Tambeth66
02-11-2008, 12:14 PM
I am new here and need help. I was have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, painic attacks. I dont know what to do it keeps getting worse and worse. The pain is not leveling off or getting better, the doctor I saw a few years ago said it usually gets better or levels off and stops getting worse after a year or two..mine is getting worse. Most days I feel drained to point I dont want to get out of bed. My memory is getting worse. The depression and anxiety is so bad I dont get out of house unless I have to. I have such a fear of driving that Im starting to feel like I am going to black out and just sit and sob in traffic. I feel so useless to my family.
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
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mista0316
02-11-2008, 03:45 PM
I am new here and need help. I was have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, painic attacks. I dont know what to do it keeps getting worse and worse. The pain is not leveling off or getting better, the doctor I saw a few years ago said it usually gets better or levels off and stops getting worse after a year or two..mine is getting worse. Most days I feel drained to point I dont want to get out of bed. My memory is getting worse. The depression and anxiety is so bad I dont get out of house unless I have to. I have such a fear of driving that Im starting to feel like I am going to black out and just sit and sob in traffic. I feel so useless to my family.
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
Hello, I am also new here. I have been diagnosed with fibro 3 yrs ago and it's very hard to get anyone to understand what your feeling. There's no proof to show that you hurt. The only way I got my husband to understand it/me more was when I had my next DR's appointment. I had him come with me. The doctor explained and answered all of his questions. Now, he helps me more and I have also started seeing a psycologist to help me to deal with the pain. I also go to physiotheripy everyday (paid by my employer). My pain started from an accident form my work place. Then, it turned into Fibro. I have been dealing with the pain for 3 years. I am currently going through a flare up right now. It's been 2 weeks and it's not getting better. I can honestly say that the visit to my doctor with my husband & physo, and seeing a psycologist has made a big difference.
I hope this helps and I wish you well
M
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
Hello, I am also new here. I have been diagnosed with fibro 3 yrs ago and it's very hard to get anyone to understand what your feeling. There's no proof to show that you hurt. The only way I got my husband to understand it/me more was when I had my next DR's appointment. I had him come with me. The doctor explained and answered all of his questions. Now, he helps me more and I have also started seeing a psycologist to help me to deal with the pain. I also go to physiotheripy everyday (paid by my employer). My pain started from an accident form my work place. Then, it turned into Fibro. I have been dealing with the pain for 3 years. I am currently going through a flare up right now. It's been 2 weeks and it's not getting better. I can honestly say that the visit to my doctor with my husband & physo, and seeing a psycologist has made a big difference.
I hope this helps and I wish you well
M
sweetjerseygirl
02-11-2008, 06:37 PM
I am new here and need help. I was have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, painic attacks. I dont know what to do it keeps getting worse and worse. The pain is not leveling off or getting better, the doctor I saw a few years ago said it usually gets better or levels off and stops getting worse after a year or two..mine is getting worse. Most days I feel drained to point I dont want to get out of bed. My memory is getting worse. The depression and anxiety is so bad I dont get out of house unless I have to. I have such a fear of driving that Im starting to feel like I am going to black out and just sit and sob in traffic. I feel so useless to my family.
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
Please dont give up on yourself, It took almost ten years of being treated for so many different things, tons of tests, never getting relief, the doctor scratching his head. My best friend once told me, she believed something was wrong but it just sounded so unbelievable that the doctors coundnt find anything. I knew something was wrong so i didnt give up. It was finally a rumortoligist and he didnt convince me that i really had this condition at first.
After i did a lot of research myself on fibro, it was like a big puzzle came together for me, now the trick is finding out what will work for you and what will give you the biggest relief. Not everything that has been prescribed for me has worked, so that was my homework to discover what worked the best. Not easy, makes you want to give up also but I realize i just have to help myself. I see some people on here have had meds work and then stop working. I can only discribe this conditon as being very frustrating :mad: I know my husband is tired of it also, i was so mad at him last night, i was the one who wrote the "no compasion from spouse"
The frustration that comes along with this condition is stressful for everyone but like you i started feeling the anxiety of it, the crying lately, depression,which i hate that word but must admit it, whew, i finally said it :jester:. Everything you have stated i have been going through, i lost my job and my insurance recently, so i have not had anything meds in awhile but i realized that this is too much on me and my family, i was screaming at the top of my lungs the other night, thats enough for me, so im getting to the doctor and im getting some meds.
Like me, right now you probably need some relief, than you can get some your mental stability back because i realize that im losing more and more everyday. For some reason after reading these message boards, it made me want to get things back in perspective. I have to be #1 and i have to take care of myself or im no good to anyone.... One thing at a time, this will be my first new step....... Same thing, memorys getting worse, pains been worse, fear, wanting to stay home most of the time because of fear, dont want to drag no one's head, etc, etc, just a lot of bad stuff.
I went on this message board very late last night after finding it by accident and after crying all day i was at my wits end. Now i have some relief because of it and its mental relief, i have already written on about five threads and it feels so good to talk about it, but i already feel better getting stuff off my chest, like talking about it and realizing im not the only one who feels like they have let their family down and guilty about everything and why arent i better and why am i suffering like this and nothings helping me at the moment :confused: but im one who believes everything happens for a reason and looked what happened! ;) I found all of you out there.......
