I have had fibromyalgia for about 8-9 years. I can have many good days in a row when I get good sleep and don't overdo it. Although for the last 2 years I have been dealing with back issues and only get about 4-5 hours a night sleep so I am in constant bad cycle. The best treatment I have found is excercise like swimming, something not stressful on your body. Balancing how much you do in a day and I have taken Ambien at night for about 3 years to help with sleep and until my back problems got a good solid 8 hours, and now think it is the only reason I get 4-5 hours. And learn to say NO. My personality is to help anyone who needs help. I volunteered at school etc. I learned quickly to say no when it got to be to much because it would only result in a bad 3-4 day cycle. Not fun.
Barb
1) How long have you symptoms of FMS or CFS?um, since 7th grade which would mean about 4 years
2) The most good days in a row you have experienced? Does it cycle?I seriously don't know. Not too many. And I don't notice a cycle, but then again, I haven't paid too much attention.
3) What treatment have you found that works? Can't answer this because I haven't found anything. Of course, my searching ability is limited because I am still under my parents and they think there is nothing that can be done for this pain...
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Diagnosed with:
Fibromyalgia
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Tachycardia
High Blood Pressure
Nummular Eczema
Depression
Esophagitis
Solar Urticaria (but not officially yet)
I would say around twenty years it seemed to kick in around the first time i was pragnent (at 18). I had very few days in those 8 months when i didnt have a migrain, i was really happy to not go into my ninth month. and other achs and pains seemed to follow soon after.
2) Whats the longest period of good days?
well from what i have noticed that seems to depend on how meny days in a row i can get my boss to give me off.
i noticed a few times when i've had a week off such as when i stayed home with my daughter when she had the flu, by the end of the week i was feeling a lot better then most days,
however the day i went back to work by end of the day i was back in so much pain it brang tears to my eyes. I had my boss cut me back on hours so i bring home only what i need to get by. now i work about every other day.
although im still in daily pain, i dont seem to loose compleate use of arms wrists and leggs, knees. for days at a time like i used to. I was so board at home that i had her put me back on full time a dealt with it the best i could for a couple weeks, and used the money for a pc so i wouldnt go nuts sitting around the house. Im greatfull to the pc, but i dont think i could do it again, cause that was one of the worst weeks id ever had by the time it was done.
from what i understand you just have to learn your limits and not over due it.
dont know if that really answers you.
3)treatments helping?
Hmm well I just found out for sure that its FMS however Im one of those that are very very sensitive to drugs. most of them have tryed sence they have thought it might be FMS have left me with hot flashes and running to the bathroom sick the second they have hit my bloodstream. then i nomally spend the next half of the day laying wrapped in a blanket laying on the floor in the bathroom so sick to my stomach that i just finally fall asleep there, its a good thing i have a two bathroom apt. im at the point that im getting very scared of trying anymore meds.(and im already aware, of a few things ive been givin in the past for other things that im very allergic to. that have landed me in the hospital) so the idea of trying one thing after the other to get help scares me. and so far the no good results have come of it. yet at the same time you cant sit around and do nothing about it, so i guess i keep trying.
1) How long have you symptoms of FMS or CFS? ~ 8 years
2) The most good days in a row you have experienced? Does it cycle? 5 days wooohoo, and yes, it cycles, or flares.
3) What treatment have you found that works? acceptance, respect for my own limits, modified pilates and walking, I do not take meds as for me it is of no help, so I just end up hooked AND in pain. Feverfew can be of mild help, low fat, sugar and carb diet. No msg, no dairy, no processed foods, especially meats. I guess lifestyle modifications, no cleaners, perfumes etc etc.. and of course visiting this board
I have been official diagnosed since Mar. 2003 but was having symptoms for years before that. Have been really bad since Oct.2004
I have only about 3-4 good days in a row. The first day I can feel I'm getting better the second day I really feel better and by the third day I'm starting to cycle down again. No particular cycle this has only happened twice since Oct.before that it was hit or miss.
My treatment is Ambien and Muscle relaxers and Ibuprohen if I want to take it I also take Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus and I try to take a few vitamins (I ususally forget them)
I was dxed with myofascal opain 22 years ago and Fm a year later. About 5 years ago was dxed with costochondritis. Mypain has spread, my flares are coming closer and lasting longer. What fun!!!!!
Hugs to everyone, Linda
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pa235
Fibromyalgia
Myofascal pain syndrome
Costochondritis
Arthritis, cervical and thorastic
How long? Diagnosed in 1993...have had symptoms before that, but, I think the 3 car wrecks and 28 hours of labor brought it out quickly.
The most good days? 3 days tops, I was going to just answer, good days, what are those?!
