Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Medication

Explore the medications commonly used to treat Fibromyalgia, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and other options to manage symptoms effectively.

Male caregiving for the spouse with fibromyalgia

“Caring is pivotal to keeping the human enterprise going, yet its function is invisible in the organization of our daily lives”, Sheila Neysmith

This is my 50th blog and I have never yet discussed male caregivers! In my book, I discussed with the women living with fibromyalgia the issues regarding the people who supported them (or in many cases, those who did not provide support or understand what it meant to be living with fibromyalgia). Their answers often surprised me. I am one of the fortunate ones who has a husband with a caregiving nature.

He is my biggest supporter and without him, I don’t know how I would survive the pain and fatigue. I generally feel guilty about the limitations of my life and how they have impacted him. I have long wanted to write about the caregiving strain of coping with people who have invisible diseases while the work of the carer is itself often invisible.

It can’t be easy since those of us with fibromyalgia usually look healthy, and even the caregiver must wonder at times if we really are suffering as much as we say we are. The irony of all this is that women with fibromyalgia are usually in this state of hyperarousal of the nervous system because they themselves were once super-carers of others! Furthermore, the guilt we experience because others are taking care of many of our needs is a conundrum we are forced to live with.

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Before I retired from my life as a university professor I supervised several graduate students who wrote their thesis about the caregiving strain on women, caring for elderly parents. I knew all the symptoms: exhaustion, lack of support, resentment, guilt, limited time for oneself, and so on, but it was generally about women in the sandwich generation, caring for elderly parents while still having children they were responsible for on a regular basis.

Since it has been widely researched, about this issue of women as caregivers, I now find myself in a reverse position of living with a husband who is the primary caregiver in our home. I can watch my spouse firsthand and see much of the publicly invisible work he does as a carer. I am constantly wondering what he must be feeling when he hears another complaint from me about having a bad day, my frequent bouts of hopelessness, my groans of pain, and my sleepless nights.

The guilt I feel when I can’t go hiking with him, paddle a canoe, or have travel insecurities and worries is the guilt I can’t control as it is based upon loss of control. I know how fortunate I am to have such wonderful support and my heart goes out to those of you without that help and going it alone on this challenging journey. I often wonder what he is thinking as he rarely complains about my constant malaise! Many caregivers suffer in silence and worry privately about the fate of their loved ones.

Recently I discovered a site in the UK for males who are taking care of their wives/partners with fibromyalgia. One such person is Maurice. His website is of particular interest to me. I have asked him if he would be so kind as to allow me to interview him regarding his own role in the home since his wife has fibromyalgia, and as well to speak of the issues that are of most concern for him and other men in his support group. He has kindly agreed to do this and his wife Mary has agreed to allow him to share his feelings with us. Thank you, Maurice and Mary.

Maurice: What specifically inspired you and Mary to begin a support group for spouses of women with fibromyalgia? Please respond in the comment section of this blog.

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05/20/2022
Fibromyalgia and pain management strategies

” These are exciting and challenging times for the manual therapy professions. I believe that the pain science world is handing extremely valuable information to clinicians. We now have a greater understanding of the behavior of pain states and we are becoming aware of the molecular targets of manual therapy”, David S. Butler

Dear readers, I apologize for not writing a blog last month, but I have been sick with a cold that would not abate. Nonetheless, as usual, I have still been pondering about the many issues that plague those of us with this demon that can be so debilitating. I search constantly for strategies that could be effective for pain management and my readings and searches often take me to places I had not been before. But no matter where I research I come back to pain and the brain and evidence/research-based strategies. I will never find the cure for my own chronic pain. It is a question of what practices work somewhat and which ones would do more harm. Most importantly how I can avoid flare-ups and not identify myself as my pain to the point where I don’t move coming from a place of fear.

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Repetitive actions, long workouts, and strenuous exercise are often harmful, not only to those who have fibromyalgia but to most of us. I remember meeting my physiotherapist Nick Matheson for the first time and telling him I was aiming to speed walk for one hour a day. (I have made reference to Nick on other blogs). His question to me was” WHY?”. Now, I understand the reasons ‘why not. It isn’t that walking for an hour cannot be pleasurable if one is so inclined and the weather is agreeable. It can even be relaxing and have direct positive effects on our brain. But to take this on as a long trek and as something that would provide physical benefits, the research has shown that after about 15 minutes repetition ceases to have many (if any) results. Living as I do in a climate that is rainy, damp, and foggy, walking outside is not often a positive experience. Walking in a gym for that length of time is less than helpful for strength building and boring! So, I have abandoned both inside and outside walking for more than 15 minutes at a time. Evidence has shown that these short walks once or twice a day are more beneficial than a prolonged walk.

