I have a friend who has this condition. I would like know more about this so I can help her better.

Plus what foods she can try to eat. I would love to be there for her.

Hello, I'm so sorry that you are struggling. This support group has been helping me for a long time. It seems to me the best way to gain information on Fibromyalgia is by purchasing the book " Fibromyalgia for Dummies". It has been a great resource for me and is usually recommended by other members.
I have seen alot of alternative, rheumatologists and internists over the years.
What they have all told me in a nutshell is that Fibromyalgia is a real thing . We are not crazy. The difficult part of this condition is that one size does not fit all for everyone. Because the medical community doesn't know exactly why our condition occurs ( although there are alot of good theories but still they just don't apply across the board ) they don't know what will help each person. I've tried different medications, natural supplements and will keep trying to find something that helps.
For me, the most helpful thing has been coming on this site everyday, sometimes more than once a day and seeing I'm not alone.
I pray for some answers, peace and comfort for you. Don't hesitate to vent, share, etc - we're here for you. Blessings and love, PJ

Thanks, though till I can get the book, would be nice to know what the systems and effects are, so I can do some research on what foods and combination of foods may help my friend.

I have taken a year of cook the fall after I graduated High School and learned about different type of special diets.

Plus the summer before I married my husband, I worked in a Nursing Home with 80+ patients as assist cook. Where I helped with getting the lunch out and then I would by myself get dinner out for them. This where I used my knowledge of the special diets.

Hello and welcome - Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. It has its own diagnostic code. It is recognized by the National Arthritis Foundation. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to name a few. The mechanism that causes it is not understood. In some people, it can be triggered by high levels of stress, childbirth, surgery, an accident or emotional abuse. There is no cure and it does run in some families. The genetic component is still being researched.

Fibromyalgia is not dissimilar to having a bad case of the flu 24/7. It varies in intensity on a daily basis. This is a chronic disease which does not subside or really improve much over time. Some people (typically family members) think that taking a pill fixes everything. With Fibromyalgia, that is like putting glasses on a blind man and expecting them to see. The medication may improve the patients quality of life but it does not fix the problem. Fibromyalgia also disrupts deep sleep with short bursts of high intensity brain activity. It is entirely possible to sleep all day and still be totally exhausted. If your friend has not had a sleep study, one should be done. Managing the sleep issues that accompany Fibromyalgia is a critical part of dealing with it.

Pacing is extremely important. Not too many activities in one day/week etc. Learning to say "no" and mean it and not feel guilty about it. Delegating to other people to get cleaning, laundry and chores done. She can still live her life just at a slower pace.

Only certain classes of prescribed medications work for the type of pain caused by Fibromyalgia. OTC medication such as Tylenol is not effective. The three common medications used are Cymbalta, Savella and Lyrica. Gabapentin is also prescribed. It is very common to have multiple underlying health issues as well. When starting a new medication, it is important to stay well hydrated with water. Plan for side effects and allow a minimum of 2 weeks before they may notice a change in their symptoms. The longer a chronic pain cycle continues, the harder it becomes to manage or stop. It usually takes a fair amount of tinkering to find the right medication/s and dosage for each Fibromyalgia patient.

As far as diet goes, artificial sweeteners including Splenda may make pain worse. It is better to use a natural sweetener like Stevia or Agave. Also, deep fried food, lunchmeat or anything containing nitrates can ratchet pain up. For the most part, the Mediterranean Diet seems to work well for most people with Fibromyalgia. Some people cut out all gluten and sugar. Each person is different. What works for me, may not for your friend.

Encourage your friend to purchase the book "Fibromyalgia for Dummies." It is a good reference tool to have on hand. The book is also an excellent educational tool for family and friends. It can be found on Amazon. And, you might want to see if she will join us. This is a lively group with a solid base of knowledge. We are always happy to welcome a newcomer. I hope that my comments are helpful to you. Take care.

Thanks, I am myself found I can handle lactose free milk because of my sinuses. Gluten free for digestion. Fat free food also to control upset stomach. If I eat dairy do so before 2 pm each day.

Still trying to learn how to make decisions on everything.

Hello,

Great Job, Fantod!

Nice post!

You covered pretty much everything about Fibro. I learned a lot myself reading it. I'm still learning how to say "n0" and mean it with out feeling guilty. I'm also still learning how to pace myself, and not put too much on my agenda at one time. Having Fibro you can get exhausted pretty fast. The smallest thing can seem like you have done a whole lot.

I will also definitely try the Mediterranean Diet. Thanks for sharing this information.

To Linda always encourage your friend and be there when she needs help. People with Fibro like us we are always needing someone to help us out around the house and with basic stuff. Everyday is a challenge for us. We never know what each day will bring.

Take Care,

Hugs and Support your way and to your friend!

Pam

Linda, just FYI! Wal-Mart has the book on their website for $16.71.



Pam

Thanks, will have to get it. Also get as much off the internet that I can till then on both the problem and also on the Mederateam Diet.

Plus I got some mental problems I need to overcome myself, before I can see myself helping my friend, plus get on a better eating program myself.

I am finding also that not eating regular sugar and other things like that is helping my migraine headaches, I find using in small amounts sugar substitute does help also.

So have a long ways to go on learning what I can eat eat or not eat.

Thanks for all your prayers on my husband's, my friend's and my behalf in this matter.

I have found a way to download for free the book on Fibromyalgia for Dummies and Mederateam Diet book. Thank you for the information.

Now to start trying to learn more about this condition. It is may be answer to my prayers, because I may even myself may have it.

I should let be known I will be 68 years old on June 7, 2018. I was born with high forceps slip delivery and my father and mother were told they were luck I was not more retarded when I was born.

I also have a hard time making decisions and finding what to eat. Just too many diets out there.

My husband, Jerry told me to order the 2 books and one other one of The Mediterranean Diet Recipe Journal from Walmart.com. I am to get them no later than a week from Thursday.

The ones I downloaded onto my phone is not easy to read for some reason. Plus I I not take notes in the downloads.

I cannot wait to get the books to where I can take notes in them.

Great. I am so happy for you! Wonderful!

Thanks, for all the help you want to give to Jerry and me. We could not really afford to buy the books but Jerry knows I need whatever help I can get.

The books will be so helpful and the support and information from fellow fibro sufferers is amazing.
Keep coming back - it really helps !! We understand and walk with you.
Blessings !!!! PJ

I just got the books in the mail today. Hope to start going through them tomorrow afternoon.

Wal Mart Online has always come through for my husband Jerry and me.

I ordered early this week and already got them this quickly.

Thanks again for letting me know where to get the books.