Treatment that works? For me, I have to put it out of my mind, place it somewhere else, if I think about it too much, I'll take myself to the ER for some relief, hot baths, lots of ADVIL, because I don't take anything else for pain or to help me sleep.
Most of the meds that we would take for fibro, present with way too many side effects that make it twice as hard to live, don't get me wrong, if I could, I would be on pain pills, but, I'm not.
Let's see, I was dx'd in Nov, 2002- but I had very noticeable symptoms in the prior year..and looking back I had symptoms for at least 5 years prior, but they hadn't been enough for me to think something was seriously wrong!
Good days used to come-and be weeks at a time. But the last year I don't think I have had more that 1/2 a day where I felt good at a time.
As you can see from above answer, I, at this point, am not doing anything that is making a big difference. I do stretch , and have a hot tub so use that for a lot of my stretching. I have a big house and yard and dogs, so I try my best to do active things daily. But somedays I admit to doing more resting than activity. I do take vicoden for pain, as OTC's weren't doing anything.
I also will freely admit to being hesitant to "try" drugs to treat this. My doc tried the amitriptiline when I first was dx'd, and the side effects were bad for me...and I didn't sleep even with raised dosages...Valerian root helped me sleep better! I asked him at time of Dx for tramadol ( ULTRAM) but he thought the side effects from that were bad, and gave me vicoden. Now after 2 1/2 years, it makes him nervous that I am still taking vicoden! Well, I just look at him and say , "I STILL HAVE PAIN". I am getting a negative attitude about the medical community and this illness. I try to remain open minded to them...but I have decided that only I know what I feel and believe to be true...regardless of the diploma they may have. And until they figure out the cause or causes for this syndrome. I remain cautious.
LOL Sorry for the speech...I just got going on this today- and I have a doc visit coming up, so I am preparing I guess!LOLOL
1) How long have you symptoms of FMS or CFS?
Have had it almost all my life ( im 50 yrs old) but wasnt diagnosed till about 6-7 yrs ago or so. Before that, it was misdiagnosed as possible lupus, growing pains when i was younger, a few other wrong diagnosis . then i was diagnosed with fibro/cfs by three different doctors within a 6 month period.
2) The most good days in a row you have experienced? Does it cycle?
am in pain 24/7, goes from very bad to severe, never really any good days per se.
3) What treatment have you found that works? after many many different meds and combinations what works best for me is a mixture of lortab taken with a muscle relaxer (soma) at the same time. I take elavil for deep sleep, and cymbalta in the morning supposedly to lessen pain even more and help with moods and energy. I also take a few other meds as per needed such as clindex for IBS when that acts up, or lorazapam for anxiety attacks. I also take long hot baths, have started pilates and walking. Am always so fatigued and in pain tho. Talking about it, or rather venting on here lol with people who understand really helps ALOT as well. I also get massages as needed.
Symptoms for nine years. Diagnoised for two years.
2) The most good days in a row you have experienced? Does it cycle?
Three days in row is the most good days I've ever had. I don't notice a cycle except that sometimes when I have a good day, I overdo and it makes me extra bad for a week or so before it levels out to my normal pain.
3) What treatment have you found that works?
Pain meds work to take the edge off the pain but not enough for me to walk without my cane. I take trazadome for assistance in sleeping and usually can get 4 to 5 hours a night. I also take a variety of meds for my IBS, meds for anxiety and depression. Nothing really works well but it works just enough to keep me moving.
The greatest thing that has helped me is the acceptance of FM and CFS and looking for the good things in life. I guess I'm just trying to make the best of my life that's left and realize how very lucky I am to have the support and help of my family. I know that many people are so alone and have to cope by themselves with this DD.
Thank you to all who responded, I basically was looking for others who have found treatment that works?*!* And hopeful that your sharing gives all of us some tips and encouragement and maybe new ideas that we may not have thought about in our journey with FM/CF.
Those of you on or tried Guaifinesin- Has it worked for you? Is it hard to be consistant with label reading? Has taking it caused a recession of all symptoms? Has anyone gotten through far enough to be just on a maintenance program with it? Are you taking are doing other things with the treatment protocol? Or just on Guaifinesin?
This is my response to the questions:
1) How long have you had FMS/ CFS and/or ?
I thought it had started in October '03, when I became so ill. However, now I know that I have had CMP since an young child and FMS symptoms off and on over the years. Tho, the actual diagnose for FMS was May '04, for CMP was September '04; and for FM/CF was November '04.
Thought I'd add this to #2: Definition of good day for me is minimal pain or none, lots of energy to where I can smile and laugh almost feeling like my old self, and no brain fog to deal with most of the day
2) The most good days in a row you have experienced? Does it cycle?
and
3) What treatment have you found that works?
(I realized that I answered both together.)
After treatment was started in May by pcp, I had 1 maybe 2 days in a row in a month, then it went to no good days again.
