Hi-

I am new to the fibromyalgia part of this website, but a long time member of the lap band site.I recently found out I have fibromyalgia, but have suspected it for several years. My PC wouldn't really talk about it. So I finally broke down and went to a pain clinic, the probem with this is that the pain clinic want 6 grand to treat me, most, if all won't be covered by insurance. Not gonna' happen.

My most troubling symptoms are headache, lots of times dibelitaing migraine headaches, muscle pain and tiredness. I have been taking Cymbalta (which i know is one of the meds they use for pain with fibro) I also take Gabapentin for my headaches wich really only takes the edge off. My dr. did prescribe muscle relaxers for the muscle pain. They make me even more tired.

I was wondering what other people take to help with their symptoms. I would love to know of some natural stuff that works....

Thanks for your help.

@loretta

I get weird migraine like headaches often when my fibro flares, too.  I am very sensitive to smells all the time.  My wife cannot wear many perfumes or sprays because of my strong reaction to most.  Anything with a chemical smell, eg cleaners, is really hard on me.  Natural smells I can tolerate in stages.

I also get dry eyes and treat them with Visine.  Its pretty natural and safe.  I have to work to keep my ears clean of wax which can contribute to headaches and pounding sounds in my ears and head.

Hope any of that might be helpful.  At least you are not alone.

- Bin

Bin...Congrats on the referral. Yes, a lot of your medical problems will go away, and that is so uplifting. Not fibro, however, from what I can tell. I'm only about 2 months out, and I am trying to figure out what meds work for me now. Lyrica just made me hungry and gain wait before surgery, so I know I don't want to revisit that. Cymbalta helps, but I'm not sure if I read somewhere that capsules don't absorb well after RNY (anyone?). No more NSAIDS, but then they never really helped with fibro pain and really aren't great for you long term anyway. I find many meds don't seem to last as long as before because of malabsorption, but my surgeon doesn't buy this, as he tells me the meds are absorbed in the lower intestine anyway. I've just been taking Lortab when the pain is overwhelming, or a muscle relaxer at bedtime. Not ideal, but something. With the cold weather, I find an electric blanket help so much, but the dang thing quit working, so I guess I'll invest in a new one when I find $$ laying around! 

I will say I've heard different health practitioners views on fibro, and one young rheumy told me the fibro WOULD improve because of metabolic changes after WLS ???? He said the vast majority of patients with fibro are obese, and the metabolic issues cause fibro to be worse. I'd never heard that before, and I've heard plenty. I'm thinking we get obese because we can't MOVE!  Not sure what all this means, but so far no improvement for me. I've lost 35 lbs and have about 65 to go.

Best of luck. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones and kick fibro to the curb. If not, we'll be here for you!
Beth

ya this is why ive got the dianosises of ms a couple of times too but ive read that some people have eye problems sensitivity to smells i cant handle any smells, gas perfume, cleaning, if i die my hair i have to wash my hair like three times, and if some one even walks by me wearing strong perfume it turns my stomach. but right now its just really bad like i said my eyes hurt and now ive pulled the muscles down my whole left side of my back so i can barley move i know us fibro people do this alot but why does every thing come on at onces. I think it could be stress related My surgery will be some were around janurary \. I was hoping some one else could tell me what to do about this eye stuff because it drives me crazy and puts my life at a stand still uggg thank you though loretta

ok Im going though what all the intrnet web sights call miner inconvenences to having fibro. this ****** me off they may be minor to them but when you go though them omg its life changing didnt even think i would make it to see my surgeon because i had to drive my self. Ok this is like my third real bad eposode of this in the last three years the last two though were after surgery my c section and nission fundimulcation. but ok my eyes burn and not a little alot really dry can barly keep them open cant focas cant consentrat. some times my ears will poand headaches everyday. feels like my brain is poanding have had all kind of catscans before found nothing went to eye speacailist nothing anyone no what may help. when i get like this im scared to drive i dont like to stand cant focas on any thing and it can last for months please offer me any advice loretta