Has anyone found a successful treatment for fibromyalgia?
What has helped your pain?
Public Comments
1. There is no cure.Massage is the only thing that helps most people cope but unfortunately it is very expensive and not covered by anyone's insurance plan really.
2. anyway who claims a major improvement never had FMS to begin with
FMS is highly over diagnosed...most people actually have something else--some aren't physically sick at all.
generally, improvement is more about taking the edg e off
you'll get a bunch of quacks saying things like is interference with your thyroid---who refuse to accept that a thyroid issue can mimic fms, but is not real fms...
massage does nothing for me
some people get relief with heat...meds like lyrica or savella
3. Different things seem to work for different people. However, I have found that eating correctly (meaning no white flour, no refined sugar and less meat) has helped a great deal. It is also helpful to swim in a warm pool or take warm baths. It helps to alleviate pain.
Don't do too much! Try to bank your energy on days that you do feel well. This will help you to feel better in the long run.
4. Rhonda, so far I don't think anyone has found the perfect treatment. Some people do well with Savella, Lyrica, or Cymbalta- unfortunately, none of those worked for me. The only medicine for fibro that I really take is an occasional muscle relaxer. I use one that I can cut in 1/4 or 1/2 if I need to so I don't feel drugged. I also rely on my daily supplements: malic acid with magnesium, sublingual B12, CoQ10, multivitamin, and fish oil. Some of my friends use magnesium cream or oil instead of pills due to tummy issues.
I do know of some people who are doing well with LDN (low dose naltrexone), but you need a doctor willing to prescribe it since it's not FDA approved for fibro just yet. Even though the dose is 3-5 mg versus the 50 mg that the drug is prescribed for other conditions, many doctors are reluctant to use it.
I also rely heavily on heat whether it's in a hot bath or heating pad. I've also used TENS units and massages. The best massages were shiatsu, which are pressure point massages. They hurt like the devil while getting them, but they made me almost pain free for a day or two. It has made me wonder about acupressure.
Water exercise in a warm pool has been another blessing. Most Y's and swim centers conduct classes. The arthritis classes are full of people of all ages with fibro, MS, lupus.... Once you are doing well in that class, then you can move on to a water walking class. One of the most important parts of the class is stretching those muscles in the water.
I'm not sure if I've given you any new ideas. Just beware of people telling you that a particular product will leave you 'pain free'. I've spent a fortune for 'natural remedies' in hopes of the cure. We all respond differently to treatments and therapies, so if it's inexpensive and safe, give it a try to see if it lessens the pain and fatigue. Make sure your doctor knows whatever you're taking, even if it's a supplement. Good luck to you!
5. Hi!
I've had fibromyalgia for 45 years, since I was a child.
I have found massage therapy wonderful and helps to keep me going.
I like hot tubs or whirlpool bath tubs.
Gentle stretching exercises first thing in the morning and when I've been sitting a long time helps me feel less pain when I move
I'm sorry you're in pain and hope you get some good days soon
Chrissie
6. ? think it is better seeing a doctor in person to answer this kind of questions.
