Open main menu ☰
HealingWell
Search Close Search
Health Conditions
Allergies Alzheimer's Disease Anxiety & Panic Disorders Arthritis Breast Cancer Chronic Illness Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes
Fibromyalgia GERD & Acid Reflux Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lupus Lyme Disease Migraine Headache Multiple Sclerosis Prostate Cancer Ulcerative Colitis

View Conditions A to Z »
Support Forums
Anxiety & Panic Disorders Bipolar Disorder Breast Cancer Chronic Pain Crohn's Disease Depression Diabetes Fibromyalgia GERD & Acid Reflux
Hepatitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lupus Lyme Disease Multiple Sclerosis Ostomies Prostate Cancer Rheumatoid Arthritis Ulcerative Colitis

View Forums A to Z »
Log In
Join Us
Close main menu ×
  • Home
  • Health Conditions
    • All Conditions
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer's Disease
    • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
    • Arthritis
    • Breast Cancer
    • Chronic Illness
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Fibromyalgia
    • GERD & Acid Reflux
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Lupus
    • Lyme Disease
    • Migraine Headache
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Support Forums
    • All Forums
    • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Breast Cancer
    • Chronic Pain
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Depression
    • Diabetes
    • Fibromyalgia
    • GERD & Acid Reflux
    • Hepatitis
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Lupus
    • Lyme Disease
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Ostomies
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Log In
  • Join Us
Join Us
☰
Forum Home| Forum Rules| Moderators| Active Topics| Help| Log In

Fibromyalgia depression fatigue loneliness

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
profile picture
Susu8
New Member
Joined : Apr 2013
Posts : 13
Posted 4/26/2013 8:50 AM (GMT -7)
I've been struggling with fibromyalgia for about 10 years now. as I get older it gets worse my husband has been helping me with the pain by being supportive but I feel like sometimes the pain is unbearable especially in the mornings. I feel depressed because I wish I always had energy to do more things like when I used to be active. Sometimes I feel so stiff that I just want to staying bed all day. Although my husband is very supportive at times i question if he thinks it is just laziness. This has also led me to severe anxiety I've tried different medications for anxiety and depression, the only one that seemed to somewhat work was epitzolam which I took only a few times as a trial since it is illegal In the United States but available I'm the UK, Xanax is also fine but I really don't want to grow a dependency on medications. They both have a little euphoria factor and help my anxiety temporarily but they still cause fatigue or drowsiness. feel this lack of energy and lack of enthusiasm for life has really bought me down.
profile picture
Sherrine
Forum Moderator
Joined : Apr 2005
Posts : 18316
Posted 4/26/2013 9:48 AM (GMT -7)
Hi, Susu, and welcome!  You know, staying in bed is about the worst thing you can do with fibro.  If you sit or lay too much, you will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  Gentle stretcing exercises and gentle exercises like walking or swimming really help with pain and also with fatigue!  Really!  When I started my walking, I could only go four houses down and had to turn around if I wanted to make it back home.  I was surprised and disappointed but I didn't give up and tell myself I can't do this.  I went out the next day and was able to go five houses and that made me feel better!  I just kept at it and now I walk at least a mile every day, along with taking care of my home...which I count as exercise, too.  If I'm on the computer, I try to get up and walk around about every half hour and that helps keep my muscles loose.

 

I don't take the usual fibro medications because I don't want the side effects.  I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements, and a prescription muscle relaxer which has made a significant difference for me.  I add the stretching and walking and also pacing myself and this all helps me be in control of the pain.  I've had fibro for decades and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.

 

I also have a positive outlook in life.  I don't look at my health problems but instead look at all the blessings I have and all the things I CAN do.  This sure makes me happier and keeps depression away from my doorstep. 

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  There are links about the supplements I mentioned above and how they work in the body, a link with gentle stretching exercises you can do sitting down, and also a great link about maintaining a positive attitude when you suffer from chronic pain. 

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

profile picture
Luvzminis
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2008
Posts : 2888
Posted 4/26/2013 10:03 AM (GMT -7)
Great advice, as always, from Sherrine. Ditto! yeah  

It helps me to take baby steps.  Sometimes, on a rough day, I just sit down with a notebook and write down my goals, big or small.  I do what I can for that day, and even if I cross off only one or two goals, hey--at least I did that.  I try not to beat myself up if I can't accomplish more.  Some days may surprise you, and you'll be able to do more than you think.

