Wellness

[Patriot3]

If this subject has been around before, sorry, but does anyone know if Fibromylgia has different levels?  An acquaintance of mine just found out she has it and complains a lot, so I don't know how to take it.  Also does alcohol have an effect on the pain level?  I want to be sympathetic, but wonder if she is helping herself at all.  Thanks!

[I am still oxox]

I have suffered for a long time and was diagnosed about 18 months ago, I am not sure what you mean by levels. 

Nobody is the same as any one else, what effects one does not effect the others, this is a disease with no specific guidelines,

Also my pain is differnet from day to day at times from hour to hour

[Big Joanie]

I too will be interested to hear some responses ... I am having a pretty

high level of pain and joint and muscle discomfort ....but then again

I'm 70 .. so who knows ....So I will be watching for replies

[Big Joanie]

That's me too .. what is painfull one day is not the next .. and even

within 30 or so minutes it can go away ... so there are days I say

Oh ...its going to be the left ankle today is it ......

[Epicurean]

patriot,I don't know about alcohol. I have had  fibromyalgia at least 17 years. The symptoms can get worse/better in a moments notice. Sometimes a flare up can lasts for weeks and can be extremely painful.you eventually learn what makes it work and what you can and cannot do.

its difficult  but I have learned how to life with it. Have pain every day,just not always the same.

i would tell her,if possible,to find a good,anesthesiologist/pain Doctor. He has made a great difference in my life.

try to be understanding,it's very scary at the beginning.

[I am still oxox]

@Epicurean

I see a rheumatologist for my fibro I have not heard of going to an anesthesiologist as your first choice of doctors to treat you

[kelsey17]

I am not sure about Fribromyalgia......but i do have RA and i know there are different levels of that disease...some people go into remissions.....others not....

[LTT1]

@Patriot3

As always, I have something to contribute! lol

Have been diagnosed with many in the fibro category: CFS; migraines' osteoarthritis, etc.

A few things consistently help: antidepressant; eating "clean" foods and saying NO to alcohol and chocolate (and milk and...). Processed foods, foods with MSG any that you know are bad for you just ARE.

My skin breaks out; my sinuses act up ... I feel it all falls into the autoimmune category. So it is different for each individual.

But I have to say that my neurological system responds very poorly to a few sips of anything alcoholic.

Your friend might want to get to an MD and see about Lyrica or whatever he suggests. Antidepressants modify how pain is interpreted by the brain.

[Gram W]

@Patriot3  In 2007 I went to a rheumatologist because I saw the beginning of arthritis in my fingers.  My first visit was a complete blood work up and x-rays of major joints.  Thank goodness I went as my tests showed I have lupus as well.   I see him regularly to have my blood and meds checked and to be monitored.  About 2008 my PCP said I also have fibromyalgia.  My rheumatologist explained to me early on that autoimmune diseases are different in each person and don't compare myself to others.    He said constant discomfort at any level is hard mentally so find things to keep my mind active on the days my body is not.

 I take each day as I can knowing the pain level and my abilities are unpredictable.  I am 73  and still want to be able to play with my GGC who are toddlers.  My pre-teen GC keep my mind busy trying to beat them at chess, ladder toss, computer games, etc.   My body better keep up with them because I am aiming for another 28 years so I can outlive my grandmother and see these youngsters grow up.      ;-)

Ladies Beware

As mentioned in several forums do not allow your self to get dehydrated.  In the July heat I did not feel like eating large meals but thought I was overdoing the liquids.  I was not.  I ended up in the hospital for 3 days.  My dehydration had allowed the naproxen (my PCP prescribed it) to attack my kidneys.  Thank goodness I went to the emergency room and the quick blood work showed a kidney problem, etc.    I had my last appointment with my nephrologist and my kidneys are back to full function again.  I am to never take anything in the naproxen family again.  My dehydration caused the onset of my problem.  I now drink 20 oz of plain water morning, afternoon and night each day plus juice, milk, etc.  

[Kachina624]

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@I am still oxox wrote:

@Epicurean

I see a rheumatologist for my fibro I have not heard of going to an anesthesiologist as your first choice of doctors to treat you

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@I am still oxox  Anesthesiologists often have a secondary specialty of pain management, but I too would and have seen a rheumatologist.  They are the experts in the treatment of this disease.