I cant find a good doctor who really knows about this stuff in my area either obviously after suffering for all this time, and i cant afford to go back to the rumortoligist right now, way too expensive besides the costs of the prescriptions, so im going to any doctor to get my relief meds than i can look for one who specializes in fibro, like i said one step at a time. im Putting this back into my own court. I feel like i have had enough and im the only one that can help get it back into control.
Dont be so hard on yourself, im sure many people with this condition have had their golden moments, like you and i are having right now. So hang in there and remember we are all here for you now take care of yourself and let us help with whatever else you may need ;)
One more thing, people who laugh behind your back and call this a lazy deal are no friends at all, they should have at least went on the computer and looked it up before making judgements on you and dont be shy to tell them so or dont be shy to tell them to look on this message board. I have never ever been a lazy person in my life, as a matter of fact, i had so much energy you couldnt slow me down, i was schocked when my life suddenly took this turn and i couldnt understand what happened to me. I kept trying to be that person again but it wasnt happening and it took me a long time to understand why. Now just doing a load of laundry and cooking knocks the crap out of me. This is by far a fake illness and i hope they never have to go through it but sometimes the almighty has other plans for us and what comes around goes around. Dont let their insensitivty get to you, pick yourself up by your bootstraps and move as forward as you can with your new firbro friends.......:D Hope i made you laugh a little
I have very few friends..some left because they didnt beleive in fibro. and I even overheard a couple of people I thought were very good friends talking and laughing about me and my "fake" illness. They said it was diagnosis a doctor uses for someone lazy that they cant find anything "real" wrong with. I have isolated myself and spend most days crying. I had to quit job because of the pain and anxietys. I cant find a good doctor to hel that seems knowledgeable about fibro. the fear of driving keeps me from going but a certain "safe" feeling miles from my home to find a doctor..,My husband is tired of it all and doesnt understand why I cant just "change"
Please dont give up on yourself, It took almost ten years of being treated for so many different things, tons of tests, never getting relief, the doctor scratching his head. My best friend once told me, she believed something was wrong but it just sounded so unbelievable that the doctors coundnt find anything. I knew something was wrong so i didnt give up. It was finally a rumortoligist and he didnt convince me that i really had this condition at first.
After i did a lot of research myself on fibro, it was like a big puzzle came together for me, now the trick is finding out what will work for you and what will give you the biggest relief. Not everything that has been prescribed for me has worked, so that was my homework to discover what worked the best. Not easy, makes you want to give up also but I realize i just have to help myself. I see some people on here have had meds work and then stop working. I can only discribe this conditon as being very frustrating :mad: I know my husband is tired of it also, i was so mad at him last night, i was the one who wrote the "no compasion from spouse"
The frustration that comes along with this condition is stressful for everyone but like you i started feeling the anxiety of it, the crying lately, depression,which i hate that word but must admit it, whew, i finally said it :jester:. Everything you have stated i have been going through, i lost my job and my insurance recently, so i have not had anything meds in awhile but i realized that this is too much on me and my family, i was screaming at the top of my lungs the other night, thats enough for me, so im getting to the doctor and im getting some meds.
Like me, right now you probably need some relief, than you can get some your mental stability back because i realize that im losing more and more everyday. For some reason after reading these message boards, it made me want to get things back in perspective. I have to be #1 and i have to take care of myself or im no good to anyone.... One thing at a time, this will be my first new step....... Same thing, memorys getting worse, pains been worse, fear, wanting to stay home most of the time because of fear, dont want to drag no one's head, etc, etc, just a lot of bad stuff.
I went on this message board very late last night after finding it by accident and after crying all day i was at my wits end. Now i have some relief because of it and its mental relief, i have already written on about five threads and it feels so good to talk about it, but i already feel better getting stuff off my chest, like talking about it and realizing im not the only one who feels like they have let their family down and guilty about everything and why arent i better and why am i suffering like this and nothings helping me at the moment :confused: but im one who believes everything happens for a reason and looked what happened! ;) I found all of you out there.......
I cant find a good doctor who really knows about this stuff in my area either obviously after suffering for all this time, and i cant afford to go back to the rumortoligist right now, way too expensive besides the costs of the prescriptions, so im going to any doctor to get my relief meds than i can look for one who specializes in fibro, like i said one step at a time. im Putting this back into my own court. I feel like i have had enough and im the only one that can help get it back into control.
Dont be so hard on yourself, im sure many people with this condition have had their golden moments, like you and i are having right now. So hang in there and remember we are all here for you now take care of yourself and let us help with whatever else you may need ;)
One more thing, people who laugh behind your back and call this a lazy deal are no friends at all, they should have at least went on the computer and looked it up before making judgements on you and dont be shy to tell them so or dont be shy to tell them to look on this message board. I have never ever been a lazy person in my life, as a matter of fact, i had so much energy you couldnt slow me down, i was schocked when my life suddenly took this turn and i couldnt understand what happened to me. I kept trying to be that person again but it wasnt happening and it took me a long time to understand why. Now just doing a load of laundry and cooking knocks the crap out of me. This is by far a fake illness and i hope they never have to go through it but sometimes the almighty has other plans for us and what comes around goes around. Dont let their insensitivty get to you, pick yourself up by your bootstraps and move as forward as you can with your new firbro friends.......:D Hope i made you laugh a little
Tambeth66
02-11-2008, 08:28 PM
Thank you both so very much for your replies. It helps alot knowing I am not alone. I feel so badly for not being able to work right now and know I need to get a job there isnt a day hardly goes by that my husband doesnt remind me im not working...we need money..my meds cost too much etc. etc. the biggest thing right now is the fears and anxietys. i feel like im useless im so terrified to drive i have nightmares my husband pushes me to drive on interstate for errands and i feel like running away im so afraid of driving...everything seems so hopeless right now..but again i thank you from the bottom of my heart for the replys and knowing im not alone
Backinthesaddle
02-12-2008, 09:58 AM
Mista my fms also came from a work related injury (cervical spine). Did your job have a issue or should I say workmans comp with fms coming from your injury?
