I have been hurting so badly that it is interfering with my thought processes. I have an appointment with a rhumatologist on July 10. That seems tooooo far away to have to feel this bad. Hydrocodine doesn't help, butabutal does not help. The only thing that has helped is flexaril (sp). My gp says that my ANAs are abnormal...whatever that means. I feel hopeless!
Dear Gaye,
Having elevated ana means that you are having an autoimmune response. A good Rheumatologist will possibly be doing other tests and examining you. Knowing any family history of autoimmune will help him with his diagnosis. Many of the autoimmune diseases are rare, and have so many similar symptoms, so it may take a little time for a determination.
Give them as much information as you possibly can, as it will speed things up. The faster you get a further diagnosis, the quicker you will be starting on meds to help slow the progression, and help you feel better!
There are quite a lot of us here who also have an autoimmune disease and fibro, as a matter of fact, my Rheumatologist recently told me that my inherited Psoriatic Arthritis most likely caused my fibro. When my arthritis is good, so is my fibro! So the quicker this is pinpointed, the quicker you can start trying meds!
You're going in the right direction to get help, stay strong, if you need us, we're here for you!
Big hugs,
SK
By the way, do anti-inflammatorities like Advil, Motrin, Excederin Arthritis help you? Let them know.
Hi Gaye,
Welcome to the LWF family. We certainly can all relate and understand how you are feeling. Please hang in there...SK gave you some good advice. These things take time to diagnose, but it sounds like you have a good Rheumatologist who will help get you on the right medication to help your symptoms! Oh, maybe a stupid question, but have you tried heating pads to soothe the pain? I tried acupuncture and it helped a little as it's a very calming treatment, but I was also showed how to meditate. That too helped a little. This was all prior to my diagnosis and not being on any medication. Just a few suggestions that may help get you through until the 10th. We are all here for you and please keep us updated as to how things go with your appointment.
Hugs,
Sue (Dreamcatcher)
Dear Gaye
I know that July 10th seems a long ways off, but it isn't really. Some members have had to wait much longer to get to see a doctor. Try to find one thing each day that brings you joy......no matter how small that is. Find things that distract you from your pain........something you like to do, some TV program that you enjoy, someone you enjoy being with or talking to. This way the time will go by faster than if you stay by yourself and focus on your pain. This may require some effort but it is so worth the effort.
Gentle hugs
Rachel
Thanks Rachel,
I am involved in my community theatre and am to play Mdm Thenardier in Les Miserables this weekend. That has kept me from just crawling in bed with my electric blankie (and it 85 degrees out). I do feel better since I have been given the flexaril, but golly...all the meds!
I cannot take antiinflamitories...or rather, I am not supposed to. I have had gastric bypass surgery and they are on the "no no list".
I broke down and got a massage the other day. It usually helps. This time it did not touch my pain. I have a heated matress pad on my bed. so that is like a big heating pad. I have wondered if a tense (sp) unit would help. Do you know of anyone who has tried one of those?
Well it is nice to know I am not the only one riding the crazytrain!
No I'm sorry I don't...I'm not even sure what that is?
Hi Gaye, I have tried a TENS Unit and it helps a little, I used it for neck pain & back pain, it helps the muscles relax, but only the group you put it on , and it only helped for a short time after after you stop using it, I got the most benefit from it when I would get nots & trigger points in my back muscles. It did help break up really tense areas 
I hope you get some answers on the 10th
Sending you hugs & luck with the play
dee B
I noticed that you had gastric bypass surgery. I am wondering, were you diagnosed with Fibro BEFORE or AFTER the gastric bypass? I had the surgery too, and then was diagnosed with Fibro. Just wondering if this may have been what triggered it?
no, I was diagnosed before the surgery. I have noticed a personality change that a lot of people experience after the surgery, but I am hoping that it is the fibro and i will be back to myself after I am sorted out.
I have a small tens unit i got off amazon for about 12$. It's amazingly powerful and i'd recommend it for the cost. As far as it helping it's a mixed bag. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it hurts depending on how sensitive the area is, I've found it works best for an area that's stretched out. I have alot of problems with my hips and lower back and best success with the unit for pain caused on days where i have to be out and walk alot.
If you're interested i'll see if i can find a link, i'd definitely recommend replacement pads for it too, as they naturally pick up dirt and oil pretty quickly.