Newbie Help!

Hi everyone!

I am a "newbie" to all this.....and am so very glad I found a website that people are talking about the symptoms I have, and understand what I'm going thru.  I was just diagnosed last Friday, and told to take Cymbalta, and "come back in 4 months".  YIKES!  The Cymbalta put me on a trip like I've never been on, and discontinued it 3 days later.  I already take Lyrica since my back surgery, so I was told to increase that. 

I'm having a really hard time dealing with this, and want to know if my symptoms are like yours!??  It started with numbness in my legs following a back surgery, and now I have constant shocking/tingling throughout my body, especially in my legs.  The shocking didn't start until I had a "seizure" on April 6th.  I can't walk further than a block without feeling like my knees are caving in.  I've read about the "fibrofog", and believe you me, I have that!

I do Real Estate, and this is all so hard for me to accept.  I deal with people's lives every day.  I need to drive, stay focused, and concentrate on my business.  It's so hard. 

I guess at this point I just need to know if this sounds familiar to anyone, or all of you?

Any help is appreciated.  I'm feeling very alone at this point, and really scared of what the future will bring.

Dober

Hi, Dober, and welcome!  I"m so glad you found us and joined in.  We have a great group of people that love to help one another and we really do care about each other, too.

 

Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibromyalgia, including a list of symptoms.  There are 59 on that list and I have 27 of them.  But, I have still had a full and enjoyable life with fibro!  There is also a link to good stretching exercises that really do help.

 

Almost everyone has stiffness, especially in the morning, pain and fatigue.  Many have the pain in their shoulders, neck and back.  That's where mine is.  We have the fibro fog too.  That's a lot of fun!  LOL  Keep a good sense of humor and that will get you through the fog.

 

I use ibuprofen with food and extra strength Tylenol for pain.  I use malic acid/magnesium supplements for pain and fatigue.  Many with fibro are deficient in these nutrients.  I also am deficient in vitamin D and so are a lot of other fibromites.  I live in Florida and never thought I'd have that problem.  Vitamin D deficiency can also add to pain and fatigue.  I'm currently taking 3,500 IU of vitamin D3 to try to get me in the normal range. 

 

You will find info about malic acid/magnesium supplements and how they work in your body in the Fibro 101 thread.  It might be worth asking your doctor about these thing...and also the vitamin D. 

 

Meanwhile, read back posts because there is a world of info in them and ask questions.  We are here to help you.  I'm glad you are here and hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine 

Hi Dober,

And welcome to our family! Wow, I'm sure glad you found us too. Fibro is awful when you have lots of love and support...just imagine how bad it is without anyone! OH, we all know I guess because before I came to this forum I was lost and frightened. But let me reassure you that with knowledge the fear goes away. So like Sherrine said, read as much good information as you can and steer clear of hype and empty promises of cures.

As for the Cymbalta...I reacted to it like I did to Lyrica. Head was wobbly and I was so sick. I stopped immediately when I felt the symptoms. I'm very surprised your doc said 4 months for a follow-up. Wow...I'd be asking for a referral to a rheumatologist for conformation and/or some better help. Also you might want to consider find a GP who understands and treat fibromyalgia. A supportive doctor is the best medicine in the world for this condition.

And the hardest one...try to relax. I know, easy for me to say, huh? But oh so hard to do. Try long warm, soaking baths or showers, keep the muscles that hurt warm and flexible, and get as much good rest as you can. Please keep posting and keep us up to date on how you are doing. We're here for each other and that means you too!

Chutzie