[Naomi]

I was shocked to see that there weren't many posts here concerning fibromyalgia. Does anyone else have this?

[katytibbs]

I had some symptoms of Fibromyalgia but my diagnosis was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, I was extremely lucky....my holistic doctor figured out it was due to chronic mercury poisioning and since I have gotten rid of the mercery in my body, I have been much better. When I was diagnosed, I went disability for 2 and half years (used it one day a week and worked 4 - but barely crawled in those 4 days). Then I found a part time job I could work at home for 4 years. As I gradually got better, I increased my hours. Now, 9 years after diagnosis, I have not had symptoms in about 2 years.

I count my blessings. That disease was a curse, but hopefully, I have learned to take care of myself now.

[rick31797]

I am a 50 yr old male and have had this illness for 10 ys..started in 1996 but too 6 yrs and many tests to get diagnosed.So many different types of pain and hard to deal with. You lay down and it hurts..so sleeping is difficult..I have some arm weakness. but my legs are a real issue..
Cannot walk to far without having pain for days, and days..so i better not cross the line..I bought a Mobility scooter to make it easier when i go out but i am not out that much..I am a guy and Guys dont usually wonder the Malls.... I have learnt the first thing you need to deal with is sleep..U must get atleast 4 hrs.. So you will also need to control the pain as good as you can.. There is no such things as pain free and functioning..If you are pain free then most likely you are over medicated. I take Oxycontin for pain along with Percocett for break through.
. Unforuantely Fibromyalgia is very under estimated by people and Doctors,.. In this age we look at people and if they look good then they must be good. I probably did this myself. This makes it hard for people to get proper pain medication.
I hear of a Lady that had terrible Fibro pain and her DR would not suggest anything stronger than Tylenol extra strength. She suffered and then got cancer..She said once she got cancer she was able to get any pain drug she wanted..But the pain hadn't changed at all only her label. I am lucky my Doctor believes in me and supports me..Its a long road with this illness and i am not the same person i was.
I take it a day at a time, and hope for the best. There are many web sights on here that support fibromyalgia..This one i go to regular.Some good information..hope you have a better day.http://www.immunesupport.com

[katytibbs]

Originally Posted by rick31797

. I have learnt the first thing you need to deal with is sleep..U must get atleast 4 hrs.[/url]

I need more than 4 hours...I need 7 to 8. One of the doctors who treated me was a sleep specialist and he gave me medicine to sleep (which worked). I also got help from my holistic doctor. Even tho I count myself mostly recovered, if I don't get enough sleep my symptoms can come back.

I have read studies that show that if a person is sleep deprived, their perception of pain is increased.

When I was taking medicine to sleep, I took a benzodiazepine (either klonopin or ativan) PLUS melatonin. Now that I have stopped the benzodiazepine, I take more melatonin on the advice of my holistic doctor (9mg a night) plus I take an amino acid supplement that my holistic doctor tells me helps me sleep. I have read that Valerian can also help, but I haven't tried it.

If you are only sleeping 4 hours a night, you could get evaluated by a sleep specialist at a sleep lab, and they can figure out if there is something wrong they can help you with. OR you could try the holistic route. (I used both at different times, and both helped me.)

[DK615617]

Originally Posted by katytibbs

I had some symptoms of Fibromyalgia but my diagnosis was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, I was extremely lucky....my holistic doctor figured out it was due to chronic mercury poisioning and since I have gotten rid of the mercery in my body, I have been much better. When I was diagnosed, I went disability for 2 and half years (used it one day a week and worked 4 - but barely crawled in those 4 days). Then I found a part time job I could work at home for 4 years. As I gradually got better, I increased my hours. Now, 9 years after diagnosis, I have not had symptoms in about 2 years.

I was wondering how your holistic doctor got the mercury out of your system. And do you know how you got mercury poisoning?

[flibberlips]

I also have fibro.Last month my back pain was so bad i couldn't walk,but my sisters think im just lazy.I also have scripts to sleep.Lately i have a lot of leg pain,it wakes me up like every 20 mins.I also have a lot of other conditions so treatment is hard.