New to firomyalgia

Hello, my name is Pamela and I am from Allentown, PA. Three doctors has told me that I have firo but I thought it was just all in my head about the pain in the flareups. I have tried the medication that is on the market now, but I had very bad complications and side effects to it. It made me feel awful and depressed to the point I was thinking about suicide and that is one of the side effects to it. Does anybody know any natural remedies, I am getting tired of taking medication like Percocet muscle relaxes and shots of cortisone in my back and all the pills make my pouch. Hurt

Pamela

One of the gals here suggested From Fatigued to Fantastic by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, I just got my copy yesterday so haven't had a chance to read it yet but looks like lots of naturopathic treatments in it. I'd suggest you get a copy of that, got mine used on Amazon.com and it was super cheap.You might also look for a naturopathic doc in your area unfortunately most insurance companies don't tend to cover them. Myself I have to take mophine and oxycodone because the few natural things I've tried didn't work real well. I'm going to investigate the things in this book tho and see if the combination will help, also check to see if there is a Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Center near you. Most fibro patients see either a rheumatologist or pain clinic for treatment. I wish you good luck and feel free to ask any question you might have, we have a bunch or very smart people here!

Welcome and a big gentle hug....

Maria

I was diagnosed with Fibro in 05 after being downtrodden by super flare up since 2002. 
I have been on more than several FDA approved fibro treatments that did little more than make me feel crazy.

It isn't an easy path to be on and I'm with you - I don't want to be hopped up on pain meds all of my life.

These may not work for you but this is what helps me.

Hot Hands heating pads ( find them in the sporting goods section at Walmart [email protected] vs Thermacares 3@10) I stick them whereever I hurt and it helps.

Biofreeze - mostly menthol but helps numb the pain

Prossage - mostly menthol but is more heat than cool and lasts a long time. (both can be found on Amazon.com)

Arnica Gel - when my trigger points act up I rub this soothing gel on them and it can most of the time take the edge off. (I get mine through Amazon.com but I've seen it at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe)

Water therapy - if you have access to a hot tub or a warm pool - there are physical therapy exercises that can really help minimize a flare - you have to keep up with it even though some days it feels like it hurts more than it helps

Massage therapy - I used to have a great therapist before I moved that knew about fibro and once I week I went to her and she helps get rid of some of the knots and tension that can contribute to a flare. Even if you can only afford once a month or having your spouse learn how to work on the trigger points it is worth it.

If you are near a "Center for Arthritis" check them out. My Rheumy was great with fibro and kept me up to date on new treatments and such. Find a good Rheumy who is really familiar with Fibromyalgia and don't give up hope.

Oh and one of the drug treatments I do is a lidocaine iv infustion once ever 3 months. It has worked wonders.

Good luck.

Lehnanne

I was diagnosed 14 years ago. The things that have helped me the most are heat, TENS unit and exercise. I also take cider vinegar daily to cleanse my body of toxins. Sorry for this dx, but at least you have a dx! Better than not knowing!