I no longer take any pharmaceuticals. I know that Cymbalta was numbing some of the acuteness to the pain, but I have developed chemical intolerance and the side effects were becoming as overwhelming as the fibro. I use supplements and find them to be helpful when dealing with some of the other problems associated to the fibro. It is important to be weaned off medications by the Dr. and don't take supplements without letting the doc know. There can be contraindications.

I was diagnosed in 2001 and advised most likely had fibromyalgia for years previous to diagnosis. At first I tried medication after medication that was suggested. Every prescription I tried either had side effects that made me feel worse or didn't help at all. They say to give each new med 4-6 months to let your body acclimate & work with the medication. We'll I did, suffered through each for 6-9 months, and never found one for me. Now everyone's body chemistry is different, I've always had a high tolerance for meds & unfortunately my body also builds immunities to most meds in a short period of time. . . So it's always possible there's other things in your system working against you. For many years after I have tried natural remedies, meditation is helpful, hottubs for sore muscles, and recently I've developed sensitivity dairy and an allergy to gluten and peanuts because according to my doctor my body has been working so hard for so long to cope that certain things/parts of my system are starting to shut down or fight against me. Since I have switched to a gluten free & limited dairy diet my fibro flare ups as I term them, as its any number of symptoms at a time, but these flare ups have decreased about 35% . . . I still havent been able to work in over a year, but things have definitely improved.

So I guess what it really comes down to, is its gonna have to be whatever works best for you, unfortunately theres no one fix for us all. . . I hope you find what system of remedies work best for you

I so agree with CrystalTurner. For low energy, I keep peperment oil near by. for pain Frankensence and geraniam. Adding Megnesium, Vit D, Vit B12, Co Enzyme Q 10, and iron. I have altered my diet to avoid foods that cause side effects. Gluten, egg yolk, safflower oil, dairly, yeast, and now working on getting rid of sugar. Getting rid of these helped more then any medication.

I only take Ibuprofen and occasionally a muscle relaxer. I use heating pads and essential oil rub. I've tried a few of the pills that the Dr. recommended but they didn't really help. I'm glad you are finding some improvement.

@A MyFibroTeam Member ... I had to go back on pain meds because it came back. I guess the first part where I was feeling better was a honeymoon period. I find meditation to be very helpful, particularly when I am having an anxiety attack, it helps me calm down. I also use meditation when I am having a high pain episode at work because I am not able to take pain meds at work. It is very helpful in quieting the body down which helps lessen the pain. I am doing yoga to keep muscles flexible and to try and build my stamina but it is harder for me to do because I am so tired at the end of the day so I am not as good about doing yoga right now. I figure I can cut myself some slack because I am walking 2 miles a day. Finally the changes for me are very slow to come. I feel like it will take me a long time to get better which is frustrating because I want so badly to be like my old self again. I am trying to remain positive and not be too hard on myself. Hope this information helps. Hugs!

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