Can anyone help regarding Fibromyalgia?

Question

I have just been told by my doctor that I almost certainly have CFS and Fibromyalgia because I have had these symptoms for nearly a year. He came to this conclusion because my symptoms included: extremely tired almost constantly, sleeping for excess hours, sore weak legs that feel almost shaky, pains in my hands, headaches, no energy whatsoever, drained feeling. I have been off work for 2 months byt really want to get back, I just wondered if people with CFS or Fibromyalgia are able to work? Also I was wondering what sort of medication would be best to take to try and help my legs? Also how long I am likely to have this for?

Thanks for your answers! I am 24 and would like to hear other sufferers stories. Thanks!!

Answer 1

I also have never heard of a link between Aspartame and fibromyalgia and I have had it for 17 years.

I worked for many years as a teacher and it was difficult. I was lucky they let me wear tennis shoes, and that helped my leg and feet pain. The stress of a job probably has more of an effect on fibro. Depending on the job, hours, and physical requirements, you should be able to find a job to suite you. I currently work at home, which is a great option if it is available.

There are only two approved meds for fibro, Lyrica and Cymbalta. A lot of docs prescribe anti-depressants to help you sleep, because sleep is a big issue for fibro patients. The less you sleep, generally the more pain you will experience.

Since there is no cure, you will likely have fibromyalgia for the rest of your life. Like I said, I have had it for 17 years and manage well. I have two children and keep up with them constantly!

Answer 2

Aspartame has NOT been linked to fibromylagia--it's only an untested theory--like the numerous other theories-

I NEVER use it and I have FMS..

It is beleived to be a central nervous system disorder..thatis why the neuro meds like

Cymbalta, Lyrica, Tramadolshow most promise

things that work on teh muscles themselves such as narcotics and muscle relaxants and NSAIDS have limited or no effect

I do work full time--I did have to take time of from work at one point.  itis hard, but I can't afford not to work.

Answer 3

I am 24 and have been living with fibro for over 5 years now. I was off work for about 4 months while the doctors kept trying new medications and ultimately I got off the medications and decided to just keep track of what causes flare ups and what works to minimize the pain. I have worked full time for the last 4 years of dealing with fibro and I have no problem keeping my work schedule. I was a manager for a large cell phone company and now I work for one of the biggest insurance companies in Canada. I go for a massage every 2 weeks to keep the pain down and get rid of the headaches and I make sure I get a decent sleep every night, around 7 - 8 hours. When it comes to medication all I take is Gravol for my stomach and Robaxacet for the pain. Your legs are likely affected by your lower back. Try a massage or a hot tub to loosen the muscles and I am sure you will find your legs will cooperate more.

Answer 4

i am 25 and have FMS. my main symptoms are being tired all the time but i have a really hard time sleeping or staying asleep. also, i'm very sensitive to touches, i have a lot of trigger spots and it hurts when people just pat me on the back. my back is constantly sore!

i work full time in accounting so it's definitely possible to work. i've been on loads of pills, motrin 800, flexirol (sp?), melatonin, ambien, cymbalta and ultram. ultram has really helped me for my pain! just keep up with your doctor, everyone finds different pills that work for them.  

Answer 5

If you consume anything that has aspartame (Nutrasweet) in it, stop, your symptoms may go away. Aspartame has been linked to fibromyalgia.  

Answer 6

You could try looking to join a Tai Chi (Taiji) and/or Chi Kung (qigong) class in your area. I currently practice both and they certainly offer many benefits, both in the short and long term. The reason I suggest it for you is that my Chi Kung teacher was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (in addition to several other serious conditions) when she was 23... After being constantly on a cocktail of different medications, she looked towards alternative therapies and managed to heal herself through the practice of tai chi and chi Kung. She now radiates warmth and life and is a remarkable healer and teacher in addition to working full time AND being a wife and mother.

I would STRONGLY recommend that that you give this a go, and heal yourself from inside out rather than take dangerous chemical medicines that may at best only mask the symptoms you are experiencing and at worst will create more problems within the delicate system of your body.

As it might take a while of practice before you experience relief through the practice of Tai Chi and/or Chi Kung, why not look for a natural healer such as a chi energy healer in the short term to provide immediate relief? It DOES work.... it's not magic or anything weird, just a way of using what is naturally available to us in order to heal. One session may be all that is needed, you have nothing to lose by trying! But PLEASE don't resign yourself to a long term period of sickness, visits to your GP and having to take artificial medicines with unknown side effects..... All the symptoms that you are experiencing are EASILY reversible, treatable and healable.

I wish you all the best in your search.

Here are some articles which look at the use of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in Fibromyalgia patients... have a read, but first hand experience for yourself may be best!

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/sho...

http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=N...

http://www.back-fibromyalgia-pain.com/ex...

http://www.worldtaichiday.org/Medical_Re...

http://www.fmnetnews.com/basics-studies-...

...(if you find it interesting, just google... there's loads more on the net regarding this)