I’m a 26 year old female with fibromyalgia. I think I’ve had it for 9 years but only diagnosed a year ago (I had left wrist pain that spread to my shoulder and neck then all over)
I’ve been trying physiotherapy for 6 months now, very little improvement. I don’t exercise but I stretch. Recently I’ve tried acupuncture and it did miracles! this pain I had for a year disappeared in 25 minutes! I have also started herbal medication along with Cymbalta 60 mg and Lyrica 25 mg.
My problems are not being able to find the right doctor who’d take their time and listen to me. I also hate Cymbalta and what it does to me, the sweating and nausea if I’m late taking it. The Lyrica doesn’t feel enough, I still feel the same as I first started. Should I ask for higher? I don’t know what to do other than applying heat and sleep!
don’t give up. lyrica added 19 pounds in 10 days and cymbalta gave me hallucinations. this is a disease of trial and error. many doctors just dont know what to do. and what works for one person will devestate the next person. i was given RX for water therapy. i could do the mild exercises in the water, but cried the entire way to the car all three days I tried it. Over the years i have learned that for ME, less is more. i am now retired, but i try to walk around the house most of the day - no TV. i am on an opioid and xanax. i can barely walk in the morning or get dressed, but i keep telling myself that by noon it will be better. i have had fibro for 37 years, so i was 35 when i got it. you being 26 will have many years ahead of you that you will need to learn what works and what doesnt. dont feel guilty if you need a nap. doctors dont take time to listen because most of them have no idea what to do. this chat room MIGHT be just as helpful as a doctor. Learn to take one day at a time and remember that fibro itself is not fatal. do you have a pet? a cat, dog, gerbil or whatever can be a wonderful distraction, even if you have a family. good luck.
Don’t give up! I’ve had this condition since I was 16, wasn’t diagnosed until 26 (I’m now 30), and it’s a common theme on this site. Many doctors don’t understand yet, but some do, so keep looking. I recently saw a pain specialist who backed my sense that meds actually made me worse, and I’ve found natural treatments far more effective. Physio has worked for me, because I was blessed with a physio who GETS fibro. If acupuncture helps, stick with it. I’m working with a wholistic therapist too, and that’s made a huge difference because he isn’t looking at me from a pharmaceutical standpoint, but really looking at all elements of the condition and building from there. However, even with that it’s still trial and error and I’ve reacted oddly to some things every ounce of his considerable training and experience has said should work. PLEASE don’t be defeated, it is highly individualistic and it takes time. I’ve found this site hugely helpful, especially when I’m struggling with this I “should” be able to do easily. There’s a big community of us, on your side.
Good Morning you are not alone please don’t give up you are too special. As people coping with fibromyalgia are tremendously special. They have to cope with so many symptoms at one time. It is an awful illness, and doctors do not listen as they do not understand. My doctor said to me if I had fibromyalgia I would have pain anyway, she then gave me some leaflets and that was that. I more or less diagnosed myself as, as she once sent me to a physiotherapist, who discovered where ever he pressed on my body it hurt with pain. Search for a doctor that will listen, they try different pain killers, what works for one does not for another. Try to rest, between tasks even for ten minutes, as no doubt you will have fatigue. Also I found heat works, try a hot water bottle, or wrap yourself in a throw. Living in the north of England it is cold. Try not to do too much at once, and praise yourself for doing things. As many know everyday tasks can be difficult. Please don’t give up take care xx
I’m not a doctor, but I started with 100 mg of lyrica, so you may want to talk to your doctor. And be sure to keep your stress level down as much as possible. Good luck.
@diesel It means so much that you took your time to respond with such an encouraging message. I no longer expect any good from doctors
Thank you @carolyn I did not expect a response to be honest.
Yes I’ve gained 6 pounds in 3 weeks with Lyrica. Since less is more works for you, maybe I’m not wrong for avoiding exercise then. I felt so bad because everyone kept telling me to do it.
I’ll look into finding distractions
@Jess111 I’ve contacted a holistic therapist but didn’t continue. I’ll give it another try and stick around to see others’ posts. Thank you so much!
@Mardi Will meet my doctor in a week and check if I can go higher. Thank you
I have yet to find a doctor that will take me seriously, so of course I just want to give up. All they keep doing is ordering tests, full body scans, z-rays(a lot of them), blood work, MRI’s, etc. I have weighed 108 lb’s all my life, thanks to Cymbalta and Lyrica I gained 40lb’s in 6 months. The same doctor who ordered those prescriptions, said I should try to lose weight. When I tell them that I eat very little due to the nausea from the meds, he just looks at me like I am crazy. Weight gain is the top side affect. I am more stressed out from the lack of sleep than I can handle.
I’m sorry you go through that. Since this post, I’ve raised my dosage of Lyrica and been feeling great! I was able to live my life like a normal person (almost) until it was7 pm and the meds started to wear off. I’ve decided to stop Cymbalta first and it was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced! 5 weeks of nausea, brain zaps, confusion and so many things.
2 days ago I’ve started a healthier diet and with a lot of reading i found that supplements make a huge difference with all fibro patients (omega3, magnesium…)
Here’s a link that was so helpful for me: https://youtu.be/xAAmyYiPSG8
I’ve been told by many but only now I understand “you are your own doctor”. You need to experiment and figure out what works for you, all we can do is share our lessons. In that link I’ve put what I’ve been trying out. I should update it soon but please text if you need anything
Carolyn, you sound like me. I’m 65 and was finally diagnosed about 7 years ago although I’ve learned I’ve had FMS for much longer. Yes never give up. Fibromyalgia is a very personal illness. Although we all share the basics, chronic pain and fatigue, brain fog etc. it grabs us differently. My flares probably manifest differently than yours. I know I’m preaching to the choir. You’ve been dealing with this longer than me!! Just wanted to put my 2 cents worth in there. I hope your day is going well!!!