I have been thinking about this blog on and off for weeks now and it is difficult to summarize where it has taken me, in spite of the fact that I know it is directly related to pain control/management. One interesting experience I have had recently involves an elderly couple who have found pain control using a ‘foam roller’. Their stories about this apparatus intrigued me and so of course I had to immediately research the topic. It turns out to be something I had used in yoga classes two decades ago and in fact, own a modified version of it myself. Basically, it is a very hard bolster that one rolls on to release soft tissue. One must be very strong to avoid pressing on bones or joints which could be damaged during the process of using it. Foam rollers seem to have been popular two decades ago in Canada among some physiotherapists, influenced by the yoga community and the “core strengthening” craze. In fact, it is a process of self-massage. According to the manufacturers, one must not have chronic pain to use it safely (that is, the pain must be an acute episode), nor any history of cardiac problems, such as taking heart medication, high blood pressure or blood clots and the person must have the strength to avoid coming in contact with joints or bones. Fortunately, this couple is very strong physically, does not have a history of any cardiovascular problems, and can avoid damaging themselves using the foam roller. For them, it has been highly effective in eliminating pain from their lives. Those of us with fibromyalgia could not safely use it, given our weakened muscles, and so that story ended, along with any other kind of apparatus intended to help with pain management in fibromyalgia. While it is possible for those of us with fibromyalgia to build strength, it takes a while, particularly if we have had the condition for a long time. Obviously, the younger we are the better our chances of developing strength at a faster rate.

I know that all of us have heard of various strategies that could help with pain other than medication and off we go to try a new technique or gadget only to find we have a flare-up. I believe it is part of our hope for release from pain that we find a so-called expert, or become enthused with the excitement of someone who has had a positive experience with pain control that leads us down a particular path. I think I have tried it all: acupuncture, yoga, Chi Gong, Chinese herbs, homeopathy, chiropractic techniques, massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology, flower essences, jin shin, tens machines, osteopathy, Feldenkrais, the list is endless and of course expensive. Finally, after many years I have found that the issue of pain control lies within our own brains. It becomes our own responsibility to use the strategies that those neuroscientists and physiotherapists who have done the research and found the most effective ways of managing the pain on a daily basis. Once again, on my bandwagon: light exercise that can progress to more moderate, movement, meditation, relaxing techniques, quiet, peaceful hobbies that bring joy and are creative for us are among the strategies for those of us with fibromyalgia. Not easy to incorporate into our daily lives, not frenetic, requires discipline, avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, keeping stress to a minimum are the ways in which serotonin will be released and pain will be managed if not obliterated. Struggling with pain and taking on the view that it must be conquered cannot do much except exacerbate our anxiety. The idea of being in pain can become hard-wired in our brains; we need to believe in our own capacity to change this image of ourselves and work through it. For me, it involves working on optimism rather than pessimism; not an easy task!

The issue of pain management is difficult for the layperson. I am challenged to understand the vast amount of research on pain and its relationship to the nervous system. The work is undertaken by those in the Noigroup, Soma Simple, Adiemus, Diane Jacobs (all found on FaceBook), and those I have previously cited bring us up to date on the neurobiological evidence, but it is nonetheless not easy to comprehend.

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I have been muddling through this one by David Butler and the other books suggested to me by Nick and other international physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and neuroscientists for two years now and it has not been an easy task. This month being National Physiotherapy month, Nick was interviewed on TV this a.m. For several years he has been awarded “The Best Physiotherapist in Halifax” by The Coast magazine. I have been most fortunate to have learned so much from him and some of my other colleagues at Dalhousie University with whom I worked closely for many years. These are evidence-based, PhDs with their own research programs, many of whom are bringing about change to old ways of thinking. I wish for all of you a physiotherapist who understands and, even more, one who can explain neuroplasticity and pain. If one is stuck in the old physio tradition one cannot proceed further unless time is spent by the therapist explaining in lay terms the ways in which one can train the brain and the strategies to employ so that one does not always rely on professionals. If your physiotherapist/physical therapist does not, or cannot explain neuroplasticity to you, search for one who can. It is the way of the future for those involved with helping people in pain. My own fibromyalgia flare-ups have decreased by half during the past two years; for that I am grateful. But of course, we are now faced with two dilemmas. First, what if a person cannot afford a therapist? For them, I would advise that they either go online or get the books I have highlighted over the past several years from the library. It is difficult to do reading by oneself, trying to understand the technical language of pain and the brain. PBS, among other TV stations, has presented many documentaries on the brain which are very helpful. FaceBook information is also available and up-to-date research is forthcoming on FB from the experts around the world. The second issue to be addressed is how to do strengthening, including aerobic exercise without becoming extremely fatigued. Once again, 15 minutes twice a week can suffice initially, longer only becomes repetitive. Those of us with fibromyalgia are subject to great fatigue, so we must proceed with caution and let our common sense guide us. The high-tech gym with the ‘appropriate’ fashionable clothing has been part of the hype of the youth culture. The less we feed into it the more sensible we become. Frenetic activity, wild perspiring, hour-long puffing is not the sign of a healthy person, but rather one who is pushing to excess. Walking is still the cheapest and best way to begin a regime of getting fit.

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References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

05/04/2022
Fibromyalgia and overdoing it!

