Hi Beverly, Me again.  I forgot that I wanted to comment about the duct tape.  I would have suggested that the doctor super glue a certain oriface on his body and I don't mean his mouth.  What a jerk.  I have been fortunate as I have never had a doctor say that to me.  I had one doctor treat me negatively, but not be specific as to why and I told her not to bother to transfer my records as I wanted a doctor who didn't get their degree at Doctors R Us. Just my humble opinion on fat-phobia doctors.   My PCP is a butterball and so is my orthopedic doc.   Jeanne

I suppose it depends what they are shot from.  Before my surgery I had horrible pain in my left knee and my doctor told me I should duct tape my mouth.  Hmmmmm thanks doc...I got the Synisc shots and they didn't help a bit.  Come to find out I had a torn meniscus.  I got it repaired but I have never been pain free.  I now have no cartiledge in my knee and need a knee replacement, which I was scheduled for in three days.  I decided I'm not in enough pain though and still too young.  Knee pain sucks... The Synisc shots might work great for you as long as you have a problem that CAN be helped by them.  Good luck. Bev

I have FMS also and I feel your pain.  I take Tramadol and have had pretty good results with that.  I also take Cymbalta and that's supposed to help also.  I would have to say I do feel better getting off 130#, it can't help but be a least a little better.  I don't wake anymore all scrunched over and unable to stand up straight until I get into a HOT shower.  So yeah....it is better.  Now I have osteoarthritis taking over though.  Damn, I'm too young to feel this old.  LOL

I am caught in this cycle.  I have the swelling of the ankles and calves.  I had the lumbar decompression in April 06 (L-3-4-5).  I have a sciatic situation.  I am currently scheduled for more back surgery 11/30 for S-1.  my right leg has nerve damage and is useless.   I have had numerous CAT scans, MRIs w/contrast and xrays.  It wasn't until I had the emg that proved there is nerve damage in my R foot that the doctors took notice.  I am praying that having the S-1 fixed and my lap band will help my health and MOBILITY. My saying is which came first the chicken or the egg?  Which came first the swelling, back/sciatic or lack of ability to move?  I am still pre-op for the lap band.  I figure I will get it in Feb (mainly because of the insurance).   best of luck to you   c

Hi there! Have you tried Lidoderm patches?  I know that they are not given widely out for arthritis, (in fact, are not really approved for that purpose...yet) but I have found that when those joints get hot and nothing else works, the patches are a lifesaver!  I found this out accidentally, after being perscribed them for back pain, that they didn't help with at all.  I now use them for a neuropathy, but every once and awhile... Good luck!