New here - just wanted to introduce myself

[Rhonda616]

Hi,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am in my late 30's, married, and mom to three children, ages 14, 11, and 6. I am a 3rd grade teacher in our local public school.

I found out about a year ago that I have fibromyalgia. I had a bad flare during last March and April, and that is when I was diagnosed me with FMS. It got better on its own thankfully. It's a good thing because the doctor wasn't really "in the know" on fibromyalgia. At least he didn't seem to be anyway.

About a month ago, I started having weakness, dizziness, and almost fainting episodes. Then the pain would come in my arms and legs. After the episode, I would hurt all day, and have to go to bed. I also started having headaches most every day, sometimes migraines. I was diagnosed with TMJ and acid reflux as well during that time. I have had 3 times when I had to get my husband to come and get me from work and take me get home. It was horrible!

I've been trying to find a doctor in my area who really knows and understands FMS, but I can't seem to find one. Today I went to a nurse practitioner who was highly recommended by an acqaintance that has FMS. I felt like she actually listened to me and actually cared. (for once). She changed some of my meds, and I will be monitored by her on a regular basis. I'm so glad to finally have a health care professional who understands.

I am currently taking the following meds:

Ziac (for moderate high blood pressure)
Darvocet (as needed for pain)
Singulair and Zyrtec (for allergies)
Flexeril (for muscle pain and rest)
Prevacid (for acid reflux)

I tried Lyrica a few weeks ago, but it made me even more dizzy, and it made me feel spacey. I have also been on Cymbalta, but the nurse practitioner today advised me to gradually stop taking it, as she knew someone personally who had died from taking it because there was some kind of dangerous drug interaction with other meds she was taking. That freaked me out! I didn't think the Cymbalta was doing much for me anyway, so I'm glad to be taking one less pill.

The nurse practitioner also showed me some findings about the ADHD drug, Adderall, being used for FMS. She has one patient who is doing wonderful and has stopped all other meds by taking the Adderall alone. Do any of you use the Adderall or know anyone who has for FMS specifically?

Anyway, I'm always a bit long-winded, but I am so proud to have found this site. Support is what I need right now, and I hope I've found new friends here.

Thanks!

[Marywoo]

Hi Rhonda,welcome I found your post very interesting,youve really got your handsful with 3 children and fulltime teaching job.I just recently stopped working myself,I was working with special needs children,and I have to say teachers are definately underestimated in this crazy world.their also way underpayed I notice people seem to think that teachers are overpayed and working in that atmosphere has taught me they are soooooooooo wrong.I dont know how you girls and guys manage I really dont. so god Bless you for that.anyway you mentioned adderall for fms,Ive never heard of that before but I find it very interesting,I sure could use a big push in the morning and coffee just does not cut it.I was surprised to hear you got dizzy on lyrica,Ive had such a wonderful experience on that drug.I sleep all night which I could never do before the nerve pain is much bettre,its just amazing to me how we all react differently to these meds.My girlfriend is taking adderall now for adult add,she seems to like it.well,you seem like a really nice person .so you will fit in just fine here,everybody is really great,and we all have this disease in common,good Luck rhonda,hope you have a great day. Marywoo

[baserockermom]

Welcome Rhonda. Sorry to meet you on a FM board, but I guess none of us really wanted to be here. That's interesting about the adderall--never heard of that. I got help from a nurse practitioner, too. Hope you get just the right mix to help!

[Glenda51]

Yes, I am on Adderall. Along with other drugs, lotrel (for blood pressure), premarin, just started Lyrica, flexeril at nite, prozac (which I'm going to try and stop), prilosec, and started fish oil again because looking back I think my pain was better when I took it. Alot of other people on this board think fish oil helps, too. I've tried lots of other drugs also without any significant relief.

I find the Adderall really helps me focus through the pain on bad days. When I don't take it, I really seem to give in to my feelings of wanting to stay in bed and do nothing. Adderall really helps motivate me to get things done. I'm a nurse and work 4 days a week so I have to get going in the morning. I don't think I could manage fibro without my Adderall. I never miss a dose because I can feel a big difference without it in the worse way. I started taking it for ADD, but I would recommend it for fibro, too. JMOPO. Good luck to you. BTW, I'm a young, white, 57 yo female.
Glenda

[sweetjerseygirl]

Welcome to our Fibro board, unfortunately i just came back from a long walk, so at the moment, i wont be saying too much to you, but i wanted to make sure you start to feel at home here. There are many wonderful people who are supporting , loving and very caring. So for now try and take it easy, which is hard when you have the three children to care for but the two teens can hopefully pitch in for you. But believe me some of us have children that either don't understand or don't care ! So take it easy for now, feel better and I'm sure you'll be hearing from me in the future soon enough