Re: New to the group

[Guest guest]

> Hi Everyone.

> Just joined the group last week and this has been my first

chance

> to write. I was diagnosed with Primary Fibro about 3 years ago

and

> my Dr. put me on Celebrex, Elavil and Darvocet. After a week of

not

> being able to function because I felt like I had a hangover

everyday

> I quit the Elavil. The Dr. said those symptoms would go away, but

I

> just couldn't hang in there with it. I had been doing pretty well

> with a minimum of flare ups until the last couple of months.

> Everyone says I'm in denial and don't want to admit something is

> wrong with me....is that normal? To experience denial, I mean?

Denial is a normal part of the grieving process, and when we are

first diagnosed with FM, I think we all 'grieve' because there is no

cure for this and our life and functional status will never be the

same as it was before we began hurting/feeling ill, etc.

> Guess I have kind of hoped that ignoring it would make it go

away.

> But it's becoming pretty obvious that I need some different meds.

I

> have been reading the posts and I'm hearing about a lot of

different

> meds for different people.

> We have had no insurance for over 2 years and were turned down

for

> the State TennCare and food stamps when we were both out of work.

I

> feel like it's time to bite the bullet and apply for disability,

but

> have no extra money for Drs. and all these new medicines. How do

> you all survive?

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! Many docs get, or can get, free drug samples

from the drug reps so you won't have to pay the enormous prices for

meds. Also, keep after the medicaid/food stamp/disability

applications. Having worked in home health care for the past 10

yeras, I know that 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease' is often

true. Contact tyour local legal aid/assistance organization to see

if they can help you navigate these forms and also contact your

town/city's social services dept and get connected with a social

worker to also assist with this process.

> My hubby is wonderful, but working a temp job because that's all

> that is available in this area. Of course, no benefits. He

doesn't

> mind working and helping me out here too, which has caused a lot

of

> guilt on my part that he has to work soooo hard.

God bless the wonderful men in our lives. I can't say that enough.

> In addition to the all over hurting, I have been experiencing

new

> kinds of pains. In my right shoulder, I get stabbing pains, like

> someone is stabbing me with a knife and this last one has been

going

> on for over two weeks now. I can barely raise, let a lone use

that

> arm and find it hard to even brush my hair. Is this a normal

Fibro-

> type pain?

For me it is. Often times, my riht shoudler/neck area hurts so bad

that i get numbness and tingling in my right arm.

I fell down the stairs a couple of years ago when we

> were visiting some family. They had hard wood floors...and

> stairs....and wouldn't allow anyone to wear shoes in the house. I

> had socks on and when I hit the first landing my feet went right

out

> from under me...I fell half way down the rest of the stairs and

hurt

> that shoulder.

> I've had ankles, wrists, fingers, knees, etc. hurting and

swollen

> and red but this is the first time I have experienced this type of

> pain. It literally takes my breath away and puts me in tears

> immediately. If anyone knows what this is please feel free to

tell

> me the facts of life. I have never talked to anyone else that has

> Fibro and I'm still learning a lot about it.

> Also if anyone out there is from TN and has applied for

> disability, I have never really worked with the system and could

use

> some tips and advice. I'm so thankful to finally have people that

I

> can talk to about this. I would appreciate any " words of wisdom "

> that can be given. Thanks for listening....

Hang in there! I'm new to this group as well, but have already had

enormous support and information. We're all here for each other.

>

> Gentle hugs to all,

>

> Mahta

[Guest guest]

Hi Cat,

Thanks for replying. So glad to have found this group. I don't

know a single person with Fibro and I'm learning a lot here, and

everyone is so nice!!

Unfortunately, don't think we could use their insurance 2-3 years

after the fact. Besides they have moved since then so that

complicates everything.

It's nice to know some people are experiencing the same things that

I am.......

Thanks again and gentle hugs,

Mahta

> >Hi Everyone.

> > Just joined the group last week and this has been my first

chance

> >to write.

>

> Hi and welcome.

