fingersntoes’s Profile

Close Fibromyalgia

I believe I was born with fibromyalgia! I started having bad headaches when I was in my twenties and some fatigue. By the time I was 30 I had seen way too many doctors and had a GP who dx'd me as having fms. I mostly suffer with tmj, irritable bowel, migraine/mixed h/a's. I do have spinal arthritis and phantom neuritis. The neuritis is in a scar over thoracic spine which resulted from a melanoma level III I had excised when I was 30. Seems everything happened that year: we adopted our one son that year which was a miracle. I survived the melanoma to the surprise of all the oncologists. I did ok with the fms during the years of raising our son, but I was suffering all along and retreating from family and social obligations because I always seemed to end up unable to do what others could do and afterwards I would be in too much pain. In 2004 we moved back to my hometown and I have had a chance to reestablish relationships with my extended family. I have tried every treatment option I could and continue to do all I can to keep the awful flares at bay. I could use a place where I don't have to explain myself and where I can just talk to someone. Most family and friends just understandably don't want to hear it, they want to see me doing well and sounding well. I can't always oblige them. Hubby is supportive but has his own pain problems, so it is easy to become overwhelmed. I would like to get to a point where I am managing the fms well and able to have some routine I can enjoy each day. I don't ask much!

Treatments

Writing Working / Worked

I dont write every day but I do write both when I am having a bad time and a good time. It helps me to go back and read to remind me I will presevere and have better days. Just helps perspective all around.

Positive Thinking Working / Worked

I dont always succeed to keep a positive outlook but I do try to use an attitude of looking at all the good things I have going on. People tend to respond to me better when I am being positive. Also helps keep any depression from getting too bad.

Meditation Working / Worked

I like using meditation because it can deescalate any flare of pain Im having. Helps me to calm each area of tension I am holding and pain does seem more manageable....moment to moment.

Trazodone Somewhat Helpful

Trazodone does help me to sleep but it also hangs me over very badly which means I often choose not to use it. When I have to be up and alive on any given morning I will avoid trazodone the night before which means I dont comply with using it very well. I wish I could. It has been beneficial to depressive symptoms when other medications have not.