# General **URL:** https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/c/general/11.md [Latest](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/categories.md) --- ## [About the General category](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/about-the-general-category/17)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 8:46am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/about-the-general-category/17 "2016-09-02T08:46:48Z")
Join the Fibromyalgia discussion forum for patients, friends and families affected with synovial sarcoma. We love to hear you stories and information about treatments, symptoms and side effects. --- ## [Crushing Fatigue](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/crushing-fatigue/523)
**Author:** [@tiredmama](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/tiredmama)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 10:13am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/crushing-fatigue/523 "2026-03-02T10:13:47Z")
Hope everyone is doing well. Does anyone out there have a good way of treating this crushing fatigue that comes along with fibro? I've never experienced anything like it! It's like a blanket of fatigue that comes over me… --- ## [Fibromyalgia and itching](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromyalgia-and-itching/8859)
**Author:** [@edie](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/edie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:41pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromyalgia-and-itching/8859 "2026-01-29T18:41:06Z")
I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia since 2004, I honestly do not know how long (years) I suffered with before the diagnosis. I need to know if I am the only Fibro patient that suffers from itching. It just about dri… --- ## [Leg Exercise Machine](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/leg-exercise-machine/14648)
**Author:** [@rosebud74](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/rosebud74)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2025, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/leg-exercise-machine/14648 "2025-08-28T14:16:36Z")
I use a leg exercise machine. It is electric and you put your feet on the foot plates and your legs and feet just glide back and forward. I have had this for many years, which is a tremendous help to me when my legs hurt… --- ## [Which medication works best for you?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/which-medication-works-best-for-you/1707)
**Author:** [@CarolAnn](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/CarolAnn)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/which-medication-works-best-for-you/1707 "2025-06-24T16:08:16Z")
Hi All! Thank you for the birthday wishes. I can honestly say I "feel old" I was hoping for your thoughts on the fibro drugs that work best for you. I've been on Savella since I started seeing my rheumatologist. I kno… --- ## [Do pain meds work with fibro?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/do-pain-meds-work-with-fibro/4334)
**Author:** [@Ahava31](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Ahava31)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2025, 10:11am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/do-pain-meds-work-with-fibro/4334 "2025-06-17T10:11:56Z")
Hey everyone, so my pain ridiculously high today. To the point where I am actually sweating and feel feverish. Everything hurts and burns and aches. So my question is, has anyone ever tried pain meds and do they really w… --- ## [Personality and Fibromyalgia](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/personality-and-fibromyalgia/14588)
**Author:** [@SophieJo](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SophieJo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2025, 1:58pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/personality-and-fibromyalgia/14588 "2025-06-09T13:58:37Z")
I am interested in finding out how closely the community here, align with the following symptoms… 21 Personality Characteristics often associated with Fibromyalgia: Has a low self-esteem Is a perfectionist Has high e… --- ## [How are you?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/how-are-you/14620)
**Author:** [@JayCS](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/JayCS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 6:45am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/how-are-you/14620 "2025-06-02T06:45:26Z")
What a question, ey? :grinning\_face\_with\_smiling\_eyes: Regularly makes our head spin on overdrive! But seriously: how are you today? Any good moments to look forward to? I started the day weary as always, but have ma… --- ## [The neuroscience of chronic pain](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/the-neuroscience-of-chronic-pain/14586)
**Author:** [@SophieJo](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SophieJo)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 11:18am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/the-neuroscience-of-chronic-pain/14586 "2025-02-21T11:18:59Z")
Hi Everyone, I am new here and new to having any type of support for my fibro. I have also had Fibromyalgia for 35 years. I was wondering if anyone has come across the neuroscience of pain which involves unlearning your … --- ## [BCG Vaccine study for fibro?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/bcg-vaccine-study-for-fibro/13127)
**Author:** [@2Blessed](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/2Blessed)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/bcg-vaccine-study-for-fibro/13127 "2024-09-21T19:41:56Z")
I was just cruising around on the internet tonight and happened upon this page. I found another page that confirmed that the FDA approved a study in Mass. to begin in 2019. Has anyone else heard of this? I’m not a pro… --- ## [How to cope living with fibromyalgia](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/how-to-cope-living-with-fibromyalgia/14524)
