Hi Tawny. I follow a natural approach and take various 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 techniques to manage my pain.

I have made the following changes that have helped me tremendously:

1. Dietary changes- gluten free, sugar free, dairy free (except Greek yogurt, eggs). I follow an anti-candida diet similar to the paleo diet. I also don't eat night shade plants.

2. Aquatherapy in a heated pool

3. Massage therapy

4. Heat therapy- hot Epsom Salt Soaks, heated blankets, hot tubs, heating pads and saunas

5. Medicinal marijuana extracts, tinctures, rub on creams, oils ( I use high CBD extracts- they have very little THC- and don't give u a high feeling.

6. Various supplements- vitamin D (my levels were very low, have your doctor check and monitor your vitamin d), magnesium, multi-vitamin, fish oil etc.

7. Meditation and Gentle Yoga


My daily pain levels were 8-10 and I was practically bedridden; now they are between 2-3. I still have sleep issues, stiffness, and periodic flare-ups, but I am much better than before. I am now eating more anti-inflammatory foods and taking a supplement for inflammation because I have just recently been diagnosed with Sjgren's.

I have a blog in which I tell my story and list fibro tips at:

www.kickfibro.com

I also wanted to add that there is no magic pill or one therapy that can eliminate the pain of fibromyalgia. A multi-faceted approach is more effective than just relying on one or two treatments.

I also wanted to add that pacing is very important. Break tasks up into small, manageable chunks so that you will not over do it.Rest as often as necessary and do not try to push yourself through the pain.

Best Wishes.

Some interesting research on marijuana. Like you said no high feeling but pain relief. I hope my state allows it. The scientific studies are compelling. Instead of taking 3-4 different potentially addictive substances marijuana
.taken according to doctor could make a significant medical breakthrough.

Also tumeric for pain..magnesium tyrosine bromelain from pineapple to name a few

I avoid processed foods. I've never found anything in particular to trigger me except the processed stuff---and if I recognize it from Organic (or worse, Inorganic) Chem lab? Then I will not eat it.
All other suggestions are good. I've also had some luck with acupuncture, yoga for beginners, and if you don't have medicinal MJ where you are, there are arnica and menthol and wintergreen rubs. Just be careful of what's in some of that "natural" stuff---Arsenic is also "all natural"! And many supps or herbals can interact with prescriptions or cause allergic reactions.

Good luck. I know it's a tough fight.

One thing I found recently that helped a lot was doTerra's Deep Blue rub. My mother gave me some and it works really well, though requires reapplication periodically.

YES! to everything Cocoa1 said. Diet is essential, and it can really vary by individual. I gave up gluten (and, mostly, corn and potatoes). Sugar can trigger flare-ups, too. But the gluten seemed to help the most. I know this because I recently added some gluten and I am now miserable. Nightshades can indeed make some folks hurt--potatoes can really do me in.
Try to eat whole foods; look for good supplements. Get a LOT of exercise, but try not to overdo when you are vulnerable. Look for alternative healing methods, such as acupuncture or massage or meditation.
For me, quite frankly, a little vodka is an excellent pain reliever, and seems to carry over its analgesic effects. When you need pain relief, do what works. It can take some trial and error. I use different pain relievers when I am having trouble. One night, a little vodka, another night some tylenol; another night a small dose of ativan (helps with sleep and muscle spasm). And then, with diet and exercise, many nights need nothing! Good luck.

And, reading over your post again, I want to reaffirm how important diet is. I was about to quit working when I went gluten and corn-free--actually, citrus too, since that made me hurt as well. It changed EVERYTHING. Pain and energy.

Me giving up gluten is the difference between being being mobile and totally bedridden. Ihave been off of it and several other things including dairy and sugar for many years. I must admit dairy and sugar creeps in occasionally, but never gluten, msg or artificial sweetners as those lead to weeks long flare.

Side note vodka is only gluten free if it says so. Years ago had a hard time believing it. When I could have an occasional drink stuck to Rum.

I do better with a mix of alternative and Western meds. Do depend on my Chiropractic, massage and epson salt baths.

laurab

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree that dietary changes are definitely an integral piece of the puzzle!

Here/s a link to a great article about how medical marijuana helps to ease fibromyalgia pain:


http://www.viralglobalnews.com/health/cannabis-reduces-pain-from-fibromyalgia-studies-show/18779/

I don't know if your doctor will prescribe it but you might see if they will give you a script for plaquenil. This has helped me the most and I"m not sure if it's helping my fibro or lupus pain. Its not a pain medicine and it took 6 months before I noticed any help but they also use it for arthritis patients.

Good luck, I know how hard it is to take care of kids with this agony.

I'd find a doctor that will prescribe pain meds. Life is too short.