I have fibromyalgia and live in pain all the time?

Question

I have had chronic pain for 20 years my back and neck and back bone are touching bone on bone due to deteration and all the dr say they cant fix it with surgery so I have about 20 medications to take every day but I want some other answers than pills to get through the pain I suffer from severe depression too Thank you

Answer 1

I have Fibromyalgia and have been living with this condition for 33 years. when I first got it they didn't even know what it was. I understand the need for medication for pain, but it seems like twenty different medications is far too much and can make your depression much worse. I have tried every type of treatment available.

I do take Paxil for depression and for sleep. I only take pain pills when necessary. If I took all the medicines the doctors want me to take I would be just like you.

What I have found helps me the most is deep tissue massage therapy. Nothing else can replace it for me. I get massaged about three times a week. If you could try this you might find a change in your pain pattern.

I take a Multi vitamin every day Which helps with the energy and gives my body nutrition it cannot receive from food. I also take Co Q10 in soft gel form, 100mg a day. This also helps with my energy.

I have written an article about Fibromyalgia that is far too long to post here. It has advice for self care. I've enclosed the link for you to read.

If you have any further questions or just want to talk to someone with your condition contact me.

Best wishes,
Billie77

Answer 2

I am trying to do some research on natural remedies for FM, to help control the pain and symptoms. I haven't found anything yet, but I can't say I have been studying like I normally would. Of course just don't have the attention to 'do it' like most FM'ers. I also take a significant amount of pills, and I am not comfortable with this either. I'm scared about 'where I go from here'.. as I am very paranoid about becoming an addict (And there *Is* a diff between being dependent and being an Addict.

I'm tired of all the pills, the diagnosis of depression (who wouldn't be depressed?? While they were in severe and chronic pain?) The question is, did the depression come first or the FM first?

I wish you all the best in your quest to find other treatments. Not an easy road, I'm finding, however I do hope the end result will be worth all my effort.

Answer 3

I've suffered from fibromyalgia for several years with no relief and at times couldn't walk. Last year I went on the six-week diet makeover by Michael Thurman (low-carb diet) and exercised daily with stretch bands. After a couple weeks my pain went away! I couldn't believe it. Of course you don't need to purchase this diet for it to work! It's just a low-carb diet. I think the carbs is really what would cause my flare-ups. Limit all sugar and processed food as well as caffeine. Do stretches everyday and get good sleep (a comfortable mattress is a must). Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not sleep well and that will cause your symptoms to worsen. If your having sleeping problems then check with your doc to get on the right medication to treat it. Have the doc check your B12 levels. I receive a B12 shot monthly and if I'm even a few days late I become very achy and sore all over. Meditation is good but it's hard to meditate when your in pain. So try and get the pain under control first. Also, never sit in one spot for too long. Hope this helps!!

Answer 4

I am so sorry. My sister had this same condition, (she passed away last June due to heart problems).

As a Massage Therapist, I worked on her a few times and helped her pain level. But she lives in PA and me in another state.

I am suggesting that you schedule an appointment with a Massage Therapist. PLEASE, make sure that this therapist is Nationally Certified. He/she will know how to treat you for pain management. Also another great way that is a non-contact healing is Reiki. It is a form of healing through energy work. It is a very old Japanese technique and YES it does work!

You may call a pain management clinic and ask if they can help you find these two types of therapists. Some Massage Therapists combined Reiki (shoulds be at least a lvl 2 to perform this) into there practice. If you have insurance it may cover it. If not, it can be expensive but will be well worth your money spent if it helps you to alleviate the pain and possibly help you begin to get off some of the meds you are on. Which will balance out the cost.

It is not a cure only a helpful nudge towrd releif. It wil help remove the toxins built up in your muscles from being so tight all the time and Reiki will align your body's energy flow to help you heal, emotionally also.

I wish you all the best! I watched my sister cry from being in so much pain that I felt like a part of me was dying inside. Nobody should have to suffer that way. Massage & Reiki will help you!!! PLEASE give this a try. Look for the Nationally Certified Therapists (NCBTMB)

Best wishes!
Elvn

ps- Here are 2 sites to help you find a Therapist in your area and a Reiki Practioner/Therapist in your area:
http://healing.about.com/cs/reiki/a/reiki_us.htm
http://www.ABMP.com
(with ABMP look for "find a Terapist" )

Answer 5

I also suffer with this. Many do. We are not alone. However. I have found great relief for day to day living. I do have my bad days and you will. But in 6 months I got off all those meds that only mask the condition and make you feel worse. My pain management dr give me what is called Caudal Epidural under floroscopy. I got to an out patient place. They put me under for a few mintues I get this block. I wake up and go home. The next day I am out in my garden on my knees. Walking the mall and no pain killers. The depression I am taking Lexapro. the best. Worked in 3 days. I do have break throughs but the issues have to be really serious . I feel wonderful mentally and physically Please try it...

Answer 6

my husband has fibromyalgia and he tried accupuncture and he said it did work, but he coudlnt stick with it because of the cost. The drug i would take for severe depression is elavil it acts as a depressant and a sleep aid. For pain management they suggested exercise and flexeril. hope this helps

Answer 7

Elavil is a good drug of choice. It not only is an antidepressant, but it also helps with deep nerve pain.
Cymbalta is a combination drug with an antidepressant in it and a pain reliever too.
Muscle relaxers can also help.

Answer 8

Today happens to be Fibromyalagia Awareness day. Log on to www.fmaware.org. You may find some answers and support there. My daughter is 15 and was diagnosed last year. I my self have Lupus - SLE. We can both relate to how you feel. We both have decided it is simply a life change and we forge forward. If you feel you are not benefiting from your current treatment consider seeing another doctor. Good Luck

Answer 9

mild exercise along with either bowen therapy or accupuncture is one of the best ways to manage it