Re: Hi, I'm New-- To Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi Chris. Welcome here to the site. Sounds like you are in misery. I am glad

that you have good doctors who will believe you and work with you on the pain.

I hope you find something that helps you. If you have to take morphine, I say

take it.

YES YES... this disease is progressive and any research or information that says

it is NOT... is full of BS. Mine has progressed over the last 5 years

enormously. I also have talked to alot of people on this site for the last

couple of years and most of them have had the same experience with progression.

(with the exception of a few).

Write anytime.

hugs and welcome again

Debra V. (EAST TX)

Subject: Hi, I'm New

To: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group

Date: Sunday, April 20, 2008, 5:08 PM

I have been reading your messages (lurking) for awhile, but by the

time I'm finished, I'm in too much pain to reply. So, unfortunately,

I have to delete a lot.

I was diagnosed with fibro in 1993, but had first symptoms in

1987. I was on active duty Navy at the time, and retired with 20

years in 1991. I am so grateful that my medical care costs me less

than $20 per month, and I found great drs. at the Pain Clinic at

Walter in D.C. This disease, disorder, syndrome, or whatever, is

progressive and I am living proof.

I spent 75% of my time in bed, until I lost 145 lbs. I got out of

bed because I was dying emotionally and spiritually, and I wanted to

die. I prayed for help and got it. I am a recovering alcoholic

with over 29 yrs. sober, and used the 12 steps to lose the weight.

What baffled the doctors, and me, was that I was in more pain after

I lost the weight. I told them it was because I lost the cushion of

fat that protected my muscles and bones. Seriously.

I've been on various meds, some narcotics, but I have a high

tolerance and they quit working in a couple of months, so they switch

to something else. I am now taking 45 mg. morphine, 300 mg. Lyrica,

and 200-300 mg. Tramadol. The Lyrica was just increased from 150,

which worked great for about 2 months. I want to get off the

morphine, but if I need it to function, I'll take it.

No one has mentioned using a TENS unit, maybe because they're so

expensive (another reason I'm glad my medical care is basically

free). The unit really helps me on certain areas, especially my neck

and shoulders, sometimes my lower back and butt. My gluteus muscles

are always swollen, inflamed and painful, I have to sit on an ice

pack all the time.

My feet get very hot and burning if the temp is above 60. Anyone

else have this problem?

Also, I can't bend my knees without a lot of pain, so I have to

prop my legs up.

Anyway, poor me will stop whining now and remember to be grateful

that this is not terminal, though there are days I think I wish it

was.

I identify with the guilt, frustration, anger, etc. I try to be

gentle, kind, understanding, and loving to myself, even if no one

else is.

Take care of yourselves, everyone.

Chris

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