Learning to live with Fibromyalgia can be very difficult. You wonder, "Why do I suddenly have so much pain? Where is it coming from?" You become very tired all the time. You have a difficult time moving in the morning. You feel so stiff and emotionally drained. You never used to be like that, so what is happening? It has reached the point where you can barely move, let alone go to work. You used to be able to hold down two or three jobs plus take care of your children and home. Now you cannot even get out of bed some mornings. What are you supposed to do?
Some people with fibro end up going to the ER, afraid not knowing what all the pain is that seems to have attacked every part of their bodies. Others go to doctor after doctor trying to get an answer as to what it is that's making them feel this way. Test upon test is run and all turn out negative, leaving the patients feeling even more distressed. Now they wonder, "Is this all in my head? Am I crazy? Why can’t I get any answers?"
Finally, you end up in a cold exam room waiting for one more doctor to tell you the same thing when, finally, he says, "I believe you have Fibromyalgia!" He then tests you for this. Currently there are no blood tests or x-rays to prove that you have Fibromyalgia, but from the symptoms you relate to the doctor and a physical exam--which includes testing the tender points--a doctor can come to the conclusion that you have Fibromyalgia. Best of all, it is NOT in your head! Having fibro can cause all of these symptoms.
You are relieved to finally have an answer and a diagnosis for what is happening, but then you think, "What exactly IS Fibromyalgia? Is there anything that can be done for the pain and other problems I have with it?" As you learn more about it you find that more and more is being learned about the disease and that many people, both male and female, have Fibro. You also discover that there is hope and help. There might not be a cure for it right now, but doctors are able to help ease the pain in most patients who suffer from Fibro.
There are many different things that can help a person with fibro lead a more normal life again. To begin, make sure you are referred to a pain doctor in your area who works with Fibromyalgia patients. He or she can help you begin a treatment program that is catered to you individually. Working together with this doctor is important. Keeping a journal of your pain and the items that seem to make it better or worse (foods, physical activity, etc.), the time of day the pain is better or worse, etc., will help him help you.
One thing that is very important for the Fibromyalgia patients is exercise. Being extremely tired and sore makes it difficult for the person to even think about exercising but the good news is that one of the best ways to get exercise is in a pool. Ask your doctor to send you to aqua therapy, which is where a physical therapist will give you exercises you can do in the water. This is a great way to become more active again and wake up those tired, aching muscles.
There are also different types of medications used to help the muscle pain and burning pains that accompany Fibromyalgia. Anticonvulsants, which are used to help control seizures, can also help relieve pain. Antidepressants help relieve pain and restore fairly normal sleeping patterns. Sometimes a combination of antidepressants is prescribed to reduce muscle pain, anxiety, and depression that often occurs in Fibro patients. Pain relievers such as Ultram and Ultracet are also used, as well as muscle relaxers for muscle spasms and pain. Your doctor might also recommend a medicine to help you sleep if the combination of meds he has prescribed causes you to not be able to sleep soundly.
Occasionally bio-feed back is used to help a patient with Fibro. Chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, changes in diet, and some supplements are thought to help as well.
Remember, everyone is different as far as what helps alleviate his or her Fibro symptoms. It is important to try to stay positive and not give up. Keep trying different things until you find something that helps.
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