New Member, recently diagnosed.

[Skeeter]

Hi, I've been slowly working my way through the diagnosis program for two years as things are getting worse. It started out slowly with pains that I just figured were the results of an aging blue collar worker till my doctor sent me to a neurologist who first tried the electrical stimulus tests in early Jan, then we had the suspense of waiting for three months for the next appointment were I still didn't get an actual diagnosis. The Doctor just did his tests and asked if I had heard of fibromyalgia, then gave us a pamphlet about it and a prescription for Gabapentin. We didn't get a real diagnosis for two weeks when I was able to access my medical records.
Sorry for the long first post but this seems to be accelerating on me and it's getting kind of scary, I'm 58, a former US Marine and I run a highway construction crew for a living. I really can't afford to be crippled up and my work involves long hours and high stress

 

[painisweaknessleavingbody]

I am a 34 year old male and was diagnosed with fibro end of last year after years of chronic pain and fatigue. I also have mild sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and Celiacs. It is not fun but it is something you can learn to live with and still enjoy life. I have tried the typical fibro meds and have not done well on any of them. I agree that medication is not always the best option. I have opted to go the more natural route because prescription meds have made things worse for me. These are the things that I have done that work for ME. Morning walks/low impact exercise, specific essential oils- (remember most synthetic drugs are derived from a natural source) Stem machine for muscle pain, stretching-morning and night, vegetable juice(taste like dirty dish water strained through a lawn mower bag but it helps) and the big one Diet. I have gone gluten free and that has helped. Also look into the FODMAP Diet. All of these health problems cost me my job. I had the opportunity to go to the Mayo clinic at the beginning of the year. The Dr's there put me on the FODMAP diet. I would be happy to send out any info on the FODMAP diet or the specific oils I use or put you in touch with the person I get my natural stuff from. I know a little bit about what you might be going through so any help I can be...