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#507447 - 05/17/07 07:21 PM
Just another Fibro 101 Thread
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 11/26/03
Posts: 1247
Loc: Mississippi
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We have several newbies interested in what the symptoms of Fibro are, and other info on the subject.
There are many people here who can chime in with what their particular problems are, what treatments work for them, and ways to get to the right doctor to either make the diagnosis or rule it out. (this can sometimes take years).
I have dozens of links, so if anyone has particular areas of interest in the condition, let me know and I will scope you a link.
So, a little Fibro 101
Fibromyalgia is a common condition associated with muscular pain and fatigue
believed to affect approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population
occurs more commonly in women than in men
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
fibromyalgia is a form of soft-tissue rheumatism
Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed with laboratory tests
The results of X-rays, blood tests and muscle biopsies look normal
diagnosis is based on a careful history and physical examination
Symptoms and signs
Widespread musculoskeletal pain
generalized pain and fatigue
Stiffness
sleep disturbances
headaches
digestive disturbances
difficulty concentrating
abdominal pain
constipation, diarrhea (IBS)
frequency of urination
neck/shoulder and general muscle tension
sore tendons and connective tissue
facial pain
spaciness, memory lapses
hypersensitivity to light/sound/touch/odors
skin complaints and/or rashes
depression, anxiety
and others.
Because the complaints of fibromyalgia are so general and often bring to mind other medical disorders, many people undergo complicated and often repeated evaluations before they are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It is important to see a physician or rheumatologist who knows how to diagnose and treat the condition.
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All of my posts these days are typed on an Iphone or an Ipod touch, and there will be typos. Sorry.
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#507448 - 05/18/07 09:14 AM
Re: Just another Fibro 101 Thread
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Stranger
Registered: 06/22/06
Posts: 17
Loc: Midwest
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Thank you, FireFairy. I was an RN, and I had never heard of fibro until I was diagnosed. It is awful. I don't know why they aren't having telethons for it because it ruins lives. (I suspect it is because it affects mostly women, but who knows.)
I discovered something last week just because I soak so much in the bath with hot water. I had been using Batherapy mineral salts, mostly for the smell because I never noticed any pain relief. Well, I was in the tub, bored, and decided to put some of the chrystals on a wash cloth and apply it directly to my right arm. What can it hurt, right?
Amazing. I was able to lift my arm without much pain for a couple of hours after I did that. It took probably 20 minutes to feel some relief with the stuff on my arm, but it worked for me.
I think the main ingredient is epsom salts. I tried plain salts, and it didn't work as well. Maybe it's something else in the stuff that helped. Anyway, it's cheap and worth a try.
Jeanie
Edited by JeanieA (05/18/07 09:16 AM)
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#507455 - 05/25/07 06:11 PM
Re: Just another Fibro 101 Thread
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Journeyman
Registered: 04/18/07
Posts: 59
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Quote:
Sorry for your pain. I don't have fibro but I have found anytime I'm having back pain that getting in water helps it so much. Especially my grama's pool. 
thanks. I guess I'm really pretty lucky that I'm not in worse pain and I function fairly well without narcotics. I went the narcotic route with Talwin and it wasn't worth feeling drugged out all the time.
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#507457 - 05/25/07 07:34 PM
Re: Just another Fibro 101 Thread
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Journeyman
Registered: 04/18/07
Posts: 59
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Quote:
I know I hate that feeling as well. But you are very lucky that you don't need them.
My next thing to try was the water therapy if my back got any worse but with excersise daily I have been feeling much much better so I haven't had to resort to that just yet. I'm glad your doing well.
Sometimes I wish I could get some relief with narcotics....just every now and then for a day off from pain.
The hot tub truly is a Godsend for me. It was here when we bought the house and it really helps me a lot. I haven't been in it for a couple of days so I should probably do that tonight.
Have you tried Yoga? I think I'm going to give that a shot.
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#507459 - 05/25/07 07:45 PM
Re: Just another Fibro 101 Thread
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Journeyman
Registered: 04/18/07
Posts: 59
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Quote:
I am a HUGE yoga fan. I have had back problems for 7 years ever since I was in a car accident and I have always been in pain almost everyday and usually immobile for about a day every 2 months. I have not had any real bad pain since I started doing yoga. I haven't been immobile in at least 6 months maybe longer. My mind feels great. My body looks great. My back feels great. It's a great feeling that I actually have control over things now. I missed a couple very important events last year due to my injuries. I absolutely love it! It will free your mind and your body. I have strengthened my core and it has in turn helped my back. Please give it a shot! I'm telling you, you won't be dissapointed. It will probably be a little painful at first but it will be a good pain.
Go get in that hot tub! I love hot tubs! I take my showers sooooo hot in the morning. It runs in the family. My son does it to!
I'm going to the hot tub as soon as Real Time is over.
I did a few minutes with a Yoga DVD the other day but got interrupted.....we're in the middle of some home renovations so I had to stop and take care of a few things. I'm going to set aside time this weekend to really check the DVD out.
Speaking of showers, I just got a new rain shower head and really like it. It feels so good....just like a gentle rainshower.
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No one understands, and it is really hard to explain to people you have something soooo bad, when at the same time, you can look pretty normal health-wise. I am going to print that post out, and keep it in my wallet, and everytime someone asks what is wrong with me,I will just hand them that page. Thanks for that post.Having Fibro is really awful. 
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