Need advice please 😓

[tamnwill]

Hi all - been diagnosed with fibromyalgia this year. I had rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed in 2004 a

And received the biological drug tocilizumab every 4 weeks in hospital - I applied for PIP and got turned down 18 months ago and couldn’t face an appeal as was going through a divorce at the time. Can you tell me what supplements/therapies/diets etc help please with fibromyalgia and also what drugs? Exercise I’ve read is great but my RA prevents me from being very active tbh and I feel I’m in a hole at the moment, spiralling downwards. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thank you, Tam

[LoneEra]

Hi Tam

Sorry you’re in a hole. But there’s lots you can do to start to feel a bit better. (I also have RA and fibro - so know what it’s like to cope with two sets of symptoms).

For the fibro diet, have a read of this: arthritis-health.com/types/...

Basically, just eat healthily - no processed foods, cut out simple carbs and cut down meat and dairy. Don’t rely too heavily on caffeine (cut it out if poss).

You might find one food triggers the fibro more than another, so it’s worth keeping a food diary and a log of your symptoms. For me personally, things like cake and pizza are the worst. If I eat one of those, guaranteed I feel “toxic” the next day.

Probiotics are worth adding in to your diet of you don’t currently take them. And lots of water of course - this also seems to help with temperature regulation. I drink about 4 litres a day (yes, always running to the loo)!

As for exercise, start small with some simple stretches. I know it’s hard with the RA...I can’t kneel or anything like that. But have a google of stretches for fibro and see how it goes. Swimming is also great if you can manage it.

Drugs will need to be looked at by your GP or specialist. But there’s basic info here: nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyal...

Good luck xx

[bobbybobb]

With Fibromyalgia what might work for one might not work for another. Its all trial and error to find out what's right for us. If someone suggest something, try it if it doesn't,t work move on and try something else. As for medications the same if you GP prescribes you something and you find it's not working, you need to let them know so they can look at trying another medication that you might be more suited to. Xx

[tamnwill]

Thank you all of you - I’ll start today

I have probiotics and Epsom salts, shall get some 1000 mg bit C. I take a cocktail of vitamins and minerals as going through the menopause also 🙄 . I’ll look at the links too and make some changes.

I really appreciate you all replying. To go from heathy to bu**ered is mentally damaging as well as physically, but you’d know that. Again, thank you xxxx

[Gooddaysagain]

Thanks, Zoonie, I love to help (stick my nose in) where I can..... bit too tired today tho', so listening to Smooth radio while indulging in a bit of 'sad' - I find it cathartic and saves me getting ratty with anyone else. Dx

[CheetieCat]

Hi Tam

Magnesium spray is really good to use on any muscle cramp/pain, restless legs & they also do a joint spray with mag & glucosamine, my partner has PA & he uses it mainly for knee & hand pain with good results.