Fibromyalgia - Finally Diagnosed!! Any Advice?

I can send you some files about this. Just email me at ____@____.com's actually a lot easier to reverse than you can possibly imagine! I know many people who have.

My sister was also diagnosed and suffered greatly from fibromyalgia when her two boys were small. Our family has a history of migraines as well. I don't know if it's related, but it seems to me it's all neurological, deep down.
Anyway, she went the whole holisitic route. She did cleanses through foot baths, got a magentized mattress, and went as much with a raw diet as she could. But she mostly attributes what she calls her 'cure' (as close as one can come with this disease; occasionally she needs to take a couple of Advil, but that's all! It'S. miracle! She had been taking about 8 Vicodin a day) is liver cleanses, which expels the stones from your liver before they become big enough to become gall stones. I have done several myself, and although I still suffered for a while, I now hardly ever get a migraine. It'S. day-long process, not too pleasant, but not expensive, you do it yourself, and when you hurt as I'm sure you do, there comes a point you'll try anything. It sounds like, with the restless leg and all, you may have a level of toxicity.
I recommend you see if you can find a good holisitic doctor in your area who specializes in pain management. . She's in San Francisco if you wanted that one.
If you want info about the liver cleanse, I'd be glad to send it on. You can reach me at ____@____.com of luck. I hope you are pain-free soon. Forgive me if this is too far out on the scale for your tastes, but I couldn't not suggest what I believe in.
S.

Unfortunately, I don't really have much advice for you at this time, but I wanted to let you know that I am there too!! I was diagnosed with Fibro back in 2004 (although I think I have been suffering from it really for about 10 years now if I really go back and look at my symptoms during that time that I was seeing 10 different doctors for!). For a little while I did the "Fibro diet" through Kimberly's day spa. It was VERY expensive and while I got some relief from migraines in particular, I still was extremely tired and had regular pain. During both of my pregnancies my fibro seemed to all but disappear. After I stopped breastfeeding my second son, I was exhausted ALL the time! I saw the dr but I really thought that it was just from having a baby at home (he still wasn't sleeping through the night at 18 mos old!!). Anyway, long story short, I have seen probably 6 different kinds of doctors in the last 18 mos for many different problems (exhaustion, knee and hip pain, migraines, etc...) It finally clicked that what I really need to be addressing is the fibro! I have gotten back to the root of it, so I feel like this is sort of a second time around trying to deal with this disorder. I feel like I am learning things all over again. I have been on the internet and gotten a lot from there and I am seeing a doctor who specializes in fibro and comes highly recommended next Friday (If you are in the Albany area let me know and I will get you her name). I also found a good support group near me - though I have yet to make it to a meeting!! I am also blessed to have a friend who is a doctor in joint pain therapy and she is giving me prolo therapy (I can explain if you are interested)...we will see if that helps. I am also taking an aquarobics class at the local HS because excercising in the water is much easier on your body (I am very overweight...that is another thing I have always struggled with and have seen numerous doctors for!!)

Just since I have determined the root of my problems and decided to really attack addressing it I have started to feel better (I was getting into the deep depression that often accompanies fibro). I deal with the ups and downs every day though. This weekend I was switching over winter for summer stuff and worked a lot. The last two days I have definitely paid for it. I am in so much pain and so exhausted that I can barely move - but I am a full time mom so I have to keep going, right?!

I know this is totally long winded, but I guess I am really glad to hear that other people are struggling with fibro too (misery loves company, doesn't it?!) I have been all consumed with my fibro diagnosis lately and so many people just don't understand what it is like. I used to have my sister to commiserate with as she also has fibro, but she is pregnant now and her symptoms aren't that bad so she has pretty much forgotten about her diagnosis for the time being!! If you ever want to chat or just bounce ideas back and forth or anything, please just email me at ____@____.com. I would LOVE to hear anything positive you find that works for you. Take care and God Bless!!

I personally know someone who was bedridden with Fibromyalgia. Her sister bugged her for years to try a supplement, she finally listened and got her life back. It's called OPC-3. It'S. super antioxidant and I can't explain exactly why it works, I know it helps reduce inflammation but it also has tons of other benefits. I started taking it about 5 years ago and I no longer have trouble with my asthma/allergies and bouts of bronchitis. I haven't had to take a single antibiotic in 5 years!

Anyway - this woman who was bedridden started taking it and finally had a major decrease in pain and fatigue and was able to get up and moving again, she got her life back.

If you want more info to check it out here is a link:

http://www.marketamerica.com/pgp/index.cfm?action=shoppin...

An article in First Magazine (Nov. 3, 2008) suggested reading a book called What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia (Wellness Central, 2006) by R. Paul St. Amand and Claudia Craig Marek. "Amand indicate reducing phosphates (soda), consuming more magnesium and calcium. Also, taking the OTC remedy guaifenesin (Mucinex) which helps rid the body of phosphates." She mentions a place called The Fibrolyalgia Treatment Center in Los Angelos, which could be a good resources.

I'm not a reagular reader of this magazine - so don't know how objective it is, but can't hurt to check out the resources.

Good luck.

Hello,
My name is A. Craig and I am a licensed health care professional (please see my ad here on Mamasource. I would be happy to give you a complimentary phone consultation at ###-###-####. Fibromyalgia is something I have worked with before and I'd like to consult with you about your diet, etc. before offering you any advice.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
A. Craig, L.M.T.

