New Guy in the house!!

All joking aside, we really are a supportive bunch of people and we genuinely care for each other.  LOL-however, we aren't used to seeing a lot of men here, so we flock to y'all.  OK, OK, I flock to y'all.

Anyway, I hope you'll feel welcome here and comfortable enough to talk about (almost) anything.   I'm sure you'll get more advice than you asked for, LOL.

Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibromyalgia in there including symptoms and some great stretching exercises that really do help.

Hot showers are great, too.  Many here have a Bed Buddy that you can purchase at Walgreens and other places.  You heat it in the microwave and it gives off moist heat.  Also, you can make your own.  Get a tube sock and fill it 2/3's full of raw long grain rice and tie a knot on the end.  Voila!  a homemade Bed Buddy!  You can heat it in the microwave and it, too, gives off moist heat!

I'm so glad that you found us.  Maybe you can direct your brother to this site too.  We have a lot of good people here that have great ideas to help people live a full and enjoyable life with fibromyalgia!  Meantime, read back posts and ask questions.  That's what we are here for.  I'm so glad you joined in and I hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine

Hi Willie Will: That costochondritis is nasty stuff. I've been dxéd with Fibro for 17 years, approx. but only last summer while visiting my sons in the city did I have an attack. I really was scared. I have high colesterol and high blood pressure and get migraines, for which my Doc prescribes Triptans which clearly say, " not for people with heart disease" I brought it up with my PCP but he said the benefits outweigh the risks. I do know that the Triptans just knock the headache out. All I could do was lay very still. due to the worst chest pain I have ever had, I though it was a heart attack. When I told my doc he said next time go to emergency. Only pproblem was/is I was alone in a motel room when it hit and no way could I drive, or dial a phone. Oddly, my biggest fear was one of my sons would find me and that would be awful.

The genetic link is an odd thing. On my mother's side of the family there is much immune, and auto immune disease, as well as BiPolar. My mom is diagnosed with MS but researches Fibro because she has days when she can run up stairs and other days when she can't get dressed. Her sister, my Aunt has Fibro, diagnosed about 8 years ago. As far as symptom relief you will learn a lot here. The moist heat is really a key. Also, when you feel fatique setting in, it's time to slow down, and rest. I wake very early, 5 AM, get coffee and my pain meds into me ASAP. about an hour later, I can move about. I used to teach Yoga and did it religiously, but yesterday I pushed through the pain and ended up with muscle spasms, in my thighs all day today. Another interesting thing, as a child I got horrible pains in my arms and legs, my mother called them "growing pains", saying she had them also. They would keep me up all night. Know your limitations. Find a doc who understands Fibro, and respects you enough to listen. You will find what works and what doesn't. Good luck. 

Welcome Willie,

I have 2 sisters that also have Fibro & My doctor believes it can run in families. You'll find alot of great advice for you and your brother. Looks like you have already had some! I hope you can let your brother know about the site. Maybe he can get on some time. It really is nice to talk with others who experience the same things.

Hugs!!  Margie

Welcome aboard!

My sister is a firbro-mite too.  So yes it does run in the family.  I think my dad would have been dx'd with it also, however he's been saving me a spot in heaven for the past ten years, so we never really knew if he was a victim of this DD.

As for all the goodies (or badies, as I like to call them) are abondant!!  Seems there's something new everyday.

Warm wishes,

Hope to hear more from you so keep in touch.

God Bless!

Shannon