Fibromyalgia

thetope

i was diagnosed with FMS about three months ago after suffering for about 3 years. Thankfully the pains aren't so bad that I am unable to work but through last winter life was very difficult.

I have just started a course of anti-depressants (e-citalopram aka cipralex) which seems to be helping a lot so far (have been on them 5 weeks now). My pain levels have reduced a lot and i am finding myself with a lot more energy too. I am still suffering from sleep problems but that seems to be gradually getting better as well.

My concentration and forgetfulness (eg pausing in the middle of a sentence and forgetting what i was saying or not being able to get the words out right) doesn't seem to be getting any better so far but perhaps, i'm hoping, this will come with time.

my boyfriend does not really understand my problems and it has caused a huge stress on our relationship, things are better now that i am improving but i am not sure if the damage has not already been done...

Ted_Hutchinson

thetope wrote:

last winter life was very difficult.

When your vitamin d3 levels were at their lowest. Using sufficient levels of vitamin d from the end of September to March, to keep you levels the same as during the summer may be helpful.

thetope wrote:

I have just started a course of anti-depressants (e-citalopram aka cipralex)

Probably the best of the ssri's see escitalopram oxalate unfortunately it may not do anything for your sexlife but as with all side effects it's not everyone that gets them so you may be lucky.

Using high dose vitamin d for depression will not have adverse effects on your sex life and if you get your vitamin d from sunshine it won't cost anything either.

bluezone

Hi there emilyt,
I am her daughter and yes I will try to get her registered on here so she can do some posting herself.
It is nice to know that there are others out there with FMS.

Bluezone x

urban_spirit

Hi All

Quick post as just come back from hospital and absolutely shattered/in pain.

Anyone who's posted on this thread or know someone with the conditions mentioned here (or any lurkers!) please feel free to pm me for a chat and some support. Having someone that undrerstands your condition can be such a relief.

Ted - I always look forward to your posts as they're full of such valuable information. Can I ask what PPS is please? Don't feel pressured at all to answer.

Bluezone - try and coax your mum on 'cos we're a friendly bunch who'll understand. 'Struggle with everyday life' is definitely correct!

Hospital are telling me the M.E. is due to deconditioning - they couldnt be more wrong.

Lokking forward to all your posts!

Take care all and keep smiling

Ted_Hutchinson

urban_spirit wrote:

Can I ask what PPS is please?

Post-Polio Syndrome Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological ...

urban_spirit

Thanks for that Ted. Indeed does look like your condition overlaps M.E. and Fibromyalgia symptoms. Cant wait to read through the Betty Dowsett info - I say I cant wait cos i've had a few attempts but my heads mush so info is not going in. I do put things off thinkking my head will clear a bit, but it doesnt change that much:rolleyes: I used to have such quick and clear brain, with an aptitude for complex information! If anyone finds one can you post it back to me.........

urban_spirit

Hi emilyt

To answer your original question (if I can rmember it!) -

Doctors - I have come across many who dont understand it but think they do, or dont believe in it at all. I was told by a GP that M.E. was "a very contravertial diagnosis" - okay then, you have mine and then tell me its contravertial!!! There are some Doctors that actually have the condition (i've found one or two surfing the net). Dr Charles Shepherd (Ithink thats his name) has it and has written a book about it and how to help with all aspects of life that it touches (got 2 copies). He's attached to the M.E. Association.

Pain relief - I take 150mg of Lyrica morning and evening to lessen the pain overnight and help me get uop in the morning. I find this also helps with broken sleep patterns. Through the day I take 30mg of codeine x2 every 4 hours. This doesn't get rid of the pain but does lessen it a bit.

Rambling over. Hope this helps.

emilyt

Hi there Urban Spirit,
So sorry you suffer with M.E. My sister suffers with M.E and i suffer with fibromyalgia. I am actually beginning to wonder if there may be a genetic connection.
Thankyou for the personal info you have told me about your medication.I seem to take a lot but nothing works.
The rheumatologist i saw recently wants me to go for cognitive therapy. I am unsure wether i should go. I know anything is worth trying. I just don't understand how this will help. When i first started suffering i was working part time, looking after my children and had a happy home life. I haven't suffered any viruses. I do try to just get on with life and still do things even if it causes me pain. I was told to push myself harder and i would gradually get better. He also asked if i drank and if i went to night clubs. A very strange question i thought. I reminded him that as i was in so much pain i didn't socialise as such and if i went to night clubs i could go to work. I don't drink alchol . Just don't like it.He said it was a relaxant. Must admit i wasn't very impressed but maybe it is just me. He wants me to take anti-depressants. I said no thankyou. They don't seem to understand that i don't feel depressed just get down because of my condition.
Sorry go on so much but it is so good to be able to share my thoughts and experiences with everyone else.
A big thankyou to Ted-Hutchinson for all the info supplied.
Big ((((((( ((hugs )))))))) to everyone.

urban_spirit

Hi emilyt

Thats what MSE is all about. Aside from moneysaving, MSE is such a supporting community you can come and outpour as much as you need. The good thing is, everyone who's posted on ths thread (and probably a few lurkers too) understand - lots!

If your GP is offering you a small dose of antidepressants, they sometimes use this to help with pain relief. If its normal doses than its usually to treat depression etc. I keep getting told i'm depressed about my condition too - no, i'm p**sed off with having it which is a completely natural reaction thank you!!!

I sometimes use alcohol to deaden the pain. If i'm having a day when i'm totally fed up with the pain, i'll have a few glasses of red wine to relax and deaden my bod. The flip side is my bod reacts differently to alcohol now - it feels like poison, but I ignore that as much as I can to get some pain relief.

Dont know how congnitive therapy can help - thinking differently about pain?? I'm sure you do this every day to get through the day, and we're all doing the same. I went to a pain clinic for a week.....hmmmm.......i'm usually a happy, upbeat person and this supposed to reduce pain - allegedly - hmmm..........

I'm so pleased you stated this thread, I was wanting to start a thread like this for ages but, I guess, was worried at the reaction of people. And I guess that comes from colleagues and alleged friends reacting badly to my condition.

Come and talk anytime emilyt, and apologies if i'm posting loads and hi-jacking your thread - not meant to!

Any lurkers with similar experiences please come and chat to us.

(p.s. I'm meditating tonight for summer solstice and you'll all be in my thoughts)

Anyone with a foggy head, research found a reduction in....something! Sorry, foggy head! Grey Matter