symptoms of fibromyalgia
Read and learn more about symptoms of fibromyalgia. For more, visit the Pain Q&A website FeelTheHurt.com
Q: What are some natural remedies for fibromyalgia symptoms?
I am 23 years old and I have been diagnosed by a rheumatologist with fibromyalgia. The drugs he prescribed are helping, but I still have pain in all of my muscles. My other symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, and IBS with constipation. The constipation is even worse with the meds.
A: I’ve had fibro for several years. Glad to hear you are interested in more natural options. I tried all the prescription drugs the Dr. gave me and most of the time they didn’t help and the side effects were awful. I decided to go natural. The first thing to get is Nature’s Way Alive! multivites. They are very good and have everything in them to support immunity. A good calcium/magnesium supplement of 2-1 ratio, malic acid,5 htp,msm,sam e, digestive enzymes, probiotics,coq 10, milk thistle, vit c, alpha lipoic acid,valerian root, olive leaf extract, fish oil, evening primrose oil. Light exercise as tolerated, meditation and yoga are very helpful too. Vitacost.com is a good place to get your supplements. Cheap and good shipping. You have to be very careful during cold and flu season as getting sick is magnified in fibro folks. The vites I mentioned have a green food in them and mushrooms for immunity. But should you get sick or even feel like you are or know you were exposed, get an elderberry extract, zicam or cold eze. Oregano oil is nature’s antibiotic and will kill alot of viruses, olive leaf is much the same. Osillo (a homeopathic remedy you can get at vitacost cheaper that anywhere else) is great. The # 1 flu remedy. Just 3 doses and you’re good. If you still get sick then you know is bacterial and not viral, then use the oregano oil and olive leaf. I know this may sound like a lot but you have to try and see what works best for you. Give it at least 3 months to see how you feel. And lastly, Do all the research and learn all you can. There are some good sources of info online and some companies are coming out with multi vitamins geared for fibro people. I hope this helps some.
Q: Does anyone know of some natural ways to treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms ?
The joint pain is really bad some days. My Mother has fibromyalgia and I want to help her feel better. thanks
A: She should have the doctor rule out Lupus as the cause of this pain. It is a simple blood test called “ANA”. If it is Lupus, the management is different.
For fibromylagia…
1. plenty of rest
2. warmth – avoid cold, it causes muscles to tighten up which can add to the pain of fibromyalgia
3. stretches – they help keep the muscles from tightening up from pain and causing the pain to get worse and last longer. The type of stretch would depend on where the pain is. Good books on stretching with pictures can be found at the bookstore or library.
4. massages – these also help work out tight muscles. I recommend finding someone at a PT office or spa who is trained and expereinced in helping people with sports injuries. You can ask if they have someone with that training at a spa near you. Massages are also relaxing which helps.
Q: Any good suggestions on how to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms?
Every morning I feel like I have been run over by a truck. Sometimes if I take tylenol or something before bed, I feel a little
better in the mornings, but most of the time I still hurt pretty bad. My husband says its all in my head. Do I need some kind of mental medicine or a pain reliever?
A: First of all, sorry, but your husband sounds like a big jerk. What the hell does he know how your body feels? That makes me so mad. What a great support system he is. Honestly, he is probably contributing to your problems. Stress control is a big factor in helping autoimmune diseases. Or really any illness.
Fibromyalgia can overlap or lead to other conditions too, so get checked out for Sacro Iliac joint problems, or arthrodesis conditions of the spine. Or be misdiagnosed.
I wake up with the pain you describe. I have to get out of bed. I sit on the couch, take Advil, use the heating pad and just wait for it to pass. It can take an hour or two.
Heat helps me, mild stretching and specific exercise. Swimming is the best! I also go to physical therapy and yoga.
Advil, and sometimes a muscle relaxer at night is necessary to stop the spasms. A good mattress helped my pain also.
Many benefit from antidepressants, methods to help with sleep, pain meds, and a host of other things. Some don’t need near as much. It is so varied. Everyone with this has different sets of symptoms. Try all conservative things to help you first, but don’t be ashamed to get the medications if you need them.
The regular antidepressants or meds don’t always help those with autoimmune problems, so see only a psychiatrist to follow you on these! Not a random Dr who will give you a prescription and not follow if it works, change the dosage, etc. every month or so until you get it right for you.
A good rheumatologist is essential. Family Drs mean well, but are just not knowledgeable enough in this complex field, not up on all the latest information and complications associated wtih autoimmune diseases to be your primary Dr.
