How Do You Manage The Pain of Fibromyaligia And/Or Chronic Fatigue- Suggestions??

[Anonymity]

If you have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or any similar/related conditions, I would like to know what you have tried in the way of pain management?
Therapy, medicine, exercise, meditation, etc??

Thanks in advance!!

[Libby353]

I have had CFS for over 10 years and have probably tried every therapy out there. I am not going to list them all, but I will list the ones that I find have helped me: yoga, pilates, guided imagery or visualization, extra B vitamins, CoQ10 (vitamin), and upping my lean protein. If things get really bad pain wise, I go for a hypnotherapy session with a friend of mine who is a hypnotherapist and I also sometimes take the muscle relaxant Norgesic Forte - but only when my muscles get out of control painfull and only for a day or two that is it. I do not like being on meds, my body is extremly sensitive to medications so I also am not a big advocate of Anti-depressants.

[Anonymity]

If you don't mind, what brand of B vitamins and Co10 do you take and how much?? Also, what is guided imagery, and what is hypnotherapy? Thanks!!

[Esoteric]

I think that much of managing the pain of FMS comes from managing your life. First of all you need to come to grips with the fact that the rules have changed. If you were superMom or super Dad or super person before, you need to cut back on your activities and change your lifestyle a bit.
All abuse of the body must stop, because frankly your body has had it's limit of abuse. If you have participated in social or daily smoking, alcohol and fast food consumption, it's time to stop. Allow your body to detoxify properly by drinking 2 quarts of water every day. Supplement with some good vitamins. A B complex and CoQ10 are good ideas. Calcium, magnesium and potassium will help the muscle spasms. 5htp will help depression and sleep. There are other supplements that can help support your body also.
Take a good hard look at your lifestyle, and give up anything you can. How many meetings do you attend? Are they worth being ill for? Time to let someone else serve. Maybe you can keep your favorite one. If you are a Type A personality, relax. Learn how to do less. Your house doesn't have to be a showcase, and you don't have to look like a model every minute of the day. Do less. Sleep more. I have read that FMS people do well with protein.
All of these things will help the pain and fatigue. For stronger pain, soak in a hot tub of water for 15 min. Lay on a steam heating pad. I used a blend of essential oils called PanAway, that really helped some of the muscle pain. Deep neuromuscular massage really helped reduce my pain. Others don't like it deep, but a more gentle massage. I have had success with acupuncture. Chiropractic visits have helped keep my back aligned. These are just a few things. If you haven't had a chance to read a book on FMS yet, I would recommend reading a couple. They are full of good information. I don't agree with everything written, but we are all different. What works for one may not for another.
Please note, that I'm not saying you are any of the above Personality traits I have mentioned, but they are things that need to be changed if they are a part of your life. Gentle exercise, especially walking is good. Caffeine can make your pain stronger.

[Anonymity]

Esoteric- Your post gave me some great ideas and a few questions, too. Do you have specific recommendations for a B complex and CoQ10 such as brand or ammount? I am unsure what 5htp is? Any idea where I can buy PanAway? Do most massage therapists do neuromuscular massage, or is that something that I need to look for a specialist in?
Thanks so much!!