>

> > Everyone says I'm in denial and don't want to admit something

is

> >wrong with me....is that normal? To experience denial, I mean?

>

> Yes, I think it is normal to hope that things will get better and

> whatever is the problem will go away. I am still hoping this

will go

> away :-)

>

> > We have had no insurance for over 2 years and were turned down

for

> >the State TennCare and food stamps when we were both out of work.

>

> Bummer !

>

> > I

> >feel like it's time to bite the bullet and apply for disability,

but

> >have no extra money for Drs. and all these new medicines. How do

> >you all survive?

>

> Ain't easy :-)

>

> > My hubby is wonderful,

>

> Bless him !

>

> >but working a temp job because that's all

> >that is available in this area. Of course, no benefits. He

doesn't

> >mind working and helping me out here too, which has caused a lot

of

> >guilt on my part that he has to work soooo hard.

>

>

>

> > In addition to the all over hurting, I have been experiencing

new

> >kinds of pains. In my right shoulder, I get stabbing pains, like

> >someone is stabbing me with a knife and this last one has been

going

> >on for over two weeks now. I can barely raise, let a lone use

that

> >arm and find it hard to even brush my hair. Is this a normal

Fibro-

> >type pain?

>

> I don't know but my shoulders get *extremely* tight and sore.

> When I hve had a hot shower I swing them around in a big circle

> to try to " unfreeze " them. I am not saying that that is what

> you should do and that it would help you, but I have to do that

> or the pain would be excruiciating.

>

> >I fell down the stairs a couple of years ago when we

> >were visiting some family. They had hard wood floors...and

> >stairs....and wouldn't allow anyone to wear shoes in the house.

I

> >had socks on and when I hit the first landing my feet went right

out

> >from under me...I fell half way down the rest of the stairs and

hurt

> >that shoulder.

>

> That " " pay for your medical costs, honestly. That is what they

> have insurance for, or at least I hope they have it. But being

> friends it is hard to hit people up for medical costs.

> If they don't have insurance, then it is a bad deal. That sounds

like

> a terrible way to injure your shoulder.

>

> > I've had ankles, wrists, fingers, knees, etc. hurting and

swollen

> >and red but this is the first time I have experienced this type

of

> >pain. It literally takes my breath away and puts me in tears

> >immediately. If anyone knows what this is please feel free to

tell

> >me the facts of life. I have never talked to anyone else that

has

> >Fibro and I'm still learning a lot about it.

>

> All I can say is that my hands and feet have been swollen and very

> painful for years and it is getting worse.

>

> Sorry to hear you are going through all of this. I don't have much

> good advice, except to say that I really like this list and think

you will too.

>

> >Gentle hugs to all,

> >

> >Mahta

>

> Hugs back at ya ! Cat

>

>

> ^. .^ ~ Optimism is magic !

[Guest guest]

Hi Star Dance,

Good to know that I'm " normally " abnormal........hahaha. What a

relief to know that others experience the denial too. I never

really looked at it that way until it was brought to my attention.

Thanks for making me feel " half-way " sane in my insane experience.

Gentle Hugs,

Mahta

> Hi Mahta:

>

> Welcome. I am relatively new too. I don't necessarily believe

> there is such a thing as " normal " but I do think we are all pretty

> much consistent in our feelings about this horrible disease. You

> made two comments that really bounced out at me.

>

> Denial and Guilt...

>

> I believe it is very common to experience denial when we

experience

> something unexpectedly. I also think it's common for others to

> experience denial for and about us as well.

>

> You know how you watch television and the Big Mac looks soooo good

> in the picture? Your mouth is watering, your tummy anticipating

it,

> you can't wait! You go to Mc's, look at that big juicy

burger

> and order it with the biggest grin. Then, you get it, get comfy

and

> open the box. It looks nothing like the commercial! Nothing like

> the window sign! Nothing like the wrapper even! (This doesn't

have

> to be a burger, btw).

>

> Well, taking that concept...people get this idea that when we get

> sick, we go to the doctor, the doctor listens, identifies the

> problem, makes it better or at least manageable and life goes on.

