Anyone not taking meds ?

Hi Amanda...  you mention symptoms that we all put up with.  Sometimes some folk are a small roller coaster than others, sometimes some folks fibro increases.. some folks flares are worse and more cyclic than others...  A whole bucket of all sorts...

Some folk take some drugs, inclusive Amitrip....  it's may suit some folk, some it doesn't.  There is a WHOLE raft of drugs if one chooses to try any or more with the GP, or specialist blessing/s.  

Some folk have been through most of them and decided after awhile that they no-longer have the desired pain killing affect, or the side effects to much.

Remember to ween off any drugs you've tried or are taking..

(just quietly, I have heard that the natural wacky backy, is the best thing to use, especially for taking away pain, and for sleeping.  Like most things, don't abuse it.  But to use it as a sleeping aid, only when really needed.   So far myself I have tried it twice a few years back, and agree it does work.  But it's not legal here.  I have to use half a sleeping tablet to aid sleep.  I refuse to take a whole, and refuse to take for more than 3 nights in a row.  I only use half a tablet to aid a good 4 - 5 hrs deep sleep, and then a couple of extra hours sometimes after not being able to sleep past 2 - 3 hours for days on end.

It is really important to 'Get Sleep'..  it's the only way our bodies muscles can get to relax and the brain to!!!

I am chemical sensitive.. so I don't venture down the path of experimentation.  I do have to take just enough Tramadol to settle my neck into my head junction.  Flares, I have to ride through as nothing will go near that pain load!  The Ibuprophen I take for migraine heads...and I try to keep it minimal to, as the stuff is nasty stuff.  

If and when Marijuana becomes legal I will be using/eating a little 'head' mushed up and steeped in hot oil, and then mixed in yoghurt, only on those nights when desperate for sleep OR in a major Flare.

All the very best Amanda..  take care.

I've posted, but because I used a natural herbal 'word' I think they have moderated it!!???

Hi Amanda. Like you I was only diagnosed this year with Fibro, although I have had it since I was a child I suspect, the pains were called 'growing pains'! 

I too was prescribed amitripiline 10mg and I took it for a couple of months, it was helpful in so far as it aided sleep, but as I have been queried with Sjorgens syndrome, I stopped taking amitripiline to see if it was the meds causing the dry mouth rather than Sjorgens, so currently, I only take pain killers of varying strength - depending on my needs.

My insomnia is no better, my brain fog varies as does the pain, but if it wasn't for my dry eyes and mouth I would still take amitripiline, it did help with sleeping. 

It takes time to come to term with this, I am not sure I have fully yet, but I have at least stopped beating myself up about not being able to continue to work, well nearly, and I am learning to pace myself better, and I am even starting to like myself again, but this doesn't happen overnight! 

Take care and gentle hugs X 

Hi Amanda

I have been suffering for over 20yrs and only diagnosed with Fibro Aug 2014.

I have had an experience of a lifetime.  In Noveember 2014 my GP referred me to have one to one sessions on CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) ....I was a bit sceptical but these sessions were only for six weeks.  It has taught me how to be more confident and deal with one day and moment at a time.  It has been an eye opener for me.

I am 45 yrs old with two sons aged 11 and 18 and a husband too.  It hasn't been easy for me with not getting much support.  Since being diagnosed and involving them life has become more bearable and the understanding for them much easier as so much information is on-line.  If you have the attitude that you will NOT allow fibro to get the better of you but you to have a better life with fibro then that is the way forward.

Since having my CBT therapy it then gave me the confidence to look out for myself and in Jan 2015 seeked advice for herbal remedies and started with this in Feb 2015.  Again, I was sceptical but to this date it's the best ever rewards I have had with my pains reducing.  Although it is a slow process it is a POSITIVE one.  Because of advertising please message me privately so I can give you further information if you are interested.

You are not alone and we are all here to help and support one another. I joined this forum March 2015 and have many amazing fibroites that are all in the same boat. Take care and sending you gentle hugs from ME to YOU...... xx

I"ve been diagnosed about a year too. Like you I have random pains and lethargy hits at any moment. Other days it's not too bad. I only take painkillers at present as I'm holding out against other drugs until I really have to. I'm lucky as I am retired so don't have to worry about working but it still interferes with my life and stops me doing what I want and at times I feel very scared of the future. Not much help really! But I think you should try the drugs to maybe improve your life now and remember it is not your fault, it is an illness like any other and use one of the fibro posters with all the problems shown o try to convince your family.Good luck and gentle hugs

Hi Everone,

Thank you so much for all your kind replies...it is so good to know you are not alone and have others you can speak to who understand just what you are feeling. I hope to make lots of fibro friends here !!

One thing I am grateful for is that my symptoms have only gotten worse in the last couple of years..as my children are 26 , 25 and 15...so I dont have the demands I used to have in my life and can take time out when I need to...I also have given up running my own business for now, as it was just too demanding and fibro fog and taxes don't mix well ..lol

I am in awe of all the people here who have children or are working I honestly don't know how you do it ...I have two grandchilren and I love looking after them and they have always been sleeping over or coming for tea and its so upseting to me to have to arrange the days they visit or sleep over around my hubbys work rota so he can help me and take over when the fatigue hits!!

I am hoping this is just a long flare and soon I will be back to my own type of normal !

I plan to make some big changes in the new year ( diet and journaling to name a couple) and see if I can deal with fibro this way before I try the meds.

I will keep you posted on my new year plans and any results I have.

Fingers crossed!!

Does anyone else find keeping a diary helpful??

Has anyone tried a gluten free diet ??

Take care everyone

Amanda

 

Hi Amanda, i was diagnosed 8 months ago with fibro GP put me on all sorts of medication but every single one I tried make me feel like a zombie.

My concentration was worse and just wanted to sleep which isn't practical in my line of work as I deal with patients every day myself .

I attend the gym as the rheumatologist said would help doing gentle exercise but that's when I'm not tired and must say I find it makes the pain worse but don't want to give in to it .

I take the occasional Iburofen and paracetamol to keep me going which helps a bit .

All the best for 2016 Amanda