Great questions and interesting responses (what a variety of experiences we have all had)
Have had fibro since 1984, about 21 years; has worsened since serious back problems and surgery about four years ago. Been disabled for about 4 years.
Rarely have even several hours where I am not in pain. Never really thought about having several days in a row without pain.
Things that help: (somewhat in order of help)
+prayer/faith in God/the prayers of others (helps also with anxiety/depression related to chronic pain)
+pain meds (mainly provided for back pain; LA narcotics)
+elavil and muscle relaxers (doc uses diazepam [valium] due to muscle spasms)
+the encouragement of fellow-sufferers, like yourselves. I don't underestimate this; we share this "common thread" in our lives.
+sleep meds (ambien helps a little bit, sometimes)
+hot baths, stretching, ointments (these provide limited relief, sort of last resort)
+use to benefit from massages, but can no longer afford
+things that distract me (good movies, time with kids, some good laughs, a good meal with friends)
I've had symptoms of FM most of my adult life. But I also have an underactive thyroid and suffer from depression. It's hard to separate them. I was diagnosed with FM last summer when I pushed my docs for a diagnosis. Now I have arthritis and degenerative disc disease. So where do the other diseases end and the FM begin?
Lately I don't seem to have any good days. "Good" meaning pain free. But, again, is it the pain from FM or from the arthritis? I do cycle and it seems related to the weather patterns. My fibro fog seems related to my sleep. Better sleep, less fog. And, contrary to what I've read, my FM seems to be getting worse. Although, it could be my "other" diseases.
The things that help are my three time a week rehab class at the YWCA. In a pool of water 90 degrees warm. I also take diclofenac (NSAID) in the a.m. and p.m. But when I really want to feel good, I take Ultracet. It knocks out most of the pain. My doc doesn't want me on it on a regular basis, tho. I try to monitor my sleep. I know that's directly related to how I feel. If I have a bad night, the next night I take Ambien. I also take one-hour naps during the day when I can.
I was diagnosed with Mono in 1997. So a little over 12 years I have been feeling this. Bed ridden for some time. Felt awful. Took many months to get back to a somewhat normal life from the supposed mono. However, I have never felt the same since..and years later after many doctors my brother in law (also a doctor) seemed to think it was CFS. I have been to many doctors as symptoms arise and it seems that there are no true answers. I think a vegetarian lifestyle has been the only real positive find for relief for me. Massage helps too. Pneumonia happened earlier this year and I have developed pleurisy. Very frustrating for a singer. Anyhow. I am returning to a vegetarian lifestyle now after eating meat for the last few years. I am also going to try and cut down on sugars and coffee. Try a more natural approach. Any tips on what kinds of foods to try to feel better? I am all ears.
