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Avatar universal

Is there hope?

I am 28 years old and have lived in pain for 16 years of my life(since I turned 13) I suffer daily from fatigue, chronic pain, irritability, mood swings, headaches and the list goes on and on....I am wondering what I can do???? It is so tough to keep living my life like this and people around me do not have any compassion and understanding for what I am going through...I need help!
Thanks,
Rachel
5 Responses
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Though the disorder cannot be treated or cured , several methods do help to ease or minimize the symptoms . Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach, with your doctor, a physical therapist, possibly other health professionals, and most importantly, yourself, all playing an active role. There are pain clinics that specialize in pain and rheumatology clinics that specialize in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including fibromyalgia. Besides taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, there are many things you can do to minimize the impact of fibromyalgia on your life. People with fibromyalgia also may benefit from:   a combination of physical therapy and occupational therapy ,  learning pain management and coping techniques ,  properly balancing rest and activity . Of course, it is important to have a healthy, balanced diet. Not only will proper nutrition give you more energy and make you generally feel better, it will also help you avoid other health problems. Medications generally prescribed are-  Pregabalin (Lyrica) which  was the first medicine FDA-approved to treat fibromyalgia. Doctors also treat fibromyalgia with a variety of medications developed and approved for other purposes like – Analgesics , Antidepressants , NSAIDS and Benzodiazepenes .     Please consult a physician or rheumatologist for the management of the symptoms . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

Helpful - 2
Avatar universal

A list of treatments recommended by many of the fibromyalgia experts:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Fibromyalgia/Treatments-for-Fibromyalgia-/show/454?cid=39

Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I am discovering that gentle exercising and walking in the pool stregthens the vulnerable muscles , starting out very slowly at first.  As the muscles get tones more, they seem to be able to fight off the Fibro a little more.  If I overdo in the pool, I go into a miserable flare that puts me in bed, so moderation is the key.  Better a little exercise daily, then a whole lot in a day and then bedridden for weeks.  Hope this helps.  As far as I am concerned, there is ALWAYS hope.  I pray and God seems to send me answers through people and in other ways, so that I can become proactive in my daily recovery process.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Have you tried Lyrica? I have CFS with FM type pain and my specialist put me on Lyrica (50 mg) earlier this year. After a period of adjustment (I was very, very sleepy for several weeks) the improvement has been noticeable. I still have to take pain killers, but do not get the awful debilitating all-over pain I used to feel.

If people around you are not sympathetic, have you considered joining a self-help group? They can be sources of support and of ideas for coping. People with CFS/FM get such weird symptoms one really needs to talk to others with the illness and find those who are similar, esp. as we tend to be extremely sensitive to all medication. I don't get headaches, for example, but know someone who does. I can't tolerate SSRI's, but others find them useful. And so on. Keep on trying different combinations of meds until you get the one that's right for you.

Most important: find a CFS/FM specialist near you. It's the key to living with this rotten miserable illness without going crazy.

Catherine in LA
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Please read the first line of the earlier post as -Though the disorder cannot be cured completely, several methods do help to ease or minimize the symptoms . It was a typing error . I regret it . Take care !
Helpful - 1

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