What's your own personal theory about what causes FM/CFS/ME?

*I must have been a very bad person in other life to be made to suffer the way I am in this one.

*Whether it be accident, illness or my case a difficult pregnancy.

*That really isn't how it works. Bad things happen to all people.

*me too !!

*Working theory on both my FM and ME is that they have been caused by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

*My theory is when the dr don't know what's causing all your symptoms its fibro.

*I've just had my adrenal's checked by saliva tests and they are showing signs of fatigue. This seems to be the first thing that has made sense to me as a cause, as I think this started in me after a very challenging trip to Nepal whilst ill with several illnesses. It was obviously just too much for my body.

*In my case I think traumatic child hood as was physically abused plus other life problems and stress

*I agree some type of trauma or illness...I was extremely anaemic with the birth of my last daughter. This is when I was diagnosed. I have read it could be brought on by trauma or illness. Whatever, the cause, I pray my daughters don't have to experience this (which there have been signs). It's not all in your head as they first thought 23 yrs.
I was lucky to have a doc that diagnosed this 23 yrs ago, only thing is. I have had a few docs since then, and I especially remember one. I told him I had fibro, so everything that was wrong with me even sore throat was because of fibro.
He stood in the door one day and said, you have fibro, it's never gonna get any better, only worse and you have to deal with it. I looked at him and said, and you think I am paying for that advice. OMG sometimes it was like DUH. tell me something that I don't already know!

*I recently saw a Dr. very knowledgeable about this. It was at a Fibromyalgia & Fatigue clinic, several of them in the US. It may very well be in the adrenal's or anywhere in the body where the mitochondria of the cells don't allow the proper nutrients in. It can be genetic or caused by emotional or physical trauma.

*Faulty cellular apotheosis due to damaged cytochrome C or damage to the ion exchange cycle in mitochondrial respiration causing cells to Glycolise and become inefficient releasing ATP into the body to cause ALL KNOWN SYMPTOMS of Fibromyalgia.

*There could be a few ways I got F/M. I had mono and viral meningitis when I was in high school. I also had a hysterectomy and 2 c-sections. Then I got a divorce and found out after 3 years that he molested my daughter. he abused both of the children and me through out the marriage. I think stress and add on a low immune system came together to cause my F/M. At least that's what the Dr's have told me.

*Wish I knew. I have still to be officially diagnosed but my gp agrees with me, that it seems very much like fibro that I'm suffering. Back at rheumatologist in early June, however he was more interested in the fact that I have haemochromotosis even though I'm female.

*I used to say In a past life I was a man that used and abused women and this life is my punishment, but I guess I finally paid my dues cause life is grand.

Adrenal's makes sense to me, since the main triggers (physical and/or emotional trauma) would very much involve adrenal overload.

*I don't know - mine started to appear shortly after I had my first ever bout of hayfever.

*Stress, stress and more stress caused by things that have happened in your lives.

*I'm pretty sure my fibro started after I had a small accident falling off of a motorcycle. It was shortly after the accident that I started feeling these horrible symptoms of fibro.

*I've had my symptoms for at least 15 years, and it's hard to pinpoint an actual start and one cause, but I've had several traumas/illnesses that could have led to it. I had likely Rheumatic Fever as a baby, then several bouts with "mock mono" as pre/early teen. I'm also hypermobile and have had several serious injuries, all which could have contributed.
If I were to pick just one, I'd say the "mock mono" as that was closest to the time it started, and it's believed to be a cause.

*My doc says it's caused by Hashimoto's and Sjorgren's Syndrome. I think it has something to do with emotional trauma. I fought so hard to help my son, he has a form of autism, to be able to be in mainstream school that I basically couldn't breathe until I knew he would be all right.
When he reached all his goals and was thriving, then I fell apart physically. I feel like I was holding my breath for 5 years. Now he is doing wonderfully and is above average academically, and socializes beautifully with his peers, I am so thankful. Thank the Lord! I wouldn't change anything, because my son may not be where he is today.

*I feel the same way. I must have been a helion! Lol, honestly I think its a virus of some kind, although I was extremely abused as a child too so. I'm not positive.

*Adrenal's would be one thing. I have a tumour in the left adrenal medulla that was discovered in 2006. Adrenal's have so much to do with the nervous system. I've also experienced major traumas of all types my entire life, physical, emotional, mental and 9 major surgeries.

*Aliens. The end.

*A sense of humour is a must, if this was an ultra bad day I would have written many many more words, love to all

*I've done so much research into this & I've put together my own "theory" as it could loosely be called. I've had a lot of stress & trauma, both physical & emotional from my teens onwards so this fits. I can't remember the technical terms, but I have read plenty of research that supports this.

Basically the body gets stuck in the "fight or flight" state. Stress hormones are released too freely & the body doesn't flush away the stress hormones the way it should and over time this "poisons" your whole system.

This means the body is constantly trying to tense up (ready to run or fight) & this draws blood away from the organs meaning they have to work harder, the hormones keep firing & don't get fully replenished OR flushed out so we live in a permanent state of "whole body anxiety" almost!
No wonder we feel tired, ill & achy so much of the time!

*One doc I saw said that eventually they will come to the conclusion that it is all auto-immune.

