Fibromyalgia for dummies is a book that is highly recommended around here to help navigate all this! I have had fibro since at least 9 years old based off symptoms (possibly younger) and thats what age my Dr put down after talking to my Mom. I am now 39. I as well have back issues, i have severe spinal stenosis which i will be having surgery for as soon as i lose more weight which is going well so far, and my back is bone on bone with many disc issues and other pain issues. I can not get away without pain meds or i could not get out of bed. There is no shame in needing medication to help you have a better life. I have tried the 3 main meds for Fibro, cymbalta, gabapentin, and lyrica, the last twowould have killed me had i stayed on them but others have no issues at all (both gabapentin and lyrica put a TON of fluid on me and with lyrica i ended up in the hopsital and then on oxygen for 2 months after i got out) and cymbalta put a lot of weight on me. I have tried many meds for pain and the best uncontrolled med has been celebrex which I am on now as well as zanaflex. I have so many pain issues i am not sure if the zanaflex does anything for the fibro but i know the celebrex does help it. Also according to my new Pain Dr the celebrex is the easiest Nsaid on your stomach (i was on motrin 800 for 25 years and it ruined my stomach) . I do take stronger meds as well due to how my back is, and even with them i can barely walk. If you get a lot of leg pain or have RLS i found a cream on amazong that is amazing for it call MG+ pain cream with hemp. It is cheaper if you go thru the offical website and theres no shipping but if you find it on amazon it gives you the link as well I believe Mars is the maker of it. On Amazon its around 20 dollars for 4 ounces and thru their site i get 2 shipped every 2 months for 13 something instead of almost 20. They also do have a spray and roll on which do not have hemp and a cream with no hemp but the one with hemp works so much better. I also have neuropathy in my legs and feet and severe arhtritis in my knees and my fiance will put the cream on my knees down to my feet and in 15 minutes i get a LOT of relief in that area of my body, just do not let any pets lick it, I normally use it if in my recliner or bed so i can put a light blanket over me to keep the 2 puppies and my cat from licking at it. It does soak in pretty quickly.

Also let your Dr know if you use it just because it does have magenesium in it, my magnesium level is the lowest number of normal using this AND taking 400mg of magnesium twice a day. Which getting vitamin and mineral levels checked has helped me a lot! My b12, vit D and magnesium were VERY low the b12 i have to take shots and the vit D i am on the top prescription dose and JUST within the lowest of normal range.

Also never assume anything is fibro (new symptoms) without checking into other things first. Also if you live in an area that has deer ticks i would ask for a tick panel. My mom had extreme fibro like pain but much more extreme than normal she had a bad tick infection, its a parasite that gets in your red blood cells and will kill you if not treated due to it basically eats up all your red blood cells called babeosia (spelling might be slightly off) her old dr kept blowing her off and she switched drs and they got her in next day based on symptoms she had the tick infection AND c diff second bout of c diff, once you have it you always know if you have it again.

Sorry if I am just babbling hoping some of this helps you! Also getting enough rest is very improtant! I am not good at that normally i have had insomnia since i was 15 but am finally on a med where MOST nights im sleeping better than i have in 15 to 20 years.

Thanks AngelaJo for your reply, and advice, there are some things you had mention I can relate with such as vitamin D and b12, treating doctors did say this to me. Yes, there are other factors affecting my Fibromyalgia such as sciatica, osteoporosis, and possible muscular sclerosis. I'll make an appointment with a treating doctor. Thankyou

Angela beat me to it! Yep, we rely on Fibro for Dummies, and always get everything ruled out ---- you never know what i tis. Fibro's symptoms mimic onset of MS, Parkinson's, and also the flu. It's a LOT to rule out.

I've never had a difference made due to taking vitamins, but stress management is a must for me. I tense up, the fibro flares up.

So, persist, insist, and we're here for you! Hope to see you on daily check-in.