got my diagnoses

So after weeks of waiting (and forcing myself to stay off the internet-which was making me crazy [img]/community/emoticons/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) I had my rhuemy appt. today and yes I have mild arthritis and fibromyalgia. He has ordered more blood work to rule any other conditions that I may have out (which I think says a lot about his thoroughness) so I'll do that tomorrow and go back to see him on the 14th of October.


He is all for my wanting to manage my pain with as little "drugs" as possible and getting some physical and occupational therapy along with recommending yoga or pilates types of excersize (I think I'm going to take up belly dancing-I used to be a ballet/jazz dancer, so I think it will be fun and therapeutic). He did give me a prescription for tramadol-I asked for something to have on hand for the really bad days or flare ups...I'm not ignorant to the fact that there will be those days that I need medicinal help so I wanted to be prepared for them.



Does anyone have any tips, tricks, and recommendations for someone newly diagnosed (although we suspect I have been living with this for years)? I also don't know what the side effects of tramadol are or what to expect from it (haven't had a chance to fill it or research it yet) so if anyone has had experience with it and wants to share, I'm all ears (or rather eyes lol).

Gentle reminder. Please edit your signature to 10 lines or less including space lines, per the forum rules.

Post Edited By Moderator (Jeannie143) : 9/29/2009 11:00:52 PM (GMT-6)

Welcome Lobster,

When I joined this forum I also was new to everything & everyone here along with some great threads really helped me out! The Fibro 101 thread is great to read, you'll get some great tips & advice!  I've found that a heating pad or hot showers help a bit when I'm really having a bad day. I also am on pain meds, but sometimes they don't even help enough.

Sue gave you some great advice on not sitting or staying in one place too long. Doing too much will also get you in trouble. Your body will usually let you know when you've done too much, so you will be able to pace yourself and know what you can & cannot do.

My sister takes Tramadol for her fibro & arthritis pain & she has had good results. I also took Tramadol back when I was first diagnosed, but after awhile had to take something stronger. Hopefully you will have good luck with it. Others will be along that can maybe help you more, but in the meantime you might try putting "tramadol" in the search box and maybe find some discussions about it. I've had good luck on searching past posts when I want to learn more about something.

Good luck and feel free to ask about anything you have questions about. Everyone here is very caring and helpful. That's what makes this such a great forum!

                                                                                  Hugs,     

                                                                                     Springfling