Just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I am 54, have diabetes, high blood pressure (both controlled by meds),?

asthma, arthritis and recently underwent c-spine fusion surgery. I have always believed that fibromyalgia was not really a disease, but in the last several months, have been completely disabled. I am unable to walk, drive and even cry when washing my hair. The rheumatologist I saw told me fibromyalgia is real, even though it cannot be verified by lab tests. I am going to start taking neurontin, along with my other meds. Does neurontin help and also, if the pain is so disabling that I am unable to do even simple things, what kind of prognosis do I have for things to get better?Just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I am 54, have diabetes, high blood pressure (both controlled by meds),?
Fibromalgia is a diagnosis given to a person who suffers from symptoms that cannot be explained or confirmed with lab tests. It is diagnosed only after all other inflammatory diseases have been ruled out and based on trigger point pain. I worked for a rheumatologist for awhile and quit because it became a depressing work environment that seemed like pain management. I don't believe that fibromyalgia exists, either. I think that there will be a link someday that connects it to depression from chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause debilitating pain and all doctors acknowlege that this can cause depression (it's hard to be happy when you are in constant pain) which further aggravates the physical symptoms. Multiple studies have been done on the physical symptoms manifested from depression, such as muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue,difficulty concentrating,etc.The rheumatologist I worked for prescribed Cymbalta to any patient who had a generalized diagnosis of ';fibromyalgia'; and we saw marked improvements, both physically and mentally as Cymbalta helps with both. You asked about Neurontin. It helps with nerve pain, which you may have from diabetes. It is widely used in treating diabetic neuropathy. Do you use any biologicals to treat your RA ? Like Humira or Enbrel, methotrexate ? If you have tried these without results, ask about beginning Remicaid infusions. Remicaid can actually stop RA from progressing and give you so a better quality of life. Like I said, it is very hard to be a happy , carefree person when you have limited mobility, constant pain. One problem begets another, you lose your independance, the simplest tasks become difficult. Ibelieve that fibromyalgia is related to the depression caused by the inflammatory condition you have.The treatment for fibromyalgia is usually stress reduction, exercise, a regular sleep pattern, all things pretty hard to do with chronic pain and associated depression.What area do you live in ? Maybe I can help you find a doctor in your area.You have so many options out there. I would speak to your rheumatologist about Cymbalta and Remicaid infusions. If he can't help you, seek the advice of another rheumatologist.Just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I am 54, have diabetes, high blood pressure (both controlled by meds),?
Hi Donna





I would do either of the following for your pain: Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch, all of which can significantly improve fibromyalgia pain symptoms, and which can be taught to patients as a form of self-care, as well as being provided by professional energy healers. I've also been recently introduced to a new healing frequency on the earth and you can read about it on thereconnection.com. Could assist you as well.








Causes of Fibromyalgia


There is not one specific cause for primary fibromyalgia. Certain common features among fibromyalgia patients provide a better idea as to the primary factors that are involved in its onset, however. These include dental amalgam fillings, hormone imbalances, infection, neurotransmitter imbalances, sleep problems, problems with the thalamus gland, and physical trauma. Other factors that can play a role include chemical and food allergies and sensitivities, chronic stress, and dysfunctions in system.muscle metabolism.





Conventional physicians treat fibromyalgia primarily through the use of painkiller medications. Such an approach fails to address the multiple causes of fibromyalgia, and also carries with it the risk of serious side effects. In addition, this symptom care approach is typical of conventional medicine`s failure to properly understand chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, which explains why it so often fails to successfully treat such conditions. Practitioners of alternative medicine, on the other hand, focus their treatment approaches on the multiple factors involved in fibromyalgia in order to eliminate them, while simultaneously stimulating the body`s ability to repair itself. What follows is an overview of some of the most common therapies they employ in order to achieve those goals





Quick Action Plan for Fibromyalgia








1. A healthy, whole foods diet is an important part of any fibromyaglia treatment program. Emphasize organic foods, especially fresh, organic vegetables, and drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day. For even more benefits, consider adopting a vegetarian diet, which has been shown to significantly reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.





