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Topic: RE: Fibro "fog"
Your suicidal thoughts concern me.
I understand your pain (emotional and physical).
Please see a therapist.
In the meantime, please talk to your doctor and see about Cymbalta. Although Cymbalta is an antidepressant, it helps diabetic neuropathy and fibro. I have been on it for years and it is the only thing that keeps me able to keep going.
The first time I saw my doc with fibro symptoms, I thought I was going crazy and or had some terminal disease. I actually thought I had bone cancer that had mets to the brain. He listed to me tell my story, cry, and blubber. He told me that he thought I had fibro but said "Are you depressed?"
My answer was "hell yes I am depressed. You would be too if you hurt like crazy all the time and hoped you were dying so that it would end!"
That was before Cymbalta came out. He tried me on Paxil, Neurontin, Flexeril and Fioricet. I was zoned but still in pain. Then he tried Effexor XR. I was able to take it and not take the other meds but about once - twice a month for bad flares. Then Cymbalta came out...........heaven. I take my Cymbalta daily and on bad days, I take two Aleve. Usually that takes care of it. I rarely (once every couple of months for 1 -2 days at a time) take the Neurontin, Flexeril or Fioricet.
My brain fog seems better on the Cymbalta and Aleve too.
I understand your pain (emotional and physical).
Please see a therapist.
In the meantime, please talk to your doctor and see about Cymbalta. Although Cymbalta is an antidepressant, it helps diabetic neuropathy and fibro. I have been on it for years and it is the only thing that keeps me able to keep going.
The first time I saw my doc with fibro symptoms, I thought I was going crazy and or had some terminal disease. I actually thought I had bone cancer that had mets to the brain. He listed to me tell my story, cry, and blubber. He told me that he thought I had fibro but said "Are you depressed?"
My answer was "hell yes I am depressed. You would be too if you hurt like crazy all the time and hoped you were dying so that it would end!"
That was before Cymbalta came out. He tried me on Paxil, Neurontin, Flexeril and Fioricet. I was zoned but still in pain. Then he tried Effexor XR. I was able to take it and not take the other meds but about once - twice a month for bad flares. Then Cymbalta came out...........heaven. I take my Cymbalta daily and on bad days, I take two Aleve. Usually that takes care of it. I rarely (once every couple of months for 1 -2 days at a time) take the Neurontin, Flexeril or Fioricet.
My brain fog seems better on the Cymbalta and Aleve too.
Topic: RE: Living with Fibro and husband
I have taken Cymbalta since it came out. I have tried all the other meds and it is the only one that really works for me. I still have "bad days" but two Aleve in the morning along with my Cymbalta and I am 95% pain free.
I am in the process of getting approved for WLS and being able to take the Cymbalta and Aleve was one of the major issues I had in chosing VSG.
Cymbalta can make you gain weight but since it is also an antidepressant, it makes you feel better and can help you get moving which also helps the symptoms of FM.
Effexor XR also worked well for me but not as good as Cymbalta.
My sister also has FM and her docs won't try Cymbalta for her. She doesn't do nearly as well with her FM and has more flares than I do. However, she is also Vit D deficient which makes a difference.
I am in the process of getting approved for WLS and being able to take the Cymbalta and Aleve was one of the major issues I had in chosing VSG.
Cymbalta can make you gain weight but since it is also an antidepressant, it makes you feel better and can help you get moving which also helps the symptoms of FM.
Effexor XR also worked well for me but not as good as Cymbalta.
My sister also has FM and her docs won't try Cymbalta for her. She doesn't do nearly as well with her FM and has more flares than I do. However, she is also Vit D deficient which makes a difference.
Topic: RE: Kinda bummed and having some issues (x-post)
Yes I've read where fibro can be triggered by severe stress which surgery certainly is. If your primary doc isn't familiar with fibro or doesn't believe in it I would suggest that you see a rheumatologist or pain specialist to determine if this is indeed fibro, There are certain trigger points that can be tested that will point to fibro. For your sake I hope it's any thing but fibro because I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy! The best thing is to stay active which is easier said than done! Try lots of stretching to keep muscles loose. It could also be a vitamin issue where you are so newly operated on. I wish you the best!
Topic: Kinda bummed and having some issues (x-post)
~ HW: 330 ~ SW: 304 ~ CW: 243 ~ GW: 160 ~
The first week after my surgery i felt great - lots of energy, walking a lot, etc.
Now I'm almost 3 weeks out and it's a completely different story. I wake up with my whole body aching. Literally from the top pf my head all the way down to my calves. It's like a strong dull ache, EVERYWHERE! It's worse in my biceps, shoulders and the backs of my legs.
I had my bloodwork done and the only thing it showed is that I'm still anemic. I was anemic prior to surgery too so I don't think it's that.
I have also been having minor but fairly constant heart arrythmia. I only drink one 16 ounce coffee per day. Prior to surgery I was averaging close to 60 ounces.
I have been getting bad leg cramps too, during the middle of the night.
