Hi, this is the first post for me. I was diagnosed with FMS 10 years ago by a rheumatologist, was told there was no treatment but I could "try" physio if I wanted to. My GP had never heard of it. Years later I saw the original letter with the diagnosis and was floored when I saw myself described as female (true) 50ish (true) divorced (I left him) and out of work (I had retired on my own volition), the implication being that these were the contributing factors. I have taken many medications (anti-inflammatories/neurontin/flexeril) and none help to any appreciable degree. Over the 10 years my condition has worsened and now include IBS, roseacea and a very painful lumbar stenosis. The IBS is of particular concern because I am high risk for colon cancer. I have had every test known to modern medicine (I exhibit many symptoms associated with MS)and recently my neurologist told me (with respect to the stenosis) 'surgery or live with the pain' whilst my rheumatologist does not recommend surgery because the osteoparosis will cause the stenosis to recur within 5 years. I have now reached the conclusion that I will manage with the limitations imposed by FMS, nothing any medical professional has done has helped. I take acidophilus which appears to ease the IBS, use the topical treatment for the roseacea and once or twice a month when the pain becomes absolutely unbearable I take empracet to get a good night's sleep. Must add that even though I retired 10 years ago, I worked full time at another job until last year when I retired for the second time and now run a consulting service from my home. I also have the pleasure of having the most understanding son in the world.
Helen

Hi Helen: I have an appt. next month to see if I have Fibromyalgia. My PT who's treating me for TMJ is referring me to her. I don't really think I have it, although I have a lot of the symptoms, EXCEPT for fatigue. I've never been a good sleeper and it's really bad lately. MY IBS has been acting up as well as my acid reflux. I don't know if it's b/c I've been more stressed out lately with this TMJ crap I've been going through, or what. You've accomplished a lot for a woman dealing with all that pain. I'm sorry that none of the meds. have helped you. I hope you experience some relief soon. Sue

dear helen im sorry to hear that you are in so much pain i am looking to retire also im only 43 years old with a 10,13 and 21 year old daughter. i also have a beautiful grand-daughter. ive searched this internet night after night for something to ease the pain whether it be natural or medical. ive been seeing a doctor that really hasnt help me alot the swelling still occurs in my hands which prevents me to do my job (hard to count 100,000.00 a day within an 8 hour period. i cant imagine living with this nasty thing for as long as you have. how do you keep from going insane there are times where i just want to crawl under a rock and get swept away by the ocean....i was only put on two diffrent kinds of meds and they dont help the anti deppressants make me a nasy person and if i dont take them im crying all the time...i sit here and wonder how i could make a diffrence in peoples lives to get the word out about this dreadful fms....i hope you do well in the future. i have to end this letter due to typeing causes exstreme pain in my hands good luck in all you do... sheila

Have any of you guys had your thyroid levels checked? Have you had the thyroid antibodies test done? I have read of a direct link between fibro and hypothyroidism. There is a doctor who has done alot of research on this named Dr, Lowe, look into this, you
might be surprised. I this post helps someone. Also look at the thyroid board to see if you recognise any of the other symptoms.