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress” , Frederick Douglass

There is a tendency among those of us with chronic pain to be ever so watchful on days we are in pain or extremely fatigued. We take it easy on those days and begin to wonder if we will ever be feeling well again. But, oh! On those days when we are feeling well, our tendency is to be optimistic, think we are cured, and immediately do more than we should. We then pay for it with a big flare-up. It is usually one step forward, one step backward. The struggle continues. Sound familiar?

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How do we train ourselves to pace? What is that high all about when we feel as though we can overtake this burden? How do we make sense of feeling great one day and lousy the next? What is it about us that cannot seem to predict what will bring on a flare–up if we overdo it on a good day? Ah, I think it is because we remember what it once felt like and that part of the brain becomes excited remembering BEFORE fibromyalgia. We want more of it; we deceive ourselves that we can go beyond the limits of yesterday when we did not feel so great. It is a series of ups and downs. We refuse to listen to warnings that one cannot be almost bedridden one day and up for a hike the next. Our brains deceive us; we become weary of thinking of ourselves as ‘pain people’. We crave normality. We want to go to that family gathering that inevitably overstimulates us. We want to take an hour walk instead of a 15-minute one because the day is so nice, filled with sunshine. The sky is the limit on what we can do on that magical day. Then the sky falls down and we are once again down and out the next day or the day after that. Our brains have not yet recognized that if we continually fail at some task, repeating it will mean we get the same results!

There is though some hope if we understand the ways in which the brain has the ability to create new neural pathways or change existing ones. ‘Cognitive Therapy’ which focuses on teaching a radical shift to our thoughts and feelings, showing how to live each moment with more awareness, is an evidence-based program that can help with the tendency to overdo! In the meantime “Keep calm and carry on” as the old second WW saying goes! Calm is a balm for fibromyalgia!

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References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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04/28/2022
Fibromyalgia: the overmedicated ‘patient’

“America is one of the few advanced nations that allow direct advertising of prescription drugs, Robert Reich

BigPharma makes huge profits from those of us suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, itching, and digestive issues- to name a few of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Every day we are inundated with advertisements about prescription drugs that would alleviate these symptoms. Equally as rich is the vitamin industry which advocates specific supplements for the treatment of fibromyalgia, a few of which are science-based. Generally, we take them willy-nilly without any idea if they are helpful or not.

There is hope with a slow movement to de-prescribe medications, which is especially relevant for those of us with several painful and chronic conditions. However, for those of us living with fibromyalgia, we are used to not being listened to by health care providers. Many would prefer to prescribe a ‘pill’ (or several pills) to help with our ailments in spite of the fact that we are often over-medicated and highly sensitive to medications. Dr. Jaye Cohen advocates “go low, go slow”, and I am a big advocate of that philosophy. Taking medications on a daily basis when they are necessary for life-saving measures is crucial, but even then, what if the quality of life is compromised? What if, like in the case of fibromyalgia, the condition is not life-threatening? The answers to these questions are ones we have to grapple with constantly as we are the final decision-makers. Many of us have sometimes two or three serious health conditions and the medications for each conflict with one another in spite of the goodwill of pharmacists checking on their interactions. The experiences of people with fibromyalgia are unique and even more so among the community of fibro sufferers. One size does not fit all.

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A review of the hundreds of comments I have posted over the years could be a rich source of data. I can attest to the vast amount of anecdotal accounts of medications prescribed that have resulted in what can be deemed over-prescribing and a prescribing cascade. The latter is when a new medication is prescribed to counteract the bad effects of another drug. Fibromyalgia is not a disease, but a dis-ease of the central nervous system. Medications have been found to have only limited positive results. Lyrica and Gabapentin are heralded as the medication for fibromyalgia. The TV ads are plentiful and daily about Lyrica. I have taken both in the past, but the serious weight gain has been a side effect and I found that I needed to constantly increase the dosage for the medication to have any results, often with more side effects. But, we are a desperate and frustrated group of people. We are willing to try most anything, hoping for relief. For some the above-mentioned drugs are beneficial; for many, not many works. The above picture is what I had been taking every day, some more than once a day. I worry about the impact on my liver and kidneys. I have decided to come off Gabapentin and in fact, there is not much change to my pain level. Hopefully, it will help with my weight issue. As far as my heart medications I adhere to those prescriptions since to this point in science they are, for the most part, evidence-based. While I worry constantly about a statin, I am searching for one that does not have side effects like the one prescribed for me in the hospital. But as far as fibromyalgia medications there are none that are effective for me, even though I thought for a time that Gabapentin was doing the job! Now, in hindsight, I believe that for me it was the placebo effect. Many though have found it to be helpful and I don’t want to discount their positive experiences.

The books warning of the dangers of polypharmacy are plentiful and many of us want to take control of the chemicals we are taking into our bodies.

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But these cascading effects result in multiple prescriptions– one for anxiety, another for sleep, one for depression, another for pain, while still another for digestive complaints, and so on. Please read some of the older blogs’ comments ( there are 110 blogs!) and you will probably be aghast, like me, about the ways in which we have abused our bodies with these chemicals. Do not misunderstand me- many prescriptions are absolutely necessary as life-saving measures, but those for fibromyalgia are not. I am not blaming the victim. We do what we have to do to find relief.

