Arthritis Foundation Forum / Fibromyalgia / Arthritis

Weakened immune system with fibro

karen carnemolla — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:00:45 GMT

has anyone else had problems with a with a weakened immune system since having fibro? I seem to catch everything that goes around. has anything helped if you have this problem too? thanks

question about pain.

Janice334 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:29:43 GMT

I've been diagosed with RA and Fibro for 3 years now and I am still looking for answers. I am taking multiple arthritis medications including remicaid. and have been on pain medication for almost a year. I am trying to understand which disease is making my pain so bad. I have alot of joint pain mostly in my si joint and in my knees. But in reality I am in pain constantly. I feel like I am on a neverending roller coaster. I'm never pain free and I feel like I am missing something. If I am taking all of this medication for the RA and fibro shouldn't I be feeling better??
I feel like I am just getting used to the pain med's and we have to keep increaseing the dose higher and higher. Not to mention that the cost of all the meds is killing my family. Does anyone reach a point where their pain is under control??
if so how are you able to achieve it? I'm not really sure who to even ask. my rheumatologist at times kind of brushes aside when I try to talk to her about the pain, she just say's "well you have arthitis what do you expect???" I don't know what to expect that is why I'm asking??????
I'm frustrated, I know arthritis causes pain, I know fibro causes pain. Does it ever come under control???
thank you for any input.
Janice

Lyrica

SharonAnne — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:30:31 GMT

Anyone else benefit from Lyrica for FMS? If yes, have you had side effects, particularly weight gain? (I ask because that is what Neurontin does to me.)

My doc gave me a coupon for a free trial prescription of Lyrica. Now just taken my 2nd dose in 12 hours. I rarely feel this normal.

I'd like to clean my whole house, but I am pacing myself (don't want to crash for doing so).

I am also tring to be cautiously optomistic! Yet I just had to express my joy at not feeling like a TRAIN WRECK today.

Warmly,
Sharon Anne
(who normally posts in the RA forum)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Kelly3 — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:58:48 GMT

I was told from a family member that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalga are the same ?? Are they ?? My RA has not addressed this issue, I actually read this diagnosis on my chart waiting to get blood work/along with inflammatory arthritis/myostasis,myaliga ???

ATTN: Send your stories

Pippa Smith — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:41:27 GMT

Smith

ATTENTION: People with impairments/disABILITIES, here is a chance to talk about your stories for a book. EX: ARTHRITIS, BIPOLAR, CP, DEPRESSION, DIABETES, HEART, MIGRAINE, OVERWEIGHT/OBESE…contact pippa@mchsi.com

Lyrica

teddybear — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:41:43 GMT

I would like to know if anyone taking Lyrica has experienced as vision problems and if they went away. Thank you for any replies.

Lyrica and Pain Medications Did you notice having weight gain issues...

Janette H — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:50:22 GMT

I have been in pain Medication for almost 3 years before I start all the Medication I weight 150 pounds and after the fact I am 219 pounds and is not because I eat a lot, my doctor explained was the medication and also because the pain and aches and stiffness of the body I do no have that much activity like before, that I do understand, but why too much weight?

Have you have the same Problem?

Questions

Lollepoppup — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:52:49 GMT

I was recently dx with Fibro after a 2 week long flare up that they initially thought was my AS. My questions is...at the begining of the flare it started with generalized swelling, my hands, face, eyes, chim, knees,ankles, feet. While my rheumo gave me very little info on Fibro I have spent the last 3 weeks scouring the net looking for any info to help me be pro-active in this. The thing is I have never seen this listed as a symptom. Anybody else here experience this?

My next question is about this newly aquired speech issue. I have the words in my head but I really have to stop & put forth an effort to get them out & when I do there is almost a studder & alot of mixed up wprds coming out ( I think one thing but spit out something completely diff) Is this a norm symtom for fibro??

Did you notice we can develop a Hump with a ...?

Janette H — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:30:23 GMT

I when with my Rheumatologyst and it noticed a hump between my shoulders and neck area, it hurts and when seeing myself on the mirror I can see like a little mountain in there.

I don't know you but the pain always is in there in the middle, I do not believe Is related with Cushing's Syndrome, I do think is related with Fibro and the Arthritis.