I was in the middle of a medical retirement which I wish I would have completed by now. However, as soon as I started the paperwork I went into remission so to speak. I stopped the process. So I know it will happen. I am waiting to see if I flare again bad again and will try next time if it gets worse. It is just amazing how I went through years of solid pain to go into a lesser then bad (not free but not as bad) pain. I swear I do not understand this FMS stuff.
I finally got that book on it and it is so good. So get as much infor as possible and know u will get relief.
I was in the middle of a medical retirement which I wish I would have completed by now. However, as soon as I started the paperwork I went into remission so to speak. I stopped the process. So I know it will happen. I am waiting to see if I flare again bad again and will try next time if it gets worse. It is just amazing how I went through years of solid pain to go into a lesser then bad (not free but not as bad) pain. I swear I do not understand this FMS stuff.
I finally got that book on it and it is so good. So get as much infor as possible and know u will get relief.
BucaCaffe
02-12-2008, 10:53 AM
I am new here too. I am a 29yr old stay at home mom of 3. For at least 8 years and possibly more, as I put the pieces of the puzzle together. I have had a rollercoaster.
I am waiting for insurance to kick in again, to continue on my quest for a formal diagnosis but, my doctor believes that I have Fibromyalgia without question. She's just pretty much following protocal "just in case".
I have experienced the rollercoaster 10 fold, some days jump out of bed can function as if nothing is wrong ...I LOVE those days. Sometimes its not a full day...there have been numerous times Ill be having a "good day" then out of the blue the pain is obscene, it makes me dizzy and queasy and I have to lay down. Unfortunately I never know how that will leave me...if I'll be down for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days, weeks or even months.
For years I was diagnosed with depression, I don't know how many times I had to scream at Doctors, I AM NOT DEPRESSED! Everytime I heard it, I got visions of going on on Live broadcast TV and screaming it. It wasn't until the latest Doctor that she put the pieces together. How do you explain to Doctors, who don't SEE anything wrong. That any possible "depression" is due to NOT being able to do what you want to do, rather than the other way around. Usually Depression you withdraw and don't want to do anything, This is Me WANTING to do things I enjoy and feeling like I have been run over by a Truck and just CAN't do what I like.
I have been met by many walls in trying to get better. With no insurance coverage in sight anytime soon I can't continue my quest. I do have plenty of hope and faith that I can get to some sort of normalcy. **being able to stand for more than 5 minutes without having to sit down would be a huge difference**
My questions are: I have heard it gets worse, and IT HAS got progressively worse over the years but how much worse?
Do you all experience day by day/hour by hour or minute by minute rollercoasters of good and HORRIBLE...
Is anyone able to Work, I have been out for years, who's going to hire someone although I am capable of typing this post so I could! and would love to work from home. But days I can't drive, get out of bed....who would hire someone to work on and more often OFF. I struggle with this alot with 3 kids a house and living on one income is not working, not that it ever has.
I read a post about the posture pillow, I have a temperpedic pillow (regular pillow shaped), It has HELPED ....the fatigue in my neck, by a LARGE margin.
There are so many questions and things I want to add but this is already a novel. I really just appreciate all who share their stories, and experiences..Its the first time I really felt like I am not the only one. Thank You!
I am waiting for insurance to kick in again, to continue on my quest for a formal diagnosis but, my doctor believes that I have Fibromyalgia without question. She's just pretty much following protocal "just in case".
I have experienced the rollercoaster 10 fold, some days jump out of bed can function as if nothing is wrong ...I LOVE those days. Sometimes its not a full day...there have been numerous times Ill be having a "good day" then out of the blue the pain is obscene, it makes me dizzy and queasy and I have to lay down. Unfortunately I never know how that will leave me...if I'll be down for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days, weeks or even months.
For years I was diagnosed with depression, I don't know how many times I had to scream at Doctors, I AM NOT DEPRESSED! Everytime I heard it, I got visions of going on on Live broadcast TV and screaming it. It wasn't until the latest Doctor that she put the pieces together. How do you explain to Doctors, who don't SEE anything wrong. That any possible "depression" is due to NOT being able to do what you want to do, rather than the other way around. Usually Depression you withdraw and don't want to do anything, This is Me WANTING to do things I enjoy and feeling like I have been run over by a Truck and just CAN't do what I like.
I have been met by many walls in trying to get better. With no insurance coverage in sight anytime soon I can't continue my quest. I do have plenty of hope and faith that I can get to some sort of normalcy. **being able to stand for more than 5 minutes without having to sit down would be a huge difference**
My questions are: I have heard it gets worse, and IT HAS got progressively worse over the years but how much worse?
Do you all experience day by day/hour by hour or minute by minute rollercoasters of good and HORRIBLE...
