Anyone else with fibromyalgia?

[downsm75]

Pain meds don't help either

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

Have any of you heard of Dr. William Davis' book "Wheat Belly?" I have had body aches and pains for years, and the diagnositic criteria for fibro, but after reading this book decided to try a wheat free (not necessarily gluten free) diet, and I have had a dramatic improvement in body pain (and many other problems, like fatigue, poor sleep, mental fog, depression). Google it and read some of the stories on Dr Davis' blog, and give it a try. I haven't felt this good in years. Sounds crazy, but I encourage anyone with widespread body pain to at least try it.

I could not agree more! I have family members who have significantly reduced or completely eliminated RA and Fibro symptoms with a wheat/gluten free diet. I too have seen decreased joint pain since eliminating, and frankly I feel just feel so much better not eating it.

 

[Gaelio]

I am lucky enough to also have RA, and my rheumatologist prescribes vicoden.
Doesn't take away the pain, just makes you not care as much.
Another one of the reasons I call myself stoopid, being on drugs all the time.
It all got way worse after I got Lyme disease, that's how I got started with chickens and wound up here.
I just quit my job a few months ago, it became impossible to work a full day.
Still trying to get disability, and since I voluntarily left, no unemployment for me.

Hugs to all of you in as much pain as me

I wish our healthcare system was just a little more caring.

Red, I don't think there is a test. There is an Epstein-Barr reactor that seems to be common, I think doctors just associate the two and bunch us into one group.

I'm a naturopathic doctor and have Chronic Lyme Disease as well. Please don't call yourself stupid because you need to rely on meds right now. I try to do as much natural as I can, but to have multiple autoimmune situations like you do is a huge challenge. I hope you get disability....I know it can be very hard to do so, and you may need a disability lawyer to finally get help. I agree that the healthcare system is horribly flawed. A lot of people care, but many of them don't believe that Fibro and Lyme even exist....they think it's all in our heads. I know it's not. Keep your immune system strong, give your stressed adrenals lots of B vitamins!

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Lyme\chronic Lyme since 1998\99 ......... Fibro since 2000 - officially diagnosed in 2002.... not on disability ....

Basically all I have to say on public forum...but if you wish to chat about fibro etc,,,message me on FB May take me a day or two to reply.

 

[Suzierd]

I have Fibro and what really helps me is CoQ10 I take 300 to 400 mg a day the doc I talked to said up to eight hundred but I wouldn't take that much all at once. I thought 800 is a bit much so I'm happy with my dose. I know it really helps me because when I run out and don't take it for a bit I can really tell the difference! Don't want to run out. I also take hormone creams and I'm addicted to my awesome hot tub.

 

[KrakenQueen]

I was diagnosed with fibro in 2007, dysmenorrhea in 2006, and endometriosis in 2005 (?). Over the years I have been on a variety of pain killers, anti-depressants (never again), and have unfortunately gained allergies to tramadol (most recent and the worst reaction thus far), vicodin, and hydrocodone. It was decided last week for me to stop my tramadol as it ended up causing tinnitis and partial hearing loss, swollen knuckles and hives. Vicodin just gave me hives and made me sick. I am grateful that the muscle relaxer, cyclobenzaprine, hasn't had any bad comings.

Last year it was suggested I go gluten-free, which eventually turned out for the better as I ended up having an intolerance. I'm still trying to avoid too many tomatoes and onions, but those are tough to get by.

Since about June of 2012 I've been dealing with a really bad relapse, it's been a while since I've had such a hard cycle. It's been difficult for me, especially since I do illustration work and am an avid gardener. I've always been one to assume personal duties as my own, do things myself. But those things are pretty much stricken from my list of what keeps me happy. I can't work with my hands or use my arms much. No opening lids of cans or jars, careful to cut my own food. The worst days are when my husband has to brush my hair, cut my food, pick things up, wash my hair, ...those little things we take for granted. Not being able to paint, or garden, even pull tiny weeds or plant seeds, it's very hard on the soul.

