I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as a result of an allergic reaction. I have significant swelling in my joints, which seem to be closely associated with changes in weather or severe weather. Most everything I read about fibromyalgia talks about muscle issues, but mine is purely in the joints, though I did react pretty strongly to the 'pressure points' indicative of this disease. I cannot live forever on pain killers and anti-inflammatories.
2006-07-04 10:47:52 · 4 answers · asked by irishpoetslove 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are many steps you can take to understand your condition and manage your symptoms. Treatment is focused on managing pain, fatigue, depression, and other symptoms common in fibromyalgia in an attempt to break the cycle of increased sensitivity to pain and decreased physical activity. Every person may respond to a different combination of treatments.
Treatment may include:
Medicines to help you sleep better, relax muscles, or relieve muscle and joint pain. Medicines your doctor may suggest include tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), anticonvulsants (also called antiepileptics), mixed (or dual) reuptake inhibitors or, less often, nonprescription pain relievers.
Exercise therapy to relieve sore muscles and increase energy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you learn to manage your pain.
Home treatment is also a vital part of managing fibromyalgia. Your efforts to get regular exercise, improve your sleep habits, and reduce stress are as important to your treatment as any medication your doctor may prescribe.
2006-07-04 10:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by vidodido 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure you have fibro? You should seek a second opinion as fibro does not cause joint pain or swelling. Yes, you can have pain in the joints, but the pain is more commonly in the soft tissues of the body. To "test postivie" for fibro, you must rule out other autoimmune disorders and have at least 11 of 18 most common trigger points.
What you describle is very typical of arthritis--welling in the joints that's effected by weather. Did the dr do any blood work? If not, get a full work up done to include rheumatiod factors, ANA, CBC and viral load. Fibro doesn't show up in blood work but arthritsis does.
Get a second opinion.
2006-07-05 13:52:10 · answer #2 · answered by Just Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haaavee had fibro for 7 years and was on 200 vicodin a month. I finally weaned myself off with no side affects. You sound more like arthuitis(not spelled correctly) but you know what I mean.My joints do not swell but in cold weather you reaally suffer. I use a heating pad, electric blanketetc. warm baths plus you need to geta good nights sleep.
2006-07-04 10:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by rose w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just walking is what helps me the most. It doesn't have to be "power walking"-just something that uses your body and gets it moving.
2006-07-04 10:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by noitall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