2. Essential nutrients to help treat fibromyalgia include vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinimide (vitamin B3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-an essential fatty acid), magnesium, selenium, zinc, and the lipotrophic factors inositol, methionine, and phosphatidyl choline. The nutritional supplements cetyl myristoleate and SAMe are also highly beneficial, as it the Meyers Cocktail, which must be administered by a trained health care practitioner.





3. Herbal remedies for fibromyalgia include cayenne and chamomile. An herbal combination of tinctures of black cohosh, celery, dandelion, devil`s claw, Echinacea, and licorice in equal parts, can also be helpful.





4. Homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia include Arnica, Bryonia, and Rhus. Tox.





5. Various bodywork therapies, such as Massage, Acupressure, Bowen Therapy, Feldenkrais, myotherapy, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Therapeutic Touch, and Trigger Point Therapy, can provide significant relief of fibromyalgia pain and speed healing.





6. Mind/body medicine therapies such as biofeedback, guided imagery and visualization, hypnotherapy, and meditation, can help relieve chronic stress, thereby soothing muscle tension and reducing pain





7. Be sure to do a colon and liver cleanse to clean out the toxins in the colon and the blood. Most important step is cleansing and detoxifying the body. This will help with your other issues as well.





Best of health to you
http://www.americanvistas.com/
Donna, I wish you accepted e-mail.





If you did, I would suggest you speak with a freind of mine who has the same combo.





I cope with Fibro and a whole long laundry list of other things.. many the same as yours





but not also the diabetes and high blood pressure





Most days I have difficulty walking. On the days that my feet will co-operate with walking, I fall frequently. I haven't been able to drive since '02........... these are things that you must learn to cope with and adapt around. I am sorry, I know it hurts. Yes, the pain can be immensely disabling.





If you will e-mail me @ bama.brat@yahoo.com





and you might consider joining


http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cop鈥?/a>





This is a goup that I started. A lady in the group named Terry is who I have in mind for you to chat with.





There are other on-line support groups that you might also consider.





Treatments for Fibro vary from person-to-person. What doesn't work for others might work for you and vice-versa.


So far, none of the meds seem very effective for most of the folks with Fibro. If you join a couple of groups, then you have a chance to compare notes %26amp; consider what might be helpful to you.





Also, a movie that should offer you some inspiration... it is about WheelChair Rugby... if Quadraplegics can find a way to enjoy life... then so can folks with Fibro.... Wheelchair Rugby is part of Paralympics (note this is much more rigorous than Special Olympics!!!) the original name for WheelChair Rugby is MurderBall... that is the name of the movie. If you have netflix, you can order the movie to watch it.. it is an AMAZING story of the lives of the men in that sport.





Hope these thoughts help
try adding vitamin B6, Magnesium and manganese to your diet, first check with your doctor and make sure they will not interfere with your current meds.
http://www.fibromyalgiasource.com has lots of information about Fibromyalgia and may be able to provide you with some assistance.
FMS can be an ugly thing depending on the person. I would suggest that you find a support group on line so that you can network with others that have it. It can be a tricky thing to treat as what works well for some may not work for others. The neurontin helps spme but not others. Again, it depends on how you react to it. There are a pluthra of womens groups on the net. I could direct you to a few if you would like. Send me an e-mail. I own Men Survivng FMS but it's for men only just because they need to be able to talk about things openly that they may not if we had ladies in the group. Look up Men Surviving FMS and you will also find some info and links therein. God Bless.
Yes this is a real autoimmune disease. Neurontin may be of some help. There are also some studies and experimental meds in the works. Your rheumatoligst can answer questions about them. You might want to do a google search to get more details. While you may have good days and bad days there is no known cure for this.
Actually, slices of the muscle contain tiny crystals, then with movement cause rubbing if causes pain. Some feel that dextromethorhan can relieve the symptoms. Neurontin can cause quite a bit of weight gain, however, it does help with sharp shooting pain
Donna, So sorry. Sounds like you're really going through a lot right now. I'll share with you my illness in 1993. I had Hepatitis C %26amp; others around me were getting liver transplants or dying. I went on the drug interferon (self injected shots 3 times a week). The side effects were in some cases much harder to deal with than the disease %26amp; it only had a 25% success rate after a year %26amp; half of those relapsed in 6 months.


