Fibromyalgia Community

It is sad to know that you have been diagnosed with fibro. So much is unknown about this illness and many times you will likely feel frustrated as you go about finding a way to manage this condition. Everyone here is very helpful. I suggest you continue trying to work and exercise is very important as well as diet. You might find cutting out sugar and perhaps gluten may help because many people with fibro. have a lot of sensitivities. I hope you are able to find a helpful doctor and specialist. (rheumatologist) I attribute every ache and pain I feel to this so at times I wonder also if it could be something else. Insomnia is usually a huge problem also so getting proper rest is extremely critical. The pattern of waking up after a few hours is very common.
I wish you well and I hope you have supportive friends and family around you.

Hello and sorry for the diagnosis. You may never feel "normal" again but you can feel better! It usually takes awhile to get the right combination of meds, diet, exercise, and other life style changes but it can be done.

Are you taking a sleep aid? I've always had bad sleep, even when I was a kid. In my mid 20's I started taking something to help me sleep and I've taken something every night since then. Also, research "sleep hygiene". It doesn't solve my insomnia, but it is good advice. I have been successful taking benedryl and melatonin. Even that can be trial and error to get the dosing right. And seeing the results of improved sleep can take awhile. Sometimes too, the sleep aid can give you a "hangover" in the morning. Once I improved my sleep, I slowly felt better during the day.

Many of us here don't talk to people very much about our health problems. I'm fortunate that my husband is understanding and I have good friends who take me as is. I'd avoid using the word "fibromyalgia" because there are many misconceptions about it. If I describe my health to someone, I usually say I have chronic pain issues and leave it at that. If they ask questions, I will then gladly answer.

Keep up with the exercise but maybe reexamine your methods. I have to stick to things like using an elliptical or bike rather than walking or running. Also, most things that involve my arms like lifting weight overhead will bring on a migraine.

This website is one of the best resources. Look through Dr. Pellegrino's posts along with other people's. You'll get a balanced view of what the medical community can offer along with what people experience firsthand. Plus it is a great place for emotional support, which becomes very important in dealing with FM.

I am not the only one......I quite often just say I have some chronic health conditions that cause pain and leave it there. If they want to ask I answer

laurab

I have dealt with this many years and there have been easier times and more difficult times. Even when I knew I had fibro with no Dx I could live a fairly normal life if I paced......I learned pacing at an early age as I never had the energy most of my friends had.

I had a very stressful life and eventually it caught up with me at 55 and to quit work. I have a lot of pain at times but am able to live a satisfying life, just have to tweak my wants and what I can do. I also make my wants include helping some one who also suffers be it from age or health. Sometimes it is just a card or phone call, but making someone else happy helps me.

laurab