Lately, I'm getting a bit more accomplished, yet trying not to overdo.  I find I'm a little more flexible, too.

Even baby steps will take you somewhere.  And, remember everyone here is in the same boat.  We are here to support one another, and we know how irritating fibro can be.

 I think maybe your depression and anxiety will diminish somewhat if you take small steps towards your goals, big or small.  Right now I am dealing with some anxiety because I'm unable to help with finances.  Things just haven't turned out, no matter how hard I've tried.  But in the meantime, I'm doing all I can to stay busy and accomplish what I can, and continue to look for solutions.  I keep very busy, even if I'm in a major flare and have to sit most of the day.  Then I stay away from the munchies that tempt me (try to, anyway!) and sort through magazines, old books I want to get rid of, papers that should be OFF the table, etc., or just do some letter writing to someone who needs cheering up.  I also am on our church prayer chain and try to help with bake sales and collections. That all helps me feel better.

Best wishes and hugs! :)

profile picture
FLCindy
New Member
Joined : Apr 2013
Posts : 4
Posted 4/26/2013 12:04 PM (GMT -7)
The other posters have some great ideas. Malic acid, Vit D and magnesium helped me tremendously. I also stopped eating dairy and white foods-rice, bread, white flour, ect....Those foods cause extreme pain.

If you had diabetes and required insulin to survive, would you use it?
If you had asthma and required emergency inhalers when you have an attack, would you use them?

Medication for fibro makes it easier. The mitochondria in our DNA is screwed up. It gives our body wrong information, which causes pain and exhaustion. The medication helps the brain. Yes, there are side effects. But, if they make you drowsy, chances are you NEED the sleep. I'm not certain where you live-USA or UK. However, since anxiety is a result of our screwed up mitochondria, medication also helps it. The side effects usually work themselves out after you've rested-which your body needs. Would you rather be awake, in pain and have alot of anxiety OR sleepy, less pain and no anxiety-with the sleepiness eventually balancing out?
It doesn't mean you won't go into flare ups. If you are having a bad day, rest. It took me FOREVER to learn that fibro rule.

One thing that helped me was to purchase a notebook. Every night, I list 5 things for which I am grateful. Even if it seems silly-like, "I am grateful to realize my Husband may think I am lazy". "I am grateful for the Healingwell.com forums." It makes me focus on what I have. This is the hardest thing to learn with an illness.
profile picture
Susu8
New Member
Joined : Apr 2013
Posts : 13
Posted 4/26/2013 12:18 PM (GMT -7)
This is my first forum i ever post on and It's so comforting knowing I'm not the only one going through this all of u have given me many good tips on this forum ill definitely be using thanks for all te support and great advice! I feel a lot more optimistic seeig how well people are handling it. Although fibromyalgia wasnt a choice I'm sure by a different and more optimistic mind state it would lesson physical pain and discomfort plus I appreciate the good scientific facts and also the experience some of you have.
profile picture
Sherrine
Forum Moderator
Joined : Apr 2005
Posts : 18316
Posted 4/26/2013 12:42 PM (GMT -7)
Hi, FLCindy! Not taking medication for fibro is a personal choice and it was my personal choice. I do have diabetes and take medication for that. I have several other illnesses I need medication in order to function but I personally don't need medications that can cause symptoms I don't want in order to control the pain of fibro. My doctor talked to me about Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella but I chose to try other ways of handling my pain. Yes, I have fibro but I have found alternative ways to control the pain and that's what I am trying to relay. I've had a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness and haven't taken the drugs suggested for this illness. Now, if I absolutely couldn't function and it was a quality of life issue, of course I would try the medication. But some people can function very nicely without taking the fibro medications and I'm proof of that. I'm glad that you found what works for you, too!

I hope you write an introductory thread so our members can get to know you. You might get lost in this thread. Thanks!

Susu, this was my first and only forum I have been on. I looked at others but this forum, as far as I'm concerned, its the best one out there. We have members who love to help one another and, as a bonus, we really do care about each other, too. I think you will like it here.

You will get many opinions and you can choose what you think would be best for you to try. It's trial and error as to what works for you. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. But the stretching and gentle exercise seems to work for nearly everyone and we have had quite a few members that have had help with the supplements I mentioned in my first post. I'm hoping you will find the right combination for you soon. Always bounce things off your doctor, too.