It really takes a team approach to treat these problems, since they have an effect on most every part of your body and mind.
Many patients choose to add mental health therapy to the team effort with your other Drs. It sounds like you would benefit from it, since you are doubting yourself. Or start with finding a good support group of similar people.
Your husband could use some sensitivity training, and needs to go to family counseling or support groups with you. If he does not learn about this illness, and how to respect you and help you, it will be a long hard road for you. It does sound like he has issues and might need therapy himself.
It’s just mean and immature to tell someone who’s in pain, who you supposedly love, that it’s ‘all in their head’. That’s not normal.
Good luck to you, and God bless. Hang in there. It’s an ever changing roller coaster with this, so try to roll with it and learn, learn, learn how to help yourself in natural ways.
Q: When do symptoms of fibromyalgia start or possibly can start?
I have like all the symptoms. Im a an 18 year old female.
A: fibromyalgia is highly overdiagnosed by incompetant docs–its not any where near as prevelant as reported-
it is a real neuro condition—but actually not that common.
my symptoms started at 5
there are many conditions that mimin FMS.
even an aggressive lifestyle—I know someone who is overactive–volunatarilly only sleeping 5 hours a night/engaging in strenuaous activity voluntarily—she was diagnosed with Fms–but if she would just change her habits–she would proabbly be ‘cured’
Q: What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
I have the positive ANA but no lupus. I have muscle pain everywhere with fatigue and sometimes my heart will race but my doctor says my heart sounds good. Any advice?
A: pain and fatigue are the primary symptoms.
Q: What are most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Do you or someone you know have Fibromyalgia?
I have Mild Cerebral Palsy, affecting only my legs. I am 30, after my daughter was born 5 yrs ago, I had a lot of problems with my legs & back again. I am on disability now. I have always had problems with my legs, I limp, they hurt. Now I am weak , having problems walking long distances (the mall wears me out!). I have started dragging my feet again a lot. I had cortisone & steroid injections today, Dr seemed worried about me dragging my feet. He its too easy to blame everything on Cerebral Palsy. I read a little on Fibromyalgia. My Fiance & I believe I have a lot of those symptons!
Thank you, Sandra
A: i have suffered from fibromyalgia for years and the symptoms can vary for everyone. for me, there are times when it can be incapacitating (sp) but most days…i just have tenderness and mild to moderate pain. heat tends to help and it is beneficial if you can with cp to take a hot bath every night for about 10 to 15 minutes to help with the pain. to be diagnosed for certain…you must see a doctor….most likely a rheumatologist…and they will check pressure points on you…there are 18 different points which will trigger pain….and they will also touch spots that are not those….as some people think they have it….and it isn’t……..so, it is pretty definative. it is difficult at times…although, i imagine the cp is too. there are days when my skin literally hurts…..so, it is hard to explain to everyone. fatigue and stress makes it worse….so, take it easy
Q: What are the main symptoms of fibromyalgia?
My sister has been feeling very tired lately and has painful joints and muscles.
A: The signs of Fibromyalgia are numerous, but they all seem to trace back to pain symptom. Since many medical conditions are only noticed through pain, it can be hard to distinguish the symptoms of Fibromyalgia from a variety of other medical conditions involving pain.
In general, there are pains all over the body with a number of tender points as mentioned above.
One of the complications of the pain symptom is difficulty getting good sleep which will result in additional symptoms of Fibromyalgia such as difficulty remembering things and trouble solving complex problems.
Maybe this is why the Fibromyalgia Syndrome is also often related to the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Depression can also be a symptom of Fibromyalgia as well as other mood issues and disorders.
It is not easy to diagnose so you may want to discuss this with your doctor.
Q: Which vitamins help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia?
A relative of mine has been diagnosed with “fibro” and even though she’s receiving medical treatment she still has problems with tiredness and achiness. I’m a big believer in natural remedies and would like advice about this. Thanks.
A: While vitamins won’t cure Fibromyalgia, it’s true that it’s important to be as healthy as you can in order to cope with it. I would suggest that your relative go to the doctor and get a complete blood-work done, one that includes thyroid testing as well as testing for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A healthy diet is also recommended, one that eliminates sugar and white flour. A third thing that I’ve heard some people with fibromyalgia say is that certain allergies (ie: gluten, etc.) made their symptoms feel worse. By avoiding their triggers, some of their symptoms were lessened. There is a great yahoo group called Fibromyalgia Support Group that is very helpful. I highly recommend it.
Q: how do you know and what are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
I’m 19 and I have leg pains late at night and I can’t sleep on my hips because I wake up in serious pain. How do you go about getting checked out?
