Confirmed: Fibromyalgia

Well, turns out I do have this. I can honestly say that I am happy that I know but not happy knowing that I have this to deal with for the rest of my life. He checked out my last labs (done in May) and my Vit Bs, D, iron, liver, thyroid, etc. all were absolutely wonderful - so the fibro was really the only other option and based on my symptoms and history, he was left with no other diagnosis than fibromyalgia. My doc said that a lot of times anti-depressants help with fibromyalgia so he put me on Wellbutrin XL, he also put me on muscle relaxers to take at night to help with the muscle spasms and to help me sleep (a HUGE factor in symptoms - not getting good rest) as well as exercising preferrably in a pool as he's found that most beneficial for fibro patients. He, as well as I, is not happy that I have been taking as much Vicodin as I have been (60 pills in almost as many days) and he said within a few weeks I should start feeling the effects of the Wellbutrin especially if I'm getting good rest and eating healthy. Things I should be doing anyway. He said to rest when I need it, reduce stress as I can, and just really and truly take care of myself. To be honest, I do not do that as well as I should. I have so much that I am involved with that I really need to organize my priorities and see how I can reduce some stress in my life. I have lots! So, there we have it. And yes, he said that it most likely was triggered by my GBS. The potential was there as my mother has it, but the trauma of the surgery most likely made it come up. Anyway, just wanted to keep you all posted! Michelle

Michelle. I'm so sorry to hear this but glad that you have found a name for all your symptoms so that you can treat it and get it managed. You may want to talk to the doctor about the Wellbutrin XL. Those are extended release tablets and my understanding of GBS is that extended release things do not work as effective for us. Perhaps he might want to switch you to regular Wellbutrin (I think you'd have to take more than 1 per day of those). I'd give him a call. Sounds like you have to make YOU a priority. We all know how hard that is. But it is so important. Feel better, hon! {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}} Kathy

Thanks or keeoing us posted, 'Chelle. I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but like you said it's at least good to have a diagnosis. Now you have to take care of YOU! Hugs, Tracy

Michelle Im so sorry you have to go through this, but hopefully now that the diagonosis has been confirmed you can start getting some relief and go on with your daily life w/o pain or at least a lot more manageable. I took Wellbutrin XL when I had post partum depression and took it up until I had WLS and then the doc switched me to Wellbutrin SR because of the extended release. I took myself off of it about a month after surgery and havent needed it since. Let me say its good stuff as far making you feel like a human again, hope its just as beneficial to you in your situation. Thanks for letting us know! Candy

Michelle, I come from a family with several members who have this. It is quite challenging, but, just like with WLS, if you do really follow the doctors lifestyle recommendations, you will have a much easier time of it! Hugs, lori