Have you ever found anything helpful for fibromyalgia?
By ASL19741978
@ASL19741978 (319)
United States
December 13, 2007 7:30pm CST
I have had fibromyalgia for 23 years. I have used a plethora of treatments, but my health has gone up and down through the years--I've never gotten over it, which some people have.
Do you know of any good treatments for fibromyalgia that work?
Do you have fibromyalgia?
Have you ever even heard of it?
Anyone on myLot who has fibromyalgia or knows someone who does, I could use some feedback. Thanks!
3 people like this
5 responses
@musicman6 (2406)
• United States
14 Dec 07
I myself have never heard of fibromyalgia, is it a disease or a condition?
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (85498)
• United States
14 Dec 07
Lyrica has become the first FDA approved medication to specifically treat fibromyalgia patients. I have not asked my doctor because my insurance wouldn't cover it. I did find tremendous help from a chiropractor. I had been to one that didn't work at all. Then I got to the point where I was walking with a cane, and I was 25 at the time! So I went to this chiropractor, a friend of the family 'swore' by, and he made all the difference in the world. I couldn't continue forever because of money, but if I could go back, I sure would.
1 person likes this
@novataylor (6570)
• United States
28 Dec 07
Your insurance will probably cover Lyrica if you are first treated with Neurontin and it doesn't work. That is how I was able to try Lyrica. It's no miracle cure, but it does offer a measure of help and as you well know, with fibromyalgia, any help at all is a good thing. Please speak with your doctor about this. Usually, all you need is to prove that you have tried other things and they do not work. Your doctor will be able to help with this. You've got nothing to lose.
@AmbiePam (85498)
• United States
28 Dec 07
Long ago and with real insurance, I was on Neurontin. But my current insurance won't cover Neurontin or Lyrica for me. Why? Because I'm on SSI and Medicaid, and that severely limits my treatment. They wouldn't even cover my migraine medication, until I asked about ten, and finally I found one cheap enough that they would cover. LOL, I have to laugh or else it's depressing. : ) Thanks for the advice though. : ) I WILL remember it for the future when I have more options available.
1 person likes this
@ASL19741978 (319)
• United States
28 Jan 08
AmbiePam,
I have gotten a lot of help from Gonstead chiropractors (it's a special methodology). I am currently going to one. My problem is, I need to get off the medications I'm on (I'm about 3/4ths of the way there now), continue to take helpful supplements (I use a lot of the Enzymatic Therapies vitamins and supplements because they were designed specificially for FMS and CFS). I also follow the New West Diet, and try to eat more alkaline foods rather than acidic foods which just aggravate all the conditions I have.
I have read about Lyrica, but because it's so new, and because it's a corticosteroid, I'm really reluctant to try it. I just think it will add more toxins to my already very toxified system.
I know it's a very difficult and depressing thing to have. I feel that way about it, too. I think I'm most discouraged when I've been to a doctor who is clueless. It's so incredibly frustrating. Having said that, I also find a lot of comfort in just handing over my worries and cares to the LORD God. He has told us we can do that, and I definitely take Him up on it! :)
Thanks for your comments!
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
15 Dec 07
I do not know anything about fibromyaligia, but there was a commercial about a product that was FDA approved on the television less than an hour ago. It was on CBS, so it might be that it will be on again. According to the commercial, it was the first successful treatment, but they gave a warning about side effects such as weight gain, etc. That is all I know. I am not a nurse nor do I have a medical degree.
1 person likes this
@whittby (3072)
• United States
23 Jan 08
Doctor had me on Celexa (antidepressant) for the fibro related depression and pain triggered by depression or vice versa. The gastro-intestional side effects and the jitters finally made me leave off it.
I gets at least eight hours of sleep a night and make sure I stay active whether I feel like it or not. The less activity, the worse you feel. Of course, here's the catch, too much activity makes you feel bad again.
1 person likes this
@ASL19741978 (319)
• United States
28 Jan 08
Yep. That's a catch, indeed!
I've been put on many medications that had such wretched side effects that I had to go off. That's why I'm trying to get off all Rx meds, except for the compounded natural ones. To much toxicity!
Thanks for your good response!
@cindawelch (28)
• United States
27 Jan 08
I was diagnosed well over 15 years ago with CFIDS - then eventually they added the diagnosis of FMS.
For me (and a multitude of others) it has played complete and total havoc on my boy and life !!
This is one of those things that is misdiagnosed probably hundreds of times a day. Unfortunately many really do suffer from it and go undiagnosed, but just as unfortunate - many get diagnosed with it to only be up and running normally in a few weeks, or months - therefore causing alot of misconceptions about it. And then there are those that truly have it and learn to live life to the best that THEY can.
Please don't get me wrong I am not saying anything about anyone, with the above comment.
I sympathize with you - 23 years is a long time. And unfortunately it has been my experience that it is a life sentence!! We sufferers must learn to operate with it and do the best we can.
I am truly sorry I can't offer much more than this.
But about all we can do is support one another & share our experiences.
Best of Luck to you