> That is how it is supposed to work, right? Some of us get told we

> are hypocondriacs or delusional or fakers or other equally

> unvalidating comments. We are shocked! We know we don't feel

well,

> but the person who is supposed to care and who knows about the

human

> body is denying it all or at least not looking at it

comprehensively.

>

> Then, our families and friends enter the picture. We don't look

> sick. We seem to be able to do some things and not other things.

> Often, they start in on the denial of everything. We start to

> question our own perception of our bodies. After all, why could I

> go to that movie last week, but not well enough to take my friend

> shopping? How can I work, but not feel like cooking when I get

> home. We start pushing ourselves to do the things we feel we

should

> and that leads to a spiral of more pain and flares.

>

> Yes, it is very human to deny our pain, to pretend like if we

close

> our eyes or click our heels three times, it will go away.

> Unfortunately, it's there all the time. It's just some days are

> better than others.

>

> I am going to write on guilt soon. I need to rest, but I will be

> back.

>

> Take care,

> Star Dance

[Guest guest]

Hi Janelle,

Thanks for the advice about the meds and the Dr. I will follow that

up for sure. I know that this will be a battle but I am storing my

energy and willpower so I will be ready. I appreciate you taking

the time to reply.

Gentle Hugs,

Mahta

> > Hi Everyone.

> > Just joined the group last week and this has been my first

> chance

> > to write. I was diagnosed with Primary Fibro about 3 years ago

> and

> > my Dr. put me on Celebrex, Elavil and Darvocet. After a week of

> not

> > being able to function because I felt like I had a hangover

> everyday

> > I quit the Elavil. The Dr. said those symptoms would go away,

but

> I

> > just couldn't hang in there with it. I had been doing pretty

well

> > with a minimum of flare ups until the last couple of months.

> > Everyone says I'm in denial and don't want to admit something

is

> > wrong with me....is that normal? To experience denial, I mean?

>

> Denial is a normal part of the grieving process, and when we are

> first diagnosed with FM, I think we all 'grieve' because there is

no

> cure for this and our life and functional status will never be the

> same as it was before we began hurting/feeling ill, etc.

>

> > Guess I have kind of hoped that ignoring it would make it go

> away.

> > But it's becoming pretty obvious that I need some different

meds.

> I

> > have been reading the posts and I'm hearing about a lot of

> different

> > meds for different people.

> > We have had no insurance for over 2 years and were turned down

> for

> > the State TennCare and food stamps when we were both out of

work.

> I

> > feel like it's time to bite the bullet and apply for disability,

> but

> > have no extra money for Drs. and all these new medicines. How

do

> > you all survive?

>

> TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! Many docs get, or can get, free drug samples

> from the drug reps so you won't have to pay the enormous prices

for

> meds. Also, keep after the medicaid/food stamp/disability

> applications. Having worked in home health care for the past 10

> yeras, I know that 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease' is often

> true. Contact tyour local legal aid/assistance organization to see

> if they can help you navigate these forms and also contact your

> town/city's social services dept and get connected with a social

> worker to also assist with this process.

>

>

> > My hubby is wonderful, but working a temp job because that's

all

> > that is available in this area. Of course, no benefits. He

> doesn't

> > mind working and helping me out here too, which has caused a lot

> of

> > guilt on my part that he has to work soooo hard.

>

> God bless the wonderful men in our lives. I can't say that enough.

>

> > In addition to the all over hurting, I have been experiencing

> new

> > kinds of pains. In my right shoulder, I get stabbing pains,

like

> > someone is stabbing me with a knife and this last one has been

> going

> > on for over two weeks now. I can barely raise, let a lone use

> that

> > arm and find it hard to even brush my hair. Is this a normal

> Fibro-

> > type pain?

>

> For me it is. Often times, my riht shoudler/neck area hurts so bad

> that i get numbness and tingling in my right arm.

>

> I fell down the stairs a couple of years ago when we

> > were visiting some family. They had hard wood floors...and

> > stairs....and wouldn't allow anyone to wear shoes in the house.

