Hi Palma and Bugs,

I am experiencing very similar circumstances. I also know how isolating this disease can be, whether it is family not really understanding the realm of my pain, or physicans just staring back at you with blank looks on their faces, while I try to determine whether they believe me or not! I struggle with a new diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and have basically just joined this site, because I am looking for ways to better understand my pain, and am looking for a more natural route to take. I have found that my doctor and specialist are very good at pushing pills on me, but drew the line last week when my pain specialist wanted to put me on a new trial of Methadone, just after I told him that I am frustated with the amount of drugs that I am on, and am looking for a more natual approach to controling my pain!

You are right Palma, just having someone to talk (or vent to) is helpful. Someone who understands how debiliating a "flare-up" can be! My husband is very supportive, and I am very blessed to have him understand.

Hearing what has worked or not worked for others is helpful, and I look forward to hearing this from other people in these circumstances. I really think the idea of having a list on the fridge is great, because you're right, you just don't have the same thought process when you are struggling. I had to leave my job as a medical office manager in April, (a position that I have held at for the last 15 years), to just last week starting a new job in a specialist's office for two days a week. I love the new experience, but am indeed struggling with the transcription part of the job. (Of course it doesn't help when you have dictator who has a thick accent and enjoys mumbling!). At any rate, I am trying this all the while keeping my eye out for the "perfect" job. Of course this would include pension and benefits and working 4 hours a day at the most!! LOL, does this job even exist??

Of couse having PTSD would be a difficult situation to manage without having a chronic pain issue, and I agree - a support network is essential! Anytime you need to vent, feel free to send me an email. If you have had success or have been unsuccessful with different trials of treatment, let's discuss them! I recently found out that an older woman in my church has struggled with fibromyalgia, and has had some success in managing her pain, so I am going to hook-up with her to get some feed back. I am really looking forward to hearing what has worked for her.

Take care, and don't lose heart. There must be treatments out there that work, and connecting with people who can relate to your cirumstances is a great thing. Knowing you can tell someone how bad your flare-up has been and having them "get" it, is a good thing too!

Feel free to keep in touch,
Roelie

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