaxer), pacing myself, magnesium, and D3.
The cold weather here in Wisconsin hurts.
My husband is very helpful and supportive. The breathing exercises I learned are very helpful.
Sometimes I think I want pain meds but have avoided them so far. I do the best I can and plod along.

Good luck to you finding what works. Oh I recently started cur curcumin, a supplement I learned about on this forum.

Achey today!
Barb