Fibromyalgia: Anyone out there with the same diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in my early 30's as well (48 now). High humidity causes pain, tiredness and brain fog. I have also been in 6 car accidents and have 2 herniated lumbar discs, bone spurs in my hip, sacrum and lower back, osteoarthritis throughout my spine, and had a shoulder scoped and shredded bicep tendon cut away on the same side. I've been going to a physical therapist that treats fibromyalgia 2x/wk for almost 2 months now. with a focus on neck and upper trapezius tightness. But I'm hearing a lot more about how Fibromyalgia and endometriosis have similar symptoms- however my PCP won't discuss further because the one who diagnosed it "must have had good reason" and because that diagnosis requires surgery (one I already had back then, which showed that I had part of my colon fused to my uterus and resulted in a hysterectomy a few yrs later). I don't want to be taking drugs for fibromyalgia just because another diagnosis is too difficult.

I am a 70 year old male I have been dealing with fibromyalgia for at least 15 years and I find Duloxetine which is known as Cymbalta has been the most effective treatment for me! It is allowed me to remain functional! I wish you the very best in your journey to overcome the effects of fibromyalgia! It is manageable but it is not necessarily fun!

Dr. on Friday took blood to check for HLA B-27 and today I had my lower back X-ray.
My insurance requires an X-ray prior to an MRI.
Supposed to hear results for the X-ray in two days and I hope the blood test comes back this week.
I will update ASAP.
Have a great day!!

When is the best time to take Cymbalta

There are 2 types of Cymbalta, regular which is taken twice a day, roughly 12 hours apart, and extended release, taken once a day, typically at bedtime.
Sue

Hi Steve is it still working for you? any new wisdom? thanks

I LOVE doughnuts! But they always give me heartburn. I wonder why?

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) didn't work for me (bad side effects) and I've tried nearly everything else. I "borrowed" half a methadone (.25 mg) from my spouse and I've never felt better! Best sleep I've had in a long time! That and hydrocodone are the only drugs that get rid of my Fibro pain completely. I've had Fibro for over 60 years now (started at age 16). Doctors are afraid to prescribe either one now but the pendulum is swinging the other way again (prescribing won't get your license revoked anymore) but most doctors are afraid they will get in trouble if they prescribe.
One of my Drs prescribed only 2 hydrocodone per day (5/325) for about 4 years (2010-2014) and it worked great! Then she moved her practice to another town so I had to look for another Dr. Those 4 years were the best pain-free years of my life! Now at age 75 my current doctor won't prescribe it. He's afraid of reprisals from lawmakers or else he thinks I'm a liar.
I have high blood pressure (170/75) also; pain can cause it to rise. I instead they have me on 3 different blood pressure meds and a fluid-reducing drug. That makes no sense to me. And I had a rare stroke last year that should have killed me but didn't. Thank goodness I had a procedure on my neck over 8 years ago that got rid of my daily headaches and migraines!

Elderly people might not digest their food entirely so extended-release meds might not work for them. I am on diabetes med Metformin but the time release doesn't even begin to dissolve. It comes out whole in the toilet so my doctor put me back on the regular type. Just an idea for oldsters like me.

Wow! You've really been through the ringer! For me the only thing that fixes fibromyalgia is hydrocodone or methadone (low doses work fine). Nothing else touches it. But many doctors don't believe fibro is a "real" thing and won't prescribe those meds unless you scream and cry in their presence! Fibro affects mostly women and only a female doctor will truly understand. My best 2 doctors over the past 50 years were women compared to about 10 male doctors.