Fibromyalgia treatment?

If you have fibro what treatment has worked best for you?

I really appreciate your answers. RX for nutritional healing is one of my favorite books and I do some of the things you all have mentioned. I do a lot of alternative treatments/remedies already and have found essential oil mixtures/bath soaks I make to be very helpful. I haven't had conventional treatment in over 7 years, relying on natural and am out of the loop on what is now prescribed and am interested in RX treatments, too, for a major flair I've been experiencing.

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for 7 years. I've found a combination of treatments to be most effective rather than any one single treatment. I have been using a combination of medication, herbal and dietary supplements, myofascial release therapy (a type of massage), regular chiropractic care, light exercise and hot baths (in epsom salts). All of these things have helped me cope.

I try to stay informed about the latest treatments available. I find that the newletter from the Fibromyalgia Network is helpful for staying current on research and treatment options. Membership in the Fibromyalgia Network is $28 per year and includes a subscription to the quarterly newletter. Plus, you can order back issues of the newletters, so if you check out their list of past issues and see something interesting, you can order a copy for a relatively nominal fee OR you can order multiple back issues for a discount. The link for their site is included below. In addition the newsletter, the website has lots of helpful information. There is a list of common treatments (follow the Basic Info link on the left side of the page) as well as a list of helpful dietary supplements (Go to the Resources link and select Consumer Alerts).

Speaking of dietary supplements, if you haven't checked out the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, give it a look. It has a section about supplements that might be helpful for people with Fibromyalgia. It is listed at Amazon.com.

Finally, I have found myofascial release therapy to be very helpful in dealing with my muscle tension and pain. This website has some good basic information about myofascial release: http://www.myofascial-release.com/

My best advice for you echoes another response to your question: Find a good doctor that will work with you to choose a treatment plan that meets your needs. Co-Cure has a "Good Doctor" list that may be helpful to you. I've found it to be important to take control of my own treatment, especially when I've lived in areas where I couldn't find a doctor that understands and is supportive of patients with Fibromyalgia. If I'm dealing with a doctor that hasn't responded well to the word "Fibromyalgia" I try to break things down and deal with each symptom individually (lack of sleep, constipation, diarhea, muscle pain, depression, fatigue, etc). I've found that the more specific I am in telling the doctor about my symptoms, the better my treatment.

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck to you!

Flexeril 10mg up to three times daily. This works for everyone, that I have seen taking it.

Fibro along with CPS/CFS & multiple other health discrepancies does not appear to be a selective disease. Finally it is being recognized as a real disease with signs & symptoms which enable medical personnel to accurately diagnose & fairly treat. All who experience the hinderance of this health issue I strongly suggest you persue the medical guidance with the advice & direction through Rheumatology. Having had Fibromyalgia for many years unbeknownst to me & all the medical doctors who attempted to treat me for health issues which had names & labels..none found the resolve we all strived for. Fibromyalgia is unique for each & every individual...treatments are not across the board or routine... Over the past twenty years I have learned alot & continue to strive towards answers as many do...open your mind to as much medical education & avenues that will educate you. I have found that increasing antioxidants & utilizing the Holistic/Naturalistic approach has benefitted me far more than any Rx (pill/capsule,etc) I have swallowed. Diet & exercise along with good sleep habits lead toward eventual solutions...knowing whether cures exist or not remains to be determined. But your quality of life can be improved as long as you remember NOT to allow this disease to control you! Join online groups & forums as a beginning support system, sharing & caring amongst those who have similar health issues offers strength & you no longer feel alone~ YOU ARE NOT ALONE~
go to the care2network online, look for Fibro groups there...go to IVillage online you will find groups under medical, visit webMD for helpful info too! Many more is out there for you~ SEEK & you will find! Take care~

I've just recently been diagnosed. I'm only 18.

My doctor put me on amitriptyline. It's terrible. All I want to do is sleep. I feel groggy and have no energy.

I think it's important to stay active. When I did pilates I felt so much better. It's also important to know your own body and want you can do. Remember to rest when you need to.

I wish I had a good answer, but I'm still learning as well.

The first link I've added is a story written by a lady with lupus. She tried to explain what it's like to live with a chronic illness to a 'normal' person. I don't really like it, but you might.

The second link is a site that's truly amazing. I've gotten a lot of help through it. There are communities for people going through diseases and other events. I suggest you check it out if you're going through a hard time.

Good luck.

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