*I think it's something to do with the spine and trapped fluid.

*I know of too many people who were victims of abuse who's immune systems just went haywire that now have CFIDS or FM.

*Stress, Physical Trauma, Mine came on hard after a motorcycle accident, then had to have my thyroid removed due to a sudden case of Graves disease, then a hysterectomy due to endometriosis, all within about 18 months. But before that I suffered A LOT of physical abuse and stress from a very abusive relationship. Done a number on me, then came the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia in 1990.

*Stress, physical & emotional trauma. I was abused physically as a child, emotionally and physically in my early 20s. Went on to work in a very stressful environment. I was a go getter, handled everything in my job and at home until the day fibro hit me.

*After my second child I had many problems including an infection with a temp of 105 and had to stay in the hospital for 12 days. I think this is when it started. I haven't felt the same since then and that was 14 years ago.

*It is autoimmune, like Lupus.

*Started by me coxsackievirus.

*I think it's part genetics. I inherited mine, but triggered by other factors, mine was food poisoning and then later on a virus, traumatic childbirth didn't help either!
The virus had the most impact, that was when my energy finally deserted me! Glad it had no effect on my sense of humour though!

*I feel blessed someone shared with me, feel now it is up to me to share it with others. What others do with it is up to them. I love you Fibro duck. You help us all share, learn & heal with given this place to chat. Thanks!

*I think it has to due with trauma. I was in a car accident that I ended up hitting my head. I think it made all brain connections go crazy & now I only receive "Pain" signals, and stress on top of the pain only makes it worse!

*My theory is autoimmune also. Several of my family had autoimmune diseases. I was diagnosed with Lupus for 12 years then the tests started coming back negative. I, too, had rheumatic fever, mono, pneumonia, stress upon stress, and been assaulted.
I have had insomnia all my life and I feel it is a major contributor. The onset occurred by my reckoning, after the birth of my first child when my thyroid started losing function. This is the end of my whine, thanks I feel better now. 8=)

*Stress/trauma both physical and emotional to the point where body says "no I've had enough" and gives in to FMS/CFS/ME type illnesses.

*I don't really know what my theory is and I probably spend too much time researching FMS to see what it could have caused it.

My first symptoms started when I was 11 just after starting secondary school. At the time I did consider much else other than the pain and for 4 years that was all I complained about to the doctor cause I assumed everything else was because of the pain. Thinking back now around that time I had the worst flu I've ever had (I used to survive badly with flu until I started getting flu jabs) and I started my periods, as well as starting secondary school and throughout childhood there were family stresses.

So I agree in the idea that it could start from a viral infection, as well as stress triggering it. I spend my life feeling wound up and on edge, never knowing what my body will throw at me. I currently live with my boyfriend and find I am constantly biting at him if I wake up in pain, even though it's not his fault at all. If I have energy and don't feel too much pain I can be so happy and giggling, and feel like a child again. But whenever I feel my energy levels going or my pain increasing, or other things such as an IBS flare-up, I find it completely changes my mood and its one of the most difficult parts to deal with sometimes.

I'm currently at university, and though I struggle with both the course and social side, I thoroughly love it. I want to be a teacher when I'm older, and hopefully I'll be able to manage my dream.
To everyone else suffering out there, Stay positive.

*Severe stress

*It is interesting to me how many different theories there are. I associated mine with the horrible labour of my first son followed by food poisoning and possibly the depo shot.
Since then, I have come to believe that a lot of the 'poison' that we call food is a major contributing factor. My symptoms have completely changed with a healthy diet involving lots of fruits and veggies and water. If I have dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, grease, or pretty much any processed food I immediately notice symptoms flaring up.

*A common thread I see through these posts and in life is abuse.

*I think maybe the birth of my daughter @ 24 weeks and the trauma after though was told by doc after the birth of my son that my white blood cells were way too high and if I felt ill to see gp only remembered that when it was too late . It has already taken hold big time ,just didnt know it then!

*My theory, An overload of a chemical called "Substance P" that is found in the area of the brain responsible for perceiving pain. The overload causes your brain and central nervous system to not communicate properly, thus causing you to have pain for seemingly no reason at all. I think the overload of the chemical is caused as a response to prolonged periods of high stress and/or depression (due to trauma, illness, etc.)

WIKI link

*XMRV!

*stress

*Stress! Probably caused by very messy divorce
Now very happy with my wonderful partner and he has to take care of me because of somone elses actions : NOT FAIR!
But am happy now, that's all that counts

*I think it's your thyroid!

*autoimmune gene or deficiency that's inherited, common in RA families

*Hormones.

*I go with the American research that it is neurological like M.S, something the medical profession here fail to acknowledge, surprise surprise!

*An extreme emotional trauma! I do know that is when mine started up.
An accident with head trauma. I think both "scrambled"

*many bad life situations such as rape, abuse, and molestation, ie. stress. And repeated physical abuse like repetitive sports or weight lifting. CFS, a virus. ME, a virus.

*Mine started after I had RSI in my wrist.

*Could likely be combination of things. past head injuries, car accident, improper dental amalgam removal, exposure to toxic chemicals- natural gas poisoning, severe stress, and adrenal's giving out. Its like collapse poof you are down. Oh yes, forgot losing best friend to suicide and stressful past career. I am surprised I lasted as long as I did before full blown illness. With knowledge I have now. Mitochondrial damage of some sort too.