**Author:** [@Arrowsmith25](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Arrowsmith25)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/how-to-cope-living-with-fibromyalgia/14524 "2024-09-05T12:56:49Z")
Continuing the discussion from Is anyone else having trouble with this web site? I cant get into chat and it says 2 members on line but doesnt show who.?: --- ## [Lupus (SLE) Research at Home Opportunity](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/lupus-sle-research-at-home-opportunity/14483)
**Author:** [@ModSupport](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/ModSupport)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2024, 2:37pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/lupus-sle-research-at-home-opportunity/14483 "2024-05-06T14:37:55Z")
Have you heard? Ben’s Friends has partnered with Sanguine Biosciences, a provider of at-home clinical research services, to share an at-home study opportunity for those interested in advancing lupus (SLE) research. Toge… --- ## [I’ve been gone a long time](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/i-ve-been-gone-a-long-time/14451)
**Author:** [@Freedom](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Freedom)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 6:09am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/i-ve-been-gone-a-long-time/14451 "2024-04-13T06:09:28Z")
I haven’t been on this site for soooooooo long. And I miss it a lot. I couldn’t remember my password. I didn’t recognize the home page. It was strange But, when I saw some of my fibro friends/ family were still here,… --- ## [New to the Group/ my journey](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/new-to-the-group-my-journey/14405)
**Author:** [@Scoronado0881](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Scoronado0881)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2024, 9:22am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/new-to-the-group-my-journey/14405 "2024-02-21T09:22:41Z")
Hello! I just want to start by disclosing that I haven’t had my first rheumatology yet, but if it isn’t fibro or auto immune, than I don’t know what else this is! I’m scheduled for FEB. 5, but on a wait list for earlie… --- ## [Minnesota vs Arizona](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/minnesota-vs-arizona/14320)
**Author:** [@Freedom](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Freedom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 10:50pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/minnesota-vs-arizona/14320 "2024-02-12T22:50:34Z")
I currently live in Minnesota and am considering moving to Arizona. Has anyone moved to Arizona and did it help your fibromyalgia? Is there a better area of Arizona to live, climate wise? Does anyone regret living in … --- ## [Interstitial Cystitis and Increased Nerve Pain? What's helped you?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/interstitial-cystitis-and-increased-nerve-pain-whats-helped-you/14419)
**Author:** [@SaraZ553](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SaraZ553)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/interstitial-cystitis-and-increased-nerve-pain-whats-helped-you/14419 "2024-01-31T22:21:07Z")
I have Fibromyalgia, chronic pain and my nerve pain has been exceptionally bad for over 6 months. I was recently diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation). My doctor advised me that IC can have … --- ## [Lynn's Newly Diagnosed Journey](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/lynns-newly-diagnosed-journey/14398)
**Author:** [@Lynn2306](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Lynn2306)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/lynns-newly-diagnosed-journey/14398 "2024-01-15T17:39:53Z")
I have just started taking a low dose of Cymbalta. I am seeing mood changes, but not sure about any pain relief. Will update in a few weeks after an increased dose. Please feel free to share your updates about being just… --- ## [Looking For Your Fibromyalgia Stories!](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/looking-for-your-fibromyalgia-stories/14402)
**Author:** [@ModSupport](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/ModSupport)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2024, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/looking-for-your-fibromyalgia-stories/14402 "2024-01-10T23:42:56Z")
@trust\_level\_0 Dear Fibromyalgia Support Member, For over 10 years, the Ben’s Friends online rare patient communities, run & moderated by rare patients themselves, have been a source of support for many of us, living w… --- ## [Pics & Memes that visualize fibromyalgia and other invisible chronic pain illnesses](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/pics-memes-that-visualize-fibromyalgia-and-other-invisible-chronic-pain-illnesses/13435)
**Author:** [@JayCS](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/JayCS)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2023, 5:50pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/pics-memes-that-visualize-fibromyalgia-and-other-invisible-chronic-pain-illnesses/13435 "2023-12-30T17:50:44Z")
It’s helpful for others and us to see us how we feel. These are my faves I’ve found on the web so far :smiley: #6 is by an artist here, might be gross, but I think it’s really funny: 2) 3) 4) 5) … --- ## [Statins and FM](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/statins-and-fm/13801)
**Author:** [@Mary\_M](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Mary_M)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/statins-and-fm/13801 "2023-12-04T22:23:13Z")
Had a really bad flare of hip bursitis out of the blue. Had new pain in many parts of my body. The Cardiologist halfed my new stronger statins and now I’m much better. I had a scarily painful week til i realised what ca… --- ## [Having a Good Day Today](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/having-a-good-day-today/14386)