Is anyone able to Work, I have been out for years, who's going to hire someone although I am capable of typing this post so I could! and would love to work from home. But days I can't drive, get out of bed....who would hire someone to work on and more often OFF. I struggle with this alot with 3 kids a house and living on one income is not working, not that it ever has.
I read a post about the posture pillow, I have a temperpedic pillow (regular pillow shaped), It has HELPED ....the fatigue in my neck, by a LARGE margin.
There are so many questions and things I want to add but this is already a novel. I really just appreciate all who share their stories, and experiences..Its the first time I really felt like I am not the only one. Thank You!
Grapedy
02-13-2008, 03:23 PM
the doctor I saw a few years ago said it usually gets better or levels off and stops getting worse after a year or two.
That's a bald-faced lie and that doc needs to be informed otherwise. FM IS a progressive disease. All of us here will tell you that.
There is a very real chance that you do have a component of depression mixed in, so don't balk at it or refuse to try anti-depressants because you "can't be depressed". Chronic pain causes depression, and that makes the pain worse. Which makes the depression worse. It's a vicious cycle. Many of the best FM drugs are anti-depressants. Nobody knows exactly why or how they work for FM, but they do. The one med that I will never go without is my anti-depressant. I can go days without taking any of my others, and often do.
Depression presents differently in everyone. I am clinically depressed because of my FM, and I never wanted to withdraw from society and stop doing the things I love to do. The depression was in my mood and in the fact that I could cry at the drop of a hat. I did still want to do things and go places, I just didn't have the energy to do it. The week that it finally got bad enough for me to start on medication was the week that Michael Buble came to my state, and we went to the concert even though it was a 2 hour drive one way.
My mom's clinical depression did present with total withdrawal from life. But hers had more causes than just FM. Mine doesn't.
Please please don't say you're not depressed because you haven't withdrawn from your life. That contributes to spreading dangerous misconceptions about what depression is and what can cause it.
That's a bald-faced lie and that doc needs to be informed otherwise. FM IS a progressive disease. All of us here will tell you that.
There is a very real chance that you do have a component of depression mixed in, so don't balk at it or refuse to try anti-depressants because you "can't be depressed". Chronic pain causes depression, and that makes the pain worse. Which makes the depression worse. It's a vicious cycle. Many of the best FM drugs are anti-depressants. Nobody knows exactly why or how they work for FM, but they do. The one med that I will never go without is my anti-depressant. I can go days without taking any of my others, and often do.
Depression presents differently in everyone. I am clinically depressed because of my FM, and I never wanted to withdraw from society and stop doing the things I love to do. The depression was in my mood and in the fact that I could cry at the drop of a hat. I did still want to do things and go places, I just didn't have the energy to do it. The week that it finally got bad enough for me to start on medication was the week that Michael Buble came to my state, and we went to the concert even though it was a 2 hour drive one way.
My mom's clinical depression did present with total withdrawal from life. But hers had more causes than just FM. Mine doesn't.
Please please don't say you're not depressed because you haven't withdrawn from your life. That contributes to spreading dangerous misconceptions about what depression is and what can cause it.
mista0316
02-13-2008, 04:39 PM
Hello Backinthesaddle,
I had my lawyer helping me with everything. I already went to court once and won my case. However, before winning my case it was very hard on me. I wasn't being paid until I went to court. I was glad that I had short/long term disabilty insurance. So, I had applied for long term disabilty and it took them 7 months berfore they decided to pay me. My lawyer worked really hard. He was trying to work with there lawyers. This took a big toll on my relationship with my husband. We were living with only his salary. I remember I would go to see my Dr and he would tell me that I had to avoid any stress! I just told him that I thought he was funny. :) He knew about my problems with getting paid. But, what helped me a lot was that I never had any prior health problems. I would see my Dr once a year. So, I have been lucky that my Dr. was on my side. He sent me to physio which helps me a lot. I also have my psychologist which really helps me. My husband & I are doing very well. He has read a couple of messages on these pages and now he realizes that there is so many people with this problem. I myself was blown away by these postings. I now feel like I am not alone. I wake up a lot with my face hurting. I always thought it was the way I slept the previous night. Then I read that other people have that too! Also, having a hard time to talk is another problem I have. My Dr forbids me from working. I have a big problem with my neck too. I have a weird question to ask. Does you toe nails & finger nails hurt? At night I get that. When I go to bed just the blankets hurts my toe nails. I have to keep my feet out of the blankets. I am going to stop writing now. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to go on and on and on.
Well I wish you well.
Take care,
M
I had my lawyer helping me with everything. I already went to court once and won my case. However, before winning my case it was very hard on me. I wasn't being paid until I went to court. I was glad that I had short/long term disabilty insurance. So, I had applied for long term disabilty and it took them 7 months berfore they decided to pay me. My lawyer worked really hard. He was trying to work with there lawyers. This took a big toll on my relationship with my husband. We were living with only his salary. I remember I would go to see my Dr and he would tell me that I had to avoid any stress! I just told him that I thought he was funny. :) He knew about my problems with getting paid. But, what helped me a lot was that I never had any prior health problems. I would see my Dr once a year. So, I have been lucky that my Dr. was on my side. He sent me to physio which helps me a lot. I also have my psychologist which really helps me. My husband & I are doing very well. He has read a couple of messages on these pages and now he realizes that there is so many people with this problem. I myself was blown away by these postings. I now feel like I am not alone. I wake up a lot with my face hurting. I always thought it was the way I slept the previous night. Then I read that other people have that too! Also, having a hard time to talk is another problem I have. My Dr forbids me from working. I have a big problem with my neck too. I have a weird question to ask. Does you toe nails & finger nails hurt? At night I get that. When I go to bed just the blankets hurts my toe nails. I have to keep my feet out of the blankets. I am going to stop writing now. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to go on and on and on.
