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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Manchester, UK
February 4, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared creative strategies for managing fibromyalgia's brain fog and sleep challenges, with several describing visualization... Read more

Members shared creative strategies for managing fibromyalgia's brain fog and sleep challenges, with several describing visualization techniques like imagining a black hole in space or focusing on breathing patterns to quiet racing thoughts. Many members discussed medication considerations, including the cognitive side effects of gabapentin, the potential benefits of switching to Lyrica despite cost concerns, and navigating medication restrictions due to other health conditions like heart issues. A recurring theme was the frustration of balancing pain management with the sedating effects of medications, the importance of communicating openly with doctors without feeling like a burden, and the solidarity of sharing practical coping methods within a community that truly understands the exhausting reality of fibro fog.

A MyFibroTeam Member

There's a couple of elements of Fibrofog to be aware of, first is the Fibrofog that just comes from having Fibro, all on it's own it can be pretty bad, add on top of that the side effects from medications, and the inability to sleep and you have a perfect storm of cognitive dysfunction.

I took a look at your treatments and it looks like you're on gabapentin. Gabapentin has a pretty terrible side effect profile for some people, and it's worth talking to your doctor about. Lyrica is very closely related to gabapentin, but doesn't have the same side effects, but it does cost a lot more since it's not a generic in the U.S. yet, and probably won't be until 2018.

February 4, 2016 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

Oh, from my daughter, which works sometimes too.
When you are lying there as you breathe,
On the inhale put your tongue to the roof of your mouth,
When you exhale put it back in the down position.
You have to concentrate on doing this so you don't have time to think of anything else, next thing you know you are asleep. Luck

February 6, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I find myself thinking about everything and I can't sleep, mind racing, I used to go to my happy place but then after a while that didn't work so then I decided ( sounds crazy) to go to a black hole in space as there is nothing there but dark, it actually works great for me, you start off in the present and take off into space, you look at all the Stars and then enter a blk hole and go deep down inside, poof I am asleep. Or I will concentrate on my fan noise. Luck and hugs.

February 6, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

HI Wichywooo,
are you on heavy meds yet? like FenTYNAL 100MCG or any other meds like this. Also are you getting at least six hrs straight sleep. This could be the problem however we know that Fibeo is a PISSER I HATE IT. FOR SOME PATIENTS FATIGUE HOT BATHS MASSAGE WHEN YOUR FEELING LIKE THIS THE BEST THING TO DO IS REST. HUGS

February 4, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes I added you before I answered your question and after I read your profile. Maybe the morphine patch would work for you if you ONLY used it before bed and after trying all other options. I am allergic to it. Hugs and prayers you find your sleep.

February 7, 2016

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