Have you expereince this? :w00t:

40 Causes of Fibromyalgia-like symptoms-Finger Pain

Janette H — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:34:56 GMT

Did you know the other Fibromyalgia-like symptoms?

Check this web site in here you'll find more related diagnosis ;)

if sometimes you do not find me here in the forum feel free to send me an e-mail

janettep@andromeca.com

no support from husband

Paula Dudzik — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:30:07 GMT

Hi all,

Haven't posted for a long time. I have stopped working this year because of extreme fatigue and pain. My husband is not supportive at all. He tells me fibromyalgia is not real b/c there are no tests to confirm dx. Rheumatologist has made the dx as well as diagnosing me with inflammatory arthritis of unknown cause. I feel so frustrated b/c it doesn't matter how much research I quote to him, in my flare ups when I can't do as much as usual he tells me I'm lazy and basically good for nothing b/c I don't bring in a paycheck.... I feel so sad....

undifferentiated connective tissue disease

primalSCREAM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:18:25 GMT

Hi....I used to post here, but today I found out I have undifferentiated connective tissue disease. I have a positive ANA, and now I have a positive JO-1 antibody, I recently had iritis and 3 episodes of severe joint & muscle pain that lasted 24 hrs then went away.... Since I don't have the rest of the markers for any of the diseases that are associated with these 2 markers, I was diagnosed with this.....I feel neither here nor there.... does anyone here have this? thanks

OPC3-ISOTONIX

KISSPOOH2 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:40:27 GMT

Hi,

I've been on the boards awhile and haven't noticed anyone questioning OPC3 or commenting on it.

I have full blown fibro with every symptom I could and its turned my life upside down for the past year. I've been taking so many meds, and Lyrica too. I feel like a drug company these days. Taking 20 pills a day is pretty overwhelming and I always seem to be in pain anyways. My physical therapist has been helping me with the stress build up in my neck and back.

People at work have told me about this OPC-3 stuff and how well it works. They know people with back injuries, migraines and other health issues that have been pretty much cured by taking this group of herbs in the product. I researched the product on line and it does say it works for fibro.

Anyone have any experience with this stuff? Any thoughts, I'd just love to get off some of the drugs.

Peace,

Kiss Pooh

Work wont let me

Janice Edwards — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:08:55 GMT

I have a dr. approval note to go part-time on my job due to my chronic pain and fatigue from Fibro. My work won't let me go. I'm suffering for over a year now, with no relief. I was diagnosed in 1996. I'm a cook, and have to lift heavy pans, bakery items, and on my feet for 10 - 12 hours a day. Non-stop. My day usually starts @ 6 a.m. and goes through 4- 5:30 p.m. I've been there

for 5 years. Thing is...I worked alone for almost a year. I have this documented. I must work alone when a co-worker takes a day off, or is sick. This is extremely hard on me. My days off

are recuperating from working, and that's a weekly thing. Not just when I work alone. Work told me yesterday that they will not let me go part-time, because my limitations are not defined. How do you define over working, not only at work, but at home? And how do you define extreme weak-ness when it varies movement to movement? I have trouble walking, I have to break to regroup my muscles. I really need suggestions, here. They are trying to get me to quit, but I can't. I'm a single mother of an Autistic adult, and the only bread winner. If I quit, am I eligible for unemployment, and would I win my case in court for RSDI?? Yes. I have major depression with all of this. And the stress isn't helping me get through it all. Anyone else been there, or there? Help, please?

I love my job, but I just am too sore and weak to keep up with it anymore. I love my job, just not the B.S that comes with it. They play head games.

Fibromyalgia without tender points?

Maire379 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:01:13 GMT

I have RA and my rheumy is trying to see if I have fibro as well. He gave me Lyrica and I only took 3 pills and had major side effects that I stoped taking it. I don't have enough of the symptom of fibro to say that I have it but to many to ignorre. If the drug would work then I would have it. I could not stay on it that long. It did increase my pian atleast three fold. So now I am in more pain then I was before I took the drug. That is one nasty drug. I don't have the tender points. Could you still have fibro with out the tender points?