Well I wish you well.
Take care,
M
BucaCaffe
02-14-2008, 04:31 PM
[QUOTE=Grapedy;3440146]
There is a very real chance that you do have a component of depression mixed in, so don't balk at it or refuse to try anti-depressants because you "can't be depressed". QUOTE]
I think what I said was misunderstood, I am sorry about that. Depression is real and serious. I have struggled with depression but usually after a long span of being down and in pain, so yes what you said is true. I don't know how to put into words other than an alternate example.
If you got a splinter in your finger and it got infected. You could put ointment on it to "help it" but that isn't resolving the underlying problem of the splinter itself.
I suffer daily in pain, but it isn't until it knocks me for a loop and I really cannot move or function that the depression sets in. But like you said, the pain in this instance can cause depression. Its those times when I wish antidepressants were more of a take as needed resolution.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I have needed anti depressants that was not my intention to push them aside, but when doctors keep throwing depression at you and you KNOW in your heart of hearts/Gut that there's something more to it. You just want to scream!
There is a very real chance that you do have a component of depression mixed in, so don't balk at it or refuse to try anti-depressants because you "can't be depressed". QUOTE]
I think what I said was misunderstood, I am sorry about that. Depression is real and serious. I have struggled with depression but usually after a long span of being down and in pain, so yes what you said is true. I don't know how to put into words other than an alternate example.
If you got a splinter in your finger and it got infected. You could put ointment on it to "help it" but that isn't resolving the underlying problem of the splinter itself.
I suffer daily in pain, but it isn't until it knocks me for a loop and I really cannot move or function that the depression sets in. But like you said, the pain in this instance can cause depression. Its those times when I wish antidepressants were more of a take as needed resolution.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I have needed anti depressants that was not my intention to push them aside, but when doctors keep throwing depression at you and you KNOW in your heart of hearts/Gut that there's something more to it. You just want to scream!
mary8990
02-15-2008, 12:00 AM
Hello everyone - this is my first post, but I have been reading for months. I've had Fibro for about 3 yrs but was just officially diagnosed in 6-07. To be honest I am at my wits end... my Rhuemy has me on effexor 37.5 and that is it. Tried Lyrica but my system could not tolerate it -- my hands and feet swelled so bad and my heart went to racing before I ever got a strong enough dose to benefit me. Have tried many many things.. but like most of you they do not work. My primary doctor had me on Hydro 10mg and I was able to live my life as normal - go to work.... take care of my family - - LIVE! BUT my primary doc has been out of the office for 3 weeks and I of course ran out of meds the beginning of his 1st week out -- so now 3weeks with no pain meds and I'm dying. I thought at first this would be a good test to make sure that I was not addicted -- everyone says "no" to narcotics for long term because you become an addict -- well I have news for them - - I was on them for over 2 years and I did not become an addict just a person that could function in the real world with everyone else. So anyway I was set up to see another primary today and he gives me the same story about the addiction and that he could not and would not give me a script for narcotics. He tells me he is here to help me long term and prescribes elavil to help with the neuro transmitters and fiorcet (a combo of tylenol and caffeine) to take 3 x a day IF needed for pain. IF... IF... I am in his office - -my right arm and leg are twitching like I am in a freak show, my blood pressure is up due to the pain level and I'm crying because I am so desperate for relief and he says IF. He asked me the old pain scale question 0-10 and I say "9" and he says IF. I told him my little experiment of being off the Hydro for 2 weeks (well now 3) with no withdrawal symptoms BUT many symptoms of pain and he said "well it is just too big of a risk". I take this illness very seriously - - I weight train every other day (except this week) I walk every day for an hour (yes, even this week) I watch my weight and diet. stretch every morning and night and try anything and everything these docs throw at me and yet I have NO control over how to control MY constant pain. So much more to say - - but hand is hurting way too much and I have to go to work tomorrow where I can try to answer the phone and be polite and type while being in pain.
Before I go I wanted to say THANK YOU - - I have read many of your posts and it is nice to know that I am not alone... although today I feel pretty alone.
And to ask for your advice - - what do I do now??? I feel like I have exhausted all my options. I live in the Charlotte, NC area and the temp is up and down like a roller coaster so I know that has a lot to do with it.
Thanks in advance for all of your welcomed comments.
Before I go I wanted to say THANK YOU - - I have read many of your posts and it is nice to know that I am not alone... although today I feel pretty alone.
And to ask for your advice - - what do I do now??? I feel like I have exhausted all my options. I live in the Charlotte, NC area and the temp is up and down like a roller coaster so I know that has a lot to do with it.
