Thank you, yes, I do have a lawyer already.   In addition to my fibromyalgia, I have degenerative disk disease in my back and arthritis in my back.  I also broke my ankle about 4 years ago and have a plate and 7 screws.  

Good luck to you.   I am now waiting for my final appeal to be heard.   Supposed to have a hearing in the next couple of months.  It's been a long 3-year fight.   Hopefully you won't have to fight so long.

Bonnie

I had my hysterectomy before I can down with the fibro? I think it may have not be diagnosed.  When I have a flare-up everything hurts hair, skin, and don't want yo be touched at all .  POOR HB this have been at least15 years being diagnosed but had been ill for years before they gave it a name.

I was diagnosed in 1998 with CFIDS.  In 2004, Fibromyalgia joined the party. Long story short: After 9 years or so, CFIDS started to get tired of partying.. I felt 'something 'give'; "release', like when you know that the flu you had, the fever etc... has expired. And I knew I might be able to start to get back to some kind of  functional life. There's no prove you can ever get back to 100% of a human being, especially if you had the insidious CFIDS onslaught that I had.  But, I didn't care if it was even 25%! Anything was a blessing after being bed and couch bound for 5 years.  In 2007-8, in yet another attempt to get some weight off, my physician prescribed Phentermine. It was a BRILLIANT mistake.  I had to decrease the dosage by half (ever tried emptying out a capsule halfway, then putting it back together? It's easy really, just kind of annoying =p...) because it was just way too much for my CFIDS to handle. If I took it one day, I would be couch bound the next 2-3 days. But, I started pushing myself to try and use it say every 3-4 days. I found it helped me stay up, and helped my body relearn how to function. And all of a sudden, I could  focus on tasks, and actually think clearly while using it. 

My doctor and I realized its' huge potential for me. And, at times, during the first year, the pain and associated discomfort levels from being up so much more went through the roof. In 2 years (with help from Phentermine), I feel like it has propelled my recovery like crazy. Now, I am getting where I can use it 4 times a week,  and the CFIDS repercussions are getting less. It is remarkable. That's why we call it a brilliant mistake. Granted, I still slip into crashes, and have to be Very careful and make sure I keep a good balance of rest and activity. But, as an example, I had to drive 4 hours (8 total) to see Dr. Johnell. I never would have been able to focus and concentrate on teh road on the way back if it had not been for the Phentermine. So, I also recognize it is  a valuable tool for when emergencies arrive, and I have to be able to respond clear headed, and with energy.  We (My doctor) stopped regarding it as a weight reduction tool and 100% a CFIDS/FM tool, that enables me to have a much higher quality of life.

I have heard Ritalin has similar effects for some people. However, I am not in any way encouraging anyone to use these drugs, but it is something I felt like sharing about how it has worked for me.

EDIT: Brain Chemistry is a very tricky, complicated animal. One thing may work for someone, and/or it could harm another. There's no formula anywhere really, for being able to say if one of these drugs may work for you or not. Please never consider anything, without first discussing it with your primary doctor.

Try googling guifenesin for fibromyalgia, I did and it came up with quite a few different sources. Good luck.

suz,

I have heard that if you start slowly adding the protein powders into your diet, your system will handle it much better (When you find a good tasting one :+)). Just use 1/2 scoops for twice a day and work up to 1-2 full scoops, or whichever they recommend given the protein powder. I am using Isopure and Click Espresso Protein Powder. (Can't use that though for 2 weeks after teh surgery; too much caffeine, but omg, it is the tastiest stuff)

Anyway, the Isopure protein powder I use:

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=NP-1098&sourceType=cs&source=FG&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-googleproduct-_-Isopure%20Zero%20Carb%20Vanilla%20-%203%20Pound%20Powder-_-NP-1098&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=NP-1098

... is 50 grams of protein with 2 scoops. so even one scoop and I am getting no carbs. it mixes Very well, and you can always use some sugar free vanilla syrup if it takes too bland for you. I like both products, and also look for the powders that give you both protein And nutrients you need. I like staying with the 'basic' flavors, because then I can jazz them up.

I am still a newbie, and so hopefully I am not giving you advice that is bad. I just know this is working for me so far (Surgery not scheduled yet).

Also, check out The World According to Eggface? If your going to go for a high protein diet, she has wonderful suggestions imo. And she incorporates protein powders into them.   Maybe even a few you and your husband can enjoy together! She might have some suggestions for you concerning specific flavors as well.

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

g'luck sweetie.