I hope this story from Helen can be an encouragement to you.  She emailed me and I asked her permission to post her story.  I've changed her name to Helen, just for privacy, and the photo is there simply to let you know that real people are going through the same thing.  Thank you Helen for sharing with us.

Hello, I am Helen from Indianapolis, IN.  On January 3rd, 2002 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (that was a trick in itself just to be diagnosed). At this time, I had no previous knowledge on what this medical condition was, nor have I ever really heard of it. However, after many months of testing, exams, and more, I was a bit relieved to the fact that an official diagnosis had been made. In my opinion, this diagnosis meant that now the doctors and specialists that I was working with would now how to treat the condition and that I could experience some degree of relief on the symptoms that I experienced on a consistent basis. Little did I know that, while this medical condition had been carefully researched and documented, there was very little to offer in the way of treatment. Here, I will tell you about my personal battle with fibromyalgia, and the steps that I have taken to live comfortably with this condition.

When I was diagnosed with this condition, my doctor prescribed two different medications to me. The prescriptions that I received were Neurontin and Vioxx. While these medications did seem to assist with the symptoms that I was experiencing at the time, there were many side effects that I experienced. Furthermore, I found the medications that the doctor prescribed to be extremely costly. I knew it was time to start researching self-care tips for fibromyalgia and applying them to my life. I needed to find self-care techniques that assisted in my symptoms – which included:

• Feeling tired all of the time
• Throbbing pain in various locations throughout my body
• The “pins and needles” sensations that I experienced regularly
• Complications with insomnia
• Concentration and memory strength

Naturally, I experienced many different symptoms, but these were the most troublesome when it came to my particular case. It took some time, but I have now found a few things that seem to help as far as self-care for this condition is concerned. I will share these personal tips with you here. It is my hope that my tips here will assist others who suffer day to day with fibromyalgia.

1. One of the first things that I do in order to cope effectively with the symptoms that I experience, is I try to keep my motivation and perspective on the issue in tact. I know that this may seem a little silly, but a lot of fibromyalgia patients are plagued with depression. They feel as if they are trapped, and there is no way out of their suffering. I know, because at one time, I thought this way too. Then, I realized that this way of thinking was only making my situation worse. I look at the challenge as something that builds character, I look at it as a way to assist others, and I look at it as a way to be the strongest person I can be. If you can do this, you will soon begin to see that it is much easier to deal with this condition than you ever thought.

2. The next method that I use in dealing with fibromyalgia is that I take full advantage of over-the-counter medications, creams, and ointments. There are many effective products out there that can assist in pain management without the dangerous side effects that prescription medications have. For example, I often use ACTIVON, and Absorbine JR. for pain. I also make good use of acetaminophen, and similar products.

3. The next thing that I do that really helps when it comes to the symptoms and complications of this condition is I make use of a close-knit support group. This support group consists of friends and family members that help when I need assistance with various things I have to do, listening to me when I need it, and helping out when possible. This has been a real life saver for me.

There are many other ways that I deal with fibromyalgia, but I have found that these three methods are most productive when it comes to my symptoms. If you suffer from this health problem, you should considering using these methods in your life. Soon, you will find it is easy to cope.