I take Vitamin D, multivitamin, B-12, calcium, iron, synthroid, actigall and lexapro. I have also ordered some magnesium in the hopes of staving off the leg cramps and helping with arrythmia.
I am worried because my symptoms seem close to fibromyalgia-like. I have also read that fibromyalgia can be triggered by a physical injury - even surgery.
Any ideas or thoughts? I am really struggling right now...
Now I'm almost 3 weeks out and it's a completely different story. I wake up with my whole body aching. Literally from the top pf my head all the way down to my calves. It's like a strong dull ache, EVERYWHERE! It's worse in my biceps, shoulders and the backs of my legs.
I had my bloodwork done and the only thing it showed is that I'm still anemic. I was anemic prior to surgery too so I don't think it's that.
I have also been having minor but fairly constant heart arrythmia. I only drink one 16 ounce coffee per day. Prior to surgery I was averaging close to 60 ounces.
I have been getting bad leg cramps too, during the middle of the night.
I take Vitamin D, multivitamin, B-12, calcium, iron, synthroid, actigall and lexapro. I have also ordered some magnesium in the hopes of staving off the leg cramps and helping with arrythmia.
I am worried because my symptoms seem close to fibromyalgia-like. I have also read that fibromyalgia can be triggered by a physical injury - even surgery.
Any ideas or thoughts? I am really struggling right now...
~ HW: 330 ~ SW: 304 ~ CW: 243 ~ GW: 160 ~
Topic: RE: My best friend has Fibromyalgia
What a wonderful friend you are!!! Just being there for her to vent to will help. We having a saying here "gentle hugs" cause we still need those hugs just do it gently! There are many things you can do to help her maybe take a meal over sometimes, offer to help with house work, offer to run errands for her, just anything to lighten her load. Of course the biggest thing is just be a sounding board for her and assure her you know she hurts because so many people will treat her like she's faking. I would urge both of you to study up on the disease and get her to a rheumatologist and/or a pain specialist to get on meds that will help. The meds usually don't take all the pain away but they can help lessen the pain, hopefully. We here are always happy to answer any specific questions you may have and most important just be there for her and don't be afraid to ask her what she needs. Gentle hugs to all!
Topic: My best friend has Fibromyalgia
Hello
This is the first time on this forum. I am usually on the band or Illinois forums. My best friend was just diagnosed. She tells me she's in pain all of the time. I never know what to say to her. I just try to be here and listen to her. I tell her how sorry I am. But I feel like I am not doing or saying enough. If I was your best friend and you were venting what would you want me to say?
What I can tell you guys is that I can tell she is in pain sometimes just looking at her. She's not the same as she used to be. I am literally afraid to touch her because I might hurt her, but I don't want her to think I am avoiding her. It's so sad she is only 38 and she has 4 kids. I know there are days she just lays in bed cause she hurts and then she feels bad for doing that. What are some of the things I might expect as this disease progresses? I know I can read up on this but I feel like it's better getting it straight from the horses mouth...
Thanks for anything you guys can let me know.
This is the first time on this forum. I am usually on the band or Illinois forums. My best friend was just diagnosed. She tells me she's in pain all of the time. I never know what to say to her. I just try to be here and listen to her. I tell her how sorry I am. But I feel like I am not doing or saying enough. If I was your best friend and you were venting what would you want me to say?
What I can tell you guys is that I can tell she is in pain sometimes just looking at her. She's not the same as she used to be. I am literally afraid to touch her because I might hurt her, but I don't want her to think I am avoiding her. It's so sad she is only 38 and she has 4 kids. I know there are days she just lays in bed cause she hurts and then she feels bad for doing that. What are some of the things I might expect as this disease progresses? I know I can read up on this but I feel like it's better getting it straight from the horses mouth...
Thanks for anything you guys can let me know.
Topic: RE: So freaking MAD and frustrated
Well that certainly explains why you have so much trouble getting any help! No doc is gonna want to waste their time if they think you are a drug seeker. I think I would first of all sit your doc down and ask WTF she is talking about and tell her what you've told us. I would also strongly suggest you find a new primary doc tho I realize this is more difficult when you are on medicaid. Myself I would never be able to work with that doc again. She is totally sabatoging you and any help you might have gotten. I would demand she remove the offending parts of your records and threaten her with reporting to the state med assoc. and the medicaid folks. She is no doubt doing the same things to others.
Can your pain doc refer you to a neurologist? Even so if those records aren't corrected they will just follow you where ever you go. Sounds like she is a real piece of work. I'm praying you will finally get put in touch with someone who can indeed help you! God bless and at least now you know where the problem came from so you can work at getting it corrected.
Can your pain doc refer you to a neurologist? Even so if those records aren't corrected they will just follow you where ever you go. Sounds like she is a real piece of work. I'm praying you will finally get put in touch with someone who can indeed help you! God bless and at least now you know where the problem came from so you can work at getting it corrected.
