Fibromyalgia

Question: What Fibromyalgia support groups are located in Plymouth UK, and the South West? Are there any support groups in Plymouth UK, or the South West, still running please? Also, is there anyone living with Fibromyalgia, in the same area, looking for support? I would like to hear from people interested in raising awareness of FMS in the UK.

Answer: call Plymouth and District ME Group It provides information and support for people with ME/CFS, their family and friends. Contact: 44 Skylark Rise, Woolwell, Plymouth PL6 7SN E-mail: ruttershome@blueyonder.co.uk Tel: 01752 214856.

Question: Is there a corelation between fibromyalgia and the consuming of carbonated soft drinks? If I've got fibromyalgia (I think I do) I suspect my diet has something to do with it (prehaps other things too). If I do have fibromyalgia, carbonated soft drinks heads my list as a possible contributor to it and/or with cafeine as a runner up and/or equal to it? Is there a corelation with either or both if they are taken together in a can or bottle of soda pop? Thank you for any helpful input because it is getting painful. Ed

Answer: Foods/driks can contibute to it for soem people- but they do not cause it- Diet will not cure ior releive symptomst-but may help your body compensate FMS has been believed to be a disorder of teh central nervous system for about 10 yeasr now--and i would think caffeine affects the CNS I would think it is less likely to be the carbonation

Question: Fibromyalgia- what are others way to get relief from the pain? I've had Fibromyalgia for 17 years now. I've been off and on Medicine for it. I was just wondering if anyone who has it , had any other methods of pain relief besides medication. Thanks!

Answer: First and foremost, fibromyalgia IS a real illness. There is at least one specific test that is used as part of making a differential diagnosis. I'm shocked that the first respondant here doesn't want to understand and accept this for a fact. Further, although it wouldn't be used simply because of it's cost, there are specific tests that can be done during a functional MRI that shows the differences in pain responses between an FM patient and a non-FM patient. Have you ever seen a chiropractor for an evaluation and help? It is possible to get some help from a DC, but it's not for everyone. I have other types of arthritis, in addition to FM, so it may be that I would get more relief from a chiro than does someone else. But it's something to try. Have you been referred to a pain clinic? This would be a way for you to get a more updated combination of meds and to help to find other specific management methods that will also be of assistance to you. And when did you last see a rheumatologist? Yes, FM exists, but there are a few other types of arthritis that can mimic some of the effects of FM and that are more easily dealt with. This doesn't mean that you don't have FM or that you're not in pain, it's just a way of checking that there isn't anything else going on. Having any one chronic illness does not make you immune from any other type of medical problem, inlcuding other chronic illnesses Make certain that you stretch and exercise (to tolerance) every day. Doing all of this in heated pool, as a part of an arthritis aquafit program, can do wonders to help relieve some of the pain, and to increase flexibility. It's also a way to get out on a regular basis, and that helps greatly, too.

Question: Can you explain specifically the difference between diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia pain? Medicine is connected to my fibromyalgia.

Answer: My opinion below, and I am not a doctor. It's possible that there may not be much of a distinguishable difference. And, it may not be important because what will help one will help the other.

Question: What are good remedies for Fibromyalgia? I have fibromyalgia and possible rheumatoid arthritis. What are some good treatments/remedies that you or someone you know has found to be helpful?

Answer: I'm on a number of pain medications for my Fibro, so far the new drug Lyrica is helping a lot. Different things can cause flares for different people. You should check out the books "Fibromyalgia for Dummies" and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia" you should also check out about.com's Fibro/CFS site: http://chronicfatigue.about.com/

Question: Are there any natural remedies for Fibromyalgia that really work? I have Fibromyalgia and have been on a roller coaster ride of prescription drugs. I'm sick of it. It's been a couple years, and I'm still not feeling any better. I still hurt like H**L, but I really am sick of being treated like a guinea pig!!! I'm ready to try some natural remedies. I take Elavil for the psychological aspects of the disorder. I don't want to be one of those people who says, "oh I feel fine" and then quits the meds, but I don't want to be reliant on any drugs.

Answer: some people whoa re diagnosed with FMS are cured with b12 shots (may have been misdiagnosed) 5HTP may work-it is teh natural form of SSRIs-but you can't combine them- musculoskeltal drugs don't work. it has been believed taht FMS is neuro (central nervosu system) in nature for about 10 years the drugs taht have shown promise for peopel taht truly have FMS are Lyrica and Tramadol (SSRI for pain)

Question: What is the best shoe for fibromyalgia sufferers? I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis and my legs and feet burn from pain. I have tried many different shoes and they work for awhile and then stop. I would like some input from others on the most cushioned shoes both casual, sport and dress.