I have had symptoms of Chronic Fatigue for many years, and have found help from my nuritionist, Dr. Herbold ###-###-####. He has a full nutritional program that is individualized from blood and urine lab testing for deficiencies and toxicities. CFS and Fibromyalgia sure aren't fun; what's worse is not being able to enjoy your children as much as you'd like - I know! Best of luck in your journey.
K.

Hi!
First, I truly feel for you. It is no fun to be in your shoes.

Second, some attribute fibromyalgia to an overload of toxic chemicals in the body. I can help you if you want to detox.

Third, fortunately, fibromyalgia is not progressive and does not lead to other serious diseases or destruction of body tissue.

Fourth, you might want to have your serotonin and tryptophan levels checked.

Fifth, you probably need to keep yourself limber by doing some simple stretches and flexing. If you can exercise as well.

Sixth, a healthy diet (high fiber, low fat) along with nutritional supplements have been known to help. Eat as many raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds as you possibly can. Eat skinless chicken, turkey or deep-water fish. Drink fresh juices, herbal teas and lots of water. Eat 4-5 small meals daily. Do not eat anything fried, animal fats, sugars or drink alcohol, caffeine or soft drinks.

Seventh, have you tried alternating hot and cold showers? Studies have shown that cold showers are beneficial for relieving the pain of fibromyalgia. I have also soaked in a tub with a cup of dissolved Epsom Salts.

Please call me at ###-###-#### for further information.

L.

I also have Fibro.
first of all, find a GOOD doctor who actually believes it exists. They will help you through all of it.
My doctor has given me muscle relaxers and pain medicine whic have helped me tremendously. But your doctor can decide what is best for you.

Another thing that helps is massage and pressure point work. It hurts like crazy when it's being done, and you may feel bruised for days afterward, but the rewards are worth it.

Be prepared for more pain when the weather is colder and the air changes. For me, it starts around the first of August.

Get plenty of sleep and don't over do it!! That will be the worst thing you can do to yourself. There will be days when you can do more, but on days when you can't do not feel guilty for it....it's your body telling you to slow down.

There is a theory out there called the Spoon theory.
It goes, you only have so many spoons to use during the day. Each time you do something it uses a spoon... showering for example may use one spoon. Cooking may use one, grocery shopping may use 3.
If you only have say 6 spoons to use for the day, you have to decide what is important to do and how to use your spoons so use them wisely.

If you look at the website fibrohugs.com you can get a lot of information, and you can read the spoon theory for yourself.

Be sure to write down any questions you have for your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions.... there are many many symptoms to this stupid, unfair disorder. Be open and honest with your doctor so he can help you.

Oh, for the migraines, do you use a lot of sugar free stuff? If so, you may want to try to go off it for a while and see if it helps... my sisters and I all have fibro and none of us can use sugar free (things with aspartame or nutra sweet) in them because it gives all of us migraines. Splenda seems to be ok, but I just watch my sugar consumption and use regular old sugar myself.

Eating healthy will make a difference too. And drink a lot of water.

Good luck.

My stepmother had her calicium levels checked in conjuction with her fibro diagnoses,,,,they were really high....maybe you could be experiencing the same...good luck.

I knew it! Didn't I say Firbo? You poor, poor thing. I have several friends with it and man does it suck. The previous poster was right - the key is finding good doctors who understand it and getting proper treatment. Everyone I know who has it still have happy, productive lives.

Hello, glad to know you finally have an answer to your challenges. I am a massage therapist and help many clients with the management of fibromyalgia. Regular massage helps with migraines, poor sleep, inadequate sleep, muscle pain, and more. If you decide to try massage make sure to interview the therapist first as a typical massage is not appropriate for a fibro client. An LMT needs to use therapeutic and medical methods of transitioning for clients.

Good luck with your condition. May you find relief soon!

Dear friend,

I have a neighbor of mine with fibro. and arthritis. She is a nurse. I told her about a natural product I was taking (I have MS). She has been on it for about two months now and she still can not believe that her pain has been relieved. It all has to do with the inflammation.

It truly works. It is truly the best out there. That is why my life's mission is now to share it with everyone.

I know you are in pain and it does not seem fair. Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Feel free to contact me. C.

Please take a moment -- www.fptoz.gotvia.com/presentations.html

And what it has done for many more --
www.viabenefits.com Password "results"

After reading your question, it got me thinking if this is what I have. I was tested for lupis and rheumatory arthritis. The tests came back negative. I have numbing pain in my feet and hands and pain in my knees. I don't sleep well because of the pain. I have migraines all the time and I am very very tired all the time. Oh course my doctor blames me being tired because I have a 3 year old. How were you diagnosed? Maybe you can help me. Hope you are feeling better.

My mom has Fibro, (along with Rhuematoid arthritis) and I showed her your post. This is what she said...

"She should go to arthritistoday.com-they also have message boards and info on fibromyalgia. there is also a new drug for it-i think it's lyrica ? and there are support groups-she would have to check in her area. exercise, and rest-budgeting her time!"

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I know how painful can be just by listening to my mom everyday. Please ake care of yourself.

good luck!