Older Mom w/Fibromyalgia

Fredericka - posted on 03/28/2010

Hi Cristina! I can understand your situation. If you can find a support group near you go to one! Cymbalta is a great anti-depressant that helps with the nerve pain of Fibro. I have been on it for about 6 yrs. I have , for the most part, got the fibro under control as long as I have the cymbalta. I was on lyrica but had to stop it because I was swelling in my legs and arms as a side affect. Many of the support groups offer meetings for family members of fibro patients I hope you can find one near you. it will help your husband cope and give him the information he needs to help you.

Carole - posted on 03/28/2010

Hi Christina,

I have fms since around 2000. I suspect that extreme stress may have bro't it on?? I do pretty well...a good part of the time. I do take an anti--depressant, a pain pill, and sometimes a muscle relaxer. Also have some arthritis, restless leg syndrome etc. Try to pace myself and manage fm. What medicines are you taking?/ When diagnosed, at that time they put me on a low dose of an anti-depressant to help my pain threshold. Now I take a larger dose since later I started having depression and some anxiety I think. I am retired which helps me manage this disease.

What about a part-time job..do you think you could manage that?? Probably would depend?? I like your sense of humor...but it doesn't feel funny, does it. ... but might has well have one! lol huh?!

Christina - posted on 03/28/2010

just wanted to say hello my name is christina. been dx with fms for 14 yrs. after a long search for a dx for 1 yr after c-section with last baby. had a real bad uti and then allergic reaction to sulfa. anyway, my husband of almost 18 yrs now is having trouble with me not working and the s/s of fms mainly the depression. oh well as my mom says tie another knot in the rope and hang on. lol :)p))))

Valerie - posted on 03/24/2010

I am a mom of 2 and a grandmom of 2. my daughter is 30 and son is 10, grandsons are 9 and 4, I have fibromyalgia arthithis and screws and plates in my neck, really bad lower back pain, to top that off, but still going strong, you can email me at cyberaries@yahoo.com. I am Valerie almost 49, in a few days.

Fredericka - posted on 03/24/2010

Weight gain can make the pain worse but being overweight isn't the cause. I have a big disagreement with a older MD here about it. I asked him then why do skinny people have it too. He just sat there and looked at me. I told him it was time for him to retire if he was that out of touch with the medical world.He now does physicals at the local health department

Paula - posted on 03/24/2010

I have a Grown daughter (35) & my son is almost (30)..I have fibromyalgia...& have had it for years..I'm in worst pain now though than I have ever been..ofcourse (I THINK) my weight might have something to do w/the pain I'm in..yeah I've gained weight over the years lol..geezzhh!! Hang in there g/f..I Just put it in Gods hands EVERYDAY just to make it thru to another day!! TC & GodBless XOXO :-)

Fredericka - posted on 03/24/2010

My mother has fibro and my sister is showing symptoms.

Carole - posted on 03/24/2010

hi everyone,

How many of you that have fibromyalgia have a close relative that has fibromyalgia?

One of my daughters probably has it..but has not been diagnosed yet.

Fredericka - posted on 03/23/2010

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/ba... This a great site for information Carole! I took what you wrote and Googled it! I have bookmarked it for futre reference

Carole - posted on 03/23/2010

You know these conversations are very interesting to me. On the Prohealth web site, they are saying now that research shows that fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disease.(I would say if that is the case, theres a problem there with the nerves & pain pathways in our body???) It kinda makes some sense to me...but I am not a doctor etc. Can anyone add any more thoughts or comments to this and the earlier comments about vitamin D???