Answer: are you sure you don't have Gout too?? i like New Balance (for wider feet) very comfortable, buy the Best

Question: How do you handle someone who has fibromyalgia and addicted to pills? I have no way of 100 % proving that she has overdosed in the past but I know she has. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1993 and its gone down hill from there. I feel that she is unstable and will take drastic measures. Is there a way to have her committed for her own good?

Answer: My wife was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and she is in constant pain. I don't know if eventually she'll need stronger doses of the medicines she takes, but we have to be understanding, it's a very painful illness and it takes a lot of patience and empathy from all of us involved. It would be really good if she / you could find a support group. Good luck.

Question: What is the percentage of a transplant recipient getting fibromyalgia? I know my immune system is compromised & fibromyalgia is a auto-immune disorder.

Answer: Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disorder It is believed to be a disorder of teh central nervous system for about 10 years. Previously it was believed to be amusculoskeletal condition. there was a theory taht it coudl bne autoimmune-but has been mostly discounted. there is a differnece between autoimmune and immune dusfunction. autoimmune is when the immune system attacks it's own body immune dysfunction is when the immune system under or over reacts to foreign materials. there is some immune dysfunction in Fibromyalgia. i could see your concern that Fibromyalgia may cause the immune system to react even more strongly to a transplanted organ and increase the risk of rejection. I don't know if this has ever been looked at percentage wise- would the organ sharing network have info on things such as this?

Question: What jobs besides a medical biller or coder would be good for a person with fibromyalgia? I am a 24 year old female who was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Recently I graduated from college, so I am fairly new to the workforce, so that makes it even more difficult to judge whether the job would be good or not. If anyone knows of any jobs that would be good, I would appreciate the help.

Answer: It depends how your fibro is affecting you. Everyone is different. If you can type w/o pain, medical transcription is a good career path. Also, medical office assistant, medical office management, and/or paralegal.

Question: fibromyalgia? I have been sick for over a year now. I keep going to the doctor with no answers they keep treating the immediate problem and I am starting to think there is more of a major problem. Possibly Fibromyalgia. I have body ache, pain, disturbed sleep, exhaustion, stiffness when I wake up, tingling in my hands and legs. I know I need to see a Dr. I just want to know more about the disease and if there are any treatments to help it. Thanx Bunches!!!

Answer: My mom actually suffers from FMS. One of the tell tell signs is severe pain at certain pressure points, shoulders, arms, neck, all have these pressure points. From the symptoms you describe, it sounds like you may have it, but it seems like a lot of doctors are falsely diagnosing it. For example I used to work with a girl who was a hairdresser and she was told that she had it because she had stiff shoulders, but... she is a hairdresser, of course she had stiff shoulders. She had no other symptoms to go along with it. Another poster mentioned stress as a factor of flare up which is true. Sometimes the initial occurence happens after a severe injury, in my moms case, an almost fatal car accident 14 years ago. About a year after her wreck she started having unexplained symptoms and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue, depression, and others, but nothing covered all the symptoms until the past few years with the "discovery" of FMS. There are lots of doctors who don't know very much about it. My mom has tried a couple of the medications used to treat it, with no relief. One medication gave her nightmares, which is not good if you already have a hard time getting restful sleep. She has decided not to be a guinea pig anymore and to wait until they have a proven treatment. I feel like you should express your opinion to a doctor and don't stop until you find an answer. It sounds to me like you have reasonable cause to suspect Fibro. Good Luck.

Question: Is there a connection between Epstein-Barr Virus and Fibromyalgia and where can I find information? I was diagnosed with EBV 10 years ago and got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Depression 5 yrs ago-is there a connection and if so where can I obtain information. If anyone can help-Thank You!

Answer: Is there a connection? No. Here's one reason why. EBV only lasts in the body for no more than 2 years and that's in severe cases. Most people only have it for about 6 months. There's no way you could've had it 5 years ago muchless now. Once the body overcomes EBV - or any virus - it builds antibodies to protect itself. You are not at risk for contracting it again. Initially it was believed that EBV was connected somehow to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but they are two completely different illnesses. The bottom line is that EBV is really just an expanded version of mono - they are both herpes viruses. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibro… That's a good place to learn more about Fibromyalgia. It is *not* a form of arthritis, just a relative. I'd love to elaborate but I've got to be a good answer fairy and keep it movin. Ask a specialist if you have further questions. Best wishes.

Question: How can one with fibromyalgia build muscle strenghth? What is the best way to build muscle (core and upper body, especially) when one has fibromyalgia and suffers from 24 to 48 hours of severe spams and pain in the shoulders and neck whenever any lifting (with arms or of the upper torso against gravity) is done? I have a limited diet due to food allergies, and primarily rely heavily on fruits and veggies, and use chicken or eggs as animal protein. I need to build strenghth and endurance, but the effects of trying are severe.