I have tried it all, homeopathy (which has been shown to be merely water!), acupuncture, herbs, vitamins, supplements- I believe I have partaken of all of the alternative/complementary therapies. None have worked. Much money was spent, time wasted, hopes dashed. What is to be done? We must be advocates of our own health, pay attention to science-based prescriptions, watch for side effects, and concentrate on other nonmedicinal or supplemental remedies such as light exercise, watching our diet, mindfulness meditation practice, and avoiding stress. In the end, there is not much else we can do other than train our brains (read: central nervous system) and stop thinking we have a disease, but rather a dis-ease. I have heart disease. I have fibromyalgia which is a dis-ease. There is a big difference, but both of which cause worry, pain, and multiple symptoms, oftentimes I cannot differentiate between the two, which is very frustrating. Many of you dear readers have other chronic conditions alongside fibromyalgia. It isn’t easy living with them all. But, I do have a lighthearted quote I will enjoy sharing with you:

“I believe gelato is meant to be treated as medicine and taken daily as a prescription”, Betty Brandt.

The following birthday card may be somewhat funny, but there is a sad element of truth in it:

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

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04/26/2022
Fibromyalgia and ear, dizziness and vertigo problems

“The ear is the avenue to the heart”, Voltaire

Just as I thought I had experienced everything unusual with regard to this annoying, frustrating, challenging dis-ease, fibromyalgia, I developed another aggravating symptom- VERTIGO! It all began one month ago, at night, turning over in bed, the room began spinning. It was very frightening. It lasted about 30 seconds followed by nausea. I had another episode the next night as well. The morning after the second episode, leaning forward I had a very violent attack which prompted me to go to the doctor.

This vertigo is not to be confused with dizziness that is brief and passes quickly. Rather, vertigo is experienced as spinning. It was described to me as small calcium crystals lodged in the inner ear and could be encouraged to move through by a positional maneuver. The doctor asked me if I was game to try this technique and I agreed. Lying on the table my head was hanging somewhat over the end while he held my head and rotated it for 30 seconds. This maneuver is described on the Mayo Clinic site and it is suggested that the person can actually try this at home.

I can attest to it being one of the worst experiences I have had in many years. The doctor did this three times, on both sides, and nausea and dizziness became unbearable, resulting in the need for a nurse to administer a Gravol injection. Thinking about this nausea and dizziness actually makes me ill again. Obviously, the maneuver did not work.

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A few weeks went by and on the advice of friends, I made an appointment with a physiotherapist who specializes in vestibular issues, among them vertigo. An hour and a half visit, testing me, wearing a face mask with wires attached to a computer, he watched my eye movements on the computer (after he had determined which ear and wherein the ear the crystals were located- the horizontal part of this convoluted anatomy), then the treatment which was non-nausea inducing and only slight dizziness happened.

I had been shaking beforehand fearing the worst and relaxed as I knew he knew what he was doing. Miracles of miracles- it worked! I was told to take it easy for the rest of the day and to keep my head still neither looking up nor down for the rest of the day and sleeping on my back that night. The following day I was to test for vertigo and luckily for me this one treatment worked. He had told me that there was an 85% chance it would work first visit and if a second was needed it would rise to a 95% success rate and if a third was needed it would definitely move those crystals along! I smile now remembering waking up without fear of the room spinning.

This physio, Steve, is amazing in that he knows so much about fibro and migraines (which he believes are similar in that they are the result of people who have different ‘brain wiring’ than most others). For that reason, he handles fibro patients with great sensitivity and understanding, given our own sensitivities. I am so lucky to have found him.

But to my other ear problems. They crackle, feel like they are submerged in water, feel full, flutter and I have other odd sensations that come and go. My hearing is not good, particularly on certain days. What is to be done? So little is known about fibromyalgia that each and every symptom, although shared by those of us with this condition, is not properly diagnosed by specialists.

I try heating pads for my stiff neck, meditation, and exercise, but to no successful end. My chiropractor does give me some degree of relief, but it is temporary. On 2010/01/08 I wrote about Fibromyalgia and Hearing Loss discussing tinnitus, TMJ, and the involvement of the 7th cranial nerve. Comments from others encouraged me as I realized I was not alone. It seems this central nervous system of ours invades every avenue of the body bringing about weird symptoms!

Fibromyalgia remains a mystery to me in spite of the lonely journey I have taken to explore this strange land. I am still going up and down various paths searching for the right one. The discovery won’t come in my lifetime.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

04/25/2022
The Weight of Fibromyalgia on My Body and Soul
Fibromyalgia is such a complex condition. It affects you physically, cognitively and emotionally. Sometimes, if forces us to change who we are or suffer the consequences. This is where I have a hard time because I have dreams and goals and I’m not ready to give them up. Today I woke up feeling the weight of fibromyalgia on my body and my soul.

