Hello Fibro World,
I am 42 year old female, who served in the first Persian Gulf war, and now a disabled veteran who has suffer with Chronic Fatigue and Muscle & Joint Pain since my return to the US in 1991. I have been told by doctors that the pain was in my head, I am eating to much chocolate, drinking too much caffeine, not getting enough sleep, diagnose with depression, and anxiety attacks. Until, February 2008 when I had my first Compensation Hearing with the VA did I ever hear that I may have Fibromalygia, I was devastated but relieved at the same time, because now I may have the answer to my pain problem. I am now trying to find a suitable treatment. I have tried most of the drugs such as: naproxen, tramadol, and amitypine. To even having Massage Therapy-1 hour massage, ooh it helps for a day, if you don't flare up the next day, but usually the next day I can barely get out of the bed, and even Acunputure. (same thing as Massage Therapy). Now I am still taking the prescription drug; Cyclopandzine and Gabapentin for pain and some relaxation only. I am currently going back to school to get a suitable job for my illness. I am now facing some issues, how can I go back to work; is the employer going to let me miss days? go in late when I can't get out of bed? No wonder this illness has so many symptoms. Depression, Fatigue, and Panic Attacks. Will my life ever be the same?