I have been suffering from severe, ongoing joint pain for the last few months and sleep disruption (seems like forever). Have been to an internist, ENT, neurologist, and now have an upcoming appt. with a rheumetologist. The general consensus is that it is fibromyalgia. Any advice before the rheum. appt. regarding best treatment, pain relief, or specific questions to ask would be appreciated. Many days it feels like I can't tolerate it for one more moment. It's debilitating and depressing. It's as though normal life is just slipping away. Is there anything hopeful in the future in terms of symptom management or resuming a quasi-normal life. Have been given Celebrex and Vioxx with negligible affect. Thanks for any and all input.

Hi Welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
It would also be a good idea to only try one new medication at a time. This way you will know whether or not it is effective as well as any ill-effects it may have. There are many people out there who have found help. It is all trial and error. What works for one may not work for another.

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~Luv, Scoobs~

Once more, welcome to our group. I'm sorry you're here because that means you are in pain, but glad that if you have to have the pain, you've found a great place to get some support! Good luck with the Doc. Linda D

Yes it can be frustrating and difficult at times, however, I am always trying to find ways to adapt.
The pain/fatigue cycle can sometimes be overwhelming but I always try to regroup and move forward. Sometimes laughter can be the best medicine. I know this is a very serious condition but finding humor often helps lighten the load http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

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~Luv, Scoobs~

might help. Kim

Check out my posts below on thyroid. Last one was "thyroid revisited". There is a lot of new info on how to treat thyroid these days. Also check out thyroid board.

Also, check out the discussion on guaifenesin. It has REALLY helped my daughter and many others who can stick to the protocol. Seems to provide real hope for reversing FM symptoms.

Moderator: http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Hi and Welcome!
I was DX'd 2 years ago and at first used a natural approach with supplements. It helped the pain and stiffness but didnt completely help due to still not getting a good nights sleep. Sleeo is very important with Fibro as your body cannot heal itself without sleep. I now am on Amnitriptyline at bedtime and am sleeping like a baby and feeling great! It has been less than a week since I started on this new Med.
I also recommend you visit a Chiropractor, Take calcium and Magnesium, and stay as active as you can even if all you can manage is walking around the block once. Before I was diagnosed I stayed in bed alot not knowing what was wrong with me and believe me it made things worse.
Keep your chin up and educate yourself and remember we are all here for you if you need us.
Gracie

Hi Newbie: hope you appreciate this group as much as I do! You DO have hope! Before I was diagnosed with Fibro, I was terrified because I couldn't figure out what was happening to my body and the HMO moved about as fast as a pregnant dinosaur. Just knowing what I had was helpful, and finally establishing a program of pain management which included various meds,light exercise,etc. Stick around: you've got friends! Al

Welcome aboard! I'm the ( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif) cheesy one in the group!

This illness is TRULY a pain in the patooty, but, at least it IS a survivable one. Hang out with us - we love to share, inform, whine & moan, and everything else between!

I've listed my own treatment protocol in an article available at:
http://www.angelfire.com/me3/coppersnutribytes/Fibromyalgia2.html

hope this helps,

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Copper
Let Miracles Replace all Grievances