I

> > had socks on and when I hit the first landing my feet went right

> out

> > from under me...I fell half way down the rest of the stairs and

> hurt

> > that shoulder.

> > I've had ankles, wrists, fingers, knees, etc. hurting and

> swollen

> > and red but this is the first time I have experienced this type

of

> > pain. It literally takes my breath away and puts me in tears

> > immediately. If anyone knows what this is please feel free to

> tell

> > me the facts of life. I have never talked to anyone else that

has

> > Fibro and I'm still learning a lot about it.

> > Also if anyone out there is from TN and has applied for

> > disability, I have never really worked with the system and could

> use

> > some tips and advice. I'm so thankful to finally have people

that

> I

> > can talk to about this. I would appreciate any " words of

wisdom "

> > that can be given. Thanks for listening....

>

> Hang in there! I'm new to this group as well, but have already had

> enormous support and information. We're all here for each other.

>

> >

> > Gentle hugs to all,

> >

> > Mahta

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/20/2004 1:35:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,

trishthetigress@... writes:

> My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and

Hi Trish:

I am also from PA and just joined the group today...Where in PA are u? Are

you seeing a doctor in your area who specializes in fibro? Because I had

wanted to find one in my area....

I am 45 and was diagnosed about 1 yr ago, but I also was able to figure out

all my symptoms from the internet and was not surprised when i was dx with

it...

Looking forward to chatting with everyone and getting some more info...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/20/2004 2:10:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> I thought I was having a heart attack last week, when in reality, it was

> the fibromyalgia. I am hypoglycemic

Hi Debbie:

I just joined the group today, and that is one of my things...Everytime I

get the deep muscle pain in my chest, I think I am having a heart attack...That

is what actually sent me to the doctor the first time,when I was dx...Even

though now, after 2 yrs, I know what it is, I still have those thoughts...I am

also hypoglycemic..

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie:

Welcome to the group. I am sorry you have a reason to be here, but

glad you found us. We were just talking about what it would be like

to have a doctor who has FMS. Funny coincidence.

I know you will find support and kindness here. I can't think of a

nicer bunch of people to have FMS with!

Take care,

Star Dance

Hello everyone,> I am newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I

have obviously had it for years and wasn't aware that I had it. I

have found a wonderful doctor that is very understanding as she has

the same thing. > I thought I was having a heart attack last week,

when in reality, it was the fibromyalgia. I am hypoglycemic, very

prone to yeast, especially in PMS, and I have a great deal of muscle

pain.> I look forward to communicating with members of this group as

hopefully we can learn from each other.> Debbie

[Guest guest]

wrote:

>Hello everyone,

>

>I am newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have obviously had it for years and

wasn't aware that I had it. I have found a wonderful doctor that is very

understanding as she has the same thing.

Hi Debbie - Welcome to the group.

We were just talking about finding a doc with FM before you joined--you are

indeed a fortunate patient.

>I thought I was having a heart attack last week, when in reality, it was the

fibromyalgia. I am hypoglycemic, very prone to yeast, especially in PMS, and I

have a great deal of muscle pain.

Major bummer. FM seems to make everything worse!

>I look forward to communicating with members of this group as hopefully we can

learn from each other.

I am new to the group too and so glad I found it. You'll like it here with lots

of great people and many many offerings of what works for them. Glad you found

us. Cheers, Cat

^. .^ ~

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

I am in the same position as you, that is newly diagnosed with FM. I think we

are very lucky in having found this group:)

You mentioned worrying that you were having a heart attack.. I thought I was

having a stroke! and that too turned out to be the FM.

The really good thing about the diagnosis is that I now know what to blame all

my odd symptoms on, and no longer feel like a fraud!

Penny

Shrewsbury UK

New to the Group

Hello everyone,

I am newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have obviously had it for years and

wasn't aware that I had it. I have found a wonderful doctor that is very

understanding as she has the same thing.

