Health Discussion - Fibromyalgia

This condition is a NASTY one for several reasons: you are in constant pain in various parts of your body, sometimes one pain will be more intense in one place (say your left thumb or your right lower abdomen)...it stays a while, moves on, or sometimes stays permanently.  Changes in the barometric pressure affects you.  Any trauma or injury to your body invites the fibromyalgia to move in.  For instance, I fell January 2010 and tore a ligament in my right foot.  Went through x-rays, mri's, wearing a special boot, cortisone shot, etc.  I still have the pain...for how long I don't know.  Fibromyalgia is closely connected to chronic myofascial pain (more about that later) and chronic fatigue syndrome.  So basically you're this always tired, body in pain that sometimes even flares up and feels like cancer pain, worn out person with depression because nobody believes there's anything wrong with you because you don't look sick.  There are medicines and they sometimes help, but they also have side affects.  Do you have this?  Well...go to your rheumatologist and get diagnosed.  Seeing a psychiatrist, especially one who deals with chronic pain patients as well...they will help you more than you know.  LEARN YOUR LIMITATIONS AND DON'T OVERDO!!! FM patients tend to have "bed" days, then when they feel good, they become superman/woman and try to make up for lost time cleaning, working, exercising, etc.  DON'T DO IT!!!  You're just going to end up back in bed.  Beware of all the internet Dr. John's Medicine Show cures...they just want your money.  Chronic pain causes desperation...don't give in...call your mom, your best friend, your pastor, your psychiatrist, and let them know you're in a meltdown.  DON'T WITHDRAW...YOUR INNER SANCTUM IS NOT YOUR FRIEND DURING THIS TIME!!!  Talk to me...let's get through this crappy condition together.  And remember...God says He will accomplish EVERYTHING he has planned for you, pain or no pain.  Sending you FM patients my comfort, love, and encouragement!  Time to go watch Barefoot Contessa!