Fredericka - posted on 03/23/2010

Cheryl me too. FM education is improving. Drs are getting more informed and research has come a long way toward treating the syndrome than where it was when I was first diagnosed. My ex was a Medical technologist when I was diagnosed and he said it was all in my head. I doubt I would have gotten a Dx if it hadn't been that my MD 's wife had just been Dxed You have to find what affects you in a negative way and what helps in treating FM for you. Each person is slightly different and what works for your mom, sister, or child might not work for you. I have clients who swear by the benefits of massage for FM but then I have family and friends who cannot handle massage. For some Vit D will help but for others they might as well eat M&Ms. Body weight has no affect on healing FM. I know people who have lost all extra weight and still have the symptoms and those who have never been overweight who have it. So don't let your dr tell you that you just need to lose weight. It is a myth. You just have to experiment and find what helps you personally. I have eliminated many trigger foods from my diet. I have also learned biofeedback and relaxation techniques both help in their own ways. I take Cymbalta for depression and it helps with the pain also. Lyrica causes me to swell so I had to stop taking it. I try to do without the OTC pain meds because of liver damage. I take very little pain meds. I use stretching on good days and not so good days to help keep trigger points from developing. but on the bad days I have to not do them or do just the easiest ones because I would end up in too much pain to function. I hope this helps you a little. I was Dxed when FM was still considered by most dr's and others as more mental than physical. It took me a long time to find someone who would listen to me and try to find the best tx to help me. i did most of the research myself and took papers and research to my dr myself.

Cheryl - posted on 03/23/2010

Hi,
I have 5 children 2 adult children, 2 teens and 1 6yr. old. I was diagnosed with F.M. about 7 mths ago. I used to think it was just a "made up" disease until I read more about it and my dr. explained it to me better. It's very frustrating but I've learned to deal with it the best I can. I just wish more people would learn to understand it better so they don't think I'm nuts!

Fredericka - posted on 03/23/2010

Joan I remember this from Anatomy class and Keneisiology in school I am going to get some Vit d this week!

Joan - posted on 03/23/2010

If I remember correctly vitamin D helps the body maintain the thin sheaths over the nerve endings. When our bodies dont get enough vitamin D these nerve endings get thinner and thinner until the receptors they cover catch all the hormones particles that produce pain sensations which then translate to the brain significant pain. Even though the sheaths maybe thin (when we actually fell the terrible pain) taking vitamin D can restore the sheaths, I am a walking example having been paralyzed at times from FM. Native Americans know most diseases begin with and are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In my research I also found vitamin B19 helps with cancer and turns out Dads sage advice to use zinc, potassium and magnesium are the very same minerals used in the now popular ladies face powder. Taken in supplements they are great for your skin (so said my late Father, John Ernest Oates, a rock-hound and geologist. Remember I speak from my own experiences, I am not a Doctor and i am not practicing medicine. I encourage you to do your own research!

Carole - posted on 03/22/2010

I have read the same thing about Vitamin D. And vit. D is sometimes needed when you take other supplements such as calcuim to help with absorbtion( i mean it needs to be taken with the supplement. In the summer if we are outdoors and not wearing a sunblock...we can get vit D also. But it especially is a problem for many people in other seasons.

Carole - posted on 03/22/2010

I agree with you Fredricka.

Joan - posted on 03/22/2010

Hi, Ihaveh ad FM for a very long time. My Doctor worked with me closely and we have found for me 1000mg Vitamin D each day has restored my life basically. Yes as 48 I get up with the normal aches and pains but the chronic deep pain is gone. Hope this helps some of you, if you research you will find in North America about 70 to 90 percent of all of us are vitamin D deficient. Also check out what all that effects...

Fredericka - posted on 03/22/2010

My dr told me I most likely have had fibro since my early teens. but was treated for symptoms not the base cause. It is always good to talk to a well educated md about overall pain. Ask Questions about what the dr thinks of fibro as a diagnosis. Make sure they are not unbelievers of the syndrome befroe you even see them. Many of us can tell horror stories about drs who just didn't think fibro was a real condition and would tell us we were lazy or mental. You have to find someone who knows what they are talking about. Just because a dr doesn't agree with research doesn't make them right.

Carole - posted on 03/22/2010

Hi Donna,
Sorry to hear about your pain. I agree with fredericka that you need to see a doc.
You might have fibromyalgia or some other problem.

Fredericka - posted on 03/21/2010

Donna you need to find a rheumatologists and have a work up done.

Donna - posted on 03/21/2010

My name is Donna Wilson. I have unexplainned pain in most part of my body.I have for awhile now. I am a preschool teacher at a nearby church. Some days I cant even let the kids hold my right hand because it hurts too much. I have 2 grown kids and alot of pets

Fredericka - posted on 03/21/2010

Hey Carole I wish we could do the motor cycle riding together. Ricky had a Ventura Royal touring bike before we met. But was cut off by too men who were driving drunk and totaled the bike. He had to give up the bike to pay bills since his best friend was out of work for several weeks after being thrown. I would love riding behind him and we both miss it .

