New here - Fibromyalgia Message Board

lovnhubby · 08-21-2004, 09:26 AM

I'm new here. 34 year old man. I think I have fibro, but can't find a doctor to confirm. they all just want to put me on anti-depressants.

Symptoms are, constant pain, all over, constantly fatigued, depressed, lethargic.

I was on AD's for two years. never really made any difference. I just need some help. I don't want to be on any more drugs.

Icefire · 08-21-2004, 10:11 AM

Hi Lovnhubby,

I'm with you on the anti-depressants. I won't take them either. Although I'm sure that they work for some people just fine, and there are some that really need them, I can't deal with the side effects. Most Drs. swear that it's a chemical thing and that's why we need the AD's. My opinion on that is, if they truly knew what it was and how to treat it, there wouldn't be so many of us in contant pain regardless of the AD's.

Chart your symptoms and ask your PCP to send you to a rheumatologist. It could be a few things that have the same symptoms as Fibro. You should have some tests done. Explain that you don't want to do the anti-depressants and ask for alternatives. Right now, I do mostly PT, massage, ice/heat and Ibuprofen 600. I have some good days, ok days, and horrible days but at least I'm not zombied out. I am starting to learn what makes it better and what makes it worse and hopefully soon I'll have more good days.

Unfortunately with Fibro, there are many things that work differently for many people. It's trial and error.

Good Luck and Hang in there
Chris

pa235 · 08-21-2004, 10:41 AM

What is it with drs and the anti depressants, that was first drug they put me on, was on three different ones with no help. Finally my G/P put me on anti- anxiety med. and that helped with the anxiety. Some fmers have a low tolerance to meds and I am one, I get every side effect in the book plus more, tried so many pain meds. with horrific reactions and now am afraid to take anything. I use my gel packs and those thermo care heat patches, the large size, see a chiro and this is my course of treatment. Believe me, some days I wish I had some meds. that would just knock me out.

Welcome to our group, Linda

la_brat · 08-21-2004, 12:05 PM

It seems that many doctors are following the belief that FMS is can be controlled by balancing the serotonin and/or dopamine concentration in the brain. Most anti-depressants play with these. The doctors are trying to find just the right combination that is right for you. From my experience with our daughters it is either an incorrection assumption or the balance is so difficult to find that it is only in the relm of luck that it happens for one patient and can't be preformed again on another person.

lovnhubby · 08-21-2004, 04:33 PM

Thanx all for the responses. It's good to know there are people who understand. I have tried massage with some success, but the expense makes it difficult. Pain killers do nothing at all. I can try the hot compress idea.

What about a connection between fibro, and sleep disorder. My wife says I snore quite badly, and suspects sleep apnea. Anybody with same experience?