*I had a bad case of mono as a teen and then Epstein Barr/Chronic Fatigue in my early 20s. Had a few years of being okay then a car accident.

In total, how many tablets do you take on any given day?

*16

*Close to 30

*At least 6 a day. It goes up if I take anything for the pain.

*18 and a big brandy for toothache today!

*3

*8 minimum.

*2

*It's 25+ lost count round then ran out of fingers.

*Including vitamins too many to count. Meds only 14.

*Was up to 23 but have given up!

*14 minimum.

*Depends on how much pain I'm in. 2 that I have to take every day regardless (thankfully they're small as I have trouble swallowing) and up to 12 if I'm in a lot of pain!

*used to be loads but now 1 a day, which I've just remembered I have forgot to take today, once a week it 4 then twice its 3

*I used to take between five to six a day but I had to cut down as I found that I was immune to them.

*I was up 2 30, but i dont see the point, now im down 2 12 just 500grams paracetamol and 400 grams ibuprofen every 4hrs.

*22 on a good day

*36

*30 tablets, which includes all meds, pain killers, vitamins etc.

*Wow! Is this all for the pain of fibromyalgia or are some of the pills for CFIDS as well? I only take synthroid. I'm afraid to take lots of meds because I have reacted badly in the past.

*On a good day 13, otherwise I have to take co-codamol on top.

*Way too many, I am scared to count them. I am trying HARD to get off a lot of them. I have had GREAT success by going to a wonderful Chiropractor and he is making adjustments to my neck and back.
Check out the internet regarding the "atlas" in your neck, the upper most movable bone in your neck, it protects your brain stem but it also has over 7 Trillion nerves running through it! My pain level is so much lower since I have been going to him.

*24 but does go up during hay fever season, hate taking them, but if I stopped I know I'd be a puddle of water on the floor.

*Would love to know what kind of "tablets" people are taking, seems I've tried everything out there, but I'm always wondering if some new combination might just be the ticket.

*you have to be careful of the herbs or natural stuff though. I have been told that they can react with certain meds.

*27

*30 if I add all the supplements and such to help alleviate the joint pain. I also use a chiropractor, massage therapist and reflexologist to help. And it has. I can often go 2 to 3 months before having to get my break-through meds refilled.
I cannot take the monavie or noni juice or any of those things because of my kidney disease.

*25

*oh my - about 16 and insulin.

*13

*14 tablets a day that's not including the liquid medication.

*Used to take 10, but got off them and do it all herbal now feel great!

*26

*4 on a good day, mainly supplements. On a flare day can be 10+. Used to be much more but I am finding most meds make me worse so prefer to go down the supplement route.

*on good days about 15, I think I should rattle when I walk!

*12

*Usually between 9 and 11.

*Am I the only one that pain meds don't help my pain? I take zero a day because nothing helps the pain but rest. I do take an occasional Atavan when my sleep issues are interfering with my functioning.

*15 a day plus painkillers, vit pills, inhalers and a glass of CherryActive.
02 May at 19:22 · · Flag.Debbie Deboo about 16 not including supplements. Painkillers (two types), ropinirole, thyroxine, antihistamine, melatonin.

*I take 22 a day!

*About 14 god that is scary.

*Not too many, but do have a patch for pain relief.

*15 plus or minus a few, additional pain meds, if necessary.

*Between 12 and 19 and a constant patch, occasional hay fever tablet's and inhalers. think that's it.

*I take 16 a day. 9 in the morning and 7 at night.

*11

*wow I feel very blessed right now, lots of you must rattle everyday as you have to take so many meds. I take between 11 and 15 pending on how much pain I am in.

*I have yet to find a pill that helps with the pain!! I am trying to learn to pace myself, if I overdo one day(a good day) then I pay for it by having to have bed rest for a couple of days later. Fibro sucks, it has taken away so much from me.
But on the bright side, I have met so many people that also have it that I have made life long friends!

*Around 20 depending on how bad I am- that includes Thyroxine and supplements. Was on a lot more but cut down.

*14 most days can be more if really bad day.

*Your situation sounds more like mine than the others I read here. Pain meds do not help my fibro pain. And yes Fibro sucks.

*Zero!

*Minimum of 2 on a good day and 18 on a day 1 as allergic to most of them.

*20, if I remember to take them all :S Funnily enough, I never forget the painkillers though!

*23 a day plus morphine patches

*Now about 34

*Oops forgot my vitamins so the total is about 40

*Supplements, plenty. Other, zero!

*Thirty one - Twelve of them supplements.

*Zero. Five years now all natural! Except for the occasional ibuprofen when I really need something!

*About 20 but have bu-trans patch too, also Bipolar.

*44 and feel like every one bruises my throat. And seems like more get added every time I go to doctors.

*About 10 depends on symptoms.

*On average 21, at the minute for all my problems.

*24-30, depending how much pain I am in on any given day, but I also have osteoarthritis as well as fibro, and panic attacks so the 24 cover everything.

*10

*42 including probiotics, vitamins, allergy medicines, without counting migraines and osteoporosis! I wouldn't give up any--they make a difference.