Sherrine
profile picture
ak angel
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2011
Posts : 3197
Posted 4/26/2013 11:28 PM (GMT -7)
Susu8 welcome! Your not alone with anxiety and depression. When I first found this site, I was in bed a lot and my depression was bad. It was no time that I began to read other post and I felt connected here. I took advice from others and I began to make baby steps.

I started reading a book on depression connected to fibro. It really encourage me. I found out the more I moved the better I got. I took classes on depression and anxiety. I went to therapy to learn how to cope with pain. It was in no time I started to see improvements. I am so grateful for this forum. I made a complete 360 in my health and depression.

The method of treatment I use is very simple. Heat, excercise, eat healthy, stay away from lots of stress, rest, magnesium, calcium and I use subutex for pain. The least meds works better for me.

This is a great place for support and to learn how to manage your fibro better. Just decide you want to be better and not let this fibro win. I hope we could help you some.
profile picture
almost medfree
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2004
Posts : 2570
Posted 4/27/2013 2:21 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Susu8,

What's helped me get through years of severe fibromyalgia is empowering myself. Doing all that I can naturally to help myself. And I mentioned severe because that is what my rheumatologist declared that I have which makes me all the more proud to have learned how to deal with it.

My rheumatologist also told me I am medication sensitive because I found that when I took many of the different kinds of meds she prescribed for my fibro, they didn't help me. They made me feel worse and they gave me a lot of side effects. I am still in continual pain and I have a lot of tightness plus I still get flares especially when I'm not listening to and taking care of my body. I have to deal with a lot of limitations but I always try to do my best and try to be positive at all times. Here's what I do:

I try and take optimal care of myself through diet, daily light exercise, stretches, supplements, a good night's sleep, and I try to keep my stress to a minimum.

Diet: My fibro symptoms become worse if I eat the wrong foods. I feel somewhat better when I eat the right ones and I sleep better too.

Daily light exercise: To release those feel good hormones and help relieve stress, to keep yourself limber and less tight. Exercise is good for depression issues also especially those walks outdoors.

Stretches: To help deal with the tightness.

Supplements: I take a good multivitamin, krill oil, and vitamin C.

Sleep: I would have a very difficult time sleeping if it wasn't for the sleep supplements I take.

Stress: Exercise helps with this and talking with a good friend. Coming into this forum and sharing also helps a lot.

Due to my back and neck injury along with my fibro, I have to limit how much I do. For example how long I sit and where I sit, how long I stand, how long I walk, how much I lift, and how long I socialize. I've also heard that with fibro a person shouldn't sit or lie around for very long.

I see my chiropractor (who is knowledgeable about fibro) and I sometimes see my neuromuscular massage therapist. These therapists do much more than the ordinary massage therapist.

Good luck to you.
profile picture
getting by
Forum Moderator
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 44891
Posted 4/27/2013 1:10 PM (GMT -7)
Try not to assume that your husband thinks your lazy. Especially if this is leading to you having anxiety. Nip that one in the bud first and foremost. Negative thinking can lead to a lot of problems. I have this problem too. I imagine everybody thinks I am lazy. But I know I am not. When you start to think in this manner, put up a mental stop sign. Just do what you can and be thankful for what you can do, don't focus on what you can't do. Things have changed with fibromyalgia. If you don't focus on what you can't do and work with what you can, you would be surprise in what you actually get done. Try not to beat yourself up about this.

Get out and walk. It was beautiful here today, I actually walked twice. I don't do a lot, but it still makes a difference, especially in the way that I feel.

Try not to worry about the Xanax for now. Take it as needed. It does have a potential for abuse, but I have been taking it over 20 years. I am gradually going off of it now. I have cut my dosage way down. I am not ready to stop yet. But eventually I will. I have never had a problem with the Xanax. Though I know that there are some people who do.

I hope that you feel better soon. Like I said earlier, don't be hard on yourself. You aren't lazy. Don't assume what other people think. Talk to your husband, you said he is supportive. You are lucky. My husband has been very supportive too, I am lucky also.

Take care and have a good day.

Hugs, Karen
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply




HealingWell

About Us  |   Advertise  |   Subscribe  |   Privacy & Disclaimer
Connect With Us
FacebookFacebook TwitterTwitter PinterestPinterest LinkedInLinkedIn
© 1997-2021 HealingWell.com LLC All Rights Reserved. Our website is for informational purposes only. HealingWell.com LLC does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.