So my way of dealing with it is by not doing much of anything. I get to watch tv, read online, or if it's warm enough, sit outside and watch/listen to the birds that frequent our feeders. That's probably the one little joy I get during the day. I am lucky to work from home, and that I am thankful for with this condition. At night, I take melatonin, valerian root, my muscle relaxer, and right now bayer pm to cut some of the pain. I don't have caffeine after noon, usually, but the max is 2pm. In general I tend to avoid all caffeinated drinks and foods.

It concerns me that, as much as I want a couple of laying hens, I worry I won't be able to tend to them properly...it breaks my heart. How do you manage your hens with fibromyalgia?

 

[chickenzoo]

I have fibro and have a lot of animals...they are the only thing sometimes that force me to get up and out. I spend many days on the couch in pain....but after I've fed up. Luckily hubby is very supportive , helps out when I'm in too much pain and understands my bad days. Finding doctors that are as understanding is harder.... I feel for all of you.
I've just come to accept I will always be in pain, as treatments I've tried have been more of an inconvience then helpful..... And try to look past it. I don't remember what being pain free feels like either..... When doctors ask me what my level of pain is....I don't know.... They dont have the right face to point too...lol

 

[newfoundland]

I am so sorry for your condition Krakenqueen, I had an aunt with this and I know it's incredibly painful and debilitating. I think getting a couple of laying hens would be a great idea under the right circumstances. First and foremost make sure your set up is designed for ease of management. You need something not too far from the house that is easily accessible. I would buy a raised hen house because these are so much easier to clean out than a house on the floor. Have everything you need to hand, feed, bedding etc, so that you don't have to walk far for anything. Make sure you fill the waterer with a hose, sounds obvious I know but I have walked miles over the years with buckets of water, a complete waste of time and energy. Don't carry anything that you can push in a wheelbarrow. Lastly, make sure your husband will help if and when necessary. looking after two hens does not require a lot of work, and you will get endless pleasure from their antics, also the lovely fresh eggs are healthy, so hopefully they will be beneficial for you. Good luck!

 

[KrakenQueen]

Thank you, newfoundland, chickenzoo!

Fibromyalgia is a tough one, it's true. I feel like I have to "tiptoe" around everything I do, and for the last many months I've more or less been refrained from much physical activity that involves my hands. I can type, I can go outside and spray my garden, and I can poke holes in the soil to put seeds in, but aside from that I can't do much else with my hands. The majority of my fibro resides in my hands, arms, shoulders and has been cropping up in my back and ribs more. I am at least delighted when I sit outside on warmish days listening to and watching the wild birds as they visit the feeding station and ponds. Much fun, so the joy of that is sort of like a temporary dulling from the hell. I don't like to be bored and I don't like to be in pain, so both just really suck! LOL

Thank you again for the suggestions, newfoundland! We planned to have the coop floor raised for easier access with all the necessary things immediately in grabbing range. We are also going to be putting a small sink in the garage so I imagine we can also work a way to have a watering hose (or a way to attach a hose to use as a dual purpose cleaning/watering). Thankfully the garage is easily accessible, though I will be asking my husband to fix the door so it's easier to pull open. And yes, my husband is just fine taking over for me when I'm not capable, what a good guy

Chickens are still a year away for me, so in the mean time I will continue to ask questions, join in discussions, do my reading up and hopefully decide whether I am ready by then. I've already fallen for several breeds and have definitely confirmed to adopt older hens- I don't have the energy for chicks and I am a softy for older animals anyway. I've also considered the option of starting with two or three, and when the last one stops laying to take on two or three more. I figure by the time the last of the second round are done laying, the first group will have likely passed. I do look forward to chickens, and my husband is excited about the prospect- I am very thankful to have someone like him.

 

[newfoundland]

Sounds like you have a good man there! Another thing I forgot to mention is to pace yourself, to avoid getting tired and making your body ache. I do this all the time. I am currently looking after my daughters horses and I have developed a schedule that works for me. I do two or three small chores and then have a cup of tea, sit down for half an hour and then do two or three more. This way, I get through an awful lot of tea, but more importantly I manage to get everything done without wearing myself out.