*1 amitriptyline at night. Sometimes 3 diclofenac sometimes 8 paracetamol.

*When I had insurance and could afford my medication: 30mg Cymbalta 2x, 12.5mg ambien, muscle relaxants (cant remember name) 3 to 4x, multi-vitamin, calcium, vitamin D. So, up to 10. not counting the pain killers.

*I can take up to 22

*I forgot the allergy pill & the prn inhaler. And the extra antihistamine

*For fibro? 0 - 1 lortab if the pain is bad. But it gives me migraines so I seldom take those. 0-2 aleve when I dont feel like taking a lortab.

*14 a day now but my highest was 23 a day.

*About 15 including pregabalin,diclofenac and my pain patch ooh and my migraine ones when needed! plus all the antibiotics I'm on lately! and vitamins! I should also rattle.

* currently only take 4, but am looking for an herbal alternative! Any ideas? I have FM and SLE

*I also stopped using meds as it didn't help at all. I just rest whenever I can and take it easy. I just try coping with the pain.

*None

*Between 10 and 16, god isn't that awful!

*16 at least.

*Can't do the maths!

*none

*5, plus 3 inhalers and a nasal spray.

*19 on most days, if I am having a really bad day I have been known to take another 3

*14

*It's interesting reading all the different drugs people have tried. My Doctor hasn't tried even half of them on me yet, so maybe I should have more hope and take a list to my Doc! I've not even heard of pain patches before. Thank you for sharing.

*between 10 & 15 plus inhaler

*19

*About 30.

*only 5 prescription meds daily, but then there's the over the counter stuff to counteract the effects of those meds. then there's the pain killers. I'm too scared to add them up.

*only 8 1/2 and lots of horse tablet sized supplements. I do have Ankylosing Spondylitis too though. Not on any painkillers as such! I found that moving to a part of the world with almost no humidity made me TONS better. Good job because now I have to pay for my meds I can only just about afford them here.

*2 unless headache or severe body aches

*Oh yes forgot my vitamins so 5

*5 meds but some are prn. the rest are supplements. What does it matter really.

*Way too many. A lot are vitamins and natural stuff.

*2 on a good day, 16 on a bad. I try to use heated wheat bags instead of painkillers when I can- find it helps for back and leg pain.

*14-18 depending on how much pain I am in and if I have a migraine. I do have some other health issues though.

*11

*8

Gentle exercise

The medical profession suggest some form of gentle exercise, is beneficial those managing FM/ME/CFS, what kind of gentle exercise how you found beneficial?

*walking to the fridge and back,
but seriously, if I can manage it, a gentle walk is about it.

*I can't do any, it exhausts me then I have to sleep for hours

*Palates helps a lot.

*You know what? I'm constantly doing gentle exercise and I haven't found any beneficial!

*Aquatic therapy is very helpful and relaxing!

*I'm with Above - walk to the fridge! Sometimes I sit on my yoga ball- gentle stretching seems to work out well.

*Walking and a light gym regime given by the physio

*None, well I'm feeling better I can do a little bit of walking which brightens my day but that's all it does. It does nothing to help with the illness itself.

*I have several outdoor only dogs (Siberian Huskies) watering and feeding them is my exercise. I rest all morning then take care of them followed by rest the rest of the day and night. I can no longer brush them or play with them but I'm still able to show them love by sitting down at eat dog and petting and hugging them.

*I used to play rugby & football years ago, now I'm exhausted just living day to day! Clearing up after kids and a husband is enough. Yoga& aqua aerobics is good, but haven't done it in ages! Motivation is nil with FM.

*I swim but its not help with the pain or fatigue. I do it just to try and help but my body defiantly doesn't think its helping was going to try tai chi anyone tried it? but not sure if I cant handle swimming

*Still working! Plus housework when I can. More than enough exercise for me.

*Only thing I've every found that works is hydrotherapy. As every other thing else just wears me out, so making me worse.

*Most days, like TODAY, I can barely walk never mind even think of exercise!

*I try light walking, but after 10 minutes, I am in horrific pain. I'm sure exercise would be beneficial if we could just manage to do it!

Hydrotherapy is great, nly wish I could use it. I wind up getting Charlie horses in both the upper and lower legs.
Any other suggestions other than hydrotherapy?

*Do the people who suggest the "gentle" exercise have FM ? If they did they would understand that there is NO such thing as gentle exercise in our world!

*I used to go to the gym about 4 times a week at least before the Fibro and ME hit and now I can barely move most days, if I do any repetitive movements no matter how small they make me ache more and wear me out and if I can do them today I will suffer for the next few days.

*I always hated it when another doctor would suggest exercise to me. I can't do it, what do you not understand about that?
I would spend one hour exercising and not be able to get out of bed for a week. But that was then, this is now.
I love doing yoga when I feel up to it, mainly for the stretching which feels so good! I have two young children also, and keeping up with them is more than enough exercise for me.

*No Pain no Gain. I have a friend 16 years ahead of me with FM, back then It was not found out that you HAVE to work the body. She cant walk and hold her arms up, her limbs are done because she sat still as back then the doctors told her to.

