Does anyone out there have fibromyalgia and how do you deal with the pain and the depression?

Question

I have had fibromyalgia for three years and it is getting to the point I don't even want to get out of bed anymore.

Answer 1

I have Fibromyalgia...have had it for years now. Some days I hurt SO bad I dont even want to get out of bed, but have to because laying there too long hurts too. Yoga helps alot as someone suggested. Swimming helps too. Big thing is to try to keep moving, cuz if you dont it just feels worse.

I am on different pain meds and muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, plus I have tried many diff combos. Right now I am on Effexor XR which helps with serotonin production, which can help you cope with pain, and helps the depression from not taking over. Im on Robaxin, a muscle relaxer, Baclofen, for spasms, Trazadone to help with sleep, Estazolam, a sleeping pill, two different types of morphine for pain, Ritalin for energy in the day time, Levsin for the IBS. There are a lot of newer meds out there but my insurance wont cover them so I am on a lot of "older" type meds.

My Fibro specialist recently told me he wanted me to try something called 5-HTP..hydroxytryptophan(basically a safer version of L-Tryptophan)...he said it helps with serotonin production as well and said in combo with the Effexor XR it may help. I wasnt able to afford it for the longest time...but I did pick some up last month finally, and took his rec. dose of 4 100MG capsules a day, and I have to tell you I really felt a whole lot better on most of the days this month so far.

Another thing he suggested, strongly, is to stay away from Aspartame...diet foods and drinks with Aspartame, and to use Splenda. He never explained this to me tho...but a couple months ago I watched a DVD called Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World. Up until then I continued to drink the diet drinks, specially Crystal Light. After seeing that video I did an experiment, I stopped ingesting anything with Aspartame in it and I felt about 90% better, more energy, less pain, more sleep(which is a good thing for Fibro sufferers)...I drank only Kool Aide with sugar, and Diet Rite and 7-Up Plus which both use Splenda. I stayed off Aspartame for a couple weeks, and then tried another experiment...started drinking the Crystal Light again...and within a day or 2 felt like crud again. So now Ive been off it for almost 2 months now and in combo with the 5-HTP and the meds I take Ive been feeling pretty darn good. Ive included a couple good links to check out for Fibro sufferers, which have helped me.

Also if your insurance covers it I highly recommend Ambien CR. Mine doesnt cover it but you can get a free 7 day trial from their website. It has 2 layers, one to help you fall asleep quickly, and the other releases slowly to help you stay asleep. Worked wonders. Also Lunesta helped a bit too, and you can get a free trial there too. (You just need your Doc to prescribe the trial amount, and you take that and the voucher you get from their website to the pharmacy and they give it to you.)

Hope this helps...feel free to email me if you have any questions....I'll try to help any way I can, including just emotional support and a friend...because its rough not having someone who understands what it is you're going through.

Also call your local Arthritis Foundation and see if they can put you in touch with a local Fibromyalgia specialist. That is how I found mine, and he is wonderful. Its SO nice to have a doctor believe what you are going through and know how to help!

Answer 2

Yes, I have it. Was diagnosed 3 years ago but realized at that time I've had it 10 years plus. Basically, I am doing great. I take nothing at present for it. I keep very active. I mow lot of yard--walk it-not ride. I have hurt so bad I was in tears--I didn't feel like mowing but forced myself to do it anyway. In 20-30 minutes, came in house feeling so-o-o-o much better. I also fine soothing music helpful. I have one song that I love and I sometimes have played 100 times--over and over and it relaxes me. I have even drank some wine to help relax me. Haven't read much on it lately but was told by my doctor that sleep--deep sleep--helps the pain. I have found this to be true. If you want to talk to a fellow fibro person--e-mail me. Click on my avatar and name and all is there. Good luck to you and yes, I know that I am one of the fortunate ones. I will always listen. You can complain all you want Ha Ha.

Answer 3

Fibromyalgia is unexplained pain. What maybe happening is your body is missing important chemicals from the lack of a nutrient and/or chemical that is normally produced by one of your glands or organs. The Adrenal Gland producess over 150 substances used by other parts of the body. When those substances are no longer being provided because no or low output by a gland, pain, and other problems, are usually the results.

Supplementation is a good start! My suggestion is Himalayan Goji Juice! It is known to aid in normalizing gland and organ functions, and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee!

www.goforgogi.freelife.com (And, I can be contacted through this link)

Answer 4

I have a close friend with fibromyalgia. She teaches highschool english to seniors, goes to church on sundays, visits play houses often in the evenings. She is living the life. How? Every morning she has to struggle with herself. Part of her says it hurts, part of her says you have to get up. Every morning she gets up and begins doing yoga. Her yoga relieves her tension, and she is able to carry out her day. Try finding some books on yoga, or join a class. Heck, just try stretching in the morning and see what happens. Activity is the only cure. Keep fighting, and don't give up.

Answer 5

My brother was diagnosed with this several years ago...he is taking the drug that Jimmy Kimmel takes for narcolepsy. I am sorry but I cannot think of the name but it is HIGHLY successful in dealing with the issues of this ailment...google Jimmy Kimmel and you should have no trouble finding it...ahhh provigil; that's it...works great from all I hear. My brother is back from the edge of dispair..oh yes, he also takes wellbutrin. BUT the provigil was the first step on his road to recovery. Ask your doctor; it has to be better than the hell in which you currently find yourself. Good luck.

Answer 6

I take horsetail, vitamin c with vitamin e and it seems to be helping me. Horsetail can be found at a herbal store. It strengthens the muscles and joints where you hurt the most. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and I am doing wonderful now. I still have bouts with it, but they are not as bad as they were.

Answer 7

There was a very interesting article in Science News about this and what is being done about it, 2 weeks ago.

Answer 8

Take multivitamins and have a deep tissue massage every week!