questionarre

[Guest guest]

Answers to questions sent to me that may have and may have not been

answered in my first post.

Age range: 33

Male/female: female

What are the symptoms? many listed in 1st post.

Has you illness been diagnosed? yes

How long did you suffer before you got help?

symptoms started 14 years ago

Is there a time that you can remember when it started?

Husband and I have been able to roughly narrow it down.

Some of us have found lack of exercise we are overweight. Have you

found this to be a problem also?

Until recently I have always battled with underweight. But physical

ability has really went down hill & surgery - I am now the heaviest I

have ever been.

Are you on disability?

Fighting for short term disability insurance., Once obtained will

probably try for SS.

If you are any pointers for others trying to get on disability?

I would love to hear these as well.

I have some questionarres for both the patient and Doc to file - that

may be helpful. Contact me if anyone wants a copy.

What have you found that helps ease the pain, warm baths, medications

etc.?

Nothing seems to help all the time. I find myself constantly

alternating things. Have tried Guai therepy, but stomach unable to

tolerate. Most meds, pain meds to simple vitamins cause nausea and

vomiting. Heating pads and hot baths sometimes help. Gentle short

walks help sometimes. Zanaflex helped - until I began vomiting.

Valium helps to cope at times.

Sacral-cranial release by reflexology has helped in coping some.

Do you have sleep problems? How do you deal with it?

YES !!! I have learned to sleep when I can. Just accept what

comes.And not beat myself up about it. Because the few meds I can

take initially - after a few doses loose their effect.

Do you have family that understands your illness?

Husband has become more informed and sypothetic ( reading, attending

support group and Dr. Visits). Daughter (13 years old) is very

considerate.

Mother-in-law has CFIDS. Sister-in-law has mild FM.

Mother has many health problems - so understands real well.

Some have found certain foods causes problems with CFS or Fibro, have

you?

Anything I eat, breath or touch has a potential varying effect.

What type of Doctor have you found that has helped you the most?

1st Doc - 10 yrs ago diagnosed CFIDS - but unable to do anything -

General Practitioner.

2nd Doc - 2 yrs ago Diagnosed FM - General Practitioner. Started our

local support group. Has tried many forms of treatment.

3rd Doc - Pain specialist.

Gastrologist - proven helpful with intestinal issues.

GYN - proven helpful with female issues.

Reflexologist.

Not sure if this helps anyone, but maybe.