Hello!
I am seeking advice on behalf of my mom. She has been suffering from Fibromyalgia for10+ years. I know that this disorder is mysterious and affects people differently, but I was hoping maybe to get some advice or gain some perspective that she hasn't heard of, or considered before. She has a lot of fatigue, pain, and insomnia, but right now the insomnia seems to be causing her the most distress. She recently started taking Savella. It has helped with her pain, but one of the side effects is insomnia. She is awake all nigtht, every night. She wants to stop taking this drug because of this side effect, but her pain is so much better. She is between a rock and a hard place. She has also tried Lyrica in the past, but the side effects were bad with that too. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Does she do any exercises geared to patients with Fibromyalgia? I know that Edward Health & Fitness Center offers a few different classes, primarily water-based, for patients.
Has she seen an endocrinologist and had her thyroid tested? Many symptoms of hypothyroidism (which is VERY common in women) are similar to Fibro. Check out this website: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/. Check out the symptoms on this page: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/long-and-pathetic/. The TSH should be between .3 and 3.0 - the current standards set by the AACE; not .5 and 5.0 as many doctors think/remember from their school days.
Also, have her Vit D tested, this is connected to thyroid issues and is also another very common issue with women, which can contribute to general malaise.
My aunt has thyroid issues and fibro -she also suffers from terrible insomnia and has not been able to find relief.
I suffer from fibromyalgia as well...it is very frustrating to deal with!
I tried a lot of pain meds, lyrica included - honestly most had really bad side effects for me...so my drug regiment is I take a 50mg Tramadol and 1 500mg Tylenol together when the pain is really bad, at night I take a muscle relaxer so it helps reset the nerves and I wake up feeling better because it also helps me sleep.
Truthfully though, I found the best thing that worked for me was physical therapy. I went to a place that offered warm water PT and it was GREAT! I got a better range of motion back (because the fibro was so bad I could barely move my arms and legs all the way, same with my neck and back)...and because I was "exersizing" it gave me more energy.
I do find that on the days where I lay around on the couch and veg/don't do much at all, my pain is worse than the days that I take walks and play with my daughter...you can't stay inactive with this disease - it will get the best of you...
Look into the local hospitals around her too...mine has a fibromyalgia support group and offers a yoga class for people with fibro.
Also, make sure she's seeing an appropriate doctor - I see a rheumatologist - someone who specializes in disorders like this....
I have a co-worker with fibromyalgia. She recently got a shot that basically puts her into menopause. It has helped her symptoms tremendously. She said she hasn't felt this good in years. I'm not sure how old your Mom is so maybe she has already hit menopause but thought I would share just in case it might help. I hope your Mom finds some relief soon. I know my co-worker is miserable when her symptoms flare up.
Better that she can stay on a medication that helps with her pain than to stop taking it, so I would suggest Melatonin to see if it helps with her sleep, and to talk to her doctor if it doesn't. Being that fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disorder I find I can't take aloe vera juice, my body responds as if I'm allergic to it and I get violent stomach cramps so I can't advise if it might help her or not.
Gentle hugs to her!
I suggest trying Aloe Vera juice as an add in it helps with the immune system and well that helps with all the aches and pains in general my brand of choice is SaVia, I like the Mango flavor. In addition Melatonin may help with the sleep issues. My mom has been able to handle hers in this manner, the problem is she also has all three forms of arthritis and chronic fatigue. So, if she can not sleep it is due to the pain and if she does not sleep properly for too long then she has bouts of chronic fatigue and it's all a mess. SO, hope some of this helps!
Has she looked into a more natural approach? Did you know that the "night shade" veggies are responsible for inflammation? She might have a sensitivity to certain chemicals in the air, or food she chooses to eat that causes her body to create the pain.
I would be more than happy to share what I know, and a physician that is more alternative who might help. She would be able to identify what the actual cause might be, but in the end, there is only ONE disease, and tow causes. The ONE disease is malfunctioning cells.... the cause is lack of nutrition or toxins ( either inside the body or in the environment)
This is from a book entitled "Never Be Sick Again" by Raymond Francis
fibro is one of my many things. Older tricyclic anti depressants are often used to help fibro patients sleep. Like Pamelor and Elavil. Has she also tried lunesta or ambien?
Fibro is such a pain because of the unpredictable will it be a bad or good day.
Hugs to your mom.
I used Lyrica for a long time until the side affects started outweighing the benefits. But during the benefit time it was WONDERFUL.
check out drmercola.com << he just posted a good article on how to get a good night's sleep.. I found it helpful... also, he has MANY other articles on different topics, such as Fibromyalgia .. I have read that excluding Gluten from one's diet is suppose to help this ailment tremendously and of course, excluding sugar... those two culprits together can wreck havoc on a body , especially the Fibromyalgia..
my best to you and yours
cheers