*I definitely feel better overall for regular moderate exercise. My overall pain levels are far worse if I'm consistently inactive. I don't always feel good immediately after exercising, in fact it can leave me floored and feeling utterly dreadful.
BUT I have experimented and I am definitely worse overall without exercise. I do a careful mix of yoga, Wii Fit, walking and badminton.

*Yes hydrotherapy is Great ! even better if you can work out in it! I sleep in a warm water bed, and live hard till I climb (on my hand & knees almost) Into a hot shower or the hot tub.
We control are body's are body don't(or should not) control us!

*Yoga helps. I have a wonderful teacher who understands Fibro, peace and love.

*I have never felt better as when I was doing light Yogo and aqua therapy.
I was happy all the time I got serious sleep I was so relaxed, and aqua therapy is amazing!
I never felt "worked over." And I wasn't stiff in the water so I could move! But then Degenerative joint disorder set in, that was slowly the end of exercise, and walking and sitting up straight and well, living.

*I started at a gym this week, just did 20 mins moderately fast pace on treadmill then 4 mins on cross trainer then went onto the toning tables I think they are the best for us with fm/me/cfs as its very gentle but you can speed it up if you feel up to it.

*We have a house so up and down stairs during a good day is exhausting enough.

*Walking is ok for me on good days, don't try to carry anything though (ie. groceries). Anything that is non repetitive is fine. But only on good days. Don't go by what others can do, even others with FM. Clearly some are more able than others. Never let anyone make you feel guilty for what you are unable to do. We are all different.

*A hobble round the field with the dog n my girlie. Don't need any more as she has autism and runs rings around me!

*I've found my Wii Fit is great, I do the gentle step exercises, hula hoop & yoga when I feel well enough.

*Agreed!

*I have to use a cane to walk now and that is even wearing on my arms and shoulders. I have had to move my bedroom to the first floor, couldn't handle the steps any more and have fallen down them a time or 2.
Suggestion: pick up a small tool apron too wear, it helps with carrying items from one place to another.

*I just finished a research proposal for school and actual studies have found that aerobic exercise in warm water is beneficial to painful joints and muscles. It also helps improve mental cognition.
My problem with it is time and expense but I have found a class where the water is always warm and I do only what I feel like I can do. It is wonderful.

*I'm part of a hospital fitness programe (stretching and using exercise equipment) and find that it defiantly helps with fibro - if I get a flare up it doesn't seem to last as long. also just bought the new easytone trainers and they gently help muscles in legs without me really noticing it.
I agree that sometimes it's painful to exercise but I just try to do a little bit less than I normally would.
Running around after my daughter also keeps me active. exercise also helps me feel more positive that I'm not going to let Fibro stop me living my life, just have to go about things in a different way to people without it.

*I try to do palates or yoga twice a week- my instructor "gets" Fibro so she's quite careful making sure I don't overdo. the other days I try to walk for about 20 minutes. I also walk around a lot at work but that's it.
Any repetitive exercises kill me after a couple of days. Once I retire I hope to find an inexpensive place for warm water exercise.

*I have 3 dogs which I have to force myself to walk each day. Every walk I do with them is very painful, but I make myself keep going as I had to give up my running 3 years ago cause of Fibro, and I am determined it wont make me give up my walking!
It is agonising when I get back, I have to lie down.

*The ones suggesting this do they have fibro!

*I just don't have the energy for exercise, just going up and down the stairs is enough! Thank God I now have a downstairs loo. I long to live in a flat!

*There's nothing gentle about exercise!

*Tai Chi

*Palates

*My rheumatology department do a specific hydrotherapy group for relaxation in the water which keeps joints moving etc in 26 degree water *bliss*
I am still in the arthritis programme at the minute but will be put into the Fibro group after so will let you know how it goes.
The hydrotherapy pool at the hospital here can be used on some evenings for people to continue their "exercises" (mine are ankle circling, side steps across the pool, bending knees then walking back across the pool)independently.
Might be worth an ask at your hospital.

*Heated pool usually considered too hot to swim in.

*Tai Chi! After an MRI, Dr wanted to do surgery on my left shoulder, said I had torn rotator cuff. I had way too much anxiety for that, so began Tai Chi.
No surgery, shoulder worked fine, that was about 4 years ago.
Gives my back and muscles a great stretch, deep breathing and centres me so less stress. B/P came down also.

*On better days I make myself take a short, slow walk on the beach with the dog, it keeps me moving, can't do it often but always feel better mentally if nothing else.
Stretching helps too, it's important to move what you can when you can, to try and slow the deterioration.

*Yoga, specifically Rodney Yee's dvds. Yoga for beginners is great - even on really bad days it's easy enough to do.

*Hydrotherapy is the only exercise that's helped me. Walking causes muscles in my legs to spasm and stop working properly but gentle stretching also seems to help.
However, hydro has to be done in a warm pool for me or I get the cramping problems. They've just closed the only hydro pool within miles so that exercise isn't happening either right now.
However, I'm still working and busy in my day so I'm hoping that helps (if only a fraction of formal exercise).

*I am lucky enough to be able to go to a hydrotherapy pool once a week, (although getting there is a bit of an issue as it's in the next town and I don't drive), and gentle stretches in the warm water really do seem to help, especially as I can do as much or as little as I feel up to doing.
I'm looking into other physio though as I need to lose weight.

