Fibromyalgia Support Group

Hello to all, My name is Judy. I have multiple health issues to deal with(diabetic,heart problems,liver & kidney problem,asthma ect) I'm not able to take any medications that will add to those issues, so no pain med,and not many antidepressants. I have a lot of stress in my life right now. My husband is very supportive, but is a worrier. My son is deployed right now. I have only been able to sleep a few hours a night.So if anyone has any ideas--I am listening.HELP this is my first time on this site.

meditation is your friend along with a nice heating pad and a cup of tea

sleeping is a common issue we all have... and un fortunately eve with meds like FLexril I am up half the night on 20mgs of it lol....speak to your doctor about sleep aids meds you can take on occasstion when you are not sleeping at all... relax and meditate before bed and it will increase the sleep a bit easier..hope this helps hugs

Welcome to the family Willow, we are pleased to have you with us!

I'm very sorry for all the health problems but I think you found just what you needed. This is a wonderful place for support. We will do what we can to help you though. I'm sorry you are under so much stress too and with your son deployed...my heart goes out to you. Have you ever tried natural supplements to help with your sleeping or any other problems? Not sure what you can and can't take. We would love to get to know you better and maybe help relieve some stress just by having some new friends that can understand what you go through. Please let us know if we can do anything for you

Thanks for your note.I just learned of some over the counter things to try.But have to clear them with my doc first.I do go to physical therapy 2 x week.Last visit really kicked up the pain,but I back off the exersize a little and stick with gentle streaching when it get this bad. The therapists have been very understanding.I do take Valium as needed to help me relax,but even that has not helped lately.I see a good family doc,a neurologist,a hepatoligist & a cardiologist. So it gets pretty complicated.

I am looking forward to meeting new friends.I am homebound for now and just got my laptop up and running.I am thankful that you all are out there.Thanks for listening-hope I am able to help others when this bout eases up some.

Hi Willow

Welcome to the group. A bunch of amazing folks.

As you said always check with docs before adding any new meds to your regimine. Especially over the counter meds and supplements.

I have Ambien CR for sleep problems. Or I can take a Xanax.

However, I only take them for a few nights and then stop for a week or so.

The reason for this is so I will not become dependent on sleeping aids. As you know we build up a tolerence to most all meds and if I became tolerant then I would have nothing to help me.

Depending on pain level is how well I sleep. Sometimes I have to make a choice...pain meds or sleeping meds.

Because pain meds tend to keep me awake sometimes it is a hard choice to make. It all depends on severe the pain is. If it is very bad then I take a pain pill and wait for 3-4 hours before taking sleeping aid.

Often, I am up till 3-4am because of pain and because I wait the hours to take a sleeping med...then it is only if pain has lessened.

I am lucky in the sense I can sleep as late as I want because kids are on their own and I don't work (anymore).

Again, I welcome you and hope to hear from you often.

Hugs

Willow/Judy , a warm welcome to You ! Hope your pains plus symptoms ease up really soon. Saying a prayer for you.

Massive gentle hugs, Clarita xoxoxox

Hello bits,

Already I'm feeling better just knowing you all are out there.I too have to be very careful not to take the medications too often.I am often up at 4 am too. I haven't been able to work since late March. I am glad that I don't have to get up to take care of little ones or go to work like this. Problem is, I can't sleep during the day either. I've tried all the "sleepy time" teas and don't drink caffine products at all. I've been on different sleeping aids with no results. And do try meditation, music relaxation therapy,I use to be able to rock in my rocking chair to reduce anxiety, but find that it increases the back and hip pain right now.Talking to family about other things,and watching funny movies helps sometimes-But for some reason my sisters don't like it if I call at 3 am !

In one short day, I have found that talking to you all has helped.

It takes my mind off what my son is doing (an airforce sarg.) on his 2nd deployment. And we have a wonderful 3 yr. old grandson, unfortunatly he lives over 1,000 miles away.But my daughter-in-law calls and e-mails me pictures of him, and lets me hear him talk and play when she calls. I do have alot to be thankful for, I just am at a difficult place right now.I have some medical backgroung and that helps sometimes==just not right now. I know that it will get better-but not how soon.

Thanks for the encouragement.Hopefully we can all get some sleep tonight-sleep deprivation has its own set of problems that just add to the misery. Thanks again,HUGS

Welcome to the family, and let me say first God bless you for being a "service mom" and blessings to your son and prayers for his safe return.

Now, for sleep issues, have you tried melatonin or benadryl, of course with the permission of your doctor? Melatonin is the natural hormone our bodies produce when the sun goes down to help us sleep. It's available over the counter and is usually pretty cheap.

Have you asked your doctor about Neurontin? It's for nerve pain and several of us have gotten good results with it. It's not a "pain killer" in the usual sense so it might work well with your other meds. It's worth a mention next time you see your doc.

We are here for you, and you're not alone anymore!

Hi Willow,

Please tell your son thank you for your service to me. And his wife...and you.

I'm glad we can be here for you because it doesn't sound like modern medicine is going to be of much help. Have you tried chiropractry? If you can find a chiro who is experienced in fibro and understands myofascial pain, that might help. Or a masseuse. My previous doctor was an osteopath and she helped me a great deal with my pain.

blessings on you & your family.

hugs