Posted 6/19/2013 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Hanginthere, and welcome! All these symptoms can be so frightening and I bet some are caused by anxiety. Then you have the med-phobia like I do. I hate taking something new because of possible side effects so I do understand where you are coming from. This is probably why your heart seems to be pounding, you are crying, and possibly why you are dizzy, too.
A flare is when your pain is worse, you usually have more fatigue, too. The good thing about flares is that they do go away. Fibro waxes and wanes.
What works for one with fibro doesn't necessarily work for another. It's more of a trial and error process until we find what helps us be in control of our pain. I chose not to take Lyrica, Savella, or Cymbalta. These are the medications that are usually suggested for fibro by the doctors and some do have good success with them, I might add. But I wanted to have a more natural approach so I take over the counter things and supplements primarily.
I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements, and a prescription muscle relaxer that has helped me be in control of my pain. I also do gentle stretching exercises, I walk daily as a form of daily exercise, and I pace myself when doing things. All of the above help me be in control of my pain. If I'm in a flare I use moist heat to help me...things like a hot shower or a Bed Buddy which you can get at Walgreens and other places. I also am a positive thinker and that has helped me a lot. A positive attitude has been proven to help with health and healing.
Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. Good starting links are called Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. You just might see yourself there. There are links about the supplements I mentioned and how they work in the body and also a good link about maintaining a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. All of the links are good so do read them.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.
Sherrine