*Have done Palates class for a number of years. Great for strengthening muscles and straightening the body out. Also have a jacuzzi and swim weekly.

*Water therapy.

*Great question!
A water aerobics program was suggested, but when I feel so awful, the last thing I want to do is get into a bathing suit in front of a bunch of strangers! Not only that but being alone I had to think about driving some place and getting there on time several times a week - that was out of the question for me.
Still a big challenge.
BUT - I have found that moving around in WARM water is not only very relaxing but soothes the soul as well.
I was fortunate to find a home early last fall with a pool. It's a mixed blessing because it's expensive, but for the few weeks I could use it I found I went from just floating around to actually trying to swim a "lap" or 2.
Hopefully it will offset the *devastating* effects of the summer heat here in Phoenix!
Of course, gentle stretching is also a big help to me!

*Natural Solutions & Supplements to Restore Balance

*I have come to the conclusion that there is no gentle exercise that helps (who are these medics trying to kid!) I would love some of these experts to have fibro for half a day, see how they cope, what they manage to achieve and whether they find excercise beneficial!
Sorry for the rant! anyway I make myself go out for walks. these don't help at all and quite often I hobble back, but I would go crazy if I let this illness get the better of me, rant over!

*Yoga does miracles, walking too!

*Wow. I feel like everyone else here, taking care of pets, housework, water exercise, walking - just getting there is the biggest step.

*Have never tried yoga so after reading this think I'll give it a go, as there is no hydrotherapy pool locally thanks for that everyone

*Walking is not gentle exercise. Its higher impact than doing yoga or water exercises, so of course you're going to be in a lot of pain after.
Doing very gentle exercises and stretches WILL improve your flexibility and make you feel better (maybe not immediately Sedentary is NOT a healthy lifestyle, no matter what health problems you have to move!

*Walking the treadmill while watching TV and/or surfing the internet. My netbook fits just right on the treadmill. I have put in for some occupation therapy to get a little strength training.

*I used to be able to do more exercise when I was pain meds but now I can only do a very small amount. I keep moving and walk most days for with my dog but do become very exhausted by the pain.

*Games on the Wii Fit, stimulate the brain and make you laugh.

*You just have to find a self management plan that works best for you. And if nothing works; don't feel bad about it.
I have found through trial & error that yoga and any light stretching helps to bring the pain down a few notches sometimes.
Stretching bands are good because they're like weights & keep you toned but they don't place strain on the muscles.

*Just seen a physio a couple of days ago, she gave me some exercises for my shoulders and arms. So I'm pending on this question, need to try something, because I'm becoming more stiff each day.
Just contacted a lady who runs a local group for Fibro last night, and their next meeting in two weeks, there is a fibro physio attending, I think it's healthcare professionals like this which we should all be seeing. So far I've had little or no help or understanding from my GP.

*Relaxation.

*If fatigue allows, hanging in the pool on a noodle lets me move all parts of me without much effort. But, I can easily wreck myself due to the ease of buoyancy. Move now, pay later?

*It depends entirely on how bad my "fatigue factor" is. If I'm achy, but able to stay out of bed, I do whatever I feel up to. That might only mean going up and down stairs a few times in a day, or it could mean breaking ground for a new flowerbed, or rearranging the BIG rocks around my fish ponds.
Moving makes me sore initially, but unless overexertion triggers a crash, I end up feeling stronger, ergo, better. During a crash, even lifting myself out of bed becomes too much to endure.
The sheer variability of my FMS/ME/CFS is maddening, and makes it hard to say how much I can, or should, do.

*So far - None.

*Sad to read how everyone of us suffers so doggone bad. We all try our best, knowing we should 'move', hurting or fatigued too badly to do so, sorry if we don't, yet can't.
We all do what we can, when we can, and I think my husband said it best when asked some years ago "if I could still do anything". He replied, 'oh sure, she can still do lots of things, just not for long, or for a long time afterwards'!

*Sorry but I haven't found anything that helps, any attempt I make at being active sets me back even further.
I use crutches to walk any time I leave the house and if I do too much on them then my arms are useless for the next few days.
I am in agony climbing the stairs at home, when I was first diagnosed I swam and walked my dogs, I cant even do that any more. My husband made the same response.

Medics Aware Gallery

Don't forget to take duck to your next medical appointment - we want a photo of your doctor/nurse/consultant holding Fibroduck, we'll put them in our new medics aware gallery, which I'm working on right now, lets honour those medics who are FM/ME/CFS aware.

*What is ME? I know what FM/CFS is, but not sure what ME is.

*ME is just like chronic fatigue syndrome except "Where the one essential characteristic of M.E. is acquired CNS [central nervous system] dysfunction, that of CFS is primarily chronic fatigue."
Apparently.

*Same as CFS virtually. It's just was us Brit's call it.

*but more severe.

*I need to find a doc in Aberdeen who believes in Fibro!

*I'd like to launch the new Medics aware gallery as part of our awareness day events on May 12th. At present we have seven medics aware :)

*I'll have to send my mum a duck for her next rheumy appointment (we share the same doctor.

*Thanks for the info. I have a loved one with CFS.

*Gave my fibro duck card to my OT

*My GP asked what the fibroduck keyring was.