Getting Out Of Bed

Most people hate getting up in the morning. I know very few people that just jump right up and seize the day. It is a process, am I right? Most days are hard to get going for me, as I’m usually stiff and hurting as soon as my eyes open. I try to do some stretches in bed to help ease it but some days are harder than others on that front. So I pull myself up from lying down and sit there for a bit, trying to gain strength to move my body. The weight of myself feels unbearable.

On days like this deciding to take a shower or not is a major decision. I think on one hand it could help loosen my muscles and relax me. On the other hand, it could take so much of my energy I might be done for the day. I try to get up two hours before I have to leave for work so I have time to adjust to the whole mess. Then there is the catch 22 of if I’m having a really hard day it is almost impossible to get myself up that early.

Trying To Think Through The Weight Of The Fog

It isn’t just the weight of my body that is causing me trouble. It is my mind as well. I can’t seem to think to make a decision as simple as taking a shower or not. It is like a weight is being put on my brain and I just can’t lift it no matter what. It is days like this that I fear driving myself to work. Will I be able to react as quickly as I need to? Will I remember where I am or where I’m going? These are valid concerns that I’m sure any fibromyalgia warrior can relate with.

This weight continues on throughout the day making finding words difficult. Sometimes I feel like an idiot as I try to stammer through a conversation where I know I sound stupid. But I am NOT stupid and you are NOT either. This is what fibromyalgia does to us though. Being cognitively impaired is a result of the weight of fibromyalgia.

The Weight Of Fibromyalgia On My Emotions

The impact fibromyalgia has on my emotions is sometimes greater than all others, especially on days where I have been struggling consecutively. As I have explained in my article Fibromyalgia and Mental Health, I have been battling depression my whole life. Fibromyalgia can take that depression and increase it tenfold sometimes. The weight of fibromyalgia on my emotions plunges me into darkness and it takes a lot of strength to pull myself out. The anxiety and worry over everything get to be too much and make me more exhausted. All the while, I have to push through and go to work each day because I have to, not necessarily because I am able to.

In the end, the weight of fibromyalgia hurts my soul. I tend to be a pessimist however, I work really hard to stay positive or at least re-direct my thoughts. My soul captures all this pain, agony, and fatigue and I have to decide what to do with it. Do I let it drag me down further? Or do I give up? Do I call out sick and lie around and feel sorry for myself? For me personally, the answer is NO!

Breaking Free From The Weight Of Fibromyalgia

I know I’ve painted a pretty grim picture, but it is my truth and probably for some of you reading this as well. The above is how I feel almost every day at some point during the day. How do I get through it? Well, one foot in front of the other my friend, one foot in front of the other! I feel I have no choice but to keep fighting, keep re-directing my thoughts, and keep finding ways to take the weight off of me. Here are some steps I take to pull myself out:
- Exercise: I know with all I said, you might wonder how. Believe me, sometimes I wonder as well. I modify my exercise to the daily ability I have. If it is a tough day, maybe I just walk in place a few times throughout the day and add in some stretches. I give some ideas on how fibromyalgia warriors can exercise in The Spoonie Exercise Challenge.
- Healthy Eating: I have found that I overall feel much better when I put whole, real foods into my body. This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you are addicted to sugar it can really be a hard challenge. In a couple articles I have given some ideas on Healthy Breakfast Ideas and also How To Start An Elimination Diet if you want to check those out.
- Planning: This is a tough one, because you can’t always plan for a flare or know you aren’t going to feel well. I plan my meals out each Sunday and try to prep as much as I can. I enlist the help of my family in all areas they are willing. This is also often where I have a hard time as asking for help in the right way can be a challenge for me. I use my planner and write out all my responsibilities for the week. This helps with the brain fog and just keeping myself as organized as possible.
- Meditation: Admittedly, I don’t use this one as much as I should. But, it has helped calm and center me. I like to do breathing exercises to calm myself and take my mind off my anxiety at the moment. Sometimes, when I am at work and the weight of everything feels too much, I just close my eyes and focus on my breath for a few minutes. It doesn’t fix everything but it does help get me through the moment.
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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store
04/13/2022
How Emotional Therapy Can Benefit Fibromyalgia

I am so excited to share this interview with you. I hope that it helps you as much as it helped me.

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your therapy practice.

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2009. I went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in 2013 with a Master of Social Work degree. I became a School Social Worker for 3 years working mainly with students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Throughout this process, I became diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases. This not only changed my life, but it also changed my perspective. I learned firsthand that there are few supports to help emotionally cope with this major life change. After 3 years of struggling I took my wellness into my own hands through research and finding ways to not only manage my disease outside of the doctor’s office, but to ultimately create a life for myself I could still be happy and fulfilled by. Having been successful in doing this and reflecting on my purpose, I made it my mission to help others experiencing the same difficulties.

In my practice, I provide a validating space for people with chronic illness to make sense of their experiences. I help them work toward effective disease management, process the difficult emotions that come up, and learn skills and tools to help them be successful living life with chronic illness.

How long have you been treating patients with chronic illness and/or fibromyalgia? Also, How did you get started?