**Author:** [@jordanthomp.25](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/jordanthomp.25)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2023, 4:08pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/having-a-good-day-today/14386 "2023-10-27T16:08:14Z")
Today I am doing well and I am excited to see my friends later! --- ## [Fibromyalgia and gastric bypass](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromyalgia-and-gastric-bypass/14375)
**Author:** [@Shutterbug](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Shutterbug)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2023, 7:59am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromyalgia-and-gastric-bypass/14375 "2023-10-08T07:59:27Z")
So I’m not entirely sure where to put this. But I was wondering if anyone on here has had a full gastric bypass after a fibro diagnosis. My wife has had a bypass. I know the ends and outs of it. But, because of that, I k… --- ## [Heads up! Happening soon](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/heads-up-happening-soon/14346)
**Author:** [@Ben](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Ben)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2023, 9:02am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/heads-up-happening-soon/14346 "2023-08-07T09:02:37Z")
One day soon, you will point your browser (or your DiscourseHub mobile app) in the direction of livingwithfibro.org and there you’ll be … in a completely different place! Well, not completely different: the page on whic… --- ## [Do I give up?](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/do-i-give-up/14275)
**Author:** [@SueT](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/SueT)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2023, 7:33am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/do-i-give-up/14275 "2023-07-04T07:33:57Z")
For the last few months (about 6) my pain has been increasing all the time, my back pain is a nightmare. The pains in both sides of my body are worse and can’t seem to find anything to help. When my back is extra bad my … --- ## [7 Things to Look for When Choosing a Doctor](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/7-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-doctor/14326)
**Author:** [@BF\_Writer](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/BF_Writer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/7-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-doctor/14326 "2023-06-06T20:57:05Z")
Sascha Gallardo – November 1, 2022 When you are experiencing symptoms and know that something is wrong, do you settle with the first doctor you meet? Like many other patients, do you also think that doctors know eve… --- ## [Spotlight on Our ModSupport Member: Sharon a.k.a Stoney](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/spotlight-on-our-modsupport-member-sharon-a-k-a-stoney/14321)
**Author:** [@BF\_Writer](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/BF_Writer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2023, 1:36am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/spotlight-on-our-modsupport-member-sharon-a-k-a-stoney/14321 "2023-05-04T01:36:54Z")
Sascha Gallardo – June 4, 2020 Providing a safe and supportive community for patients is our top priority at Ben’s Friends. We want members to freely ask questions, share opinions, and express emotions without having t… --- ## [I started Lyrica today](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/i-started-lyrica-today/14263)
**Author:** [@Freedom](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/Freedom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2023, 3:05am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/i-started-lyrica-today/14263 "2023-04-24T03:05:34Z")
Hello fibro family, I never thought I would try Lyrica but…………here it goes. I see a pain specialist. She took me off gabapentin 300mg three times a day and put me on Lyrica 75mg twice a day. I haven’t heard anything … --- ## [Rare Disease Diagnosis: Difficulties and Advancements](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/rare-disease-diagnosis-difficulties-and-advancements/14281)
**Author:** [@BF\_Writer](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/BF_Writer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2023, 3:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/rare-disease-diagnosis-difficulties-and-advancements/14281 "2023-04-17T15:16:46Z")
Sascha Gallardo – August 31, 2020 Delays in getting an accurate diagnosis for a rare disease is very common. Patients would visit a physician, present their symptoms, and then they would be told there is nothing wrong … --- ## [Spotlight: Ben’s Friends former Intern, Dr. Melissa Jones, MD](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/spotlight-ben-s-friends-former-intern-dr-melissa-jones-md/14309)
**Author:** [@BF\_Writer](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/BF_Writer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2023, 7:05am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/spotlight-ben-s-friends-former-intern-dr-melissa-jones-md/14309 "2023-04-13T07:05:31Z")
Sascha Gallardo – June 15, 2020 The patients who visit our sites have tons of questions on their mind related to their symptoms, which clinic to visit, the medications they are taking, and the treatment procedures they… --- ## [Ben’s Friends inks partnership with ClozTalk](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/ben-s-friends-inks-partnership-with-cloztalk/14293)
**Author:** [@BF\_Writer](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/BF_Writer)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2023, 1:57am UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/ben-s-friends-inks-partnership-with-cloztalk/14293 "2023-03-20T01:57:21Z")
Sascha Gallardo – July 1, 2020 We’re excited to announce that Ben’s Friends has partnered with ClozTalk, a social impact company that helps charities raise people’s awareness of their mission. ClozTalk now designs appa… [Next page](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/c/general/11.md?page=1)