Replies to 'Living with Chronic Pain'

Dear Heather,

I was diagnosed with fibro about 4 1/2 years ago.  I wish Dr Phil would do a show on this because fibromyalgia is becoming the most popular disease next to cancer except more painfilled.  I want you to know that you are not alone !!!  This disease affects more than 8 % of americans today.  That is not in the world, and it is a worldwide disease because I have talked with others overseas that have it too.  It causes depression, severe pain, numbness and tingling to all body parts at different times.  I think that the reason why no one wants to talk more about it is because it has no cure.  They can make your life manageable for as long as possible but not forever.  Eventually you will need a medication to help you get through it, I hope that they are getting closer to finding a better way to cope with it.  Many doctors are not familiar with this disease, they don't know what causes it, they don't know why it targets the people it does, and some doctors don't want to believe that it is a real disease  -  they think it is in the mind, it's not, the Board of Health has already stated that this is a very real disease. They also have no 1 test for it, they have to do multiple tests and do a process of elimination to be able to diagnose it.

     I feel your frustration.  I was 32 years old, worked a fulltime job, was super mom (practices, school stuff, sport games ect.) full time wife, and maid when my world came crashing to a hault.  I was devastated and some days I still am.  I have never felt day in and day out pain like I have with this disease and my husband and son don't understand the pain I have because they can't see it. Yeah somedays I have good days and other days not so good. My doc says that they have found that anti-depressants have helped a great deal with this disease but there are 2 kinds of depression. There is depression  and then depression with anxiety, I have the one with axiety... go figure...lol.  But my doctor has been pretty good to me and I have been lucky where I have talked with others who suffer terribly because their doctor's won't believe them. I have an agressive case but if you are just starting out then I heard that Magneesium (herbal supplement) is very helpful with the circulation issues which can help with the pain too.  There are alot of options out there though.  The biggest thing is to keep moving and don't ever give in to it.

Best of luck to you... my prayers are with ya.   - B