Fibromyalgia Support Group

Hi sweets, Man you are having a sucky time of it. I am so sorry. I wish I lived near you. I'd be camped out with you everyday. Ok, Fletch ( a member here) has mentioned Provigil- supposed to help with energy and fibro fog. I see my doctor on Wednesday. I am going toask, if I come off ritalin ( for ADD, not helping), I want to try Provigil. Also for pain meds, have you tried avinza? It is a morphine based med. It lasts for 24 hours. I was on that before the patch. Maybe it will work for you.

Hugs, Jenn

I asked my psych about meds for the "fog." She wouldn't give it to me because of the other meds I was on as well as my problems with meds. I'm always trying something new so I guess she also worried about keeping up with all the possible interactions. My PA gave me the names of two neuropsych groups I'm going to try to contact tomorrow. I just can't do anymore today. It's taken me almost four hours to write a 6 page fax to the ltd carrier (had to keep taking breaks - and this didn't even take long because of the baby being uncooperative...she's either been playing or napping!)

Just the name "morphine" scares me. but I will ask about it at my appt with my rheumy in Jan. Thank you for the suggestion. I never thought I'd need narcotics like this... I used to worry during my pregnancy that I'd have addiction problems. Now I worry instead about what happens when they don't work. I don't want to be on pain meds like this for the rest of my life.

I hate taking meds too. But I have realized that I need to be on meds. If I want any kind of a happy, decent life, then I'll take them. I know that morphine sounds scary, but there are different variatins of it.

I think that stroller idea is brilliant!

I had a thought that you could post something on craigslist (www.craigslist.org)about needing parttime help with childcare, explaining your situation. Even having someone come in and feed the baby first thing in the morning and helping prepare bottles/food, etc. could be helpful to you. You might even post something about needing parttime home health care.

I've seen ads in my local craigslist about nannys and home healthcare professionals wanting parttime jobs. That's what gave me the idea.

I am on the Provigil and highly recommend it for the brain fog. Try to convince your doctor that it's worth at least a try.

I also have to agree with Jenn. "I hate taking meds too. But I have realized that I need to be on meds. If I want any kind of a happy, decent life, then I'll take them."

Don't be afraid of things that are intended to help you. You have a chronic pain condition that is not going to go away anytime soon. You need pain relief and you need to sleep.

Ask your doctor also about Trazadone for sleep. Typically, you will be started off on a low dosage, but it can be increased several times until you find what works for you.

Try not to be afraid to leave your house. Even if it's just to take the baby out to enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes, try to get out of your door at least once a day.

If you know you need to type or write for any length of time, try putting BioFreeze on your hands and fingers first. That might help loosen them enough to complete what you need to do.

We are here for you. Vent, ask questions, cry, whatever you need to do. We are here. {{{Jeerie}}}

Thank you guys!! I really needed that! The tears have stopped but the pain, both physical and emotional, is still there. At least I don't have to worry about getting myself to OT until after the New Year.

Thank you so much for being there for me!

I finally caved...I thought about it, after falling yesterday and looking around my house at the mess I can't keep up with, and I sent an email to everyone I know asking them if they know of anyone we can hire to help me while hubby is at work. I made it pretty clear that I don't know yet how many hours we can offer due to finances, but I need help with the baby, especially to get her out of the house. And this way I can hopefully get someone here maybe once a week so I can do some light cleaning without having to multitask and keep running to the baby. I do everything so slowly these days, that should help a good bit. I already got one referral!

This is really hard putting it out there that I need help. The harder thing will be accepting if anyone offers help and not a name of someone we can actually hire. I don't want to feel like a "charity case" but I'm really worried about how we're going to afford hiring someone on a regular basis. I can't even feel good about paying a copay every week for OT. But hubby came home today during his prep period and I told him what I did. First thing out of his mouth was how worried he was when he heard about my difficulty picking up the baby and then when I fell. I think he'll have less stress while he's at work if someone is with me even for only a little bit of time.

Keep your fingers crossed it works out.

Hi Jeerie,

I don't think that is caving to get a little help when you need it, even if its only for a while. I think it speaks of how strong you are to reach out.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you

{{{gentle hugs}}}

Hilda

I agree with Hilda, Jeerie. You need the help. You need it for you and for your baby. It's a safeguard. I think what you did was the wise thing to do, and I'm glad you did it. And yes, I'm sure hubby is too. We're with you on this. {{{Jeerie}}}

Thanks guys. I still worry about the money but it will come from somewhere I guess.

Check to see if there are volunteer organizations in your area. Our volunteer organization takes on all kinds of responsibilites such as caring for the home bound, cleaning, doing their shopping etc. Ours is called the volunteer connection. They don't charge you any money.