In November '04, I started seeing a specialist, after the first treatment there was 4 good days in a row, then in December after treatment, I had another 4 good days. After traveling to Southern CA for Christmas I came home sick with a bronchial illness that kept me down through mid January.
So, from December '04 into February '05 I had no good days, just bad or worse. Due to this fact, I made an appt down with the specialist, where lab work was done, to see what was wrong.
In March, thru a phone consult with the doctor the results of the lab :a Compromised Immune System and along with several Infectious viruses in my blood. Started treatment of antibiotics, anti-fungal and Heprin on March 17th, my first good day was April 1st, I over did it, and stayed up too late, so the next day I spent in bed. Sunday I felt a bit better, then last Monday through today have been my best days since I October of '03!
That has been 7 good days in a row, first I want to praise God, second I praise the doctor and staff, too.
Also what works for me was being deligent in changing my diet, eliminating processed sugar, flour, starches, processed food and preservatives. Having physical therapy, 1 to 2 times a week with massage therapy, pool therapy, learning relaxing technics, and proper breathing technics. Also joining a support group.
Does it cycle? I had heard the term used, so I put it out there...
I have heard it used in St Armand's Book on Fibromyalgia and Devin uses it in regards to the CMP. I only have experienced cycling with regards to CMP, with the pain that comes with it. Through different times of the year and hormonial.
Through your posts, I see such a need for more doctors to become equipped to know how to treat and help with this illness, and I see the sadness of not finding relief, yet. Please, don't give up, please keep searching for what will help you to feel better.
I see the doctor on the 20th, again and am hopeful to have continued feeling better then I have, I will let you know as I continue the treatment process.
3 weeks, usually cycles with the weather and with my emotions/stress.
Prayer. Neurontin for burning, Percocet for myofascial pain and flares, Wellbutrin for depression, concerta for short-term mem loss. Flexeril as needed for sleep, but have been sleeping ok lately. Chiropractor visits where he does myofascial release and "pops" my spine, whatever that is called. I go once a week and also to an art therapist for counseling for chronic pain. She worked through the grieving process with me and now we just talk about whatever. I would not be doing as well as i am without a wonderful pain mgmt doctor and physical therapy that I now have only as needed. My mood plays a big part in my symptoms. I I am also unable to sit on hard chairs or task chairs without my shoulders and neck getting painful which can also cause a flare. I try to sit up straight and I sit on my balance ball alot. My goal is to start a walking program.
Right now prayer and the chiropractor are making the biggest difference.
Thanks to all who wrote, no one has written yet with positive results using Guaifinesin, if anyone knows someone please have them share...
I have great news, I am on my 12 day feeling great, my doctor found the underlying problem of FMS for me and the treatment is working!
2005 is the year for FMS and CFS, I believe that they are close to finding the true culprit of this illness and it will become a desease that is treatable, not a phantom syndrome that it appears to be.
Please don't give up, keep updated on the ongoing medical advances out there and share the info with your doctors.
uvm
hi ukiah girlfriend,
glad you are feeling better.
i started this facinating, mind opening journey over 10 years ago. i have had entire months of feeling good. i attribute it to fresh air, exercise and attitude.
i balance diet, western medicine, eastern medicine, and herbs. i am cautious about the words "cure" and "cause".
this is a good thread. well done little sister. i am pretty sure i am open this wednesday if you want to call or come over. we resume group on may 15th. hope to see you soon.
peace and love,
bluelakelady
It used to cycle but now it seems to be constant. At least the pain is constant. It is not always in one spot. As far as the fatigue: there are some days when I have tons of energy and then I try to catch up on doing the things I missed doing. The next day is not good.
I don't take any meds on a regular basis. They do not agree with me. I will take Aleve but it doesn't do much. A hot bath, a heating pad and a good nights sleep is all that helps.
People have different degrees of fibromyalgia. Some people can make it thru the day with certain over the counter meds. Others need lortab, plus muscle relaxers, (where im at right now simply because i refuse to go to oxycontin, even tho my doc thinks id benefit from it) then there are those who are on oxy and still others on morphine. Its not that some can stand pain better than others, but that that there are different degrees of fibro and the other symptoms that go with it.
They say its not a progressive illness, BS , trust me. It might not be progressive in that you will die from it, but progress it does. I used to work full time in an elementary school office for 10 yrs (with fibro) plus teach teenage bible school on sundays plus attend church service 3 times a week and held the church treasurer position as well.
