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sistergal2
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I have a battery operated muscle impulse unit that has 4 wire leaders sending impulses to pain areas. I initially received it for neck/should pain. I have had liver problems in the past and could not take additional meds (other health issues too) but nothing worked for the fibro pain. BioMedical Life Systems is the name of my impulse 2000 unit - I am sure you can find others online (mine is 3 yrs old now). Medicare paid for mine but you can purchase similar units online that are not as expensive (probably mine was expensive ($450) because Medicare paid for it!). You control the areas where to place the 4 patches for the leaders to pulse and literally can wear it a long time until relief sets in. You cannot put it above the neck, around the heart and you cannot sleep in it are the only restrictions. The instructions say to wear it only 15 mins. but my doctor told me it would not hurt to keep it on until relief set in. I've worn my unit for 8+ hrs. until I got relief. The pulses feel wonderful too. I hope this can help you as not all meds work for everyone - not a one size fits anybody med out there. God Bless! Post edited by: sistergal2, at: 03/27/2008 14:07 |
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DaniBelle
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Thanks for the message. I'm sorry I've not responded until now. Bad week. I'm feeling better now (FM not gone though, I wish), but now I'm dealing with my hubby making comments about (he actually puts his fingers up to signify quotes when he says the word) my Fibromyalgia. Again, this is another slap in the fact to let me know he doesn't believe it actually exists. I'm so p*^^#@!. When I was suffering with Interstitial Cystitis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, etc., he said he believed the PAIN medicine I was taking was making me hurt! WHAT? Now, since I'm better, I'm only taking one pain med. and today he said, "You're hurting because you're going through withdrawals". Even after explaining (which I don't feel like I should have to defend myself because of his ignorance)that my pain specialist said withdrawals don't present like FM and only last AT THE MOST for about 3 days (with what I was taking). I told my hubby that I was proud that I, yes I, took the chance and choice to cut out the other medication, so I wouldn't be so sleepy during the daytime (albeit, in less pain). A supportive person would have said "I'm proud, too, it must be really hard to do such a thing, espcecially when the problem hasn't gone away". I basically told him to NEVER tell me his opinion again, and I would never tell him how I am feeling...although on bad days, he can't help but see me shuffling like an old lady slowly through the house and groaning as I bend over. Last thing....when his parents call, he tells them I'm fine! I'm so mad right now....I think I'll empty out his wine bottle and fill it with colored vinegar! AARGH! Sorry to ramble on.....I hope you are having a better day....we all deserve respect, support and love. Is that too much to ask? |
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Janilee
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Dani hang in there. One day something will happen and your husband will see that you aren't faking it. My hubby was like that all last year and up till about two months ago. For some reason, all of a sudden, he just changed. He started helping me when I need assistance. We've even gotten to the point that we make fun of the condition and not me. Maybe it's because he turned 60 and knows that time is short on this earth for both me and him. Maybe it was my prayers to the Lord that finally got to him who knows but I do know that he now understands what I'm going thru. Heck he's even involved in picking out my hiking stick. I refuse to get a cane because I can't hold onto the handle because the palms of my hands are very painful all the time. So we decided on a nice one that is bluejean colored. I wish you luck and painless days ahead. Jan
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sistergal2
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DaniBelle, Please know that SO many of us are still fighting the stigma ignorant people attach to a disease that is unknown to them. Of course, we "look" unafflicted because we get up and do what we must. I still to this day (after having fibro since 1988) have acquaintances who do not believe me. I just shrug it off as ignorance but my ex-husband had the same ideation: I was not ill and my meds were to blame! He became my ex when I was having gastric bypass surgery (that or a liver transplant so the bypass was easier choice) - someone was to stay with me to await the outcome. That idiot dumped me out in the parking lot at 5 a.m. and said he was going back to sleep in his own bed. He had promised he would stay with me so that action finally woke me up! I also use the battery operated muscle stimulus where I place 4 pads in the areas of pain and wear it until the pain is better - not gone but better (not above the neck and not over the heart area). Sometimes I wear it for 8 hours or more. I have issues with my liver and cannot take meds well so I try to limit by using the stimulus. You can purchase it on the web too. Medicare paid $400 for mine but I've seen other units at a lesser price. Just a thought here. I don't know how much your husband's ignorance affects your well being but I hope ONE day he can wake up to the realization that fibro is very real. Have you thought of having your doctor talk to him? (If your doctor is willing, and should be, you can tell your husband the doctor wants to speak to him.) Love and gentle Hugs, Frances |
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DaniBelle