*I don't do Doctors no more, more mess ups with them then with out them. Not just me I had a buddy have his leg taking off, for NO reason. I'm sure the money was good, then gave him a by pass. that he did need! Can't sue in Canada.

*HI all, Where do you get the ducks from?

*What a cool idea!

*The section is built and ready to go next month, I just have to publish the page on the day. More photos would be great, not just any old Medic though, they must be FM aware/friendly to go on this gallery :)

*Cool idea, IF my Dr knew much about FM/CFS. I was handed off to this one by the Dr that left 2 yrs ago, not once has he sat down & talked with me. Just writes my scripts, which I appreciate, but come on. To find a Dr, I would have to pay for visit with each one, I don't want all my meds messed with, I just want some one that actually knows how to pronounce fibromyalgia!

*But I think the time has come where my money has to be spent on specialist doctors, I'm sick of being messed around :(

*Can't wait to press the 'publish' button come awareness day!
It's all ready to go with 7 medics up there at present although we welcome more please! They must be FM/CFS/ME/MS aware-friendly

*Does Eastern and Central Oregon, USA count??? My two guys are the best in the States! They deserve recognition.

*Yup they can be from anywhere cos it's a worldwide project.

*Ok will do. Hope I have the time!

Question about Pregnancy

If one day there was a test that could be carried out during pregnancy, that would determine beyond all doubt, whether your child would go on to develop FM. Would you continue with the pregnancy if it proved positive?

*YES YES YES
No doubt whatsoever that a child with FM is better than no child at all.
There will no doubt be a cure when they reach my age anyway.

*No I wouldn't continue it's such a dreadful problem an even as an adult I find carrying on so damn hard.

*Would be something that would have to decide at the time. I don't think you could possibly no until your in the situation!

*knowing personally how terrible this illness is I wouldn't ever bring a child into this world to suffer this life.

*Yes I would no doubt about it and hopefully there will be better treatment or a cure at some point, maybe even for us.

I wouldn't continue either, I'd hate to think I could pass this on. seeing how much health I have lost over recent years, they'd be no joy raising a child to know it may end up just like me.

*It's called Eugenics, be careful!

*Everyone's fibro is different. I could never kill my baby. Who knows how that child will feel. It may not be so bad.

*Yes, without a doubt, hopefully there will be good treatment, etc by then, plus there is no way of knowing how severely a child would be affected! Without wanting to start an argument about "abortion" etc,
I wouldn't consider it unless a child's life was to be absolutely awful, etc; after all you never know what could happen to a child- a simple fall in a playground could leave your child severely brain damaged, etc.

*Don't forget that medical science will be able to send nanobots into the body to switch off the pain signals in the future.
They can already send nanobots into the bloodstream to target cancer cells, FM is not so different.
And I agree fully on the Eugenics point.
Love is not hindered by disability and the benefit works both for the parent and the child.

*Truthfully I don't know. My fibro has also been complicated by Trigeminal Neuralgia and I have sometimes also wondered if I can stand the pain much longer.
Auto immune diseases morph into more issues and I don't think anyone understands what it is to live with nothing but pain, so bad death looks good.

*I'm not sure, I wouldn't wish this on anyone least of all my own child, and it would be selfish to want a baby and not think of what they will go through, but there could be help for this by the time the child developed it. It's not a choice I would want to face

*I would still go a head, we never know what medical interventions are around the corner, life is life and it's important.

*I would avoid this issue in the first place. As a human being, I have become useless thanks to fibro. I can't imagine trying to be a parent to any kind of child--healthy or not. It's enough of a victory I can get out of bed to use the toilet.

*No. It's a horrid illness for someone to live with.

*I know without a doubt that I would do anything to ensure my childs life. my Dr. because I had suggested I abort my child, least to say my son is 23 and does have FM.
I almost lost him while pregnant. I had ovarian cancer I would have gladly died to save him.
I loved him the moment he was conceived and love him even more now. He is married to his childhood sweetheart. Ask him if he would rather I murdered him.

*I would have the child, just the same as if my child had Downs Syndrome. It is not my place to decide, all life is precious. Who better to have a child with FM than a parent who has it.

*Yes of course still go through with it. Fibro not nice but it not life threatening and affects different poeple in different ways. Without a doubt would carry on.

*Even though my fibro sucks I would still carry on with the pregnancy because
1. you never know what sort of cure they cud cum up with and 2. there are worse and debilitating conditions a person can have.

*Yes.

*yes I would, I have 6 beautiful daughters and Fibromyalgia and severe trigenemal neuralgia and tmj amongst other things.
I do however think I am more than just an illness and fight daily to stay strong. if i knew my child would have it, then I would help her grow up to be strong and appreciate what we CAN do rather than what we CANT.
I am 90% certain 1 of my girls is developing it but she knows its "liveable" as she sees me "living" and if my mother had been given this choice and decided I wasn't to be born then this world would be without not only me but my little grandkids.

*Yes but I would go on with a pregnancy regardless,, unless the foetus had no brain or something like that.

*I am the child of an FM sufferer and I have been diagnosed recently with FM but my mother was in her 30's when her symptoms started and she was diagnosed officially in the UK in 2002/3. I am now in my 40's with 4 lovely children and a grandchild and until recently have had a wonderful life etc, that's how you look at that situation the child would have a life before the illness takes hold hopefully like me, but I know why you ask the question as the pain is so intense most days makes you wonder.