A: Here:
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia.asp
Q: Does a low-carb diet help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
What do those mysterious medical words mean? In English please.
The last response of mine was in response to Conner, Ja.
A: a good diet will help any condition slightly—but don’t expect a major improvement..
you need to regulate the central nervous system to feel better
Q: Fibromyalgia – symptoms, feelings of those who have it?
I’m trying to understand this disease – a friend has been recently diagnosed. What can I do to help her?
A: Having had fibromyalgia since 1982, I can say that the best thing you can do for your friend is to believe her when she tells you about what she is going through. It is not hypochondria – it is a REAL illness that is awful to have, so just be supportive. There is no cure as of yet. Symptoms fluctuate from day to day. Researchers are not sure what causes fibromyalgia, although some now think it’s a viral illness affecting the hypothalamus portion of the brain. My site at www.fms-help.com is a compassionate, supportive and informative place for people with FMS, their family and friends. Please visit and surf around. I have 50 signs of fibromyalgia, 100 tips for coping, and a lot of intriguing articles that will enlighten. Your friend needs all the support she can get. The fact that you wrote shows that you care, and that is wonderful!
Q: What produces the same symptoms as fibromyalgia
I experience;
unpatterned pain all over my body (shooting, and stabbing pain) (lasting about 60 seconds) It has consistently gotten worse and more frequent over the past 2 years) ( I’m at breaking point, this pain is sometimes debilitating.
I’m tired a lot
Irregular Bowel movements
I don’t sleep well…sometimes not at all
Difficulty paying attention, concentrating
I know these are symptoms of fibromyalgia (because i Looked it up) but is there anything else this could be?
PLEASE HELP
serious answers only
A: there are many other things it could be–
from Multiple Scelrosis and Lymes
to arthrits
to lupus
to depression
to a spinal/nerve injury
to hypothyroidism,
to bacterial or viral infections
Q: What have been YOUR symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
…assuming your either have this disorder or know someone who does…
I have had “it” for 14 yrs and am surprised to find that it has been a very painful plus physical and progressively declining illness. I just would like to get more info from other sufferers…not necessarily from web sites, but from first-hand experiences and trials. Am considering writing a book about this from the perspective of the person and not just the medical community. Thank you for your input. Write as much as you want…I will read it, I promise.
A: http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer
*hugs*
One of my former office managers had that affliction. The poor lady was tired and sore almost every single day.
Q: What are the major symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Also how is it diagnosed!!!?
Also in alot of cases are narcotic pain meds used to help with the pain?
A: Soreness in the muscles, stiffness, extreme fatigue, not being able to sleep, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, the list goes on.
It is diagnosed by process of elimination. Doctors run tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. There isn’t a test specifically for Fibro. If all the tests are negative, then Fibro is suspected.
Treatment is also a matter of trial and error. Finding the right combination of treatments, physical therapies, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications can take a while.
I have had Fibro for over 30 years and am an Owner of Yahoo’s largest Fibro support group. If you want more information come visit us at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fibromyalgia-CFS/
Q: Suggestions To Manage Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
I have had a string of health problems over the last year and have been to see 5-6 different doctors to try to obtain a diagnosis. After extensive blood tests, x-rays and evaluations, I have been told that no one knows exactly what is causing my various aches and pains and more than likely I have fibromyalgia.
This diagnosis does not account for the eye inflammation, chronic and severe sinusitus or fluctuations in my SED rate among other things. However, it is the only “diagnosis” that has been offered to explain the chronic pain in my arms.
Since this is all I have to go on, I was hoping someone might have suggestions on how I might be able to manage the symptoms of my “fibromyalgia”. I have been told to exercise more. Does anyone know of any other dietary/lifestyle changes that might potentially benefit someone with this condition? I’m also open to suggestion on how to obtain a real, conclusive diagnosis over a catch-all one given because no one is sure what’s wrong with me.
A: Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.
Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.
A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It’s important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they’re helping to support their body daily. Co Q 10, in soft Gel form, 100mg taken three times daily can help increase the energy.
There’s no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. I find that deep tissue massage therapy removes most of my pain. If you do this on a regular basis you will find a decrease in pain.
Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.
I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to http://www.activator.com
Take a proactive role in learning about fibromyalgia to help control it, and be vigilant about following your treatment plan. Emotional support is very important too. Living with fibromyalgia may be difficult if your family, friends or employer do not understand the condition. Seek out supportive family, friends, clergy, support groups or a mental health counselor.
