Hello.

My pain started in July of 2006. By January 2007, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I mostly have constant aching in my back and ribs. And fatigue. I need my recliner all the time to try and at all be comfortable. I sleep in it most nights. I feel my fibro has leveled off and not gotten worse in a while. Gabapentin is helpful for me.

Sorry to hear that you nearly died. How scary. Take care.

Can you explain more on the parasite infections? I'm very curious what was going on during that issue...I was told a month ago I had similar issue. Did a Dr give you anything for it? And how long before it was resolved?

I was diagnosed around 2000, maybe 1999. I mostly had pain and insomnia then. Now I have the pain and fatigue. On top of FM, I've also been diagnosed with Chronic Fatiuge, so not much moving around. Overall, I've had good years and bad years. There's sadly no real rhyme or reason that I've been able to track.

Formally diagnosed a year ago, but I've had symptoms for over four years. It really got bad toward the end of 2012, and I've been pursuing a dx since them. My physiatrist, rheumatologist and neurologist all diagnosed me. I'm doing pretty well, all things considered.

My woes with chronic pain (fibro) began in 1982. Since so little was know about it then, I was not officially DX's until 1994. From that first episode in '82 I had numerous periods of flares & remissions through 2005.

However since 2006 I have been in almost a constant flare state. As a result I did have to stop working at the end of 2009.

Since I can no longer take any meds for my fibro due to a very strong chemical sensitivity that has built up I seem to stay in a constant flare stage.

Best wishes to you. Fibro is not a good companion for us.

Diagnosed 1995. Symptoms began late 1993 into 1994. In 2011, I had a bad accident and had to relearn to walk. My FM has been much more flare-sensitive than it was before that. I had gotten it down to a pretty livable level through exercise, diet, management of symptoms, but... Zap.

Had the nearly-dead issue a couple times in life now. You aren't alone.

I was diagnosed in 2012, but began having symptoms in 2010. Hi. I follow a natural approach and take a multitude of supplements daily. I work with an integrative medical doctor who is trained in prescribing prescriptions and Natural medicine. I believe in taking a multifaceted approach and use a lot of the techniques listed below. I also am gluten free, and am on the anti-candida diet and have taken the anti-fungal nystatin to help with an overlapping candida infection. I also get weekly massages, do aqua therapy in a heated pool and use hot tubs, and heated blankets. My daily pain levels were 8-10 and now they are between 2-3; and some days I feel "close to normal". I still have sleep issues, stiffness, and periodic flare-ups, but I am much better than before.

Also, my Vitamin d level was extremely low. I supplement with 10,000 ius a day under my doctor's supervision. Optimum levels are between 50-80, especially for those of us with chronic conditions. I recently stated a blog where I tell my story and list fibro tips. It's kickfibro.com Best Wishes to you.

Dr's mentioned it late 80's, officially DX in 1995. When my Mother read about it she said it answered all her question's as to why as a child and teenager I could not always keep with friends.

I just blamed lack of energy on my thyroid issues. Most of the time I was completely natural approach. A few year's ago my naturopath sent me to an MD.

I am also gluten, dairy and cane sugar free. My supplements outnumber my meds.

I was positive menopause would get rid of my symptoms duh did not happen. I did raise four children alone, remarried and worked til I was 55. It was not fibro alone that took me off work but a few other ailments included.

l love my many recliners, heating pads and epsom salt baths. Modesty about what I can do is a must, pacing accomplishes more and developing a thankful attitude about the good things in life.

laura