I was officially diagnosed in 1996, but I have had fibromyalgia all of my life. When I was a kid and complained about my pain, the doctors said it was growing pains. Well guess what? I never outgrew them!

When I was diagnosed, my doctors wanted me to try anti-depressants. They made me crazy! Now, I try to avoid meds as much as possible, though I do take a muscle relaxer to help me sleep.

Has anyone tried Reliv? They came and talked to our Fibro Support Group, so I tried it. While it didn't cure me, it did make a great difference in my symptoms. I had really bad acid reflux. I took several meds for this, some were pulled off the market - that's the FDA working for us folks, too many people dieing from 'approved' meds. I also suffered from 'fibro fog' and muscles and my skin hurt all the time. The acid reflux is completely gone, and my skin pain is too. The 'fibro fog' is much better - I no longer leave purchases at the cash register. Unfortunately, my muscles still hurt and I still wake every morning feeling like I've been hit by a truck. If you can find someone who sells Reliv, give it a try.

Also, if you live any where near Atlanta, give Anesthesiologist James Fugedy, MD a try. He treats fibromyalgia using an electroceutical therapy device called the PRO GeneSys System Electroceutical Treatment. This device is used by some pain doctors to help relieve sore muscles, and is often used in Sports Injury treatment. Long wires lead from the device to suction-cup electrodes that are placed on various parts of the body. It doesn’t hurt, it feels a lot like a relaxing massage.

Dr. Fugedy, found that the use of this device gives patients long-lasting relief from the pain of fibromyalgia. Four out of five patients get a terrific response. The nice thing about the treatment is you know quickly whether it is working or not. After the first three or four treatments, Dr. Fugedy will tell you up front if he doesn't feel it will work for you. Regrettably, I was the 1 in five and didn't work for me, but I’ve met many fellow fibromyalgia sufferers while at his office on Roswell Road. These patients do nothing but sing his praises! After the course of treatments, they say they are pain free and only have to come in once a year for a 'tune up'.

Also, he is a great, kind and compassionate doctor who really knows about, and cares about, fibro and its victims. That alone is a rarity.

Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to share.

:wave: Hey Debroueche, Welcome to the boards, must admit haven't heard of these centres, but then again I'm in England, we don't tend to catch up for a while. No doubt you'll hear from other fibromites that know more, just wanted to say hi and welcome. Take care, try to keep well hugs Snoozyowl;)

Hi,

Im in a flare right now, been in it since aug 4th. Pain management dr pushed on my neck...this spot never hurt before........now since then my pain in my neck is all day everyday.......omg and the fatigue! I cant walk 20 feet without needing a nap!

I don't know of any Fibro clinics........right now Im being tested for MS, Im making an appt with an MS specialist since the neuro I saw blamed my lesions and white matter disease on smoking!!!!!!!!!! Dont buy that one, or every one that I know who smokes would be just like me.

Good luck to you........this stuff is not fun!

Hope

:wave: Hey Hope, sorry to read you are in a ongoing flare :( Everything is blamed on smoking now, just like fibro is blamed for everything a fibromite complains about healthwise:mad: I have lesions as well, but apparently not enough clinical evidence for a definate MS dx by neuro doc, he is also the hospital MS specialist, although own doc is still insisting its there to a certain degree:eek: I just trundle on, taking each day as it arrives. Hope you stabalise real soon, take care, hugs Snoozyowl;)

Hi Snoozyowl,

I found it odd and interesting that others such as yourself have also had white matter lesions. About four years ago they found three of them and told me I had MS. I was getting a shot once a week for it. Then I was told I didn't have it, was told I had it again, then finally after a spinal tap was told that I didn't. What a mess. No one could ever tell me why they were there. I had a TIA around this time and not really sure what is causing what. I was exposed to chemicals in the military and now have emphysema and fibrosis and never smoked! I was told I had a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and my heart has stopped a few times...but who knows whats causing what. One thing is for sure I am a full blown Fibro though!!

Guys I am new to the boards so here goes. Hi there debroueche!
I too complained of pain as a child and was told it was just growing pains. 1991 was the year of truth for me. I take anti's depressant's sucessfully and anti-sezure meds for sleep. can't take pain meds makes me crazy. thanks for posting. its wee hours of the morn and I am awake way to early will make the day tomorrow pretty difficult.
thanks for giving me a place to be heard and to share. carolinagal65

Debroueche

I was a reliv distributor for awhile. I took it six or seven years but it didn't stop me from getting sick. I was on it when everything started going down hill with my body. Yes it gave me lots of energy and problems I had, had did improve. After having to go on so many meds I stopped taking it because I was afraid the herbs in it may interfere with the meds. I wish they could get these products approved by the FDA. They call it a food product but it still contains lots of herbs. My husband still takes it, I'm not sure how often, he sure can run circles around me. I sure believe in these products and taking the natural way and if I can ever get off some of the meds I'm on may go back on it just for the vitamins. I didn't have any luck selling it because of the price of keeping people on it. I can't believe how much it has gone up since I was trying to sell it.
Good luck! :)

iwannabenormal