Fibromyalgia

[piggy]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago as I have 16 of the tender spots.What is the prognosis for fibro? My consultant says a wheelchair but my GP doesnt recognise FM as a condition at all!

[Morning]

Go Someplace Else until they listen. I've haven't had trouble with them believing me I have have trouble with my denial, and fear of drugs that make you feel worse. But finally found a meet in the middle doctor eager to help me find ways of coping and yes I do take meds at very low doses that make me feel better and in control. However, when it does get beyond me I do eventually give in and follow orders.

About the wheelchair. I was in one for about a year for the most part, and for 6 to 8 months after if I wanted to go long distances. My family thot is was great because I was not the boss, I had to go where they pushed, using my arms and so much gave me the worst pains. But eventually I walked and even ran a little again upon following docs orders.

The next best thing was the massages, it may take a few people before you find the one that helps you the most. They have to listen to you and do what you ask them to do. Its worth the time investment. Just hang in there and don't let people mess with your head, they have no clue and no right to tell you how you feel or what you have to do.

[bevie]

I agree with the other person who said to go to another dr. Let me say when i was first dxd some 35 yrs ago there was only one book that had any info at all about Fibromyalgia...actually was dxd with Myofascial pain first...they tend to run together btw. There are still many drs who will admit they don't believe that dx or they think it's all in our heads.....don't listen to them for they just don't get it. Hundreds of thousands of women and yes, men have this debilitating disease. And yes, it is a disease...one that many Rheumatologists have been treating for years. We are all different so don't worry when you say you have 16 of the 18....you need to find a good Rheumatologist in your area who will not only have the knowledge to treat your problems as they arise cuz believe me it changes hon...things that are fine today may not be later...I am blessed to have such a dr who knows more about my problems than I do myself, and I've done extensive research over the years. What works for one doesn't always work for others...so don't listen to anyone who is going to give you negative feedback...find a good group as well to find people who have what you have and are there to help, care and love ya just the same...I belong to several....look on yahoo under health then support and you will find many!!!
You can also contact me [moderator note: contact information removed] for more info...Take care and good luck!~! Bevie

[ahebrkyhrt]

We should listen to Bevie having Fibro for 35 years. She should know a thing or 2. I seem to have most of the symptoms but still don't know if I have it. My Dr. seems to think so. I do have bouts of bad all over pain that will last a couple weeks and then it may be a couple months before it comes back. I have swelling in my legs as well and the Fibro started in my legs and slowly progressed to the all over pain and the "tender spots". Has anyone else heard if swelling in the legs could be attributed? And Bevie, you have had it so long, did you ever have to use a wheelchair? That really scares me. I myself and several people I know have had the gastric bypass and it seemed to start for all of us within a year after surgery. So, I am extra afraid of a wheelchair. But, when I have bouts of this I worry about myself and wonder if I will live to be old and just have overall feelings of ill health, especially when the swelling in present. I want to help raise my Grandchildren and looks like my 2 children are going to be one of those people who have their babies in their mid to late 30's; which means I have another 10 years to wait on a Grandchild. I am 47. I think maybe I just worry too much. Wonder if that is a symptom. (:) No, I've done that all of my life. I guess it could be a precursor. I know this was long but if anyone can answer a couple of my questions, I would truely appreciate it. I just joined today and am so happy at the thought of having someone to talk to. Most everyone I know, except the friends that also have it), think it is a bunch of malarky. Thanks for listening...