I too was searching for answers %26amp; I got in contact w/ a naturpathic doctor %26amp; became involved in Breath exercises, certain herbs, %26amp; change of diet, to go along w/ my main stream medical therapy. I did a 21 day cleanse to rid all the toxins out of my system. It worked great %26amp;I had a much better outlook dealing with the disease %26amp; side affects of the therapy. Good Luck %26amp; God Bless
Fibromyalgia is real as you have now learned. I'm sorry you found out this way but dont give up, you can have a better life. Many people who end up with fibromyalgia do so after spinal or head injuries. It is now considered to be a neurological condition.


I found the following article very helpful in understanding just exactly what fibromylagia is and the suggestions for treatment are also some of the things that we fibro patients have found to be helpful in our treatment:








A Novel Holistic Explanation for the Fibromyalgia





Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction











By Manuel Mart铆nez-Lav铆n, M.D.





Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Mexico





(National Cardiology Institute of Mexico)














This article discusses scientific evidence supporting the notion that all fibromyalgia (FM) features can be explained on the basis of autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system dysfunction. On this basis, a holistic approach for FM treatment is proposed.








My first argument is that FM is a multi-system illness. This means that FM symptoms are not limited to the muscles as the name fibromyalgia may suggest. It is obvious that this illness also produces dramatic manifestations in different organs and systems of the body. The most frequent associated complaints are: fatigue, sleep disorders, morning stiffness, headache, a numbness and tingling feeling in the extremities, restless legs, anxiety, dryness in the mouth, cold-clammy hands, irritable bowel, mental fogginess, and cystitis. So, any valid theory attempting to explain FM mechanisms should first give a coherent explanation for the presence of these disparate symptoms in the same patients. When we started our FM research at the National Cardiology Institute of Mexico, our working hypothesis was that all of the above-mentioned features could be explained on the basis of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.











What Is the Autonomic Nervous System?








The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the portion of the nervous system that controls the function of the different organs and systems of the body. For instance, it regulates body temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat rate, and bowel and bladder tone, among many other variables. It is ';autonomic'; because our mind does not govern its performance; rather, it works below the level of consciousness. One striking characteristic of this system is the rapidity and intensity of the onset of its action and its dissipation. Centers located in the central nervous system (brain stem, hypothalamus, and thalamus) and in the spinal cord activate the ANS. These centers also receive input from the limbic system and other higher brain areas. This means that the ANS is the interface between mind and body functions. These connections enable the ANS to be the main component of the stress response system in charge of fight-or-flight reactions.








The ANS works closely with the endocrine system (the hormonal system), particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Another endocrine axis closely related to the ANS involves growth hormone secretion.








The peripheral autonomic system is divided into two branches; sympathetic and para- sympathetic. These two branches have antagonistic effects on most bodily functions, and their proper balance preserves equilibrium. Thus, the ANS represents the ying-yang concept of ancient eastern cultures. Sympathetic activation prepares the whole body for fight or flight in response to stress or emergencies; in contrast, parasympathetic tone favors digestive functions and sleep. The sympathetic autonomic branch extends from the brain stem to the spinal cord and features rich sympathetic nerve tissue in the neck and pelvic areas (important facts for FM research). From the spinal cord, the sympathetic nervous system goes to our internal organs and to the extremities. At the skin level, sympathetic activity induces cold clammy hands, mottled skin, and piloerection (goose flesh).








The action of the two branches of the ANS is mediated by neurotransmitters. Adrenaline (also known as norepinephrine) is the predominant sympathetic neurotransmitter whereas acethylcoline acts in the parasympathetic periphery.








Until recently, the action of this extremely dynamic ANS has been difficult to assess in clinical practice. Changes in breathing pattern, mental stress, or even posture alter immediately and completely the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. Nevertheless, with the introduction of a new powerful cybernetic technique named heart rate variability analysis, the outlook has changed dramatically.











