Living with Fibromyalgia: Introduce yourself & meet others

I will definitely let you know how the appt goes. My understanding is because I am on Sertraline the pharmacist knows better how the different pain meds could react with it. They will be able to give me options that don’t necessarily include changing to a different anti-anxiety medication. I am leery of doing that. Yes, they work with my doctor. My doctor also referred to this person as the Clinic pharmacist.

@fiona16 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I hope you’ll like what you’ve read so far. There are many different discussions of fibromyalgia so you may want to check them out. You can go to the top of this page. Find the search box and enter fibromyalgia and click search. Many of the topics and discussions will come up and you can choose ones you like, the search engine will take you straight to the discussion!

Yes I do. This came later for me but it is awful.

I am just beginning my Fibro journey. I was recently diagnosed and am really struggling as we are trying to find the right pain management. I also have degenerative disc disease in my neck and lower back.
My biggest question for everyone is, is anyone able to work and if so what job are you doing.
My.husband and I have 4 kids, two with autism and one with JIA and a Chiari Malformation. Needles to say the medical bills are rolling in and we need to be able to work. I currently work as a state employee and try to work everyday but some days the struggle is real and I just cant get out of bed. Any advice would be much appreciated

I've had fibromyalgia since high school although it wasn't diagnosed for over 40 years. I was told I was healthy every time I complained to a doctor so assumed it was all in my head. Finally in my late forties a doctor told me what it was and that it was a real condition, not just that I was neurotic or attention-getting. I was so relieved I cried! One doctor gave me a prescription for hydrocodone with acetaminophen (5/325) for 2 a day. What a difference that made in my life! But now I have a new doctor and he won't prescribe it so I turned to using an edible CBD and THC concoction which works great (tastes gross). My fibro pain is greatly relieved as well as arthritis issues! I was against legalizing marijuana but at my age I will do anything for relief! Sad but true.

Mine dont seem to burn, but by the end of the day they start spamming.

@krisleigh61685 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m sure the members really want to talk with you so be patient! I understand that you’re concerned about being able to work since you have fibromyalgia . I think, for right now, that your energy needs to go into getting your body better. The doctor can help you find a pain medication that will work—then going back to work won’t seem so difficult. You might also call Human Resources where you work and discuss your situation. Be your own advocate and continue fighting for resources.

Hello! My name is Arabella. I was diagnosed with FM in 2014. However, I did not realize it until 2024 that I had it. My symptoms are worse and can no longer be ignored. I’m struggling with Kaiser Permanente to get acknowledged, treated and supported. It is really frustrating to navigate this solo. Giving support groups a try.

Can you ask to be referred to a ‘Pain Clinic’ Arabella, because they really do understand fibromyalgia - and can recommend suitable meds for your levels of pain. I have found them truly invaluable and, now work as a volunteer peer support worker for people that have been through the pain clinic here in the U.K.

Can you. offer more info on the edibles you use, such as brand and where to buy them?