RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options?

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RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options? - 8/15/2009 9:09:13 PM

Tantriqu

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Actually, fibromyalgia is well understood.
It's not any rheumatoid arthritis since it's nothing to do with joints. It's tight tendons, usually started by pain and/or stress. More pain and stress causes more pain and stress, depression makes it all worse.
Low dose anti-depressants, physiotherapy and low-impact exercise with anti-inflammatories are the common treatments to stop the cycle of pain/decreased movement/more pain/more decreased movement/worse mood/more pain.
I had for two years after a car accident causing back pain and spasms. Physio got me started, swimming and belly dancing got rid of it, a Swiss ball [inflatable excercise ball] keeps it away.
Don't waste your money on any over-the-counter potions and herbs until you've talked to your doctor about physiotherapy and an exercise therapist. As they say, they can guarantee you'll be better in two months if you find an exercise that suits, and they can guarantee you'll be worse if you don't.

Good luck.

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RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options? - 9/5/2009 2:46:14 PM

sensura

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I finally found a doctor who specializies in ms who all have fibro. We sat down and talked about my symptoms and what meds would work for me. Remember we are all different what works for one may not work for the other. However I thought Id list what Im on and it may be something to suggest to your doc if he isnt giving you what you need. Clonazepam, alprazolam. gaborpentin, amantadine, and multi vitimins. Since being on these meds my pain factor is manageble even non existant some days, I havent been suffereing with headaches every second day, I can fall asleep right away and sleep a deep sleep thru most of the night. My anxiety is manageble now, and I am not depressed as I was. I also will be doing counsling with a fibro counselor. This doctor I have is phenomonal, he takes the time and he understands and has the knowledge to deal with fibro. He works relentlessly to find ways to treat each individual, he also is very positive which is what we all need. Think positive and dont give up.

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RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options? - 9/5/2009 5:06:15 PM

porcelaine

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i have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. i was diagnosed fourteen years ago. i'm largely in remission for both, though i do have flare ups on occasion. i'm completely medication free and rarely need assistance when the pain arises. tylenol seems to do the trick when necessary.

the conditions can be both physically and mentally debilitating, but there are things you can do on your end. i elected to suck it up and deal with the pain at some point because being a walking medicine cabinet was totally uncool. the nsaids and all the other stuff you're pouring into your body has its own problems. the body makes its own adjustments and the pain medication is no longer effective. long term use of narcotics is another issue as well.

i suppose i just had enough. i focused on healing me from head to toe. which implied every single morsel. i can't say i'm completely there yet, but i do know those things are no longer necessary. which is a vast improvement for someone that was once stuck in bed. i have found attention to diet to be paramount. i'm basically flexitarian, my meat intake is small and primarily chicken and fish when i do. you have to be mindful of caffeine as well. i gave up soda and my only allowance is coffee which i get from manufacturers that use organic whole beans. i never purchase ground.

beverages fall into two categories - water and wine. i don't consume a lot of milk and what i do drink is soy. sweets and processed foods aren't part of my diet. but i'll eat chocolate, preferably dark. overall my diet is very european in content and i make a concerted effort to eat seasonally as well. i get exercise from walking and other activities. i have worked out a lot in the past and i keep saying i need to do it again. i keep my mind and life free of bs since stress is a well known trigger. my spirit is at peace and i feed that as well. i am very happy overall.

i won't pretend my methods are for everyone. but they work for me and i've been in remission for years. i think you come to a point where you have to pay attention to your body and consider the long term effects certain things will have. i should mention that i do consume supplements and i have explored holistic options. my physician has an integrative medicine unit and i believe their approach is good. some have said that acupuncture offers relief and if you have a school in your area contact them, the clinic is usually free or of minimal cost.

the most important advice i can give is about how you see yourself. i don't view myself as ill, deceased, sick, or whatever adjective you wish to impart. i believe this has had a huge impact on how my body responds. as the saying goes, capture the mind, and the body follows. best of luck to you all.

porcelaine

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RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options? - 9/5/2009 6:52:05 PM

lovingpet

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Congrats sensura for finding a doc who is willing to work for and with you! That is a rare find!

Porcelaine: I am glad you have found what works for you. I do very similarly, though I don't have the great doc it sounds like you have found. I still have not been convinced that fibromyalgia is the correct diagnosis. These things can and do help. I just am concerned that there is a whole lot more going on with me. Time and exaughstive testing will tell I suppose. Congrats on your success and your long remission!

lovingpet

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RE: Fibromyalgia and treatment options? - 9/10/2009 11:44:56 AM

sensura

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happy to report that my fibro treatment is going quite well. My sleep is much more manageable. Yes I am still tired most of the time but its not as bad, the pain is tolerable now, some days especially if stressed I feel more, but more days than not I am pretty much pain free. There are still many things I am not able to do but things are so much better now. Last two days have been flared up cause of stressfull situation, but I still cant complain. I see my fibro councellor end of month yay. All I can say is sleep when your body tells you too and dont feel bad things will get done. and if your on pain meds try some easy stretching, nothing to intense, Ive been doing that and I am ablle to stretch more than I could before. Yes my mind is still in a fog alot and I confuse easily and forget things but there are things we all can do to help us out with that. Well thats my latest news and I have a far way to go but Im thiking positive.

regards

sensura

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