Sasha asked:
I like being busy however for yrs ive suffered pain in the upper back, neck and at times feel really drained. i have had chronic fatigue in the past (when i was 12 following a virus). ive had all the tests to rule out arthritis, lupus, infections etc. ive had back xrays so on the chiropractic side of things i’m ‘ok’. i dont know whether its because i try to burn more energy than my body has or whether its something like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. usually i see the dr, get clear results and then never go back. im tired of getting the prods and pokes and while a clear result is a good one (by the tests), it annoys me when i dont get some sort of answer. at the end of the day (well most days) i feel drained, tired, and lack energy.it doesnt even have to be at the end of the day. even vacuuming is difficult. its not like i dont want to do it (i actually want to as have a new vacuum cleaner!), its more that i dont have the energy. i stop the activity feeling like i just need to flop. im getting quite over it as there are things in life i should be enjoying (like being with friends and family, a new boyfriend, work, enjoying the lovely weather!) but cant seem to find the energy then feel tired and just want to sleep. should i see about massage? or is there a site for natural remedies for these symptoms? i do take a multivitamin but it just doesnt seem to be working. im stuck with where to turn to next. any advice is appreciated
I like being busy however for yrs ive suffered pain in the upper back, neck and at times feel really drained. i have had chronic fatigue in the past (when i was 12 following a virus). ive had all the tests to rule out arthritis, lupus, infections etc. ive had back xrays so on the chiropractic side of things i’m ‘ok’. i dont know whether its because i try to burn more energy than my body has or whether its something like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. usually i see the dr, get clear results and then never go back. im tired of getting the prods and pokes and while a clear result is a good one (by the tests), it annoys me when i dont get some sort of answer. at the end of the day (well most days) i feel drained, tired, and lack energy.it doesnt even have to be at the end of the day. even vacuuming is difficult. its not like i dont want to do it (i actually want to as have a new vacuum cleaner!), its more that i dont have the energy. i stop the activity feeling like i just need to flop. im getting quite over it as there are things in life i should be enjoying (like being with friends and family, a new boyfriend, work, enjoying the lovely weather!) but cant seem to find the energy then feel tired and just want to sleep. should i see about massage? or is there a site for natural remedies for these symptoms? i do take a multivitamin but it just doesnt seem to be working. im stuck with where to turn to next. any advice is appreciated
You may be having a flare-up of the CFS, so who diagnosed it before?
Depending on where you live, it’s not uncommon for doctors to not know much about CFS, Fibro, and other auto-immune or viral based conditions…and some on sleep-related problems, too. Don’t push yourself you’ll only cause more harm; it’s not worth it.
You might check out the site and for CFS, and see if there is a group in your area for support. Sometimes the Muscular Dystrophy clinics see CFS people, and have support groups, too. Then find out from them who the best doctors are — peer support is mandatory with any thing like CFS.
Good luck.
your symptoms certainly sound like chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia. I recommend you see a doctor of rheumatology to get a correct diagnosis. This doctors specializes in these types of problems.
Here is a brief list of common symptoms of this disease:
•Chronic pain throughout the body
•Burning, numbness and tingling
•Tenderness when pressure is placed on or around the neck, elbows, hips, thighs and knees.
•Sleep disorders
•Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
•Depression
•Anxiety
•Facial Pain
•Jaw Pain (TMJ)
•Memory Loss
•Irritable Bowel
•Tension or Migraine Headaches
•High sensitivity to foods and medications (allergic type reaction).
•Minimal tolerance to heat and cold
•High sensitivity to bright lights and sounds
•Hair Loss
Treatment includes the following:
•Change in diet and nutrition
•Supplements geared toward Fibromyalagia
•Exercise: Gentle stretching such as warm water stretches and light aerobic activity, if possible.
•Physical Therapy under the guidance of a Chiropractor or Naturopathic
•Massage Therapy
•Avoidance of activities that over stress the body (Consider keeping a journal)
•Regulate sleep patterns
•Avoiding emotional stress
Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.
Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.
A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It’s important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they’re helping to support their body daily. Co Q 10, in soft gel form 100mg, taken three times daily can help increase the energy.
There’s no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. The medical drug Lyrica has been helpful in relieving pain for many people with Fibromyalgia. I still find that natural medicine works best for me.
I find that deep tissue massage therapy performed regularly really keeps down the pain. When I’m going through a really bad time I always get a massage. It works better than any medicine.
Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.
I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to
Take a proactive role in learning about fibromyalgia to help control it, and be vigilant about following your treatment plan. Emotional support is very important too. Living with fibromyalgia may be difficult if your family, friends or employer do not understand the condition. Seek out supportive family, friends, clergy, support groups or a mental health counselor.
Although I don’t suffer to nearly the extent as you do, I have had bouts of the same chronic fatigue but in shorter bursts. The best treatment for me has been vitamin B shots. Now that I have had a regular series of 6, if I start to feel run down, I simply get a booster to bring me back up.