CONSTANT Pain All Over...

L.,
I have fibromyalgia but I have never taken any meds for it. I have chosen to deal with my syndrome all naturally. I work hard at keeping my system clean through very healthy food, as many vegetables as I can, lots of light exercise, some meditation, prayer, relaxation when possible and lots of concentration on stress reduction.

I support my system with herbal stimulants which help me keep busy. The more busy I can stay the more natural endorphins will be released in the body.

I have learned that relaxation, resting and stress reduction is very different than what most people think of when they think of resting. We have to fight against using our illness to give license to sitting around and being lazy. If our houses begin to fall apart we feel frustrated and our stress rises. If we sit too much our muscles stiffen making us feel more pain all over. It's a viscious cycle.

I have had to learn to make my sleep more productive by not falling asleep to the tv. I take little rest breaks throughout the day and listen to relaxing music any time I can. I especially like to listen to cd's that are designed to promote brave wave technology or a type of meditation.

I've been struggling with this for a about 8 years. The last year has been great. I almost never get overwhelmed anymore.

It's interesting that you are dealing with this now. The last time I was pregnant I allowed myself to sit too much and I thought I was giving myself a break physically by doing so. By the time I had her I was tired, could barely get up and down stairs and felt weak all over. It was more than it was with the other 3 pregnancies. I believe it was all in my mind.

Fibromyalgia seems to hit type A personalities because we don't seem to know when to say no or how to stop. And that makes it sound like I'm talking out both sides of my mouth! All I can say is there is a major difference between going and going and never slowing down and being a slug which is what happens to most fibromyalgia sufferers after they start feeling sorry for themselves. I've met many people that have allowed themselves to sink into a depression and mental state that won't let themselves climb out of the hole. And I'm not saying this because I have had fewer problems. My case has been rough. I've had troubles with every single muscle group possible. I have breast bone pain, finger pain, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain, and neck pain. I have had chronic bladder infections, IBS, and severe chemical sensitivities as well as acid reflux disease. I used to think all these things were unrelated. Then I learned that everything sort of works together and that all these things tend to hit fibro sufferers. Oh yeah, and chronic yeast infections and fungus/skin problems, gum infections and dizziness.

Have you read any books about dealing with fibromyalgia naturally?

Suzi

L.,

I feel for you with your fibromyalgia. My mother has this along with arthritis. I have started noticing some arthritis in my hands and knees and now some signs of the fibromyalgia as well.

There is not much you can do (medicinally) since you are pregnant. I do not like to take medicine so maybe some of these things will help. 1)Take long walks; this helps to keep the joints active and muscles warmed. 2)Go to a gym or spa (if you do not have access at home) to take a jacuzzi; the hot jets help the muscles. (Ask your doctor for permission on this one while you are pregnant.) 3)Have your husband learn deep tissue massages....seriously. These feel great and are cheaper than going to a masseuse. 4)Buy a good heat pad with a built in massager. If you cannot afford one then get a heat pad and hand massager. 5)A good external medicine is ZOSTRIX (topical analgesic). It comes in a stick and/or cream form. This is powerful stuff! It warms to heat, contact and lasts for hours upon hours. Just DO NOT touch your eyes or face with your hands after touching or applying. Wash your hands thoroughly. 6)You could get an expensive foot massage once in awhile or maybe a pedicure. The massage of the feet and limbs is very beneficial to the relief of pain throughout the body. The same can be done to the hands through an expensive and thorough manicure. More cheaply done is your spouse massaging your feet. You might even invest in a foot massager. 7)As with all fibromyalgia patients you need to have a positive attitude. Subject yourself to positive/fun books to read, funny movies, friends/family with positive attitudes and literally count your blessings continually and daily. The more positive you are the less the flare ups will happen. You should be your healthiest while pregnant so the flare ups should/could be far less than when not pregnant.

The most important thing to remember is that some of the icky and achy feelings you are experiencing are normal. Your body is changing and expanding for the baby. You eat, breathe, drink and experience for two. Find a good book regarding how/what your body experiences during pregnancy and then you'll fret less on what is due to your pregnancy and what is a flare up.

The last item I might suggest is to have a good repoirte with your doctor. Call them with things that worry you or concern you. Maybe they would have an answer line or nurses help line you could stay in contact with for any questions you have. Be sure to let him know of your concerns for post-partum blues. If you are concerned with depression settling in again then your doctor needs to be prepared to recognize it and help you since you are susceptible to depression.

I hope some of these suggestions will be beneficial to alleviating some of your worries and helpful to you at the same time. Have a wonderful pregnancy and enjoy every moment of it as the time goes faster than you think.

God Bless, Lilly :)

You have probably tried all the "soft stuff," since you are listing your prescription medications, but if not, try aleve. I'm not sure why, but it has proven more effective for me personally than Tylenol, Ibuprofen or prescription drugs for both those bone-deep aches and pains, and also migraines. I don't know why and I know not everyone responds the same way. If you haven't tried it, it might be worth a shot.

There are some great natural products I can recommend if you are open to hearing about them. I don't believe drugs are always the answer to everything medical problem. Our bodies have the ability to heal themselves if given the proper nutrition. I have 3 kids, and wasn't taking natural supplements except with my last one (he's almost 2yrs.) I had the best pregancy, the recovery was awesome, I needed no pain medication...I took many antioxidants while pregnant, OPC's
are wonderful with many health benefits and help as an anti-inflammatory. I can go on and on..I've educated myself over the years researching natural health for over 4 yrs. I truly believe in the wonders it offers. Respond if you would like more info...there's so much information most people don't know about!

V.

Hi L.,

I feel your pain, honestly. I am 35 and have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 18. I have gone through two pregnancies while being off my meds. Like you, I was achy...mostly from being off some serious prescriptions. After my first trimester however, I went into remission. This holds true for a lot of women suffering from some sort of auto immune disease like arthritis..and fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis as I'm sure your aware. Now, I understand since you found out about your pregnancy you weren't achy and now you are. I don't know how far along you are, but NOT ALL women go into remission. I'm wondering if you had a shortened remission. Bring it up with your rheumatologist or doctor. I was allowed to take a baby aspirin and 5 mg. of prednisone. Both my daughters are healthy, normal little girls. If you want to talk more, send me a personal message and I'll give you my phone number and/or email.

L.:
I have joint pain (related to a liver disorder), but I do not take a perscription for it. I do however, take Glucosamine with Chondritin and MSN. If you are pregant, do not take anything without checking with your Doc.
A. L

do you drink alot of suger free drinks i have read articals that some of the artifical sweeteners are causing this kind ofproblems in a lot of women. also stay away from salt it will make things worse. I am pasting part of this for you to read.This also applies to cases of tinnitus and fibromyalgia.

During a lecture, I said, 'If you are using ASPARTAME (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting, pains, numbness in your legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss you probably have ASPARTAME poisoning!'

stop drinking them and see if symptoms go away. hope this helps