Posted by lucie lu on September 10, 2008, at 12:18:32
In reply to Dawning realization, posted by Partlycloudy on September 10, 2008, at 11:17:38
Hi PC,
Have you been evaluated for fibromyalgia? The symptoms you describe are very common with FM: muscle spasms, chronic pain (often neck, back), fatigue and lack of energy, depression, headaches. I forgot - did you mention sleep difficulties? Bad memory, foggy brain (referred to as 'fibro fog' - really!) With FM it is very common, given the negative synergy of the symptoms, to spiral down into mental/physical/emotional places that can be really hard to get out of. It can be difficult wthout the right diagnosis and clinical help.
I was diagnosed with FM about 10 years ago. I previously went to a patchwork of people who treated one symptom or the other without seeing the bigger picture. FM can be hard to diagnose but there are characteristics that a trained clinician will notice as expressing a high probability of FM. Depression is almost always a part of the equation but whether that's a cause or the effect of feeling so impaired is an open question. A good FM treatment often includes something to help with getting good, restful sleep, suitable pain meds (maybe A/Ds like amitriptyline; gabapentin (neurontin); cymbalta; or the newer lyrica). Physical therapy and massage often helps too, and stress reduction is really good if you can manage it. Supportive psychotherapy can be very helpful, especially for the depression, but FM, does NOT originate in your head nor will T-work alone get rid of it. It is a physical chronic pain syndrome that has many components to it, including "exercise intolerance" - a particularly inconvenient symptom because it means you hurt even more than usual after exerise. Can be very self-defeating.
The good news (after all that) is that at least FM is non-degenerative; unlike some other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or even regular osteoarthritis, no actual physical damage is being done to your muscles, joints etc. The current view is that it is neurological, mostly involving your brain's sleep center and pain receptors.Whenever I get into one of those FM "holes" - every couple of years, usually triggered by a pshyiological stress like surgery- I typically need a bit of help to get out, usually with some meds from my PCP and with the help of a terrific physical therapist who's taught me a lot about my body and how to respond to the bouts. She helps me slowly build up my strength, which helps to overcome the FM. I know by now that by the time I am able to do aerobic exercise easily and comfortably, the FM symptoms abate, I sleep and feel better, etc. For me, exercise is key to keeping it at bay; different people may have others ways that work best for them. It can just take some time to get there. Fortunately, the need to avoid a FM flare does help me keep fit.
And in my mid-fifties, that is a good thing :)Sorry to write a book - just sounded like you might be experiencing FM symptoms. And if so, there are known approaches to taking care of them and you are not alone in what you're experiencing.
In any event, hope you're feeling better soon.
Best,
Lucie
poster:lucie lu
thread:851329
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080906/msgs/851340.html