Thanks in advance for all of your welcomed comments.
bevann26
02-15-2008, 09:03 AM
welcome to this wonderful board! we all hear you when it comes to pain and everything else these fibromites do to us. just a suggestion, my rheumy is also my pain doc. i see him 1x month and if i need meds then, he writes me for 1 mos. worth.
by the way, could you tell me what lyrica did to you? i have been on it for 3 mos., tired all the time (the other day i nodded off while eating a sandwich!) plus i have put on 10 lbs. in 3 mos. when i asked the doc about this he said to try it a little longer, and everything should balance out.
best of luck in getting some help for your pain.......bevann
by the way, could you tell me what lyrica did to you? i have been on it for 3 mos., tired all the time (the other day i nodded off while eating a sandwich!) plus i have put on 10 lbs. in 3 mos. when i asked the doc about this he said to try it a little longer, and everything should balance out.
best of luck in getting some help for your pain.......bevann
tammym40
02-15-2008, 02:03 PM
Hi, I am sooooooo sorry your feeling like this. I know cuz I feel like it too on days.
I used to work, I am on ssd. It makes me feel useless sometimes, and my X husband used to remind me, that we need the money and I should work. So I do understand. I feel even guilter when he would say that. Dont they know we DONT want to feel like this. I want my old self back!! Then there the people who say,, she looks ok, and we feel like we are lazy, but we are not!!!!1
hang in there tammy
I used to work, I am on ssd. It makes me feel useless sometimes, and my X husband used to remind me, that we need the money and I should work. So I do understand. I feel even guilter when he would say that. Dont they know we DONT want to feel like this. I want my old self back!! Then there the people who say,, she looks ok, and we feel like we are lazy, but we are not!!!!1
hang in there tammy
Grapedy
02-16-2008, 05:19 PM
There are certain anti-depressants on the market, that for some unknown reason, help to decrease pain in FM patients. Remeron, Effexor XR and Cymbalta are the ones with the longest proven track record.
I'm on Remeron and it's taken at night. So it does three things for me. It halts the depression, helps the pain and helps me sleep. And all of that in one pill! Even though I'm showing no depression symptoms right now, I'm not going to stop taking it because of the pain help I get from it.
So again, don't completely rule out trying anti-depressants long term. Especially any of the 3 that I mentioned above. Nobody knows why or how, but these 3 work in such a way that it significantly decreases pain levels for most of the people who take them. I take Remeron for fibromyalgia. Not for depression.
I'm on Remeron and it's taken at night. So it does three things for me. It halts the depression, helps the pain and helps me sleep. And all of that in one pill! Even though I'm showing no depression symptoms right now, I'm not going to stop taking it because of the pain help I get from it.
So again, don't completely rule out trying anti-depressants long term. Especially any of the 3 that I mentioned above. Nobody knows why or how, but these 3 work in such a way that it significantly decreases pain levels for most of the people who take them. I take Remeron for fibromyalgia. Not for depression.
gorgee
02-16-2008, 06:17 PM
Mista0316,
Oh, you have been through a lot, as well as we all have. My husband does not understand. I wanted to let you know that I used to wake up with my teeth and upper jaw horribly throbbing, and also talking or too much talking can be extremely painful. It has gotten much better now that I am on LA med. It is not a roller coaster like it used to be. I take 1 pill every 12 hours. I have not been officially been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but my doctor feels I might be in the beginning stages of it. I have been disgnosed with tmjd and myofascial pain syndrome.
It is so helpful for me to read everybodies posts and know that I am not alone. We can help each other.;)
Oh, you have been through a lot, as well as we all have. My husband does not understand. I wanted to let you know that I used to wake up with my teeth and upper jaw horribly throbbing, and also talking or too much talking can be extremely painful. It has gotten much better now that I am on LA med. It is not a roller coaster like it used to be. I take 1 pill every 12 hours. I have not been officially been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but my doctor feels I might be in the beginning stages of it. I have been disgnosed with tmjd and myofascial pain syndrome.
It is so helpful for me to read everybodies posts and know that I am not alone. We can help each other.;)
kirstee
02-16-2008, 06:20 PM
It is time for a new search for an FMS doc. Alarm bells went off when I read your post elaborating on how your physician said this condition levels off. Apparently, he/she did not go to FMS school. You deserve to have better treatment by someone who really understands this condition.
Blessings,
Kirstee
Blessings,
Kirstee
mista0316
02-23-2008, 02:46 PM
Kass3175,
I know what you mean when you speak about your jaws throbbing. My jaws used to lock. My dentist gave me tricks for when that happens. He taught me how to massage my jaws and then add humid heat to them. It took a little while for it to stop but, I haven't had anymore problems.
Have you ever had two flare ups in a row? I had just finished a flare up 2 days ago and my back has been hurting sooo bad. My physio told me I am starting another flare up. I kind've knew I was but, I didn't want to acknowledge it. This morning I am hurting so much that I have to take it easy until it passes. He helps me a lot. I have to go to physio 5 days this week. He helps me through my flare ups.
I want to thank everyone for helping me through a lot and understanding the type of life that comes with fibro.
Wishing you all well,
M
:angel:
I know what you mean when you speak about your jaws throbbing. My jaws used to lock. My dentist gave me tricks for when that happens. He taught me how to massage my jaws and then add humid heat to them. It took a little while for it to stop but, I haven't had anymore problems.
Have you ever had two flare ups in a row? I had just finished a flare up 2 days ago and my back has been hurting sooo bad. My physio told me I am starting another flare up. I kind've knew I was but, I didn't want to acknowledge it. This morning I am hurting so much that I have to take it easy until it passes. He helps me a lot. I have to go to physio 5 days this week. He helps me through my flare ups.
