New to the group, new to fibro

I was in the military when first diagnosed (after the Gulf War)in the early 90's but not a lot was known so the doctors never did follow up. My life has gone down hill and now I can hardly function some days and I've had to miss work. The VA diagnosed me again in April this year after many tests. They currently have me rated at 30% disability for 3 separate diagnosis, GI, back pain, hip pain. However, after reading the symptoms of fibro I think they are all the same problem??

They did find that I have the ANA titer for arthritis but negative for symptoms. I just don't know where to begin, I'm 39 and feel like I'm 69 most days.

Before I was diagnosed I tried everything to help my pain of unknown origin. I bought a different car because my current one was killing my back, I bought a new bed because I couldn't sleep and could hardly get out of bed in the morning, and I thought I was going through menopause because of my horrible night sweats for the last 2 years.

I take Tramadol for pain and Cyclobenzaprine to help me sleep.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

I still feel some days like I must be crazy.

But again welcome! Many of the leaders and member here are very very helpful!

I was just diagnosed in August 2007, so I'm still learning about fibro and all of the "little" symptoms that make up the whole ball. I have picked up several books on fibro and they are helpful. One that is mentioned here is "Fibromyalgia....the First Year" I do not have the book but the other that do have it swear by it. They say it is very helpfulo and easy to read. They also like Fibromyalgia for Dummies. I am going to order the Frist Year book.

I do think that exercise is good. Some can't do it because of the pain.

But if you can do some form of exercise you do feel better, helps with the mental aspect too.

Diet, I don't think that there is a specific diet. But I am trying very hard to eat healthy, cut the salt, no pop, more fruits and veggies. Just typical healthy eating.

As to the sleep, I take a melatonin and a 5-HTP at night and I sleep much better. I do wake up someitmes when I hurt, but I change position and go right back to sleep.

Can't help you on the pain management. Right now I take Cymbalta and 2 Aleve in the morning and 2 at night and right now that is doing it for me.

I am no expert this is just what I am doing right now. I know that others will be along to welcome you and give you their ideas.

You have found a very compassionate group here.

*♥´¨)
¸.•♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨ ♥•*¨)
(¸.•´ ; (¸ ;.♥•Mary Beth♥


Fibromyalgia is not an invisible diease, I'm right here!

A good website: http://www.fmaware.org

Another good one: http://fmnetnews.com/index.php

Good luck!!!

It gives a lot of helpful hints for day to day living. The best thing I can tell you is to do research, just be aware that there are people out there who have far out ideas and some that just try to take advantage of you. This is a great site to learn about current treatments and meds. Everyone is still looking for what helps them. Everyone is different. What is great for one, may not help you. That's normal for this disease. You have to find what helps you.

You will just have to work with your dr. and find out what helps you. As for exercise, I have never been one to exercise but I do try to stay busy and as active as possible when I feel like it. There are days I also can't get out of bed and days I stay in because I can't stand the thought of getting out and doing stuff.

I have found that stress makes the pain worse. Any worrying can put me in bed for days., so I try to live as stress free as possible. Although, it doesn't always work out that way.

One of the things I think all of us have had to deal with is explaining it to friends and relatives that we hurt without there being any reason for it. I just tell people it hurts to live in my own skin and that if they have ever had the flu, this is like that except we live with it 24/7. There are some commercials on tv now about Lyrica, a new drug approved by the FDA for fibro, but some of us can't take it because of the side effects.

Just post any questions you have here and we will try to answer them as best we can.