Answer: I would suggest a physical therapist. They know about muscle "triggers" and what works. Maybe they can give you the advice you are looking for. I applaud you on wanting to keep up the momentum. I understand that a person with your condition actually profits from staying active(painful as it may be at times)

Question: What is your treatment for fibromyalgia? My doctor says he beleives that I have fibromyalgia. My mom has suffered from this for 20 years also so I guess it is hereditary. I am wondering what other people do for the pain and what they have tried out and what works best to help.

Answer: Hi Natalie, rather than go into a long message here about Fibro and all of this i will be glad to talk with you and answer any questions you have and help if I can just email me at poohinmissouri@yahoo.com I also own a totally free chat room where people with all kinds of diseases like fibro, lupus,ra,ms,mpd, etc come to talk and help each other about medications they take, symptoms, dealing with doctors, pain and so on, and we would love to have you come join us, sometimes it helps to talk directly to people instead of trying to find answers out on the net, so come and talk with me and the others, we look forward to hearing from you, just email me and i will get the link to you right away

Question: Does anyone have any good information on the progression of fibromyalgia? I am looking for info on the degrading of the muscles and surrounding tissues associated with fibromyalgia. Muscle weakness, tremors, and muscular pain. As well as any good information on a good course of treatment. What can I expect to see happen as it progresses?

Answer: Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder of hypersensitivity, not a muscular disorder. FMS isn't, technically, considered to be a degenerative disease at all. It does not directly cause any degradation of muscles or tissues, but can lead to decreased activity, which would of course lead to a decline in muscle tone. If FMS isn't treated properly, though, the hypersensitivity can get worse, leading to a greater degree of disability. Also, FMS can make any other condition the patient has more difficult to deal with, because it amplifies any associated pain. For instance, I have arthritis, which is a degenerative disease, as well as FMS for which I didn't get proper treatment for over a decade after diagnosis. In my case, FMS has been degenerative, and as a result, I am disabled. My daughter, on the other hand, was treated as soon as she was diagnosed when she was 9. At 16, she is NOT disabled, nor is she likely to be. She's very active, and she knows that she has to stay aware of the fact that she has FMS but she doesn't have to live in fear because of it. Your prognosis and course of treatment really depend on your current health and background. The things I suggest most strongly to everyone are to educate yourself, get a good healthcare team of doctors who "believe in" fibromyalgia, and to surround yourself with family and friends who are supportive of you. Stress will make fibromyalgia worse, so reducing the stress you can control in your life will improve your ability to deal with FMS and to deal with the stressors you can't control. If there are negative people around you, remove them. They're poison. The same goes for environmental stressors. Drink plenty of clean water - put a filter on your kitchen tap or use a filtered pitcher in your fridge. Reduce the amount of everything else you drink - soda, coffee, alcohol, whatever. Watch what you eat, especially packaged stuff with preservatives and artificial coloring and so on. Put a HEPA air filter in your bedroom and change the air filter on your furnace/air conditioner every month. Keep your living environment as uncluttered as possible, and use non-toxic cleaning products - the Method line that Target carries is pleasant, effective, and reasonably priced. If you smoke, STOP - and don't hang out around people who do smoke. Move every day, somehow. Stretch, especially - carefully :-) Many people who have fibromyalgia have hypermobile joints (or, more accurately, many people who have hypermobile joints develop fibromyalgia). If you have access to a pool, swim. Non-weight-bearing exercise is great for allowing you to keep moving without increasing your pain levels. And keep your spirits up! Play, treat yourself, have fun. Give yourself a daily "whine budget" and then STOP and move on to focusing on what you can do. Good luck!

Question: What is a good diet and exercise to do with fibromyalgia? I have gained weight with fibromyalgia. It hurts to do anything... even walk for long periods. But I am sick of being fat. And no matter how healthy and little I eat, I cannot lose weight and just keep gaining. Any ideas on what I can do?

Answer: I tried the acai berry routine, and I think it's just a bunch of hooey. I didn't experience any weight loss. I have fibromyalgia too, and my neck is killing me as I write this. But, the sad reality is that to lose weight, it takes a combination of exercise and monitoring calorie intake. Before you begin any cardio, try stretching. I think that stiffness is one of the worst parts of having fibromyalgia. And having massages will loosen your muscles up and make you feel better. It truly does feel like a vicious cycle, doesn't it? You're in pain, but you know you have to exercise and endure more discomfort in order to lose weight and feel better. Best of luck to you!