Could you please give me some information on Fibromyalgia?

Question

My wife was recently diagosed with Fibromyalgia. In a way it was a relief to us to have an anwer to all that was going on, but now we start down the long road. We have already gotten some information from our doctor and from the internet. Other web sites on this will be helpful, but I would also like a first hand perspective. Advice and experiences from those who have this as well as those who live with those who have this will be greatly appreciated. Thank-you.

Answer 1

Try webmd.com

Answer 2

Sorry to hear about your wife.

I have had this for a long time, but was finally diagnosed in 2001. I have learned a lot through trial and error and hope you find it helpful.

Chuck, for you the best you can do to help is what you are doing now: support her, believe her, and love her. GOOD JOB TO YOU!!!

Now, for your wife, here are some things I've learned through personal experience:

I am a sleep late whenever possible person - or I was. I can't do it anymore. I can not sleep more than 8 hours (or attempt to sleep, your wife will understand that, lol). If I lie in bed, sleeping or just trying, for more than 8 hours, I end up in more pain, so I get up, do what I can, and take a nap later. Taking a nap does not cause pain.

I have read that some believe the pain is caused by chemicals in our bodies that don't get flushed out like they should, so they settle into the muscles and cause pain. A hot shower really seems to help "wash away" some of the pain. I think the heat helps get the blood moving and it takes out some of those chemicals that accumulate and cause the pain.

Avoid stress when possible.

Avoid high humidity - that makes me fall down faster than anything.

Be up front with friends, family, employers. Some of them won't believe you're sick -- don't let them bring you down. Be honest and let it go. You can't make them believe you, and it will only stress you out.

I used to take meds, but each one caused side effects which led to more meds, and more side effects -- I'm sure you get the picture. I noticed that whenever I took an over the counter menstrual medicine (Midol or Pamprin - or generic) I felt better, so now that is all I take when I need it.

Massage therapy helps immensely! I went to massage therapy school so I could be my own boss, and found a great side benefit - my pain is greatly reduced!!! I still have bad days, but they are much better.

Make sure your dr is supportive. Some of them don't believe in fibromyalgia.

I hope this helps.

Blessed be,

Gypsy

Answer 3

I have two Aunts with this, and myself the doctor has narrowed it down to either Fibro or Sarcoid. What I have discovered from my life now, and watching thier's, is that your biggest challenge will be weighing your options out. There is no "treatment" for these diseases, only the "symptoms" they cause. Depending on symptoms, most Dr's will want to treat with steriods. My family and I have now opted to go all natural ways, as the effects of steriods did not help our state of minds. When you have an immune disorder you can feel like your body has turned against you, afriad to go into public because something might set off a reaction. If you take that, and then add steriods which can cause significant weight gain, then, your risk for depression certainly can increase. The best thing YOU can do for your wife is this. Learn balance. It will take some time and patience to learn what sets a reaction off, and how to avoid it. The trick for you is understanding you might have to do more and be there for you wife in ways most relationships don't have to worry about. The hard part? Not smothering her in that, and learning how to be respectfully protective and helpful. We don't want to live in a bubble. Above all, don't lose patience with you wife. There can be days where she is so tired, she'd rather die then get out of bed. Both of you remember that is something that came to her through no fault of her own, it can be learned how to work with it, and it does not have to control you. Don't focus on what she can't do, but on what YA"ll can do together in spit of it. Seek out an herbaloligist if the steriod factor comes up and worries you. I an go on and on. Just keep searching the net and you'll find pretty much all you need!

Answer 4

I think massage therapy helps. There are trigger points for the pain. So maybe try some trigger point therapy. Also Myofascial release. She should stay active with about 20 minutes of aerobic at least 3 times a week. Stretching everyday. Also getting good restorative sleep. I have a client with Fibromyalgia. She has a hot tub and says that helps.

Answer 5

Hi Chuck, I can't speak for everyone else here, but I tell people that I make fibromyalgia suffer from me, not vice versa. I was finally diagnosed with it about two years ago after more than three years of pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in my arms and legs. Treatment for FMS is more of an art than a science, but what I finally found to work for me is 800 mg. of Aleve and a 1000-mg. flaxseed oil capsule every night at bedtime, and a homeopathic herb called Arnica as needed for flareups. The links below should be helpful. Give your wife best wishes from all of us here who have FMS.

Answer 6

I've had fm since 2000. It won't kill u but there is no cure. The pain is horriffic most of the time. For me there r times I can't walk without using a cane cause I start walking and next time am on the floor. if u want a good web sight go to fibrohugs.com it's awesome lotts of info for the person that has it and also for family members.
if u want to talk more email me [e-mail]

Answer 7

Fibromyalga is an arthritis related condition. This condition is generally characterized by generalized muscular pain and fatigue. The treatment in general is usually by arthritis medication. On advice from your Doctor he at times may recommend therapy at times to help with the pain management resources available to you as well. Since your family member came down with it, you may be eligible as well for SSI (social security supplementary income) as well as maybe even medicare benefits or even medicaid benefits. Look into it.

Answer 8

formerly you get a analysis of FM you're able to ensure you have each and all the coverage you go with. no longer purely life coverage yet in addition long term care coverage to your later years. as quickly as you get that analysis you could no longer get coverage. i've got been grew to become down for all varieties of coverage by way of fact of my FM analysis.

Answer 9

You can start at the website shown below.

My wife has it, and it can really be dehabilitating. Hers seems to be brought on by stressful situations, so limiting stress can be a key.

Answer 10

Thisis a new diagnosis falling in with chronic fatigue syndrome and similar diagnoses. In other words, we know little about it.