I want to thank everyone for helping me through a lot and understanding the type of life that comes with fibro.
Wishing you all well,
M
:angel:
mfarmer7
02-26-2008, 05:49 PM
Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia on Weds. I already had dx of SLE, Kidney disease, Arthritis, & Raynaud's Phenomenon. I feel so lucky to have a Rheumatologist that is at a teaching hospital. (I have no insurance, but get reduced billing through their clinic.) After I explained most of my symptoms I said, "Do you think it's possible I could have Fibromyalgia?" & she flips my chart over so I can read it. She had already written it down! She listens so well & never makes me feel like I'm wasting her time (like SO many of my Dr.'s in the past "Get the stress out of your life & you'll feel all better"...) She prescribed my Elavil (amitriptylin) 25MG before bed & water arobic therapy. She said staying in bed can make you hurt worse & doing too much will hurt you too. Water is much easier on the joints. The amitriptylin helps you get restorative sleep & is a muscle relaxant. (people who don't know us like to point out that it's for depression, but that is usually a higher dose like 75mg and up. Besides, I think anyone dealing with all the pain would eventually get depressed. They're finding out that alot of people with Fibro don't get enough stage 4 sleep, so your body never has time to heal or feel refreshed no matter how long you sleep. I already feel a little better getting more than 2 hours of sleep a night. (My other doctors said sleep didn't matter, it was the least of my worries!) Sorry I'm rambling, just feels great to know that other people know what I'm going through. (I don't care who says it, throwing your clothes in the garbage, instead of the hamper is not "normal". :D Just a day in the life of fibro-fog :)
Best of luck to all of you! Feel free to write to me anytime your feeling down or alone.
Melissa :)
Best of luck to all of you! Feel free to write to me anytime your feeling down or alone.
Melissa :)
pulskaki
02-27-2008, 04:53 PM
Is there anyone who might be able to help me with the problem I have. I have a husband that refusses to understand that I have limitations My health doesn't allow me to do alot of things but my other half says tha I do not try or push my self. About 6 months ago I got very sick (and of course it was all in my head) I was in the hospital with bladder infections and the unable to empty my bladder. I have Fibro, Chronic fatigue, by-polar, 4 buldging disc, spinal stenosis, ddd,depresion, and of course I catch everything comeing and going. he of course never catches any thing. He has never been in the hospital of even sees the Doctor. When your body can't go any more how can I continue to push my self until I think that I am going to die. Please can anyone out ther give me any help? sorry that I keep rambling but I feel that I just can't continue to go on as I have been, Did I forget to say He is an verbally abusive Alcholic!!!!!
Can any one give me some good advise????
:confused:
Can any one give me some good advise????
:confused:
mfarmer7
02-27-2008, 10:51 PM
Hi. I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. I too used to live with a verbally abusive drunk. (He was physically abusive too.) I stayed for 6 years & had 2 kids by him. (I was 16, he was 25 when we met.) I was sick all the time & he'd call me names & make fun of me for being so sick I couldn't get out of bed. I did finally have enough courage to leave him when I was 21. I met my husband who has never ever hurt me in any way. We've been married 12 years. Now I find out I have SLE, Arthritis, Kidney Disease, Raynaud's, & Fibromyalgia. I've been sick for many, many years & felt like I could never tell anyone because the drunk made me feel like a hypochondriac! Sorry I'm rambling. Just wanted to let you know, you are not alone & I'm glad you're on here looking for help. Have a pain free evening, if possible.
Melissa
Melissa
pulskaki
02-27-2008, 11:04 PM
I Want to thank you so much for just listening.... I have been married now for 13years and they have all been this way I was diagnosised with Fibro 11years ago and it has been down hill ever since then. He is really OK when not drinking but that is only in the mornings... he does work and has had the same job now for 25yrs... yes we ar not young I am 50 years old now and this has been the worst year for me... I am still looking for information on Chronic Illness so that on a good day I might be able to help him to understand
KIM
KIM
Marywoo
02-28-2008, 06:24 AM
hi.i hope im not jumping in the wrong place.if so please forgive, im trying to get better but i have major brain fog. beleave it or not i use to be pretty smart.i just left my job yesterday i just couldnt do it any more i was working with special needs children,which i absolutely love to death, but my patience is now dwindling im only 48, im scared to death to snap at a child but the pain as u all probably know is unbareable. i feel sorry for my family but at the same time resent them for not understanding cant they see the house is a mess dont they know the old me would never impose on them?i have five dogs and a caique parrot 2 of the dogs are my 21 year old daughters, but i am the one to feed and care for them and i can barely move.i know i created this ,but i just dont unerstand there atitude. i honestly belave know one would ever fake this behavior its totaaly humilating.i cant belave the judements we get from other. sorry for ranting. anyway i was perscribed lyrica in september,and resisted trying it,but at this point have know choice.ive read what other people said about the side effects and im scared to death,not of the weight but of worst brain fog and swelling what do u guys think, any suggestions? please help im really getting desperate. hope you all feel better and im praying for all of us. mary
baserockermom
02-28-2008, 09:21 AM
Marywoo, I'm so sorry it got to the point where the job had to go. That is such a huge, huge thing. I love kids too and I'm the same age as you; the terror you're feeling is such a very logical thing. Anyone in that kind of pain who was losing so much of her life would feel the same way. Every member of your family would feel the same way. One of the best pieces of advice I heard was to mourn the losses and decide what you can have from here. To write all that down (with hands that hurt) and I think bluelakelady has it right on the accepting what you are today. I posted a very nasty "you'd have to fake it to live with the charmed ones" yesterday when I was at the end of my rope.
