Everyone seems to have a piece of advice on this issue; you must have this and you must have that. Doctors, friends, cousins and friends of cousins and especially fellow sufferers all seem to have an opinion or swears this supplement saved them and now they are feeling fine. I was desperate to be well and would run out and purchase any and all recommendations.

I wasted probably $25, 000 on supplements over the years and I'm worse off now health wise and broke. Now I will only take a vit or supplement if my doctor tests me to see if I'm low. Otherwise forget it.

I take a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement because I don't eat enough to get all the nutrition I need. I take Vitamin D and B-12 because I tested low.

If you're not low on anything I'd save the money for those things that give you those "small" pleasures that are so important to quality of life. I've just gone through an extremely difficult financial period, and the thing that bothered me most wasn't having to cut back on "things" - it was not being able to get coffee with a friend or meet somebody for lunch. Those "little" things make life worth living.

Just my thoughts for what they're worth.

Hi Luna. I take a multitude of supplements, as well as incorporate a variety of natural methods into my fibro management program. I can tell you that I have gone from being barely functional and on FMLA leave, to operating at a functional level, and now recently returning back to work full-time. I take many supplements, but I will name the ones that I know that have made a difference in helping me with my fibromyalgia. The list is as follows:

1. vitamin d (10,000 ius a day) My vitamin d levels were low and are now in the low normal range.
2. The following combo was recommended by my doctor as well: D-ribose, co q 10 and l-carnitine (my pain levels became tolerable after supplementing with these + vitamin d)
3. Energy revitalization formula (1 scoop per day) replaces my vitamins
4. Rhus Tox (homeopathic) for pain and stiffness
5. Rest and Restore (herbal sleep aide)

I take these supplements daily and can tell you from experience that they have been instrumental in helping to reduce and help me manage my pain. Is this a cure? No, I'm not cured; however my pain and fatigue are manageable. My pain level went from 7-10 to 4-6. Most weeks my pain fluctuates between 4-5, but I have some 3's. I also was able to lower my dosage of tramadol significantly as well. I use other natural methods such as: massage, chiropractic, hot tubs, Epsom salts, acupuncture etc. I hope this helps.

I take d-ribose and b12 for energy plus fish oil ,cq10 and magnesium .not cures but they help me function.i buy from ebay in bulk to cut costs.

the 10,000 ius a day you take , what is that in micrograms because im taking 5micrograms, sorry im a bit useless on this, I think i have low vit d as in I get bad rashes on my hands in the winter and completely clears up in the summer?

I am with Peace. I take em if I test low, otherwise I go dietary....two birds one stone kinda thing... and I am sorry to say many a magic supplement has later been found to help only in near toxic doses or did not help or....so I am somewhat supplement skeptical. I tend to look at what they prescribe in Europe, where supps are better studied, regulated and yes, even prescribed.

I know you trust your doc, but have you gotten blood tests confirming you are low in all those things? and if you are, has he considered deficiency causing diseases like celiac? I ask because we FMers are sometimes not FMers....as in, FM is a symptom of a disease they did not find or look for, instead of actual FMSyndrome. Hapoened to a good friend, hence my fussing!

Follow your gut. I have found my instincts are usually sound, and keep me out of trouble.

Luck, Leo

Hello,

The quick answer is that the right mix of vitamin supplements have improved my life drastically.

I discovered each separately and each has a definite job to do for me. I also found some that did nothing for me, so I think each person needs to figure out which is good for them.

I take:
.vitamin D3
Vitamin B6
Potassium glauconite
Each day
A multivitamin for over 50 women 3 times a week

Luna the Vitamin D3 that I take is in the form of a liquid. Each drop contains so many ius. I have a bottle that says 4,000 ius per drop, so I take 2 drops from that bottle. Then I have another bottle that says 2,000 ius per drop, so I take one drop from that bottle, which all together equals 10,000 ius. They are drops by Carlson and you don't need a prescription for them. You can order them online at amazon.com. My doctor repeats my blood tests every 4 months to monitor my level. Too much vitamin D can be toxic. Keep in mind that EVERYONE can benefit from increasing their intake of vitamin D3. Just research Vitamin D deficiency. Many doctors feel that the optimum level is 70 not 30. Also, I want to encourage you to take the supplements that your doctor suggested. Give them at least 6 months to get into your body before you determine whether or not they are helping. My doctor is a medical doctor who prescribes conventional medicine, as well as supplements. At least by giving the supplements a chance, you will know if they help. I thank God that I did! Best Wishes to you.

I won't repeat too much as most everyone has said it but it really depends on each persons body, what their individual needs are and what they can handle financially, etc.

my #1 recco' is to buy the vitamins at either costco or sam's club at a deep discount, at your local grocer or CVS/Walgreens when they are on BOGO (buy 1 get one FREE), or on eBay in bulk. saves a ton in money!! i usually get mine when they are buy one, get one free.

i take these daily:

- liver cleanse (with all the medications i take, i want to make sure i'm cleaning out my body every day and lessen the work my liver has to do!)

- fish oil!! (i think every one should include this in their daily supplements) because it does so much for your entire body

- B complex (energy!)

- women's multi-vitamin

- biotin (strength for hair and nails)

- viviscal - (hair growth because certain medicines thin it :(

I used to take SAM-E but it exacerbated my RLS and I was up ALL. NIGHT. LONG. so once we took it out of the equation, it helped tremendously.

i don't need vit d as i live in in a sunny area and i get out and walk every day, so i'm good on that. i'm looking for recco's on a supplement that will give me more energy. i can't stand the fatigue with this damn fibro... that's the worst part for me. any suggestions?

stay positive and have a great day, everybody!
ruby xx