Carole - posted on 03/21/2010

Sorry to hear that....hold on to it if you can. Maybe you can enjoy it later.

Carole - posted on 03/21/2010

Theresa...there are times that I agree with you! I have good days and bad. Stress is a problem...I am doing better(sometimes I think that??) handling it then before..but sometimes it is a problem. I am a christian...and asking the Lord for help helps me many a time. Stress makes us worse doesn't it? I realize that I have to accept my stressing out over things that other people won't stress out over ...as part of my problem. And I need (if possible) sometimes to go lay down or get away from the stress. That's me. Sorry I have bent your ear.
I understand (altho I don't know your exact circumstances) fibro as many others who have it would. May the Lord of Heaven help you today.

Fredericka - posted on 03/21/2010

I am in the midst of a flare right now so yes fibro sucks! I haven't had one this bad in a while. I take Cymbalta and my pharmacy / clinic hasn't sent a refill in 4 weeks now. I have been pushing through until this weekend but I can't do anything today. I have checked with my pharmacy several times a week and I was told even last Monday that they were mailing it tuesday but still no pills.

Cathy - posted on 03/21/2010

Lots of kids and 4 grandchildren have had fibro I think forever!! Depression Arthritis PTSD and anxiety!!! Yuccccccccckkkk!!!! The Arthitis is fairly new I thoght on days i would die from the pain of fibro adding the Arthritis has done me in !!!!! I have to fight everyday with my depression.. which came first the chicken or the egg?? Doesnt matter anymore....Tired of being in pain and yes most dont believe me....Im 56 and on disability, which of course helps financially but sux to not be out working...cant vacuum,reach the cabinets bend down clean the tub etc..I do have a younger boyfriend he picks up the slack both financially and cleaning...however how long before he doesnt belive it...been down this road before.....TIRED TIRED TIRED!!!!

Fredericka - posted on 03/20/2010

Be careful taking OTC pain relievers over a prolonged period of time. I had a friend who did and they killed her liver. this happened before FM became well enough known and researched. I am convinced she had it too.

Carole - posted on 03/20/2010

Congratulations on your upcoming new grandbaby. Let us know when she or he is born. I go help my daughter with my grand daughter off and on while she is working. Lifting and carrying her does cause me pain. I take an anti-depressant called effexor, a small amt. of anti-inflam. pills(don't know how long i will take these tho) muscle relaxer sometimes. Never tried some of the meds you mentioned. One of my doctors is a DO/

He is real understanding of fibro. A good listening & informed doctor is really necessary, isn't it? I will say a prayer for you...we all understand where you are..& care.

Carole - posted on 03/20/2010

Sorry to hear of your fibro. I think a lot of us have complicating other physical problems such as arthritis, disc problems, bursitis, etc. Sometimes I think that causes more problems than the fibro. I also get what some call fibro fog? Can't think clearly...can't handle too many tasks at the same time etc. Do any of you have fibro fog?

Julie - posted on 03/20/2010

man that's a dream. we have a golding also and love it. unfortunely we ar ein finacial trouble at this time and unable to get new tires and up keep it needs. Have fun

Theresa - posted on 03/20/2010

hello Carole
I'm Theresa and i have fibromyalgia and it really sucks

Carrol - posted on 03/20/2010

hi vicki, i am carrol i clean up the place around here no one eles does after watching five grandchildren bye monday you can immazine it is house cleaning day for sure.lol i love all my children and my grandchildren and i wish they would pick up after there selfs and they will not i have a granddaughter i tell her not to eat in the bedroom but almost everyday there is candy papers in the floor and i did not eat it...

