Quote:
Well, there is a very clear examination that is done to determine an FMS diagnosis, one of which are specific pressure points on your body. You can find a chart of this online. I've had FMS for 11 years now. Well, I should say that's how long I've had the actual diagnosis. I understand fully that desperate times call for desperate measures, but that's a lot of Ibuprofen to be taking on a daily basis. Whether you feel it or not, that's going to tear your insides to shreds. I take Tramadol, it's the only thing I've found that works on the pain, other than narcotics, which I refuse to take. If I took an addictive drug every time I was in pain, I'd be a drug addict by next week, which of course would only add to my problems. I take the Tramadol not daily, but when there is a task that I need to get done, or an event to go to where I really need to be pain free. Otherwise, I've just learned to live with the pain, because I refuse to take pain pills on a daily basis.
I used to do Acupuncture, which surprisingly did a very good job of alleviating muscle pain and weakness, but unfortunately I can no longer afford it, and most insurances don't cover it. I take Cal-Mag (Calcium Magnesium) at night, which helps *somewhat* with sleep and also with muscle pain. Aside from that, I've tried all kinds of herbs and supplements over the years and none have really helped. Sleeping has always been a huge issue for me.
Exercise and FMS is a true catch-22 scenario. Exercise does alleviate FMS symptoms, however, overdoing it exacerbates the symptoms, so you need to be very careful. I find walking to be the best exercise for me, CASUAL walking, not speed walking. My acupuncturist also taught me the great benefits of what she calls "natural movement"; meaning try not to sit in the same position all day, or do repetitive movements too much. Try to move around, even if it's simply standing, bending over, moving your neck and arms, etc. For example, I do this during commercial breaks when watching TV. When an ad comes on, I stand up, bend over, try to touch the floor, stand back up, move my upper torso around, raise and move my arms around, etc.
Years ago, I used to do B12 injections in my leg, which I did not find to be of much benefit.
The biggest issue for me, is making myself move, even when fatigued. It is very easy to sit around and do nothing because of the pain, but moving is essential. It does not have to be vigorous. I'll try to think of the name of the book I read, but years ago I read an excellent book on how to squeeze in exercise in otherwise daily mundane activities. It was written by a woman who used to be an olympic runner, and was in a bad accident and unable to get "normal" exercise. It involved a lot of multitasking. Things like cleaning the shower while you took a shower, etc. If I can remember the name I will post it. I have to practice VERY CAREFULLY how to not overdo myself and stay within my limits. I find myself determined to perform activities that I used to be able to do out of pure stubbornness, and I have to constantly remind myself I can no longer do things the same way that I used to. This doesn't mean sitting around accepting the pain and being lazy, but simply changing the way I do things. For example, I used to clean the house once a week: doing the whole house on a Saturday. Now I have to do one room at a time, and do another room a few days later. These adjustments are necessary. On days that I am pain free, I get excited and have overdone it many times, trying to make up for all the things I didn't get done while in pain. This only results in me being bedridden for the next several days. The key is to stop before it hurts. Otherwise it's too late.
I would definitely agree with second, even third opinions, and trying to find a specialist in FMS. I traveled three hours from my home to see a specialist in FMS, who taught me a lot of valuable info about alternative options. I can no longer do that, but I try to create my own regime at home.
There is definitely a stigma that goes along with this illness. Many people believe it to be "in your head", that you're just "lazy", etc. It's very frustrating when people say "but you LOOK fine..." It took me years to learn how to ignore comments like that. I used to be a Licensed Optician, very ambitious, loved my work, and was forced to retire from my field, creating a lot of Depression. Now I am forced to work part time from home, I struggle, it's difficult. But I do what I can when I can, and I pass off anyone who chooses not to understand as ignorant. My own father didn't understand for years, until I had him go with me to a seminar, which had world renowned specialists speak on it, and others who talked about the affect it's had on their lives. THEN he finally understood it to be very real. I'd also recommend an FMS support group, not for a pity-party, but because others with FMS can offer excellent tips on how to cope, pain management, little ways to make life more manageable, etc.
I wish you the best of luck.