What is Heart Rate Variability Analysis?








This technique is based on the fact that the heart rate is not uniform but varies continuously from beat to beat by a few milliseconds. The periodic components of this endless heart rate variation are dictated by the antagonistic impulses that the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches have on the heart. Cybernetic recording of this constant variability is able to estimate both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The elegance of this method resides in the fact that all measurements are derived from electrocardiograms, so patients are subjected to no discomfort whatsoever.








Heart rate variability analysis is not a test that a patient can readily obtain from practicing physicians. So far, this test is largely confined to research centers.











Our Research on Fibromyalgia








We have used heart rate variability analysis to estimate ANS function in patients with FM. We have found that such patients have changes consistent with relentless hyperactivity of their sympathetic nervous system which continues 24 hours a day. Very interestingly, in a different study, we subjected FM patients to a simple stress test which involved having them stand up. Their overworked sympathetic nervous system became unable to further respond meaning that the system was already exhausted.








It is known that as we stand up, blood tends to pool in the lower parts of the body. In normal circumstances, there is an immediate sympathetic surge that compensates for this blood shift and maintains normal blood circulation to the head. People with FM clearly have an abnormal response, and their sympathetic nervous system fails to respond properly. It is pertinent to mention that researchers from different parts of the world have confirmed these abnormal heart rate variability findings in patients with FM.








Based on this research, we proposed that dysautonomia (the medical term for ANS dysfunction) is frequent in patients with FM. Such dysautonomia can be characterized as a sympathetic nervous system that is persistently hyperactive but hypo-reactive to stress. Furthermore, we propose that such dysautonomia explains all FM features. Our ANS findings fully agree with previous ground-breaking research on sleep disorders and hormonal abnormalities in FM.











Dysautonomia Explains All FM Features








Sympathetic hypo-reactivity provides a coherent explanation for the constant fatigue and other symptoms associated with low blood pressure, such as dizziness, fogginess, and faintness. This phenomenon can be compared to what would happen to a constantly forced engine that becomes unable to speed up in response to further stimulation.








Relentless sympathetic hyperactivity also explains the sleep disturbances associated with FM. It is known that parasympathetic tone predominates during deep sleep stages and that seconds before awakening episodes there is a sympathetic surge. Our concurrent studies of polysomnography and heart rate variability analyses have shown that FM people have relentless nocturnal sympathetic hyperactivity associated with constant arousal and awakening episodes.








Sympathetic hyperactivity may also explain the cold, clammy hands (pseudo Raynaud's phenomenon) and the constant dryness in the mouth often seen in persons with FM. Investigators who have directly studied irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis have also reported alterations which are consistent with sympathetic hyperactivity.








The relationship between FM and anxiety and/or depression also deserves special mention. It is clear that FM patients frequently have these two conditions. It hardly could be any other way in persons suffering from chronic intense pain. Unfortunately, the psychological component associated with multisystem FM features has led some physicians to diagnose these patients with pejorative labels such as hypochondriasis or hysteria. In recent years, new labels have been applied, such as ';health seeking behavior'; or ';somatization';. In my opinion, these labels are totally misplaced and do not help by any means in understanding the causes that lead to FM. The fact that there is a psychological component to FM does not diminish the validity of the diagnosis nor make patients guilty for their own suffering. The key issue in FM research is not whether there is a psychological component; the key issue is why these persons have so much pain. (It is the pain, stupid !!!). There is ample evidence to sustain the fact that FM pain is real as attested by different studies demonstrating very high levels of the powerful pain-transmitting substance P in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. According to our model, anxiety could be either the cause or the effect of sympathetic hyperactivity. It should be noted that any normal person injected with adrenaline becomes jittery and anxious.