I thought I was having a heart attack last week, when in reality, it was the

fibromyalgia. I am hypoglycemic, very prone to yeast, especially in PMS, and I

have a great deal of muscle pain.

I look forward to communicating with members of this group as hopefully we can

learn from each other.

Debbie

Attitude is everything-so pick a good one!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Trash,

I have been here two weeks and find it great.. there seem to have been a lot of

new members in that time.. I don't know if there are always so many people

joining!

Penny

Shrewsbury UK

New to the group

Hi,

My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and have recently

been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic muscle

spasm syndrome. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for

letting me join the group. I hope to start meeting other group

member in chat or on the message board soon. Hope you all have a

good day.

Trish

Attitude is everything-so pick a good one!

[Guest guest]

Trish wrote:

>My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and have recently

>been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic muscle

>spasm syndrome.

Hi Trish - Welcome. I am glad you found this group. I am new too and it

has been so great for me to know that other people can provide support and

caring. For years I knew that something was " wrong " with me and could not

figure out why the doctors couldn't find anything. I am 54 (55 in June) and

have always been very active. About two years ago, after more than 6 years of

bone-crushing

fatigue, when I would skate I felt a weird weakness in my msucles and told my

husband I was worried I had MS coming on. Finally this year I had every test

my internist could send me for . . . I started getting acupuncture and when I

couldn't afford

more than the 5 months of twice a week treatments I started to get worse.

So I new that this was something more than a long bout of the flu. This had to

be

serious.

I was so foggy brained that I cannot remember who suggested to me that it might

be FM, but when I read the symptoms I knew with that sick feeling in the pit of

my

stomach that that is exactly what I have. I have an appointment with

specialist May 3

and I will see. But I have now eliminated everything I can that might

aggravate the

condition. I am committed to 25-30 minutes of at least walking each day, and

some days

I do more. But I am going to try to stick wtih that, as I know if I take just

one day off I start

to feel so bad I am almost incompacitated. So just for me that is a must.

I went to a rather well known Naturopath 5 years ago and he said " You need to

lift weights

for your fatigue. " Now if you would have seen me then, at 108 and solid muslce

you would have

laughed yourself into a comma. I asked my husband if he thought I needed to

lift weights,

he just said the doc was crazy. Fortunately my hubby was present (I now take

him to ALL

medical exams as when I tell them something hurts they do not believe me). I

have put on some

weight over the past 2 years but am going to continue trying to do whatever

brings some relief.

There is lots of good info here so I hope that you will find something to bring

you some relief.

The support on this list is fabulous. Glad you found us ! Cheers, Cat

^. .^ ~

[Guest guest]

wrote:

>The really good thing about the diagnosis is that I now know what to blame all

my odd symptoms on, and no longer feel like a fraud!

>Penny

Hi Penny - I can so relate to your relief at knowing what is wrong. It really

hurt me when my husband called me " lazy " as he has no clue. He is strong like

bull. And he has only known me for the past 11 years, not my entire life.

Watching our bodies lose their usual vigor is so demoralizing. Cheers, Cat

^. .^ ~

[Guest guest]

Hi Trish ! Welcome..!!

I'm k from Iowa. 53 and growing older by the day.....LOL

Sounds like you've had a rough time. Not only having to deal with

the Fibro 'bug' but the 'C' fatigue and spasms too. We had a few

discussions concerning which came first the Fibro or other ailments

or diseases we had before the Fibro. Or did the Fibro instigate

the 'C' fatigue or spasms. I'm one who thinks that the Fibro

occurred following a serious back injury and the 'C' pain syndrome

that resulted from that. Like I'm having a MAJOR flare right now

after a two week battle with a head/chest cold landed me in the

hospital with several hairline fractured ribs on both sides and a

pneumonia that needed IV antibiotics for 4 days. Since I got home

I've had pain at every target site possible LOL But if a ouch or

worse comes out when I hav eto moce with pain I immediately start

chuckling .... as if to say " Is that all ya got? " ...

