Accept this new turn in your life.

You will have to spend some time finding what works for you.

You will not be pain free.

You can and will find ways to deal with the pain and learn how to avoid flares.

And, most importantly, come here to visit, to learn, to rant, and check in. NO ONE understands like we do.

Erika - Welcome to the group!

Your doctor is correct in recommending those things. In addition, there are three primary medications used to treat this disorder: Cymbalta, Savella and Lyrica. If they did not discuss medication with you, than find someone else. There are still doctors out there that don't really believe in Fibromyalgia (FMS) and/or want to treat it. You have to be our own best advocate.

I'd like to suggest that order the book "Fibromyalgia for Dummies." You can purchase it on Amazon. It will give you a comprehensive overview of this complex illness and a lot of ways to try and manage it.

It is going to take time to figure out what works best for you. I'm on a low dose of Cymbalta and Gabapentin. I also use a wearable OTC medical device called Quell which also helps with my pain levels. Most of us have multiple health problems so you are not alone there.

Leo does an awesome morning check in everyday. You can just lurk or jump right in with everyone. You are not alone. Take care.

Welcome aboard the fibro-train!

Sorry to hear that you must deal with this as well.

Just wanted to add a note about meds. I could not take Cymbalta, it just did not agree with me. However, my mother, who also has fibro, has been on it for years and it really helps her. My DR switched me to Pristiq, which is relatively new, and it really helped. Unfortunately, my insurance would not cover it, so I went to Effexor XR. Pristiq is the metabolite of Effexor, so they are very similar. The Effexor isn't as great at keeping the pain away, but it helps me cope better with stress, which definitely lowers my pain level. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so these meds have virtually no effect on that. I just started treatment for the RA.

Some pointers about keeping a flare away.....if you embark on some project that requires physical movements that you don't typically do everyday, take it slow and take breaks more often, even if you don't feel like you need to. I painted my son's room over the summer, a fairly easy job as there wasn't much furniture to get around, but the twisting at the torso while on a ladder did me in. It took me two weeks to recover. Just be kinder to yourself when you have things you need to get done.

It's ok to slow down. This world moves too fast anyway!! And it's even MORE OK to take care of yourself when you need to!!

It's very nice to meet you Erika but wish it was under better circumstances than this! The hardest part is first finding out what it is, but it's also a relief in some ways, finally knowing what has been going on for so long. I hope you have a really good and understanding doctor. I had Endometreosis many years ago and I suffered for 7 years with it. I also know how horrible that disease is as well. I agree with everything Bobbii has said. You WILL need a good place for support, people who honestly understand, and a place to rant when you need it. And of course, never be judged or told to "get over it", or "you look fine". The two things we all hate to hear. Again, a big warm welcome! Hugs GB

Thank You so much ladies for your response. My Dr put me on Cyclobenzaprine. I take Celebrex for the pain. Celebrex was prescribed long before I knew I had fibro. My Dr told me about medicines like cymbalta or lyrica but he also told me that with these medications I will have tons of side effect and I do not want that. I have a very supporting husband, my family lives far away in Colombia but the distance is not an excuse for them, We are a very close family and I have all their love a support.
Actually I suspect my mother has fibro as well. She has al the symptoms I have.
I am very private with my health issues because I know that some people do not like to hear about your health issues or they are not sympathetic. I am happy to have found you and I am very grateful for your support. Only you know how I feel.

Abrazos (hugs)

Erika

Get a sleep test. Get a sleep specialist. If you can improve your sleep, the pain will be less! I take Xyrem for sleep. It gives me the deep sleep I cannot get on my own. Ask your drs. if sodium oxybate would be good for you, too.

Sorry for your dx., but glad you're here.

I have lived with Fibro all my life. My mom had it since I was born and I was diagnosed at 24. I have lived with it for 14 years. I could write a book on it and I am starting my own blog soon. If you ever need someone to talk to, write back. I mean it... don't be a shy. Also, the worse thing to do is hide in your room and sleep all day. Trust me... I have been there.

Sincerely,
Mike