Fibromyalgia?

My Dr. just diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I had my surgery July 2004. Last winter I kept thinking I was getting the flu. Everything hurt from my muscles to my skin. Also have bad stiff neck and a bit of a sore throat. I guess I am going to have to find some kind of meds to live life. I do hair and had to reschedule people twice this week. I am really scared. I have also gained 20 lbs since surgery It seems like I have no stamina for exercise; my muscles are weak. Anyone have anything similar or have any suggestions what to take? I am on .05 Climara patch. If I had it to do over I would have never had hyst.

Brenda

Hi ((((Brenda))))) I'm so sorry you're dealing with this

While I've never been formally diagnosed with fibromyalgia (my official diagnosis is "arthritic pain" because all the tests came back negative) most of my symptoms are consistant with fibro symptoms. Among other things, I will have these flares of all-over, flu-like pains. When this happens, it's hard to put one foot ahead of the other, let alone exercise!!!

Have you been referred to a rheumatologist? They are the specialists who are most likely to be knowledgeable in this area. There are meds available and there are also therapies that can help you deal with the stress that usually results in fibro flares. Some members have had a lot of success dealing with pain management clinics. Here's a link to our Auto-immune Disorders Resource Library where you'll find links to website specialing in Auto-immune issues. FMS is an auto-immune disorder just like Diabetes, Arthritis or Lupus, to name a few. Furthermore, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also associate with FMS.

One thing that I've noticed is that exercising does help to manage the stress and may help avoid a flare-up. Also, during a flare-up, I try to exercise a little as it helps with the pain. But I do make sure to try and fit in as much rest as I can.

I do wish you the best of luck in managing this condition and the pain that goes with it

i have fibromyalgia too but my symtoms seen better now i hurt mostly when the weather is wet and cold i take vit. d magnesium to sleep . i am still on leave so i don't know what to expect when i get back to work on dec.26 my work is very physical so say a prayer for me as i will pray tthat you get better go to a specialist to keep you up to date on the things that help us

Icy Hot is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I too have auto immune diseases and I've been reading about how they may be linked to hormones, especially estrogen (notice that mostly women get these diseases). Many women report an increase in these diseases following hysterectomy but some report decrease; this would make sense considering we each have our own unique hormone formulas.

For me, I have improved drastically with natural, bio-identical compounded hormone therapy, AND.... amazingly, with Cod Liver Oil. I can't tell you how much that cod liver oil helps all my aches and pains!

It all began when I read an abstract on a study about cod liver oil for rheumatoid arthritis and how the researchers could see an improvement in the inflammation markers in the blood of 87% of the test subjects. Better yet, nearly all of the test subjects reported feeling better. This was within 3 weeks. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease and my blood test showed positive for it, (although I didn't have the pain in the "correct" places) along with other markers, I decided to try this myself. I now take two 500 mg capsules a day and I can really, really feel a difference. Everytime I run out, I am reminded how much it really helps.

hi i have fibromyalgia but it has gotten worse since my surgery my doctor put me on mobic for the discomfort and other narcotics for the pain .I am 1 year post tah for fibroids,endometriosis, masses. will keep you in my prayers

I have fibro and lupus. If you can tolerate the NSAID's it helps a lot with pain. Reducing stress (ha ha I know) and getting enough sleep has been really helpful for me. I think it is a good thing to know that the symptoms will come and go and the more you understand your body the easier it will be to deal with. I think I could not have made it without the support of my rhuemy. He even gave my family a lecture about my illness which was so helpful.

Best wishies

Robbie