Hello! Welcome:-) Feel free to ramble through Check-ins to get to know a few of us better, lurk through our daily shares, etc.

As for treatment---

Fibro is considered a "trashcan" diagnosis because it's what docs label us with when all else is ruled out. (Unless they're poor docs, or other symptoms arise that clarify the diagnosis for them, of course.)

It's my *personal* supposition only that Fibro is actually probably caused by several different factors, of varying intensity, in different people. So some groups of people respond well to Treatment X, but for others, it's Treatment Y or Z.

Which meakes getting a treatment plan so freaking frustrating! Argh! Took me five years from diagnosis to get to a good place, and I was essentially med and flare-free (barring mild ones a few times a year, which frankly is nothing) for about 8 years. Obviously, I did something right.... For me.

Then stress hit (flares!) and then I had an accident.... ANd here I am back where I was 20 years ago, getting treatment for what I can as I can.

That said, a lot of people will say Try This Diet! THat Diet!

Honestly? Find a consistent eating habit that works for *you*. Some people do better dairy-free, some do better low-this, others do....

Well, let's just say I was born and raised in farm country, so I avoid processed foods, stick to avoiding alcohol and nicotine (as I did anyway), focus a lot on gentlest possible exercises, building up over time, and meds as I go. Not terribly hopefuly, but bear in mind that accident I mentioned a couple paragraphs ago. Totally messed up my pelvis and spine---so that pain is separate from the FM, and they tend to make each other snarl and growl. Darn complicating crapola.

That said? Yeah, also note that 8-year "remission" of mine. Several of us have had it or, with meds and so on, achieve it. That doesn't mean we're FM-free, just that (as with my epilepsy, or say someone's diabetes), the treatment means it's controlled and we're feeling pretty darn good.

So yes, there is *always* hope. Always. I dunno if you have "Fibro for Dummies", but if not, it's sort of this board's go-to book. We can also use it to educate loved ones, and sometimes medical personnel.

And the board is another go-to:-)

Sorry to ramble, but I remember being young (married) with Fibro, wondering, WTH? Is this it? I already had epilepsy, I mean, c'mon already.... And yet, here I am, and found a way. Found my way. And my GP still checks me for non-fibro possibilities every year just in case --- I have to grin--- because he is that certain fibro is a symptom of an as-yet unfound problem, and by golly, he'll find it. (I smile and nod and give blood and LOL.)

Cheers,
Leo

Hi Leo,

It's very nice to meet you! I have bad scoliosis that they will probably do surgery on this fall, and 3 mildly herniated discs at the moment so that makes my fibro worse I'm sure. So, I understand about your accident going hand in hand with your fibro. No fun. I hope to achieve remission- get things under control. There are just an overwhelming number of "maybe" treatments, that I think it will take me forever to find the right combination. Frustrating! It is nice to know that others have gotten to a remission point. Thank you!

Courtney

Hi Courtney,
In my experience, nothing really works the same for people. You have to find what works for you. I have tried many drugs without a whole lot of help. I gained 40lbs on Cymbalta. I have tried gluten free, that didnt help. I am a carb junkie, which is something I need to work on. I used to go to the gym daily, I can't do that anymore. Some days I can barely walk. I have degenerative disc disease and a couple bulging discs.

All I can really say is have an open mind where treatment is concerned. Check in often. The people here are awesome.

Hi Courtney- Welcome to the group! I second Leo's suggestion about getting the book " Fibromyalgia for Dummies." It will give you a comprehensive overview of this complex illness and a lot of options to try and manage it. You can find it on Amazon.

All of us have had varying degrees of struggle trying to find treatment options that work. I have multiple chemical sensitivities so medication is not my friend. I am able to take Cymbalta and Gabapentin but in a low dose. Past that point, I use some supplements, a good probiotic and have tried other things like acupuncture. Mild exercise and a positive attitude go a long way too. On my worst days, if I get moving I usually feel a bit better. It takes time and a lot of tinkering to find what works for each individual affected by Fibromyalgia (FMS).

I see that you've already joined the daily check in which is great! Just know that you are not alone!

Thank you so much for your advice and words of strength and hope. >3

I'm interested in trying out Cymbalta as it seems many people here get some relief from that. I am scared of the weight gain because in the past 2-3 years, I have already gained 70 lbs. As for my current medications (FMS related), I am on Zoloft, Gabapentin, Hydromorphone, Naproxen (sparingly), Baclofen, Bentyl, and Zofran. My supplements include a probiotic (new), calcium, melatonin, and B-complex. I do as much stretching as I can and have tried massage therapy for a year straight with only temporary relief. I am very interested in trying acupuncture and yoga, but I haven't had the extra cash to try the acupuncture or the energy to do yoga... I have experimented with various nutritional adjustments, but I am horrible at sticking to it. :-(

I will get the For Dummies book as soon as I can, sounds very informative.

Thanks again everybody. I can't say enough how grateful I am to have found this group!

fibro is very difficult to manage on your own. Go to the acpa.org site(american chronic pain association)....they have good support groups+ check out elixa.com for wonderful devices to help with chronic pain.

Less than 1% gain weight on Cymbalta. I've been using it for years and had no issues. That is my experience which may be different than others on here. Gabapentin and Lyrica are both well documented culprits in the weight gain department. I take such a low dose of Gabapentin that I haven't had an issue there either.

Inactivity is a big problem for all of us. That and craving carbs for quick energy doesn't help. Weight gain is pretty common among FMS patients. Who wants to exercise when you are fighting pain and exhaustion all of the time. For me, it is a mind over matter issue. I know that I feel better if I get moving so I just suck it up and do it. Not a lot sometimes, but something is better than nothing. Focus on doing some activity in very small increments. You'll have a sense of accomplishment and over time become a bit stronger. Take care.

I try to limit the meds for pain that I'm on to a minimum.

Another thing, very important, is to distract yourself with what you find pleasurable. Music, movies, whatever you like---that's what you could do more of. Add as much pleasure to your life as you can. It helps.

A lot of what current research says is that non-medical treatments have just as much, if not more efficacy against pain as medical.

Be gentle and patient with yourself as you learn to deal with this extremely difficult illness. Wishing you good moments!

PS Some "friends" aren't worth having. And you may begin to feel better (about one-third of fibro sufferers get a bit better) as you adjust to your illness.

Thanks for the advice, Fantod, Jacob, and Shakota!

I found an ACPA support group in my area. Hopefully, I will go to my first meeting this Thursday (if I can leave the office on time).

Welcome. I've found the most important part of my treatment, over 30 years, is deep and restorative sleep. I do use a vpap machine, but, fortunately, I am prescribed Xyrem, and have been using it for over ten years. Do see a sleep specialist, have tests done, and hope for some good chemicals in your treatment. Sodium Oxybate, (Xyrem) handles my insomnia, my very over active brain that will not turn off for deep sleep. Sleep is crucial for us.......for everyone, but especially for us. The pain and stiffness in the morning is caused by lack of good sleep.

I hope you find good drs. and treatments. Don't stop looking until you do find them. Luck to you, abby

Thank you, Abby! I honestly never even thought about seeing a sleep doctor.