San Diego Support Group for Fibromyalgia

Sharon Female — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:28:56 GMT

San Diego, CA (Mission Hills)
New Support Group in San Diego for Fibromyalgia:
www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Fibromyalgia-Support

Watsu/Aquatic Bodywork Sessions,
Water Therapy Classes for Pain Relief and Gentle Exercise/Movement.
www.AqOasis.com
www.WaterChiTherapy.com
www.SharonPlache.com

Come join us.
Blessings,
Sharon

New Diagnosis

franticteacher — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:33:10 GMT

Any and all help would be appreciated. I was not expecting this diagnosis. I know this board is not that active, but I will take any info I can get. Thanks.

Nicole

RA visit today

Kelly3 — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:40:16 GMT

I had a RA visit today. After no luck with Humira (bad flare after 3rd shot) She prescribed me Savella and said it was new and being used to treat pain for fibromyalgia. I am to go back in a month to see what we are going to do about the inflammatory arthritis, she said she wanted to get the Humira completely out of my system. I read about Savella on the internet and of course am a little afraid. Is anyone on this and how is it going ???

Does anyone know of support groups in Atlanta??

Beth147 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:21:36 GMT

I can't seem to find any support groups for Fibro or CFS in Atlanta... help would be much appreciated!!:)

Malic Acid?

Pinkie — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:39:55 GMT

[font=Comic Sans MS][size=3]My chiropractor suggested I add malic acid to my supplements. I take vit. D (2000u), calcium, magnesium, glucosamine and now MA, in addition to my medications. I do seem to be better - but who knows which is the key. Just wondered if anyone else is using this and if you noticed any difference. I also get acupuncture. [/size][/font]

question

Robbie Jusola — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:03:28 GMT

I asked this question at the RA board but I am going to ask it here as well. Does anyone else get sick all of the time? It seems I get every cold, flu etc that goes around.

The adventure continues

Robbie

LITTLE KNOWN FREE BENEFITS TO HELP THE DISABLED & SENIORS

Michael Marki — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:08:37 GMT

I created this web site to help seniors, the disabled and those on low income. It is links to little known free goverment benefits and programs to help.

Free prescriptions, free insurance, free transportation, free food, free dental etc...

www.maxpages.com/helpbenefits :)

test

Kyle Coleman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:06:09 GMT

test

New to Fibro corner but not new to problems ;)

Beth147 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:46:53 GMT

Hi all - It's been forever since I've been on the site, and have only posted under the RA Connect boards, as I was originally diagnosed with RA - approx 4 year ago. However in the past year, I've been on a serious witch hunt to get some much-needed relief as so many drugs / therapies don't seem to work, so after a trip to Mayo and a new primary doctor at home, the newest theory is Fibro, with a helping of CFS.

I'm been on a managerie of meds, including (but not limited to) Plaquenil, Prednisone, Provigil, and Lyrica - the only thing that has helped was the Prednisone, although they took me off of it after years of being on it (and the subsequent weight loss was amazing!) The docs also took me off Adderall (for fatigue) - I only took it a week, but it felt amazing to feel alive. Now I'm starting Cymbalta and hoping that will help, but I am jus so tired & in pain :( I'm also doing PT which includes lots of swimming, which is nice.

Although I'm finding the pain more manageable (although still a pain in the neck - literally), the fog & the fatigue are KILLING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! especially after having such a lively week on speed last week - ha! I've recently cut back on work to part-time, which has helped me manage my life a bit better, but I would love to be able to think again.... my husband may enjoy my comatose state though - ha!

I would love to get some support from fellow fibro-ers about how to cope with the fatigue and fog particularly. Pain has unfortunately become a normal part of my life, and with the PT / pool, I feel like I'm making headway - but I would love to be able to stay awake for work & to be able to have a conversation without asking everyone to repeat themselves ;)

Any insight / words of wisdom / humor would be greatly appreciated. Much love & thanks!

Beth

hi, I'm a new member

Liisa Lawrence — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:57:18 GMT

Hi, I live in the midwest and have found that the weather plays a major role in my pain level. Has anyone else experienced that where you live? Thanks.