I started my practice in 2017 – The idea came from my own personal struggle finding a therapist’s support when I was trying to navigate my first job after my diagnosis. I couldn’t find a therapist who I felt really understood what I was going through or that could offer me tangible skills or tools for managing my illness and figuring out how to integrate it into my life.

What kind of therapy do you provide for chronic illness?

I work with a variety of modalities depending on what I feel would be most helpful for the client. I strongly believe in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, as it is heavily supported by research to be helpful for managing chronic illness and chronic pain. I also incorporate Mindfulness, Ecotherapy, encourage creative expression, Exposure Therapy where necessary (a type of CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy techniques.

We essentially create a plan of action to address the concerns that the client views as most distressing and work from there. Some major areas of interest are typically stress management, grief/loss specific to chronic pain/ illness, communication, problem-solving, relationships, and symptom management, or overall disease management.

In what way(s) can therapy help a person fighting fibromyalgia?

Therapy can help through creating a plan unique to the person’s concerns (because these look different for everyone) as well as just having a supportive space to talk about and process everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. They can build skills for symptom management, get resources and problem solve with a professional as things come up for them in real-time. Therapists can also help with pain management, relationship difficulties that arise inevitably from the added stress, and lifestyle changes required after diagnosis and put together a stress management plan to help reduce added distress. Seeing a therapist does NOT mean or support the belief that fibromyalgia is ‘all in your head’, in fact, it can be empowering and help you regain control over something that feels so uncontrollable at times.

In my area finding a therapist that takes new patients and my insurance is nearly impossible. In addition, finding one that also has experience helping people with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia is even more of a challenge. Therefore, can you recommend techniques that a person can use on their own?

This is a challenge regardless of specialty, mainly because therapy is undervalued and therapists are underpaid by insurance companies. This is a whole other issue, but it trickles down to the client. There ARE more and more therapists specializing in this area though, and I think they need is becoming more and more visible. Most therapists I know who specializes in this area, do so because they have a chronic illness themselves. We are very good at referring to each other around the country where we can because we understand the need for clients to feel supported by someone who understands this unique struggle.

I recommend searching Psychology Today in your area and looking under the therapist’s specialty areas to make sure they specialize in chronic illness. In regards to insurance, there is a great resource called Open Path Collective which is a national lifetime sliding scale program where you can find a therapist for the rate of 30-60$. You pay a one-time fee and belong to it for LIFE so if you ever move and have to switch therapists, you can jump right back on there and find someone who will honor the same fee.

For those looking to find a therapist, what questions do you recommend asking to find the “right fit”?

First, ask yourself, ‘What do I want the focus of therapy to be for me?’ Usually, therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video, which is a great way to get to know if they are a good fit. During the consultation, they may ask you what your top 3 concerns are, and these can become your goals to work on in therapy.

You can also ask if they have previous experience supporting clients living with a chronic illness, and what their approach for this population of clients typically is (if that is what you want the focus of your therapeutic work to be on).

Also be aware that for us, it is unethical to ask for or elicit testimonials or reviews from past clients, so if a therapist doesn’t have a lot of ‘reviews’ online, this is why. It is not necessarily a reflection of their ability or work.

Many people are fighting a physical chronic illness and a mental illness. First, do you find that to be true among your clients? Finally, do you think there is a connection between the two?

Absolutely. One of the things I educate my clients about is the fact that Depression is the number 1 co-diagnosed condition with ANY chronic illness. I also let them know that both anxiety and depression can be a part of their symptom cycle and a result of the circumstance of living with a chronic illness. I also see a LOT of trauma related to medical experiences and stigma, which can result in PTSD or anxiety relating to medical situations or events and navigating society with a visible or invisible disability. This area doesn’t get a lot of mainstream attention, but it’s more common than you’d think in the chronic illness community.

Please feel free to add anything else here that wasn’t asked. We would love to hear more about your practice and the services you offer.

I speak at local support groups for all sorts of chronic illness populations and am always happy to speak or present if I’m available. I’m located in the state of Florida and offer telehealth or virtual sessions, which is a great convenient for people whose conditions fluctuate unexpectedly. I also have an in-person office in St. Petersburg, FL, and am currently working on an online school filled with courses and tools for people with chronic illness to access anywhere, anytime. I take Medicare and private pay and offer superbills for people who have access to out-of-network reimbursement with their insurance. I also am an Open Path provider and offer a sliding scale to a limited number of clients as available.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

04/07/2022
What is the percentage of people who recover from Fibromyalgia?

I’ve had FMS symptoms for almost 43 years.

No one recovers from FMS. There is no cure. If someone tells you that they “used to have” FMS, they are mistaken. Their diagnosis was wrong.

You learn to cope with FMS. You learn what your limits are and how to protect your energy. You may have many comorbid conditions such as clinical depression, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. You learn how to deal with each of these conditions. You learn what modalities help you feel better. You learn what drugs help you.

You exercise to the best of your ability without exhausting yourself or your energy. Walking and water exercises are the gentlest. You have a sleep study to determine if you have apnea or if you need sleep aids. You may need narcolepsy drugs to keep you alert at work.