Fredericka - posted on 03/20/2010

The hardest part for me when diagnosed for FM was the disbelief from those who I thought should care about me. I have my good days and bad days. lack of rest or stress puts me into a flare still so I have to guard my rest time and protect myself against stress. I found that Massage makes a marked difference for me but each person is different and you cannot have deep tissue massage when in a flare. But positional massage and stretches make a world of difference. If you consider going to a massage therapist ask lots of questions about the therapist experience and training in FM massage. you have to communicate with the massage therapist about what kind of day you are having. I have been blessed to meet several well trained massage therapist in my life. One in particular literally saved me from ending up totally disabled. I strongly encourage any FM patients to find a therapist with FM training. I got what I got in school by being persistent in asking questions and talking to everyone who would listen about what they had found in their practice and finding what worked for me. My ex did not believe me when I would be in pain and couldn't get things done around the house which made the depression worse adn he did not stand by me when I asked the children to help so all of those things made the depression worse and the stress harder. I just refused to give up. If anyone is near me I would be happy to help in any way I can with massage and basic advice on herbal remedies. Just add me in FB and we can talk privately there. hugs to all. Fredericka McAndrew LMT

Theresa - posted on 03/20/2010

I hate this.. (fibro) cause it gets worst with the weather change so it seems . Also i have a weight limit. so i cant hold my grand kids cause they are to heavy. :( I've been on lyrica and it didn't work. left a metal taste in my mouth and everything tasted terrible . i was on loracet but i have a different doctor and she WONT and if i ask her she will drop me and i will have to start all over wit doctors . Right now i'm on tramadols, and flexerial both do nothing for me anymore . I've been seeing a pain doc but no change i have to deal with the pain it seems like.I have a bulging disc at l 4-5 and nothing they can do with that either it seems . Ive done shots and all they did is make me gain weight , I've had the spine joint shots and now i go in for a lumbar rhizotomy on the 29th .
So i feel like i get no relief from and pain. I'm always in pain. On top of all this Depression . wooo hoooo

Sue - posted on 03/20/2010

Hi, I am 49 yr.I have had FM for about 10 yrs now.After I was treated for Breast Cancer & my mother died all in a 9 monthe period. I have 3 sons, 31,29, & 9 plus 5 Grandchildren. I also have several other medical conditions along with the Fibro,including Arthritis. I had back surgery a year ago. I have exhausted the use of Lyrica it worked well for me for about 3yrs. Tried Savella on 2 different occations, but I just could not tolerated it at all. Now my pain managment Dr. has been giving me for the last 6 months or so a combo of Neurotin(?) & Methadone..NO I'M NOT A DRUGGIE...LOL Never have been never will be.It is working really well & very cost effective. My mother also had Fibro some 15 yrs. ago so still wonder about heradity. Better close for now.I too am very glad to know I am not the only one who can't get her house work done.

Theresa - posted on 03/20/2010

Hi
My name is Theresa and i have fibro.I'm also a mother of 4 .I have 3 girls and 1boy, my oldest is 27 and the youngest is 20. I have 3 grand daughters and a new grand baby on the way. (I hope its a lil girl :D ) Most of all I hope the baby is very healthy.

Fredericka - posted on 03/19/2010

I was diagnosed over 10 yrs ago with fibromyalgia. I was going through a lot of stress from my failing marriage and my children having trouble dealing with what was happening to me. I was in pain all the time and could barely function. All I could do was cry because I wasn't able to sleep and did not have the support of my husband. He even told me I was a fake and liar. I had little to no help with house work and was constantly being fussed at for not feeling like working around the house. Depression set in and I was in a very low mental state, I got help through my nurse practitioner. she sent me to a counselor and I was put on anti depressants. Fibro is one of those syndromes that are diagnosed through a process of elimination. there isn't a test that definitively says you have it. I found myself praying to die because the pain would not go away. I am now mostly pain free. I take only an anti depressant and receive regular massage. I am also now a licensed massage therapist. you can get through the pain and come out on the other side if you keep trying everything that is offered for pain control. I do not take pain meds at all anymore. I have biofeedback training and use it

Julie - posted on 03/14/2010

Hi there: I am a mom, gramma. My husband and I have 4 children between us. We have been remarried for 8 yrs . Out kids are grown and out on there own. well sort of. Anyway, we are raising my sons son. He is a very active 4 yr old. I have fibromyalgia, DJD, torn rotator, and need a knee replacement. So, let me tell you I can relate to all of the grandparents or parents that have to live with pain. But, still be responsable for children. It is not easy. Recently my Dr.put me on Sevella which is for fibromyalgia. Seems to let up alittle But, I have not really been on it too long. Anybosy need to chat just email me emerald19592002@yahoo.com

