I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 23 years old after living with chronic pain since an injury when I was 9 years old. I had seen every spinal specialist with no diagnosis until I went to a chiropractor who was able to diagnose me right away based on my presenting symptoms. Since then (for 8 years) I have researched anything that could possibly help that didn't involve drugs and have found the following to be helpful for me. I stopped eating potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and chili (all in the nightshades family that deposit acid into your muscles and joints). Now I notice that if I do eat these, the next day I ache all over my back. I have also cut out meat altogether for the last 1.5 years, which has helped greatly with sleep and reduced irritable bowel syndrome. Regular massage reduce the toxins in my joints and muscles and relieves the tension (just be prepared to ache the next day as your body clears out those toxins and drink lots of water to help it). Have a hot bath with Epsom salts in it to draw out the aches and pains. I take magnesium capsules at night to help my muscles recover as I sleep, this also helps you get to sleep and wake up without aches. I also go for a walk outside in the mornings when I can, as it loosens up my muscles and joints and helps me wake up.

I have fibromyalgia. I am on Cymbalta in the morning and at night. My problem is spasms just as I am falling asleep. It is not restless leg, these spams are anywhere. I can have both arms jerk, and then moments later have my entire body jump. These have gotten worse when I am in bed. I have taken up sleeping on the couch or recliner. The spasms don't occur when I am lying anywhere except my bed. I am wondering if the spasms are from spinal alignment.

I am a 58 year old female who was officially diagnosed with Fibro about 2002 but I believe I have had it for over 30 yrs. I suffered through great stress for many years from domestic violence and since leaving my ex husband the symptoms have lessened somewhat. So I know for a fact that stress plays a huge part in causing this condition. My twenty year old daughter has it also, probably from having to endure the abuse from her father. She is able to exercise a lot and that has helped her to reduce her pain. She starts slow and works her way up. She lifts weights, runs, and does a lot of stretching. I am trying o follow her lead but moving at all is very painful. I have flareups when stress levels increase. I am affected by the foods I eat. Gluten, white flours and sugar are all causes for more pain, and IBS. I was able to qualify for SSI/Disability, with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis, so I urge others to try to apply. If denied, there r lawyers who will help with the process. For me it was very easy and in two months I had my money.

I was diagnosed about 24 years ago. Fortunately, I had a doctor who was very current with latest medical reports and research. Most meds prescribed (flexeril, and others) were not helpful and had side effects that were worse than the FMS. I eventually had to quit working and had a very rough time for years. In 2006 (or 2007?), I was asked by my rheumatologist to participate in the clinical trial for Lyrica. Although, the initial adjustment to the drug was tough, I found that after a couple of weeks, the side effects were manageable & the pain relief was remarkable. It turned out that I was given a high dosage (about 500mg) during the trial. After the trial period ended, I worked with my doc to achieve an optimum dose. I opted to cut back on the morning dose to 50 mg and take 225mg in the evening. I was simply too groggy during the day if I took more than 50mg. As a mother of 3 children, I chose to sacrifice some of the benefits so I could function most days. In addition to Lyrica, I take 800mg of metaxalone (Skelaxin) at night. Occasionally, I need to take metaxalone during the day if I have a "flare". I take ibuprofen throughout the day as needed. I keep stronger pain meds (tramadol & Tylenol 3) on hand to take during really bad times. Overall, these meds keep the flares at bay and allow me to have a relatively normal life most of the time.

Like so many of you, I believe I have had FMS for many, many years. I am 57 now and was diagnosed 3 years ago. My hometown doctor treated me for this or that for many years. He finally sent to a specialist who diagnosed me. I had to quit working in 2001 because the fatigue was so bad, I couldn't even speak. I didn't start having really bad pains until 2007. I had a horrible rash over my arms, legs, chest, and neck in 2006. I believe this is also related to FMS. I couldn't get disability because I quit working years before I was diagnosed. Just wanted to talk tonight. Thanks for reading.