You continue working if at all possible. Studies have been done that show that those who continue working do the best in the long run. Effort on through and keep being active.

FMS does go into remission from time to time. Enjoy it while it lasts. Stress or injury can trigger flares. Retirement helped me a lot! Less stress and time to rest led to a reduction in pain and fatigue. I’m no longer plagued by chronic fatigue.

Constantly read about FMS and about strides being made in diagnosis and treatment. Stay up to date on the current FMS news. Also, read Lyme Disease materials. The symptoms are very similar.

Persevere! For another perspective on what we face, read about the “spoon theory”. The author of this piece has MS, not FMS, but her coping method works for us also.

Above is one theory for which people said fibromyalgia in not recoverable, Read the 2nd theory below for more information.

Defining Recovery in Fibromyalgia

Before addressing statistics, it is essential to define what recovery means in this context. Unlike acute illnesses that can completely resolve, fibromyalgia often follows a long-term course. For some, recovery may mean complete remission of symptoms. For others, it may refer to significant symptom reduction to the point where daily life is no longer disrupted.

Recovery can be classified into several categories: complete recovery, partial remission, and functional improvement. Complete recovery implies a return to pre-symptom health with no ongoing medication or therapies. Partial remission involves reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life, though some level of discomfort may remain. Functional improvement means individuals are able to resume work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities, even if some symptoms persist.

What the Statistics Show

Research suggests that complete recovery from fibromyalgia is relatively uncommon. Most studies estimate that between 5 to 10 percent of individuals may experience complete remission over time. This number varies based on the population studied, the definition of recovery used, and the type of treatment applied.

A larger portion of individuals—approximately 30 to 50 percent—experience substantial improvement in symptoms with consistent treatment and lifestyle adjustments. These individuals may not be fully cured but reach a point where fibromyalgia no longer dominates their lives.

Children and adolescents diagnosed with fibromyalgia tend to have higher recovery rates compared to adults. In some pediatric cases, up to 40 to 60 percent of individuals may experience complete or near-complete recovery. The reasons are believed to involve differences in neuroplasticity, stress resilience, and early intervention.

Factors That Influence Recovery Outcomes

Several variables affect the likelihood of recovery from fibromyalgia. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention play a significant role. Patients who receive a diagnosis early in their symptom progression and begin treatment quickly tend to have better long-term outcomes.

Psychological resilience and mental health also heavily influence recovery. Those who address co-existing issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma through therapy often report more improvement in physical symptoms. Mental and emotional wellness creates a foundation for sustainable progress.

A multidisciplinary treatment approach, combining medication, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, has been found to increase the chances of functional improvement. Physical activity, particularly low-impact aerobic exercise and stretching routines, has shown consistent benefits in symptom management.

Another critical factor is patient engagement. Individuals who actively participate in their treatment plan, maintain consistency, and make informed lifestyle changes are more likely to report improved health and reduced reliance on medication.

Socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and support systems also influence recovery. Those with consistent access to medical care, strong family or community support, and stable life conditions often have better outcomes.

Why Complete Recovery Remains Rare

Fibromyalgia is still not fully understood. The condition involves central nervous system sensitization, abnormal pain processing, and sometimes co-existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. These interconnected issues make it difficult to achieve total resolution of symptoms.

Furthermore, because fibromyalgia does not present with visible physical changes or markers in diagnostic tests, it can be misunderstood or dismissed, leading to delayed treatment. This delay significantly reduces the chance of full recovery.

Another reason recovery percentages remain low is due to the chronic nature of pain processing disorders. Even when external stressors are removed and symptoms improve, the nervous system may retain a memory of pain that continues to produce discomfort without a physical cause.

Living Well Without Full Recovery

While the percentage of people who recover completely from fibromyalgia is limited, many individuals can live fulfilling lives through effective management. Acceptance of the condition, realistic expectations, and long-term coping strategies can empower individuals to reclaim control and improve their quality of life.

Modern treatment focuses less on a cure and more on self-efficacy, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management. Programs that teach pacing, stress reduction, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and physical activity have transformed how fibromyalgia is treated.

Many patients report that while their symptoms remain, they become manageable. They learn to identify triggers, adapt their routines, and develop a sense of agency over their health. This transformation is not measured solely by medical standards but by the ability to live a purposeful, joyful life despite the condition.

Conclusion

The percentage of people who recover from fibromyalgia completely remains low, with estimates ranging from 5 to 10 percent. However, a much larger group achieves significant improvement and functional wellness through dedicated treatment and lifestyle changes. Fibromyalgia may not always be curable, but it is often livable.

Understanding recovery in fibromyalgia requires a shift in perspective—from expecting a complete resolution to aiming for meaningful progress. With the right tools, mindset, and support, many people do more than just cope; they thrive.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

03/01/2022
How do you deal with the pain of Fibromyalgia when you’re allergic to most of the Pain Medicines?
My 16 years of experience facing Fibromyalgia and 30 years of CFS

Pain medications taken too often can lead to a pain cycle, where every time you take an analgesic, the pain will come back sooner and stronger. Once you are there, you have to stop all painkillers completely. I just had my cycle restarted by a week in the hospital where they gave me Tylenol every 6 hours. That’s a whole bottle of Tylenol in a week, and it was completely unnecessary. Now I am suffering the consequences.