I had to give all that up ten years ago, starting with my job, slowly having to drop one thing after another because of the pain, and fatigue, the fibro fog and all the extra goodie that go along with it. Four years ago i ended up with shingles all on my tummy and around to my back. Doc said it was stress from the pain and fibro. Since then ive gone downhill. Pain has become too severe at times even tho i do my stretches in tears, i still do them. Three weeks ago, my legs, both of them gave out. They felt like they didnt belong to me. They felt like they were seperate part. Doc said it was the fibro, ran an MS test again plus other tests to make sure we werent missing something else. She has studied fibro and says it is on the rise.Or maybe more people are just finally getting diagnosed she says.
I used to feel like i was in a competition with others who have fibro. If they were doing this and that i felt i should be able to do so as well and pushed myself and when i couldnt , i felt a deep guilt and confusion and paid the price for it. After a long talk with my doc, i no longer feel that way. I do what i can, push myself as far as JENETTI can and feel good about it. I am in competition with the fibro, not with others lol. I dont embrace fibro, I never have and i never will. i didnt ask for it and i wont allow it to win over me nor will i become fibro. I will fight it till the day i die. I dont love it, like it or embrace it, but i work around it and when i do i feel like i pulled one over the enemy lol. i laugh behind its back. Ive had fibro/cfs since i was in my teens, but wasnt officially diagnosed till in the 90's. Im turning 51 this july so had it for a very long time before it was diagnosed. But i feel good that even with fibro, i worked my ten years at the elementary school and got to help alot of children, that i also had an antique and gift shop ( one dream fullfilled YEA!) for two years that i co-owned with my sis till i got too ill to be able to do much there, because of me, we sold it. Felt guilty but life goes on. Now im my parents caretakers. They dont live with me, they live 5 miles away. But with my hubbys help (he goes in to work at 2:30 pm) he drives us to their doctors appts. I do all their paperwork at my desk, medicare, pay their bills, run errands, schedule their appts, work closely (in keeping tabs and paperwork) with the pt's and home health providers that come to their home. I also do research for my sons sat morning cable tv christian talk show that runs in austin. Plus help my neice with research (computer) as well, shes studying to be a pharmacist and ohhhh the work they give them . she also works at a pharmacy so she doesnt have much time. I pull out the research, she does her papers. Fibro says i cant concentrate and my back and neck hurts, i say fine, i can take breaks and STILL get the job done and have, HAHA!
Hubby and i go to movies once in while when i feel well enough, or we cuddle up on the sofa, rent a video and relax. My whole life has changed. I wont/cant say my life has gotten better because of fibro, heck no. i want it out of my body. But i can say, i work around it, play tricks on it, get satisfaction when my body says youre too sick, its hurting too much to go to a move, i can say so what, i cant cuddle with my hubby at the theatre can i? , but i sure can cuddle with him on the sofa and lay up against him, stretched out while watching a video. and i smile, because i will say to myself, you failed fibro, THIS is much better than a hard seat at the theatre hahaha!. Fibro will always be my enemy. but as long as its here, i have free will and free will does not tire out!, besides, im stubborn as a mule, bet fibro didnt know that did it? HAHA.
Jennetti
Hi, having been pretty sick with FMS, I truly understand what you are saying and it can progressively get worse, I have experienced those days where you feel like you are on the death bed, where there is not one place that doesn't hurt, and you can hardly stand up, you feel like you might fall flat on your face.
This illness has been one _ _ _ _ of a ride, I bet for everyone who has it. I don't know if its a sign of the times, for there seems to be so many out there with this, that it seems like it is an epidemic in our area, how about you, do you know many who have it in your area?
My doctor that I see in S. California believes that there are underlying causes that if not treated will cause the symptoms to worsen. He looks at the blood work and addresses the issues, even the ones that are in the low of the normal range. The underlying cause for many is a Compromised Immune System causing havoc at the cellular level within the body, this includes the blood, our large and small cells and the central nervous system.
I have researched some of the viruses that showed up in my lab work, and hypercoagulation, along with the Immune system. I found it very interesting, and hope to encourage everyone to take a hold of their own future and do the same. My copies of what you can and take them into your doctor or request your doctor to check out the sites.
I hope that more doctors will become more aware of FMS and help their patients to live with hope with this.
BBL, Hi, thank you for the FYI and the welcome back...I will be in touch. I still have no brain fog!! No brain cognitive problems, I ache a bit today...I think that I over did it this last weekend...having felt soooo gooood! Plus, started the (.) today...no flu symptoms, that's an improvement.
I hope that you have recuperated from your travels?
uvm
hi ukiah,
doin' my best. inside my mind all is lovely. the body is still what it is. good some days, tired others. i am so glad you are doing well! i spent yesterday in the fog. had to go out to do errands. thankfully there are alot of wonderful people who will step up and help when the fog leaves me with lost time. i had fun trying to get thru the day of errands. planted flowers when i got home and watered the gardens. today is a day without fog. i get to stay home and play today.
love you,
bluelakelady