New Fibro site

Rosemary148 — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:22:20 GMT

Hi everyone. Not much goes on here, so I thought I would add some helpful hints. I go to WebMD's Fibro site a lot. Lots of discussion there. Also, the other day in a magazine, I saw an ad for a new Fibro site:

FIBROCENTER.COM

Haven't really explored it alot yet, but it sure looks interesting!

Love and Care

Rosemary

cognitive behaviour therapy

Tim Digger — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:43:39 GMT

Has anybody any comments on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)? I have read that it changes the beliefs patients hold about their illness and their ideas about the most effective ways to manage fibromyalgia. I have been told of trials that reported substantial and continued improvement in general functioning, levels of fatigue and depression up to a year post-treatment.

[url]http://fightfatigue.idagger.com[/url]

chostocondritis

primalSCREAM — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 20:30:56 GMT

Once again I'm cursed with chostocondritis...it has been 1 month and I still have pain.....does anyone else ever suffer with this and for this long?

Anyone There?

Emmab2003 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:10:49 GMT

Would like to see folks posting here again.
Am I the only one who keeps looking for new messages?

Good Morning

Wanda Waggoner — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:52:30 GMT

Good morning all. I am new to this board, am also on the RA board. Have been lurking for awhile.

Have not tried Lyrica, because my Rheumy says that is not a good idea when taking Cymbalta, and the Cymbalta has ingredients that affect the brain the same as Lyrica. I think he is right from what I have read.

Good to meet all of you

Northeast Ohio Fibro Friends -- Cleveland-area support group

Amy Swinderman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:09:50 GMT

My name is Amy Swinderman and I am the president of the Northeast Ohio Fibro Friends (NEOFF). We are a support group founded by fibromyalgia patients, for fibromyalgia patients. We are a very close-knit group of Cleveland-area residents who have come together to provide each other with friendship, support and resources. We are not associated with any doctor, clinic or hospital, and we are not selling anything (nor are we interested in buying any "miracle" cures!).

We have social gatherings and meetings at the convenience of our members. We also have a private message board. In addition to these functions, we're also very interested in raising awareness of our disease. We have elected a board of directors to oversee fundraising and community awareness efforts. We have our own Web site, www.neoff.org. We are publishing our own quarterly newsletter, the NEOFF News. We are making and selling our own merchandise to raise money. In May, we testified before the Ohio Senate in support of Senate Bill 341, legislation that will proclaim January as Fibromyalgia Awareness Month in Ohio. We are currently working with the House sponsor on this bill and will be planning a fundraiser in January 2009 to mark the occasion.

As you can see, we have come a short way in a long time. We have done it all on our own by pooling our resources and talents together. We are tired of society's and the medical field's misperceptions and confusion about this disease. We're tired of going through life feeling like crap and this being OK with our doctors and families. We want better treatments. We want a cure. We are willing to fight for it. Would you like to join us?

If so, please visit www.neoff.org or e-mail us at info@neoff.org.

Thanks,

Amy Swinderman
NEOFF President
amyswinderman@yahoo.com

Hi All.....

Emmab2003 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:58:24 GMT

I guess I should have checked in sooner. I was seeing maybe an old captured computer screen that looked like there was absolutely no activity here at all.

Good to see some posts, which I need to get to reading.

Good to see some familiar names too.

Fitness

KISSPOOH2 — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:39:56 GMT

Hi All,
Have a question about fibro and fitness and what I can do.
I was dx in August of 2007 with fibro and osteoarthritis in my knees. I was on weight watchers and working out every day on the treadmill, lifting weights, and riding a stationary bike. I'm overweight about l00lbs, thank goodness I hide it well and just look overweight not huge! Anyways, I was doing well with a fitness plan and food plan and then my life seemed to crash around me.
I've been seeing so many doctors and having so many tests to rule out other diagnosis',I'm exhausted all the time and in a fog always, the pain is never ending and the cognitive issues are probably worse than the pain.
I have to do something to get back on the track of fitness and weight loss. I had lost 32pounds since January 2007 and now that I have fibro have gained most of it back! I know I have to shed these extra pounds as my knees and thighs hurt so bad and its so unhealthy to be overweight.
Any ideas, thoughts, advise anyone can give me to jumpstart my weight loss?
Thanks to all and peace!
Kris