Soooo, glad to have ya and hope we can help or you can help

us fight this Fibro " bug " with what ever we have at hand...for me

it's laughter. Just Me k

> Hi,

>

> My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and have

recently

> been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic

muscle

> spasm syndrome. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks

for

> letting me join the group. I hope to start meeting other group

> member in chat or on the message board soon. Hope you all have a

> good day.

>

> Trish

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

LOL, So weird to write that name to someone else....My name is

K, from Iowa and I'm 53. Married and have two grown children.

Ty-26 and Tina-22 <-- she's also a member of this group. Oh...and I

am also am owned by two frubabies...Kobi, 7 yr. old russian blue

long haired male and Kali, 2yr. old female calico also a long-hair.

Both adopted me at our local animal rescue league. I mention them

because they have probably been the best medicine for me...bar none

I could take. For entertainment.and..unlimited love they are tops.

And in our family they have forged a bond that everyone draws

comfort from, Anyone who calls themselves our friends has to love

cats. LOL Like the one adage " Love me, love my dog! " only change

dog to cat.Where someone my age has grandchildren and pictures in

her purse......You guessed it...we have our 'furry' kids.

I truly believe that my Fibro came about as a result of

crossed signals. An initial injury followed by numerous health

problems [2 collapsed lungs, 2 back surgeries with nerve damage, 2

CVA's, blood clots, broken nose with surgery, and 8 broken bones in

the last 5 years.] I think the pain from these and my mental and

physical reactions to them caused my impusles to misfire. In essense

giving me relief from my chronic sites by changing the site. Stupid.

Anyway....Have fun when you can here, or vent when you feel

like you're going to explode, Ask your questions we'll try to

answer, or if you see something or someone you think you can

help....Jusmp in!!

Just Me. k

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 3/20/2004 1:35:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> trishthetigress@y... writes:

>

> > My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and

>

> Hi Trish:

> I am also from PA and just joined the group today...Where in PA are

u? Are

> you seeing a doctor in your area who specializes in fibro? Because

I had

> wanted to find one in my area....

> I am 45 and was diagnosed about 1 yr ago, but I also was able to

figure out

> all my symptoms from the internet and was not surprised when i was

dx with

> it...

> Looking forward to chatting with everyone and getting some more

info...

>

>

> Hi ,

I am in Philadelphia. I'm seeing a rheumatologist for the fibro but

am having a hard time with my primary doctor, seems he doesn't really

believe that fibro is a real illness. So I'm on a hunt for a new dr.

Time will tell.

I hope you can find someone soon.

Trish

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbie,

Welcome to the FM support list. You will find a wealth of information

here and tons of emotional support. I was dx'd with fibro in 1995,

although I had the symptoms for many years before that point... they

just had not figured out a name for it until 95. I have been disabled

and unable to work at all since Dec. 97. I currently take 40 mg. of

Oxycontin twice a day, as well as Lortab and Neurontin for the pain. I

suffer from the classic " fibro fog " , so if I ever post a long, rambling

message that does not make sense, please just chalk it up to fibro fog.

It is 3:30 a.m., and I have been up since 11 p.m., in too much pain to

sleep. Have been running on 2 hours of sleep most nights except last

night when I actually slept 6 hours. I hope you enjoy this list as much

as I do. If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.

hugs and prayers,

Sharon - Memphis, TN

Faith...with it, miracles *CAN* and *DO* happen!

[Guest guest]

Welcome Trish, I've done this disease with and without supprt groups

(online) and with is much better! I'm 41 in AZ and dx'd at 35.

When you can read, a generally loved/respected book is Fibromyalgia

and Myofacial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Guide by Copeland/Starnyl.

It's on Amazone. The more you learn the more you'll understand the

more you can heal and/or cope, and help family to do same. Take a

look at the posted Letter to Normals by Theresa on the 20, it kinda

says it all from our shoes.

Hugs, Judy in AZ : )

[Guest guest]

Hello Margie,

Welcome to the group. I have alot of chest pain too. It feels exactly

how you have stated. I hate to tell you how many times I have been to

the doctor because of it. But you never know??? I feel like most of

my body is a bruise, that is why I only accept gentle hugs!

