I'm new to the board and have been diagonised with FMS for over a year. I'm wondering if there are any other law enforcement people out there who can give me tips for coping (other than a new job!)

I can no longer work as a nurse because I take methadone 4 times a day , duragesic patches, methocarbomol and several other medications. Sorry Darlin, but when your pain is that severe, I wouldn't want you and your frustrations showing when you stop me for a burned out lite.I am so frustrated and feel so helpless that I let it show to others. I also have lost feeling in both hands because of DJD in cervical spine. No way you could handle your weapon with only feeling in half you hand. I am so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. I need you all, but don't know how to get ya'll to respond to me. I am seeing a councelor to help me cope with this part of me dead, so I have some one. Start seeing a counselor if you can do it privately, however, if you think this is imparing you, apply for retirement. I don't know. I can't think for myself. The doctor that I saw yesterday said she got the letter from SSD yesterday so I guess the no will be coming soon. Goodbye, Oma

I'm not in law enforcement, but I can understand somewhat how frustrating it could be for you. If you truly love your job, it could be tough.

If the doctors give you no chance for a cure, you could try "natural cure". What that involves is eating healthy, herbs, exercise, and removing toxins. What you try to do is give the body the best set of conditions to heal itself. That was the route that I took and now I'm healed.

I was told in 1978 to not run more than a hundred yards, but today I run nearly 20 miles a week. I still occasionally struggle with some muscle soreness or pain if I overdo it, but basically I'm well.

This "natural route" could be considered "alternate" by those in the medical community that don't pratice this method of treatment to heal chronic illnesses.

Also, if you want more information, please let me know. My experience with this spans more than 20 years. I know a lot about herbal therapy too. Herbs have greatly helped me.

Some of us know that there's another way. If you really want to get well, check the "natural route" out. I hope that you feel better. Be stubborn like I was, and maybe you'll find a way. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for the info. I'm already using herbs and massage. I refused the anti-depressant the dr. wanted to give me. I am luck in that I have a "mild" case of FMS.

mishatown

Also with herbs, a healthy diet is a must, in my opinion. Fresh raw vegetables are good too. I often eat raw spinach and cilantro - sometimes brocolli too.

I write a lot about natural foods. I avoid processed foods and drinks. I would suggest taking every healthy approach possible and take notes. It might be years for you to discover what is best for you. But if you are persistent, you might find the combination that works best. Hopefully, in the meantime, you'll see some improvement.

Hi Mishatown,
I am not in Law Enforcement but worked as a civilian in Sheriff Dept Search and Rescue. I unfortunately had to stop right during Sept 11. At least until I can get my pain under control and I hope someday to be able to train my dogs again and work in the field. This is the most frustrating feeling I have ever had, not being able to do what I love. I know it doesn't matter what job anyone does, just the fact that our lives chance really takes a toll on us. What is it that you do? Are you on meds and working with a Doctor on a regular basis? The most important thing is to work as long as you can. You need to feel important and useful. When the pain gets severe you will need to stop the type of work you do for the safety of others but maybe you can still be with the Dept during that time. I hope your Fibro stays mild. I have a bad case and I am unable to work even at home. Even this computer typing takes a toll on me but I need to talk with others in the Fibro world. I do take Percocet, Soma, Xanax and Tranzodone which henders a lot. But I am not taking any major anti- depressants. I guess Tranzodone and Xanax are in the class of anxiety meds though. Good Luck to you and keep in touch! Raven

Thanks Raven. It's been interesting to say the least since I found out what I have. The County has been very supportive and transferred me to a section that has a slower pace than the one where I was. I don't work the streets so I don't have the issues with the weapon or with riding in a car for extended periods of time.
The only meds I'm on are Vioxx. Plus a couple of handfulls of vitamins and guaifensin. The Vioxx seems to be helping.