Needing some support

KISSPOOH2 — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:13:04 GMT

Hi,
I'm having terrible trouble dealing with fibro. I don't know which is worse the pain or the cognitive issues. I feel like I'm losing my memory and am always in a fog. I have to really think about what I want to say and its even difficult talking on the phone. I've noticed myself closing my eyes and really listening before I speak and I pause while I formulate my sentences. My physical therapist told me to be checked for MS just to rule it out. I think I have been checked for everything else under the sun!
I saw my Pain Doc and she's going to try Lyrica to see if it helps the pain. Everytime I see her, I break down in tears before I can even start to talk. I also saw my regular doc and just broke down in tears! She said I should be on an antidepressent; I tried I want to say cymbalta and got really sick. She prescribed Efforfex(I think), I've only taken it 3 nights and am not feeling any different. The other night I cried myself to sleep because I was so frustrated.
I just turned 45 and don't know what to do to feel better. I think I've been patient enough that things should be under control.
I have a very supportive fiance and my daughter is always their when I need her to take me somewhere.
Any tricks to feeling good or tricking your brain into is? When I'm out with my family I feel like the child following them around. How weird?
Take care all.
Kris

New to Fibro Board

Elizabeth37 — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:14:44 GMT

Hi. My name is Elizabeth and after three months of excruciating pain and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia today by a doctor at the Mayo Clinic. I am going to start Lyrica tonight and meet with a physical therapist on Friday. Has anyone else gotten a diagnosis of RA first? Anyone else taking Lyrica? If so, has it helped and have the side effects been bad? I don't know what is better...a diagnosis of RA or Fibromyalgia? They took tons of blood and I have an mri on Thursday. Any words of hope or experience are appreciated.
Blessings to all....Elizabeth

Lyrica

teddybear — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:42:44 GMT

Hi,
I am new to this board. I am 58 years old have RA and Fibromyalgia. I am on numerous medications and my doctor prescribed Lyrica which I started yesterday. Needless to say I feel like a walking pharmacy. I have been very dizzy and sleepy which I know are side effects of Lyrica. I feel totally spaced out. I have read that these side effect sometime go away after being on the medication for awhile. Can anyone tell me if they had any side effects and when they may have gone away after being on the medication for awhile. Also the side effect of weight gain has me very worried because I do not need the extra weight on my joints. I have read in my research that it is fluid that causes the weight gain. Can fluid pills help with this? I am trying to hang in there but it is hard. Thank you for any responses and God Bless.

Lyrica

teddybear — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:48:03 GMT

For those that had dizziness from taking Lyrica, how long before you noticed that it went away. Hope I get a response on this one.

LYRICA

primalSCREAM — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:01:30 GMT

Hi all, my doctor just gave me a script for lyrica....I'm nervous to use it...I'd really appreciate any feed back from people taking this for fibro......thanks....Linda

I'M NEW HERE TOO!

LEFTY IN LA — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:05:35 GMT

Hi everyone...I'm Tammy from the RA Board. Just wanted to drop in and say hello...so..."HELLO" I was DX w/ RA and Fibro...so I guess I'm welcomed here!LOL
Tammy

"Finding a Way to Lose the Stress"

Emmab2003 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:30:01 GMT

Took this from Keith's message.
Well, my eye dr.,diabetes specialist and rheumy all tell me this. For all of the above reasons--diabetic eye problems, blood sugar problems and fibro, all made worse by stress.
So last post I said my husband had gotten a part time job to help us out, as our two businesses are so slow.
Well, last week he was out with our dog kids and he fell. He messed up his good knee, possibly broke a rib, and hurt his shoulder. He actually has fallen three times, due to the first fall hurting the knee.
So,now he cant work any job no matter whether it is for us or someone else.
EEEEESsssh.
I have no idea how to not be stressed.
And now he is in pain, he isnt sleeping and I am not sleeping.
My doctors all tell me to take care of myself, and spend more time on my diabetes etc, and I cant seem to do it.

Add to that, yesterday I got two letters from the IRS both containing mistakes on their part, which made me spend a whole day trying to research things.
I dont see how not being stressed is possible?