I think the family being oblivious to you is a really hard thing to go through. I feel the same way sometimes, until I read about people going through this completely alone. My husband still acts like I'm 22 and 120 pounds and can run circles around anyone. It's like he made a commitment somewhere to that ideal in his head. I don't think he means for me to feel so alone; I just think it is impossible for anyone to comprehend this level of pain until they go through it. I'm as good as estranged from my extended family because I dared to say I could no longer give the baby/wedding showers--they see me as a spoiled brat and ignore my husband's attempts to bridge the gap by explaining what I keep quiet.
I've been on Lyrica for three months. It was pure euphoria for the first three weeks--my husband called it the awakening. The euphoria waned just like the really tired feeling I had the first week on it. The first week on it we wondered if it was worth squat if it was just going to make me more tired.
But here is what is has helped: migraines (I've filled only one prescr in the last month vs. 4); neck/shoulder pain (somewhat less); traveling/shooting pain (less); urinating through the night/leakage (completely relieved it); fibro fog (gone--I'm not so often the joke of the family now); acid reflux (gone from day one after taking Pepcid Complete every night for years); tmj (gone for a couple of months; back now); sleep (can sleep through the night even with severe pains in my arms/hands, once I get to sleep); twitching eyes (gone); fatigue during the day (much better until I went up to 300; hoping the fatigue will wane again).
It caused one morning of dizziness/queasiness (for about 20 min); a week of fatigue; dry mouth after the dosage was upped to 300mg/day (arms/hands are still horrible; neck/shoulders still hurt); extreme depression when the euphoria/awakening waned.
It caused no weight gain, Marywoo, during the first couple of months. During the first month I actually lost 8 pounds--I had started exercising a few days before starting it and the exercise seems to be a great match with Lyrica. Losing the euphoria/awakening kind of tanked my desire to continue exercising and I've regained 5 pounds, but I don't weigh more than I did when I started it three months ago. I've lost no hair (that rare side-effect made me terrified).
Yesterday was an awful day for you, Marywoo. Give yourself a chance to heal. No one in your family but you understands how awful you had to feel to get to the point where you could let go of so much of what you love. Only folks who hurt that much can even slightly relate. You did fine with your family--you didn't create an atmosphere where people could be so cold. They just are not in that kind of pain and are not in a position to understand to the depth you need. My 19-year old was cold until his wrists would not stop hurting and he had gone through a year of pain/doctors. They don't mean to be so cold.
Take care, kiddo.
I think the family being oblivious to you is a really hard thing to go through. I feel the same way sometimes, until I read about people going through this completely alone. My husband still acts like I'm 22 and 120 pounds and can run circles around anyone. It's like he made a commitment somewhere to that ideal in his head. I don't think he means for me to feel so alone; I just think it is impossible for anyone to comprehend this level of pain until they go through it. I'm as good as estranged from my extended family because I dared to say I could no longer give the baby/wedding showers--they see me as a spoiled brat and ignore my husband's attempts to bridge the gap by explaining what I keep quiet.
I've been on Lyrica for three months. It was pure euphoria for the first three weeks--my husband called it the awakening. The euphoria waned just like the really tired feeling I had the first week on it. The first week on it we wondered if it was worth squat if it was just going to make me more tired.
But here is what is has helped: migraines (I've filled only one prescr in the last month vs. 4); neck/shoulder pain (somewhat less); traveling/shooting pain (less); urinating through the night/leakage (completely relieved it); fibro fog (gone--I'm not so often the joke of the family now); acid reflux (gone from day one after taking Pepcid Complete every night for years); tmj (gone for a couple of months; back now); sleep (can sleep through the night even with severe pains in my arms/hands, once I get to sleep); twitching eyes (gone); fatigue during the day (much better until I went up to 300; hoping the fatigue will wane again).
It caused one morning of dizziness/queasiness (for about 20 min); a week of fatigue; dry mouth after the dosage was upped to 300mg/day (arms/hands are still horrible; neck/shoulders still hurt); extreme depression when the euphoria/awakening waned.
It caused no weight gain, Marywoo, during the first couple of months. During the first month I actually lost 8 pounds--I had started exercising a few days before starting it and the exercise seems to be a great match with Lyrica. Losing the euphoria/awakening kind of tanked my desire to continue exercising and I've regained 5 pounds, but I don't weigh more than I did when I started it three months ago. I've lost no hair (that rare side-effect made me terrified).
Yesterday was an awful day for you, Marywoo. Give yourself a chance to heal. No one in your family but you understands how awful you had to feel to get to the point where you could let go of so much of what you love. Only folks who hurt that much can even slightly relate. You did fine with your family--you didn't create an atmosphere where people could be so cold. They just are not in that kind of pain and are not in a position to understand to the depth you need. My 19-year old was cold until his wrists would not stop hurting and he had gone through a year of pain/doctors. They don't mean to be so cold.
Take care, kiddo.