Bonnie - posted on 03/14/2010

Hi, My day has fibermialgia, I sell all natural health products that have helped him trumendousley, Give me a call or email me personally so I can answer any questions you may have..
603-826-3650 bonnierumrill@comcast.net

Caroline - posted on 03/14/2010

HI,

I have two grown children 31 and 27 and I found out I had FM in 2002 and it really did change my life. The first one being I could no longer work full time so had to look for other ways to pay the bills. I now work from home doing destination weddings, travel and I have an online mall. I find this works well because if I am having a bad day I don't have to do anything. I also found out I have psoriatic arthritis at the same time so that really effects my feet and hands a bunch. I find that water therapy works well in conjunction with a tens unit. I am PT two days a week for 6 wks right now, but when summer returns I will be in my pool at home so will not need the PT because my Dr. wrote a prescription for the tens unit to be able to have one at home. It is small enough that it will fit on my belt so I can even shop, dine, go to the movies ect with it on if I need to. I look forward to more chats on here with everyone.

Carole - posted on 03/14/2010

I am so sorry to hear about your nerve pain..I don't have much experience with dealing with nerve pain. Can I ask what caused this pain? I have heard of 'tens' but don't know how effective it is. On the prohealth web site message board (fibromyalgia and the chronic fatigue part) there have been comments about the tens machine.

Do you have people that can help you with your kids when you are feeling your worst?

Have you been to a pain doc?

Betty - posted on 03/13/2010

I would love any information anyone could share about how to handle the every day pain and 2 teenagers. I have chronic pain due to tramatic nerve pain and there are those days where i just can't handed both the kids and the pain.

Tanya - posted on 03/13/2010

Joyce I will be glad to tell you what supplements have worked for me and others I have recommended them to. Email me and I can tell you. tanya.boozer@veterans-for-change.com

Tanya - posted on 03/13/2010

I am 45 and have kids that are 26, 24, and 15. Diagnosed with Fibro in 2005 but had it long before than; it was caused by service in Operation Desert Storm. Lots of us gulf war vets have it, CFS, MCS, and like conditions and have helped each other find ways of dealing with it along with supplements to take that really help. You are welcome to email me if you want and I can tell you about that. Anyone who wants can email me. It can be really frustrating if you were once very active and "queen of the world" and are now not even close!
We are never given more than we can handle, although it does seem like it at times.
My illnesses have helped me be more compassionate of others and I have come to think of them blessings, in a way.
I am weird, what can I say!

Carole - posted on 03/13/2010

That's good the Aleve is helping you. If you take several times a day every day...and have been taking them over a period of time.....you might want to have your doc(if you think you need to) do some blood work on you to make sure it's not effecting your kidney or you liver enzymes. That's only if taken a lot. Just a thought.

Hope you are having a good week-end.

Terri - posted on 03/13/2010

Hi,
I also have been diagnosed with Fibro. I don.t like pills that make me dopey and have found that Aleve is the only over the counter medication that helps take the edge off the pain. You can get a prescription dose called Naproxin. I also get the store brand that cost much less. I will continue with these as long as they help.

Kim - posted on 03/12/2010

Hi ladies, I was just stopping by to check a couple of things and saw your post. I'm on my way out the door in a minute so I don't have time to tell my story but I would love to keep in contact and have a support group. Long story short - diagnosed last year, have 5 yr old son (love of my life), going through divorce, 43 yrs old. Talk to ya'll soon. :-)

Carole - posted on 03/12/2010

My you have fm for some time, haven't you? Don't know how it will go taking trips on the m. cycle this year??
How are you managing this syndrome? I have good days..and certainly bad ones. I am older ...a retiree . This last year my arthritis has worsened....looks like more joint involvement and my shoulder seems to be the most painful right now.
I hope that we can chat again. I will send you a private message.

Carole - posted on 03/12/2010

Do you have a doctor? Do you take anything for the pain or an anti-depressant which in a lower dose may help to reduce your pain threshold? Having children to care for. . must make it harder to manage. My kids are grown which helps. I pray that God will help you. Carole

Linda - posted on 03/12/2010

have a 6 and 3 year old and just found out I am dealing with firbromylgia. I don't know what to do sometimes, I just hurt and other times it isn't so bad. Any and all information would be helpful