Topic: RE: Preparing for Gastric BP with Fibromyalgia
I've had FM for 19 yrs. I'm having Ry this Monday. I take 1 ounce a day of Frut Avie. It is at Costco for about $16 a bottle. It comes in a glass wine bottle. It's about a month supply. It is all natural and has Acai berry in it. It has taken about 50% of my pain away. My aunt was on RX for diabetes and she takes Frut Avie and now is off her meds. My husband's Grandma has FM and takes it and says it has taken a lot of her pain away too. I talked to my surgeon and he said to wait a few weeks after surgery to start taking it again. I don't take any meds for my FM b/c they don't work for me. I'm so scared that I'm going to hurt worse too. But willing to take the chance. I think if you get the weight off, that it has to be better on your joints. I know that when I excercise I do feel a lot better. I have severe back pain and have to force myself through it somedays, but it does help with the tiredness a lot. Well I will let you know how I feel after surgery. Good luck to you.
Topic: RE: tens unit
I found that quite painful. I had it done during physical therapy. I thought it hurt.
Topic: So freaking MAD and frustrated
I don't get it you guys. I just don't. I made an appt for a Neurologist and he said he needed records from my primary dr. So i picked them up from my promary dr to give the neurologist. I was reading them and i couldn't believe my eyes. My dr never expressed any of this to me at all.
The records state that i have emotional problems and that i haven't taken any of the referrals for neurology or psych . She states that i am a drug seeking patient. Even the record for the infection in my wisdom teeth said that i told her that " i didn't have time to find an oral surgeon"
She basically says that i exaggerate my symptoms, puts "so she says" in my records and just basically calls me a big drug seeking psycho liar.
I am shocked and appaled by this. She never expressed any concerns to me. I have never asked her for any drugs or medications. I have never asked any dr for a narcotic medication. I would be willing to take any medication to treat any condition. She never ordered any tests for me. I am in therapy but because i have public aid the free mental health clinic has to deem you absolutely necessary to be there and the wait is very long. I have gone though. I see a chiropractor as well and i am in physical therapy twice a week as well. I see a pain dr as well and have seen the same 1 for 3 years and he has only changed the medication once. I have never seen multiple pain dr's and i did ask my primary dr for another referral to another rheumatologist because his office was 60 miles from my home and the office was overcrowded and he didn't deal with fibromyalgia and he made me wait over an hr in the lobby past my appt time and he kept leaving the office durring our meeting. I wasn't pleased. He did order tests and the tests came back normal for arthritis so i didn't see a need to go back to him.
I just don't get my primary care dr . I can't believe she would say those things. The gastric bypass has downward spiraled my health and i don't know what is wrong with me. Why do they call us drug seeking? I don't want those . I don't ask for those. I ask for help. I can't give these records to the Neuro. He probably will refuse to even order a test. What my primary dr is saying is not true. There is no truth to it at all. Why do they do this? I am very compliant. She works out of the same hospital as my pain dr ,so if she was concerned i don't get why she never called him? I am complant with tratment i don't see other dr's. I can't find an oral surgeon on public aid but the dental school whose waitlist doesn't open up again until october. i told her that and she puts on the form i told her i didn't have the time and i didn't want to. Why do they say things like this?
The records state that i have emotional problems and that i haven't taken any of the referrals for neurology or psych . She states that i am a drug seeking patient. Even the record for the infection in my wisdom teeth said that i told her that " i didn't have time to find an oral surgeon"
She basically says that i exaggerate my symptoms, puts "so she says" in my records and just basically calls me a big drug seeking psycho liar.
I am shocked and appaled by this. She never expressed any concerns to me. I have never asked her for any drugs or medications. I have never asked any dr for a narcotic medication. I would be willing to take any medication to treat any condition. She never ordered any tests for me. I am in therapy but because i have public aid the free mental health clinic has to deem you absolutely necessary to be there and the wait is very long. I have gone though. I see a chiropractor as well and i am in physical therapy twice a week as well. I see a pain dr as well and have seen the same 1 for 3 years and he has only changed the medication once. I have never seen multiple pain dr's and i did ask my primary dr for another referral to another rheumatologist because his office was 60 miles from my home and the office was overcrowded and he didn't deal with fibromyalgia and he made me wait over an hr in the lobby past my appt time and he kept leaving the office durring our meeting. I wasn't pleased. He did order tests and the tests came back normal for arthritis so i didn't see a need to go back to him.
I just don't get my primary care dr . I can't believe she would say those things. The gastric bypass has downward spiraled my health and i don't know what is wrong with me. Why do they call us drug seeking? I don't want those . I don't ask for those. I ask for help. I can't give these records to the Neuro. He probably will refuse to even order a test. What my primary dr is saying is not true. There is no truth to it at all. Why do they do this? I am very compliant. She works out of the same hospital as my pain dr ,so if she was concerned i don't get why she never called him? I am complant with tratment i don't see other dr's. I can't find an oral surgeon on public aid but the dental school whose waitlist doesn't open up again until october. i told her that and she puts on the form i told her i didn't have the time and i didn't want to. Why do they say things like this?
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