However, we have to address the key FM issue: how to explain its defining features (i.e., widespread pain and tenderness at palpation on specific anatomical points). We propose that these key features can be explained by the mechanism known in medicine as sympathetically maintained pain. This type of pain is characterized by its frequent onset after trauma, by its independence of any tissue damage, and by the presence of allodynia (the medical term for pain elicitation with light touch) and paresthesias (the medical term for burning, tingling sensations). Sympathetically maintained pain is a type of neuropathic pain. This means that the problem lies in the pain-transmitting nerve itself. Examples of neuropathic pain are post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. We have suggested that FM is a generalized form of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Unfortunately, these types of neuropathic pain respond poorly to the usual analgesic/anti-inflammatory medications.








Sympathetically maintained pain syndromes have strong experimental foundations. Studies performed in animals have shown that trauma may trigger relentless sympathetic hyperactivity and that in such instances the pain-transmitting nerves are altered and abnormally activated by norepinephrine (a phenomenon known as norepinephrine-evoked pain), thus starting a vicious cycle of sympathetic hyperactivity and pain.








FM has clear sympathetically maintained pain features. As discussed before, there is relentless sympathetic hyperactivity. There is frequent onset after physical or psychological trauma. There is widespread pain without underlying tissue damage accompanied by allodynia and paresthesias. The typical FM tender points reflect a state of generalized allodynia. It should also be noted that most FM tender points are located in the neck area, a zone very rich in sympathetic interconnections. Nowhere else in the body are the sympathetic cell bodies so near to the skin. Our recent findings (see sidebar) show that injections of tiny amounts of norepinephrine induce pain in FM patients, thus reinforcing the notion that FM is a sympathetically maintained pain syndrome.











Treatment of Dysautonomia in Fibromyalgia








The realization of dysautonomia in FM demands a holistic approach for its treatment. We are not dealing with a localized ailment; rather, it is our main regulatory system that is not working properly.








Dysautonomia provides a plausible explanation for the reported beneficial effects of interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and graded aerobic exercises. These disciplines improve FM symptoms and also improve resting autonomic tone.








It also seems wise to ask patients to avoid the intake of adrenaline-like substances such as nicotine, caffeine-containing soft drinks, and coffee. Liberal intake of mineral water may help symptoms related to low blood pressure such as fatigue, dizziness, and faintness.








For this chronic illness with multiple complaints, is important to refrain from excessive use of medications. Therapy should be individualized and remain under a physician's supervision. Medications should be directed to improve sleep and autonomic balance. The main FM symptom, widespread pain, should be eased with centrally acting analgesics. Anti-inflammatory medications have little beneficial effects. It is clear that current analgesic therapy is insufficient in many cases. We have to direct our attention to anti-neuropathic medications, but again, currently available compounds are not satisfactory in many instances. Different types of anti-neuropathic drugs are in the developmental stage, and there is reason to believe that these new medications will also be effective for FM pain. There is much to be learned about the possible beneficial effects of eastern relaxation disciplines on ANS balance and on FM symptoms.








In conclusion, we can be optimistic. The FM enigma is in the process of being better understood. I am convinced that scientific evidence will eventually disprove FM non-believers. Both patients and heath care providers have to be daring and move away from the decrepit medical paradigm that views any illness without obvious structural damage as non-existent or as belonging to the realm of psychiatry. We need to adopt a scientifically holistic paradigm that recognizes the tight mind-body interactions in any chronic disease state. We have to be imaginative and develop different treatments for FM based on the unfolding new knowledge.











About the Author: Manuel Mart铆nez-Lav铆n, M.D. graduated as a physician from the National University of Mexico. He did his postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at St. Louis University in Missouri and in Rheumatology at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. He is certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is currently Chief of the Rheumatology Department at the National Cardiology Institute of Mexico. He has published over 60 research articles in scientific, peer-reviewed journals. His research interest focuses on cardiovascular involvement in rheumatic diseases.








Reprinted from Fibromyalgia Frontiers, 2001, Vol.10 #1.
Neurontin will probably help but nothing has worked like Cymbalta (duloxetine) for me.


Here is an article on it:


http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/5379鈥?/a>





It took some time to get over the side effects, like nausea, dizziness, sleeplessness, etc. The end results were worth it. I can't imagine not being on it now.





Here's a chat board:


http://www.fibromyalgiachat.com/forums/i鈥?/a>