Fibro questions.

Hi Everyone,

I was dignosed with Fibro a little over a year ago. This to add to all my issues was pretty depressing at first. But I don't know to many people with this problem and my doctor doesn't seem to know a lot about it.

First, I ache all the time, and being stiff is part of my daily routine.. Most of the time, with a bit of movement, the stiffness subsides and is tolerable. The doctors have tried me on meds but i metabolize meds very quickly and they only made me violently ill. Therefore, I manage my fibro with exercise, advil, aleve and hydrocodone when needed for the really bad days.

I notice that my flares come on the really cold days. Warmth seems to keep the aches controllable. Does this happen to anyone else?

And I suffer anxiety and severe panic attacks.. When I fall into a bad panic attack, it seems to bring on a flare and I will sometimes be really bad for a few days after. Does this happen to anyone?

I am frustrated as I live in a colder area and at this time of the year, find myself moving much slower. I recently just had surgery for my GERD and have been a bit sediment. My hopes is to start my yoga back soon which has also helped in the past.

Anybody have ideas on how to make this easier WITHOUT the meds.. I don't mind the advil so much but hate the days when I need the narcotics..

Thanks for listening!!

Wendy

Hi, Wendy. Welcome to the family!

Take a look at Fibro 101, first thread on the list. It has many interesting topics, and so much good information.

We've all been in your shoes, so no need to feel alone! Cold wreaks havoc on me, too, as with lots of fibromites. Many of us use bed buddies (which you can buy at lots of stores) or just heating pads in general.

I try to stay off too many drugs, too, though I don't succeed as well as I'd like. Oh well, I keep trying...what else can we do?

Debbie

Working on the diet thing as I just had a wrap done because I suffered pretty severe GERD.. That has been a slow process. The last few days have been terrible as the weather is changing here.

Exercise does help a lot as it keeps me active but I have not been given the okay to do that as of yet either.

Just looking for other ideas that could help me be a bit more successful in having less pain days.

Thanks for all the replies!

I am loving this site!!

Wendy

I have also found that since I started with this, even before diagnosis, I get colder so much easier.

Its been cold and damp here as well, So I understand how you feel.

I use a heating pad on sore spots, my husband has actually picked on me because I have burnt up so many! I also have a nice heating blanket that helps with the really rough sore days. Great in the winter for fending off the chills.

My family doctor has talked about sending me to a pain management clinic but the concerns are that they do urine tests frequently and EXPECT you to take prescribed pain meds. I am not a pain med kinda girl and feel that I would end up rejected by such a place in the long run. SO he manages my pain the best he can. He has done research and tries to keep up with news.

Thanks for the rely! I appreciate all the great responses.

I also suffer from anxiety and severe panic attacks. They can be a HUGE trigger for my fibro. I've found that, with these mixed conditions, it's VERY important to separate yourself from any stressors that you can. I've always been severely bullied at school, so the cruel things said/done to me would constantly set off the attacks. It's my junior year, and I go to one of the top schools in the country with a highly honored music program that has been a dream come true to me... But I'm leaving to be homeschooled. As devastating as it is for me, fibro and panic attacks can be a serious health risk when you're in a negative environment!

It's SO important that you put your health before your wants. If you have any friends/aquaintances in your life who have been a trigger, you should separate yourself. I don't mean you shouldn't be cordial, but minimize your time with that person. Tolerating negative relationships are never a good idea in our condition. If you participate in any highly stressful activites, take some time away from them. If you are in any stressful situations, try taking a few steps back.

Just try it out, if you can, and see if you notice a difference in your pain levels! I know it's helped me and many other people with similar issues. Just don't feel discouraged! Our pain is but a fight to make us stronger. I hope this helps a little!