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Thanks so much for your post. I was so mad last night, I had visions of me punching him in the face. I'm not a confrontational person, non-violent, but his words and actions yesterday sent me to the brink. What I end up doing is pushing it all inward (which involves eating doughnuts and chocolate to sooth the pain - bad choice). I do invision myself saying what needs to be said, but I can't ever seem to get it out, esp. with the Fibrofog. I know he loves me, but he thinks he ALWAYS knows better, very much dislikes doctors, thinks medication for pain other than Ibuprofen is wrong. The weird thing is, this morning, I wasn't mad anymore, but began with a pattern of thinking that "Maybe he's right, I don't have real pain...I shouldn't take any medicine....and on and on". I think he's doing some kind of brainwashing thing. He is a military brat (AF) and his family just doesn't 'deal' with sickness....you just don't talk about it and 'get over it'. But believe me, when it's cocktail time at their house, that DRUG starts flowing heavily. His Dad is a 'functioning' alcoholic. I don't know how he does it, but you would never notice it. I know it for a fact, though. At least my Dad admitted he was one and went through detox years ago. He hasn't touched it since. I feel so bad for your situation and have a first hand understanding of the feeling of being dumped in the parking lot pre-surgery (I've had 7 in 6 years). I was sooo embarrassed when I was awakening after surgery to hear the nurses commenting on how my husband wasn't there and didn't answer his cellphone. Believe me, I've wanted to split...at least for a while to get the message across. You had mentioned him talking to my doctor....I'm afraid he would try to talk them out of their diagnosis, as hard as he could. He just plain wants to be RIGHT! It's so frustrating and lonely. We haven't had relations in a year..in the beginning, because of the interstital cystitis (inflammation of the bladder lining) and my gynecological problems...but I just don't want him to touch me. It hurts to be touched, physically and emotionally. I can't connect with someone who basically calls me a liar and denies my illness. I know, TMI, but if I can't say it here, where? THANKS for listening. I hope you are having a good day. I'm going to check out the nerve stimulation unit. I've heard of it before and need to give it a try. Peace, DaniBelle |
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sistergal2
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DaniBelle - thanks for your reply. I have walked in your shoes too with an unbelieving husband and still have those acquaintances (can't say friends anymore). I hope your doctor can urge him to come in - he will not win with a doctor who knows about fibro! I have the interstitial cystitis too - I even had a urologist permanently stitch "open" the little flap that closes during these bouts. I still have problems but only once in a while - the flap must be weak. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless, frances |
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DaniBelle
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Hey, hope you are having a good day....as good as can be expected for a FM sufferer. Last night, there was an online live 'Webinar' presented by the Fibromyalgia and CFS Center. I didn't think I would learn much more than I already know about FM, but I asked a question that's been bugging me for a while (heard differing opinions). I didn't expect them to answer, knowing there were most likely thousands of women asking their questions at the same time. To my surprise, the nurse said "Danita asks if there are any 'red marker' foods which Fibro sufferers should avoid". It was kind of neat to hear my name out loud and have my question answered. Anyway, the doctor said 'No', yet pointed out that proper nutrition was vital to be able to function at your highest (whatever it may be) level. He also said to stay away from sugar (knew that) and anything 'white', referring to breads, rice, etc.. I know he didn't mean cauliflower! The answer to my question was contrary to what my ex-chiropractor/nutrionist told me. He told me to avoid wheat products, dairy, etc.., WHILE shoving bottles of $25 supplements at me. I would love to be invisible for about 30 minutes, so I could go change the letters on the sign outside his office to "GIVE ME YOUR MONEY", or something worse (but not profane, of course). AARGH! Anyway, I'm sorry you've suffered with I.C as well, and am glad it's better. Why do women have to go through soooo much??...and then have men who don't understand.. You know, the fibro so much worse when I was first diagnosed with I.C.. About 50 treatments (Dr.'s office and home treatment), it basically went away. I am thankful to God that I don't really have a problem with it anymore. Sometimes a food may trigger some discomfort, but that's about it. I never thought it would go away. I was so tired of catheterizing myself and having to carry the solution, etc. in a cooler on trips! I'm having a pretty good day and keep reminding myself of what my pain dr. told me..."Don't try to be superwoman and bear the pain when you have medication to stop it...that's what it's there for". Again, I think my hubby has started to 'brainwash' my thinking into enduring the pain for as long as I can until I can't function (as in walking without groaning, etc.). Is that crazy or what? He thinks he knows how I feel better than I do. My therapist (part of the pain mgt. system who helps people cope w/chronic pain) believes he needs to be seen about his control issues. I agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a nice weekend. God Bless you too! Danita
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ChristinaCorley
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AT LEAST YOUR HUSBAND TRIES TO HELP...MY DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HOW BAD IT HURTS I DON'T THINK..EVEN THOUGH I TELL HIM..I FEEL LIKE I'M AN INCONVENIENCE.  |
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Nicolelm18
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It's so sad how people refuse to acknowledge this illness. If they don't feel the pain, if they aren't tired all the time, then they don't care. I'm tired of my dad telling me to get a job and support myself. Hello? I'm 18 and just quit a job i enjoyed because i couldn't even handle a 3 hour shift. I get mad at him all the time. " I'll learn to get by...little victories." |
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ChristinaCorley
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MY HUSBAND JUST THINKS I DON'T WANT TO WORK WHICH ISN'T THE CASE...WOULD I WASTE MY TIME GOING TO THE DEPT OF LABOR OR SEARCHING FOR JOBS ONLINE IF I DIDN'T WANT TO WORK. HE COMES HOME AND DISHES AREN'T DONE AND HE SAYS HE'S NOT MAD BUT HE COMES HOME AND SAYS "MAN THESE DISHES NEED DONE" WELL HELP ME LOL..HE SAYS HE'LL HELP BUT NEVER DOES. |
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