Catch you later,

((Hugs))

Janet/littletoot53

> Hi!

>

> I'm a new to the group and a 59 yr. old married lady. I have had

Fibro for

> years and my 3 sisters on mom also have it. I didn't think the

first

> several years were all that bad, however lately I have really been

hurting.

> I just read where several of you have chest pain from the Fibro. I

have had

> soreness mostly in the upper chest....and when I press on the areas

it feels

> so terribly sore...much like it's bruised. It was pretty scary at

first, but

> then I began to think it may be Fibro. Can any of you relate to

this? I'm

> wondering if those of you that have chest pain could explain just

what your

> chest feels like. My hubby thinks perhaps I should have a chest x-

ray. I'm

> just not sure what to think right now. I also have Costochondritis

> (inflammation of the rib cage)...or at least that's what my doctor

tells me.

>

> I had lower back surgery about 1.5 years ago which left me with

nerve damage

> and Neuropathy in my foot and ankle...I go to pain management and

take

> Trileptal and Vicodin every day for that and I know these meds help

the

> Fibro also.

>

> I'm so glad I joined the list! Everyone seems so warm and friendly.

>

> Take GOOD care,

>

> Margie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/21/2004 4:36:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,

djac441719@... writes:

> Dizziness was one reason I was put on the Klonopin. I would have awful

> dizzy spells and my doctor said that there were similar to mild seizures.

> Sometimes I still have light dizzy spells. I just try to sit still and get

over

> it. The bad dizzy spells would make me feel really bad afterwards.

>

Did the doctor ever explain what they came from? Are they related to the

fibro?

Is Klonopin an antidepressant and does it help the dizziness?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/21/2004 4:47:20 PM Eastern Standard Time,

djac441719@... writes:

> have had the chest pain and still get if from time to time. My pain is

> like an elephant sitting on my chest and it runs down my left arm and into my

> back. I thought I was having a heart attack last week. I went to my doctor

> and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. My chest also hurt to touch it, almost

> like it was bruised. It is more scary to me to get the chest pain than pain

in

> other areas

That is exactly how my chest pain feels and the reason I also went to the

doctor at first and got diagnosed....Its still scary when I have it, but I also

have to tell myself, it is just the fibro and it has been happening for almost

2 yrs off and on, so if it was a heart attack, I would have had it by now!

Mine also lasts anywhere from 1-3 days and then is gone, possibly for months...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/21/2004 5:01:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

kimerny67@... writes:

> I am sorry i have been so quiet but we have some ups and

>

> downs in the weather here in western NY and so i have been

>

> in alot of pain this week.

>

Hi :

Thats good to know....I thought I was the only one who experienced the

dizziness and I was never dizzy until the fibro symptoms appeared and I was

diagnosed with it...I am in PA and the weather has turned very cold, damp, and

snowy

again, and I can notice that the pain is worse...I was starting to feel better

when we had the week or so of warmer spring like weather...

Soon it will be warmer I hope..

Take Care

[Guest guest]

Dear Margie,

Welcome to our humble list, where you will find lots of good medical and

first hand information, as well a ton of love and support. If you have

a question, just jump right in... chances are that someone will know the

answer or be going through the same thing.

As for the costochondritis thing, it is very possible that it could be

fibro related and the doctor just missed the diagnosis (of course, we do

give them the benefit of the doubt that they are *occasionally*

correct). I have an area in the center of my chest where I tore some

cartliage about 20 years ago, and it feels like it never healed

completely. For years, I blamed it on the accident that resulted in the

torn cartliage, but now am beginning to believe that it may be fibro

related. There are just so many different symptoms that this DD can

throw at you, and no two people seem to have the same set of symptoms.

So hand in there, and know that you are amongst friends here who love

and care about you.

hugs and prayers,

Sharon - Memphis, TN

Faith...with it, miracles *CAN* and *DO* happen!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for the welcome, I'm sorry to hear that you are going

through so much. I agree with you about the sense of humor thing. I

think in some way it seems to help to try and keep a good sense of

humor. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is laugh or smile through

the pain. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Hope you are feeling better.

