I first want to say that I have not been on this site as much as I used to be because I have been out of pain and I forget sometimes that I have fibromyalgia. Don't get me wrong, I have not been cured from my fibro, I still feel it hovering, but I feel about as "normal" as I can possibly be.
It's all due to acupuncture.
I was sort of journaling my experience here on this site back in September of last year when I flew to Phoenix to see a wonderful acupuncturist that has literally performed miracles in the lives of people that we actually know for over two decades.
I was desperate and was willing to try anything. I was mostly bed bound and in so much pain. My husband was sad to see me suffering so much so he stuck me on a plane and away I went to Arizona.
To make a very long story short, this doctor gave me my life back. I have been drug free, and pretty much pain free ever since.
I'm seeing a acupuncturist here in Utah for maintenance but had to go through several to find one that knew what he was doing. They are not all created equal!
Please don't give up on acupuncture. Find one that has been doing it for years and one that has treated patients with fibro and has had success. I know that everyone is different and reacts different, but I also know that every acupuncturist is different and you need to find the right one.
For anyone that lives in Phoenix, Dr. Milton Liu is worth your time. He is special and has a gift. You will know if you see him.
After a year of doing absolutely zero exercise because of flares and horrible pain, I am up to walking four miles a day and work out with weights for an hour every other day. I feel like I have my life back and I'm back in control. And the best part is being drug free! It was a leap of faith but it paid off for me big time. After being off all drugs, my body with the help of acupuncture is healing itself.
I feel so blessed. I never take a day for granted and I try to do something productive every day.
I'm sorry to all my fibro friends that I have not talked to in a while. I think of you all and hope you are all getting some relief. Many prayers.
xxxx

a DIFFERENT prospective: I've been living with a person with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Depression, Paranoia and "off and on" Alcoholism. (for 20 years). She also "thinks" that she is bipolar but never has the "highs"!
I'm "always" very supportive, and try to be there for her , to listen, and learned a long time ago "not" to say things that sound like I am questioning her pain or make her feel like a hypochondriac.

I definitely would "not" want to trade places with her, however it "feels" sometimes like she is acting like the old saying that "misery" loves company! However I realize that I have no idea what I would be like if I had her health issues.

Ive had acupunture for 20 years, tell the acupuncturist about your reaction, they should be able to adjust your treatment.
While it works very good for me, we are all different, maybe its not the treatment for you.
I would also say that the practitioner matters, you might have a better experience with a different person.

I've had acupuncture over the years. I've always been a big fan. There is absolutely no way I would attempt it now! Maybe if I'm ever NOT flared up... I'll could go then and maybe use it to help control the fibro.
Right now I think I'd completely loose it!

I had Acupuncture but it was too painful, I know its supposed not to be but with me it was like i was getting electric shocks and in certain areas it would make me physically jump, in two areas they had a problem getting the needles out and other areas the needles shot straight back out on their own....i gave up