People with Fibromyalgia find relief with gentle exercise. If you have CFS with your Fibro, that’s a different story. But for “just” Fibro, go for low-impact activities. Swimming/aquafit is the best thing you can do for your body if you have any sort of joint, muscle, or soft tissue problems.

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Fibromyalgia has a flare/remission pattern like many autoimmune diseases (although it is technically not one….yet), so when you are flared, do as little as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or even get community nurses to come to help you through the worst of it.

Other things that help:
- Remove all toxic people from your life – also from social media
- Reduce stress as much as humanly possible (I stopped watching the news long ago – especially political)
- Don’t push yourself. If your body says it’s done, respect that and go lie down
- You have a certain amount of energy each day. Plan accordingly by spreading your errands and chores out.
- Don’t be afraid to nap. Our bodies heal when we sleep.
- Get a TENS machine for those stubborn muscles in your shoulders. Just make sure to keep it on low, no matter how good it feels at the time. If you crank it up, your body will ding you for it the next day
- Try not to rely on sugar or caffeine too much. These cause spikes and crashes in your energy levels, which actually reduce the amount of energy you can spend in a day. It’s hard though.
- Do your research. Read scientific medical studies, research medications. Use logic. Avoid any website that uses the terms “leaky gut” or “homeopathic“, or claims to be able to cure Fibromyalgia. It is not cureable. It can, however, be sent into remission, where your symptoms will be minimal. This is done through stress and energy management.
Work with your doctor. There are many non-painkiller medications that can help, although most doctors wouldn’t think to use them for Fibro.

When I had a bad flare a year and a half ago, I asked my doctor about something to turn my immune system down, so I wouldn’t be so reactive (I have an undiagnosed autoimmune/autoinflammatory condition as well, which has caused a lot of allergies on top of the Fibro / CFS).

This question made her remember something from another patient. As a result, I got prescribed Doxepin, which suppresses the immune system and is also the strongest antihistamine known (bonus). I haven’t had a serious Fibro flare since I went on it. Everyone’s Fibro is different so this may or may not work for you. But it is always worth asking.

Someone suggested CoEnzyme Q10 which has helped a lot with my pain. It doesn’t help everyone. Other supplements are similar.

You need to find what works for you, but please do not take any supplements without speaking to your doctor first. They can screw you up as easily as they can help. Your doctor will probably want to monitor your bloodwork to make sure you don’t develop any imbalances due to supplements, and some of them may not be suitable for your particular form of Fibro.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store
03/01/2022
Fibromyalgia pain is getting worse why can’t I get pain meds when I go to the ER?

As a Nurse Practitioner, patients presenting with chronic pain problems to the ER are problematic. During this so-called opioid epidemic, guidelines were put in place for patients seeking narcotics. Also urgent care facilities. It is a problem, and I’m not implying patients are not in pain, or simply drug seekers.

We do use Toradol. Unfortunately, patients with chronic pain problems should be receiving care from their primary care physician or pain clinic. I can’t provide a percentage, but we were inundated! I’m a chronic pain patient myself, and the ER’s were being utilized when patients ran out of opiate meds, the physicians working in them were concerned about their license and DEA #’s being sanctioned.

Click here to Get this or Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Some states have placed a limit on the number of days supply that can be provided. Hopefully, the new guidelines will be clarified that was written in June 2021, on how much should be dispensed. Usually, a 2–3 day supply was provided til patients could see their primary or pain, clinic doctor.

Even with the prescription drug monitoring system in place, doctors were concerned about “Big Brother” looking over their shoulder as they wrote a prescription. This period of time has been hell for chronic pain patients, and I can vouch for it. It’s out of control at this time. My supervising physician has to follow the hospital guidelines.

TRUST ME I have no problem giving a 3 day supply, back in 2016. I understand your and other patients‘ pain problems, but the ER is for emergencies, life or limb at risk, and CHRONIC problems need to be managed in other ways. I don’t want to be perceived as an uncaring, jerk, or 4 letter word, but our hands are tied. I could keep writing, but it’s a problem that hopefully will be resolved soon.

If you visit chronicillness.co, Pain, you will read the same information as I’ve written. Yes, patients are committing many unwanted things, buying meds off the internet chancing your life they may contain a fatal dose of Fentanyl. The guidelines should be published soon, to ease restrictions.

I CAN’T WAIT, as my Morphine was cut from 150mg. to 90 mg. and just because I’m in the medical field, do not receive additional amounts. My life has declined and hard to function. Was working 50 hours a week, but for almost 2 years, zero hours. Take MS Contin 30mg 1 hour before getting out of bed! I’m not alone.

May God give you strength, as he has to me, making me take my Glock out of my mouth. No joke.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

03/01/2022