Trish

> > Hi,

> >

> > My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and have

> recently

> > been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic

> muscle

> > spasm syndrome. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks

> for

> > letting me join the group. I hope to start meeting other group

> > member in chat or on the message board soon. Hope you all have a

> > good day.

> >

> > Trish

[Guest guest]

Hi Cat,

Thank you for the welcome. I agree it is nice to know that there are

other people who understand what you are going through and it's a big

plus that they may be able to help with different suggestions as to

what works for them.

I find it amazing that dr's and others think that for whatever reason

we decide to say that we are suffering with this unbearable pain and

the other effects of these illnesses.

I know I have missed the last 3 days of work due to the excruciating

pain that I've been in and unfortunately I have to tell them I have a

stomach virus because of my supervisor who doesn't believe me. I

just hope that my dr can soon find something that will help ease this

pain.

Hope the night is kind to you and you rest well.

Trish

> >My name is Trish, I'm a 50 year old female from PA and have

recently

> >been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic

muscle

> >spasm syndrome.

>

> Hi Trish - Welcome. I am glad you found this group. I am new

too and it

> has been so great for me to know that other people can provide

support and

> caring. For years I knew that something was " wrong " with me and

could not

> figure out why the doctors couldn't find anything. I am 54 (55 in

June) and

> have always been very active. About two years ago, after more

than 6 years of bone-crushing

> fatigue, when I would skate I felt a weird weakness in my msucles

and told my

> husband I was worried I had MS coming on. Finally this year I had

every test

> my internist could send me for . . . I started getting acupuncture

and when I couldn't afford

> more than the 5 months of twice a week treatments I started to get

worse.

>

> So I new that this was something more than a long bout of the

flu. This had to be

> serious.

>

> I was so foggy brained that I cannot remember who suggested to me

that it might

> be FM, but when I read the symptoms I knew with that sick feeling

in the pit of my

> stomach that that is exactly what I have. I have an appointment

with specialist May 3

> and I will see. But I have now eliminated everything I can that

might aggravate the

> condition. I am committed to 25-30 minutes of at least walking

each day, and some days

> I do more. But I am going to try to stick wtih that, as I know if

I take just one day off I start

> to feel so bad I am almost incompacitated. So just for me that

is a must.

>

> I went to a rather well known Naturopath 5 years ago and he

said " You need to lift weights

> for your fatigue. " Now if you would have seen me then, at 108 and

solid muslce you would have

> laughed yourself into a comma. I asked my husband if he thought

I needed to lift weights,

> he just said the doc was crazy. Fortunately my hubby was

present (I now take him to ALL

> medical exams as when I tell them something hurts they do not

believe me). I have put on some

> weight over the past 2 years but am going to continue trying to do

whatever brings some relief.

>

> There is lots of good info here so I hope that you will find

something to bring you some relief.

> The support on this list is fabulous. Glad you found us !

Cheers, Cat

>

>

> ^. .^ ~

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Thank you for the welcome and the info on the book. Actually I just

picked that book up. I was in Waldenbooks checking out what they had

about fibro and thought it sounded like a very informative book. I

agree with you about the more you know the better off you are. I

have been reading different books, magazines (FMAWARE) is a good

magazine, and searching the web for info. I also joined The National

Fibromyalgia Association. I will check out the posting by Theresa

also.

Take care and have a good night,

Trish

> Welcome Trish, I've done this disease with and without supprt

groups

> (online) and with is much better! I'm 41 in AZ and dx'd at 35.

> When you can read, a generally loved/respected book is Fibromyalgia

> and Myofacial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Guide by Copeland/Starnyl.

> It's on Amazone. The more you learn the more you'll understand the

> more you can heal and/or cope, and help family to do same. Take a

> look at the posted Letter to Normals by Theresa on the 20, it kinda

> says it all from our shoes.

> Hugs, Judy in AZ : )