Fibromyalgia Support Group

Hello. My name is Robert. I'm a 39 year old GWM from Lancaster, PA and I live with post-traumatic fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrits. I suffer from chronic pain associated with these and the lingering effects from a brain/spinal cord injury from a car accident 23 years ago. I took various medications for many years, but grew weary of the side-effects and lack of significant improvement. As such, I am currently not taking medications. I would appreciate learning new and better ways to cope with the chronic pain, flare-ups and "fibro fog".

Post edited by: rcwrtr, at: 09/08/2008 21:53

Hi Robert,

You've been in pain most of your life, haven't you? I'm so sorry. You really are brave to go it without meds. How are you coping? I'm not going to be much help as I'm still having luck with the medications, but we do have members who are going the natural route and I'm sure you'll hear from them shortly. Welcome to the group, I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Good morning, Robert...

Welcome to our group...We are glad to have you join us !!!

I am sorry to hear you have been in pain most of your life. I am newly dx d with Fibro but am sure I had it for more years than I realized. My pain is not so bad that I take multiple meds or even a heavy dosage of Lyrica .

Others here have mentioned the natural route to quell their pain. I am sure someone can give you some pointers as to what works for them.

We look forward to talking with you. We hope you will visit often.

Marilyn

Welcome to the group Robert. I am only only Cymbalta for the fibro.

I don't know much about the natural apporach to fibro treatment, but I'm looking forward to what the others have to say. I have just started seeing a chiropractor a couple of times a week. Before I see her I have a 15 minute massage and it seems I do feel better.

As to the fibro fog, my first thought is to make notes, but then I forget where I put the note....so you might just as well forget that idea.

For the fibro fog I have a tablet by the front door, one in my purse, and like 18 at work. Just write down things you have to do or what you were doing just in case you forget when you come back to it. Also tell people your plans for say next saturday that way when you wake up and say now what was I supposed to do today they can tell you. I also take voice memos on my cell phone for things like grocery lists. Because when I am writing it down I can't remember what I need but when I am driving somewhere random items that I need seem to pop up. Then just before I go into the store I listen to all of my memos and add it to my lists! It seems like a pretty good way for me to keep track of myself.

Welcome to the group, we are glad to have you!

Thanks for the warm welcome and invitation to be your friend.

Robert

Thanks for the welcome, Rayne. I read about your struggle with cataracts and pain last evening. I wish you comfort.

Robert

Thanks for the welcome, Marilyn. I like your blue butterfly avatar.

Robert

Thanks for the welcome and great ideas for dealing with "fibrofog", Cori. I read your post re: weather and can assure you that dampness, cold and humidity exacerbate my symptoms.

Robert

Helo Robert and wlecome to this site. You are right about the weather. I have been wondering if anyone has done a study to find out why the weather effects fibro like it does. Any way best wishes in dealing with you pain with out meds. Also good luck with the fibro fog. Best wishes Yendor.