I have experienced significant improvement. I attribute it to a few things. First, after trying a bazilion prescriptions I finally found one that helped me (Cymbalta). It enabled me to get out of bed...
Jen, so happy to hear your interview went well. I am pleased to report that mine did, too. I actually shared in my interview that I have fibro to explain concerns over lifting since the law firm...
I work with a fitness trainer twice weekly. I would not plan my exercise day the same day as I am planning another activity because I most likely would pay the price. The unfortunate part of fibro is...
Great to read your update. Sometimes (not always) just having heart-to-heart with your medical provider is enough to let them know you're at wits end and NEED to try more of or something different...
I received temporary relief and definitely recommend it during flares or if you have a long spell where you can't get any sleep. My insurance covers it but it is ONLY with the acupuncturist...
I agree that if we work our way into a routine and put forth a positive and committed attitude that there are many of us with fibromyalgia who can work. I'm excited about a new job possibility in my...
I am currently on 60 mg daily Cymbalta and take gabapentin nightly. I prevously took Ambien and other sleep meds but was able to wean myself off ... gradually. Due to an insurance hiccup, I was...
I am a strong advocate for flu shots. I had influenza years ago and was deathly ill for a month. It's not worth the risk. Only side effect I have had in 20 years is a sore arm. My mother in law used...
I went to a pain management clinic. They added gabapentin to my meds and referred me to physical therapy and P.T. was supposed to order me a TENS unit. Physical therapist didn't want to do that so it...
Review this from November 2013 (spefically see Page 7 that you do not need to provide a diagnosis): http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/employeeguide.pdf ...
I have had a geographic tongue for about 30 years. I brush it regularly. Like you, when stressed it seems to flare a little and gets sensitive. Other than that, many times I don't realize it's there....
Your doctor can conduct blood tests to see if you are deficient in Vitamin D3 or magnesium. How much you should take depends on your unique levels -- it's not a one size fits all dosage....
I recently started biking and I try to go just a little bit farther every day. Sometimes I think we all surprise ourselves with what we can actually do if we put our minds to it and work up SLOWLY....
I tried Savella twice and the pain relief was miraculous -- truly -- a MIRACLE!! But... I had side effects of headaches and jaw pain that forced me to discontinue. I really wish I could have stayed...
Great news, Bella! You'd be surprised how much your positive attitude will help, too....
LJM... what was your vitamin D level when they tested? Did they also test Vitamin B? I had deficiencies in both that had to be addressed awhile back, but both are now in normal range....
I think even non-fibro people would find that they have more things that ail them when they gain weight. Added weight puts additional stress on all our joints, so it's natural to expect an adverse...
Bella, I gained weight on the first antidepressant (Zoloft) because at the time I was simply too complacent and didn't care. If you approach it with the right attitude and focus yourself on healthy...
I think many of us wouldn't be on meds if we got substantial relief from chiro/massage/acu, but even though I get intermittent relief from those, they don't address the long-term, sometimes...
Discussed the trigger point injections a month ago with on my first visit to the pain management clinic. Although he said he would be willing to try them if I wanted, he wanted to be honest up front...
From Mayo Clinic on a positive ANA test (could potentially indicate something like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or it could be nothing at all):...
A high level of creatinine typically signifies your kidneys are not working well. You mention that you are only one number above the reference range. 1.3 is the high end of normal at many labs. When...
For the Sjogren's, it is telling you that a number between 0-0.9 is normal (so less than 1 and yours was a 2.4) which is elevated. Here is something I copied and pasted from a lab site explaining...
My Vitamin D levels were low a few years ago at a time I was having significant pain. On a side note, my Vitamin B levels were also very low. I was placed on high-dose oral Vitamin D as well as...
I was switched to the generic version of Cymbalta in February (duloxetine) and it was a disaster. My pain and depression both spiraled out of control. I just got back on Cymbalta this week and am...
I tried Lyrica but did not gain substantial relief. I was paying out of pocket at the time and it wasn't work the price considering how little change I felt in my body....
How many of us have predominantly Type A personalities? I know I do and this added stress of trying to do too much, trying to do things perfectly, etc. all add to the pain of fibro. I've been working...
I am very sorry you are dealing with fibromyalgia. It's such a daunting illness because there is often uncertainty as far as what the day or what tomorrow is going to bring in our lives as far as...
I've tried some but the relief doesn't last long enough. Deep Blue from DoTerra was one that helped a bit. But no more so than putting on Bengay or FlexAll gel etc. And no matter which of them I use...
I didn't have the odd bitter taste (that I can remember), but the rest sounds normal. After awhile the nausea, etc. disappeared....
I tried Savella on two different occasions. I received major pain relief, BUT... both times after a few weeks I started getting headaches to the point where I could no longer tolerate them. It was...
Littlemama, I'm glad you tossed your question out here for others to give you some insight. I have a few things to share (but a warning to everyone that it is not a story with a happy ending... it...
For awhile I reached the "I-Give-Up" stage because I simply couldn't function between the depression, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Now that my body is tolerating things better I'm trying to dig...
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow will be the three-week mark. I'm still in shock, waiting and hoping he will show up at home any minute now. The fibro fog is thick; sleep...
Continued prayers to you as you travel along this journey. I haven't gotten to post since you responded to my thread about the sudden and unexpected loss of my husband, but your words meant so much...
My heart is shattered into a million pieces. My husband passed away unexpectedly today at the age of 59. I never in my worst nightmares thought I would be a widow at 51 years old. I don't know what...
What a heavy burden you have on your shoulders right now... please let us lift you up and give you strength to help carry the load. We are here for you so feel free to let out whatever you are...
My Grandma had a mastectomy and was cancer-free after that. I'll be praying for the same outcome for you. Gentle hugs and best wishes for a successful surgery. I hope your body is kind to you during...
The "crawling bugs" feeling... ahh, I can relate to that one. Hadn't even thought about it being related to fibro. Add another to the list. lol! The most frustrating? For me, by far, is the brain...
We can so relate to many of the things you are feeling. One thing you'll learn is that fibro affects each of us differently -- and for that matter things aren't even the same from one day to the next...
Often times people with fibro have TMJ as well (pain in the jaw joint). They clench or grind their teeth, often unknowingly at night, and that can lead to chipped teeth....
Debbie, We're all praying for a speedy recovery for you. It does sound like it's quite a challenge to go through this! As far as your doc not answering questions or giving you the information you...
I'm working as a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) at a hospital and also pick up hours doing reports for the Inpatient Satisfaction Team. This job has worked well with my fibro (and is actually in...
That's hilarious!! It's funny when I saw the title of this thread: "Fibrofog and Hospital Gowns", I was thinking how challenging it is to get your arms through the right spots and tie things...
I'm fortunate to not have the nails-in-the-ankles pain. I do have stiffness in my back and hips when I try to get up and moving after sitting for awhile, and while it's painful I don't feel like...
I experienced weight gain on the SSRI's, but not on the SNRI's (the Savella class). On a side note, I did experience an energy boost on Savella as well. Also, I'm not sure what your B-12 level is,...
Sometimes migraines and UTI's do go hand in hand, so you may be on to something. Personally I would contact your physician. Sherrine shared a great example of why it may be important. Another reason...
I tried the Feverfew years ago for my migraines, but wasn't successful. I was told to take it on a daily basis to help ward off the migraines, so I'm not sure it would be effective in this situation...
I don't know what level today is... all I know is I'm flat-out beat. Eyelids have been soooooo heavy all day (even after my nap this afternoon). :-( Headed to bed again now. Hugs to all of you!...