I was referred to John's Hopkins by my Rheumatologist. You want to know what they told me? To exercise. That's what they're expertise and training had to say to me. Exercise within a quota, I believe, if I can remember correctly. She said to do whatever kind of exercise I wanted to do. And to increase it by one minute only each day. This was her advice for me. Sorry, I know this is not really related to the Rochester clinic that you specified. I just thought I'd add my two cents from one of the most prestigious medical colleges in the country. I was SO excited about the visit. And this is what I came away with. Waste.

I hope that everything turns out well soon for you, and I couldn't take cymbalta either I had problems with it. My prayers are with you.

I've gotten similar advice from several of the dr.'s I've seen. I get the impression, the drs don't know what else to suggest, and don't seem to be taking into account the patient's overall health situation. For instance I was in a serious car accident as a young woman, had major trama to my neck and shoulders (go chance that's what started the fibro?), I have some low back issues as well. Besides being 71 years old, so regular "exercise" is out of the question. I do however, use isometrics and am looking into yoga classes. Makes me want to give the dr such a smack! Make's we want to ask if they really did graduate from medical scool? We're already in pain with the fibro, so I doubt any of us are out running the mile or anything. Gentle, low impact movement I can handle without triggering a major flare.

OMG - I was a runner, dance 10+ years through college...picked up running again in 2014..personal trainer lost some weight...but always in pain. After completing 2 warrior dashes and never recovering my husband determined something wasn't right so I went to Dr. and referred me to rheumatologist. Fail the touch tests given repeatedly to the point I am sobbing! Now, I've had a job relocation recently and finally referred to Mayo Clinic. My doctor back home stressed yoga, but could no longer run. Out of the question as I'm in constant flare up mode. Stress definitely a hinderance, but working out to relieve pain, I'm so sorry you didn't find better results from John Hopkins and I certainly hope this isn't my outcome at Mayo.
Dx Oct 2014. This is a VERY small snapshot of my background but to agree with you on autoimmune disorders.
random speaking on here sorry,,,,too much to say...not enough time and my hands are throbbing....bye for now.

Hello, I haven't been to Mayo Rochester just a rheumatologist in the Anoka area. I've had lots of blood work to rule out other things but the real test is those trigger points on your body if you have a flare up and are touched there you know it.
Yes it moves all over the body and can be in your right arm and left leg etc. lately my hands, fingers are bad which is bad if you are on a computer for work.
I read a article awhile ago that most people with Fibro suffer from up to three or more autoimmune things. Restless leg syndrome, migraines, IBS, Lupus, and more. Mayo should have some good articles they can give you or refer you too.
I'm trying Cymbalta and I've put on a little weight but not bad, can notice a small difference. Lyrica worked very well for me, almost no pain but my weight jumped 25 pounds in a month and blood pressure was 194/124. So stopped it. I've heard others have success with it.
Good luck there and gentle hugs