*I can`t even hold a 8lb infant. Living in pain constantly. Living in poverty does not help. Be grateful if you have a partner or family well off enough to help.

*I am very disturbed by this question. FMS is no fun, but I had 38 wonderful years and during that time I barely had a sniffle.
There are so many more illnesses that affect a child from birth for the rest of their lives, and even then, I would not terminate a pregnancy. I believe in pro-choice. But are the people here forgetting that they most of them had some good years before this illness set in. I hate the condition I have, but I love the blessings that I have been given.
And in some ways, I am a better person because of my FMS. In my battle to live with the condition, I gave up some things that weren't all that important anyway. And I gained everything by doing that.

*Yes

*Yes I would

*I agree fully. I have fms and my teen daughter does also. my heart breaks when she flares or when the emotiional stress gets too much.
FM is a very painful, stressful and emotional disease to deal with. but as with all human life everyone has something that affects them either physically or emotionally. and we can choose to let it control us or we control it.
Life is not about weather we can run, skip or jump. its about the people we love and have in our lives.
FM will not dictate weather or not my life was worth living when I pass, I will.

*Yes I would

*This question is a very disturbing. Unlike the majority of sufferers, I have had the condition as long as I can remember, it is thought to have been triggered by a streptococcal infection I contracted at age 11 months.
I have had periods in my life where I have been house bound by the condition but feel my quality of life has been far greater than some people I know of who are free from any medical condition.
Life is what you make it you can choose to face the obstacles it presents or you can sit down and admit defeat.

*NO!

*I am appalled by this question!! Should we terminate all pregnancies 'just in case they get ill?' I have rheumatoid arthritis and also fms and I refuse to let it determine my happiness.
Yes it's very hard at times not being able to do what most other young mums of toddlers take for granted but my life is so worth living.
I live for seeing the two little lives I have created grow into caring and loving individuals who don't see disabilities when they meet people, and if they develop RA or fms I will help them deal and control their conditions so that the conditions don't control them!.

*I realise that some of the questions may make people uneasy, but I make no apologies for asking this or any other question. What we read may not be pretty or nice some times, but it's always worth calmly discussing.
The idea behind the questions is not only to educate but also to explore. Some questions and their responses have had me in tearsbut it doesn't mean the subjects shouldn't be explored. It just means some days I prefer to skip certain questions.
I don't feel this question is harmful, I do feel it helps those not dealing with this illness, to understand how it can make us feel at times.

* most certainly would have the child. I have been asked a similar question by people, because I am deaf and both my now grown up children are.
They also have had other health issues in their lives. However I helped them to deal with these, and whilst they were young I enjoyed them so much.
I am so proud of who they are+where they are now. Life is so precious, yes the pain is awful, but not as awful as terminating a life!

*That's a very difficult question, but I think I would continue as I couldn't ever see myself aborting a baby for fibro.

*Yes, and that is all I will say on that topic.

*Yes, even though Fibro is extremely painful and brings along with it its own daily challenges we can all be thankful it’s not life threatening, and at the end of the day we all manage to cope with fibro in our own way.
I do this by telling myself daily there are a lot more people out there worse off than me! (without fibro)

*I have just met a 15 yr old that just got diagnosed..she has been suffering for little while thought. She is the youngest person suffering that I know, So using her life as a comparison.
How could you deny a life. She will learn to be strong, she will learn her limits, she will cry and ache and want to give up at times, but she will also find joy in simple things, she will find love from people that care for her and she will find us.
The people that want to reach out and hold her (gently) in our arms and Support her.
This is a life, this is a person, although hurting still worthy of breath.
Ok not another word from me on this topic!

*I wouldn't do the test so wouldn't have to make the decision! the only reason I would have a termination is if the doctors could prove beyond doubt that my child would have absolutely no quality of life

*yes.

*YES!

*I don't know. My son might already be in line for FM as he is hyper mobile and suffers pain for no reason, he's only 12. I just hope he'll be OK

*If I had known I had this horrible condition and that it can be passed on to my children I wouldn't have had any,4 of mine have it. To knowingly bring a child in to the world with this is cruel and selfish.

*My first instinct is to say HELL YES! I would terminate it. I would never knowingly put this illness on another person, nor live with the guilt if I did. This illness has taken almost everything from me: my job, my volunteer work, my confidence, my independence, most of my drive. I have gained things, but it doesn't weigh out with what I have lost.
Then I think more. If I was pregnant and discovered through an amnio that my child may have Downs Syndrome, I would still keep it. I would just be prepared for the challenge. I think that I MIGHT still keep a baby who will get fibro because I could prepare that child as it grows up.
For me, personally, all discussion is moot. I have made the life choice not to have children. There are many reasons why, but my health issues are one of those reason.

*Absolutely

*No I would not inflict this on anyone, I cant manage how you expected a baby to.

*Life is precious, absolutely go a head hugs to all.

*I don't know. I have 2 healthy children but at the same life, I believe my positivity gets me through and to be honest everyone's fibro and outlook to it is very different to each other so it's hard to say.

*Wow, what a loaded question! I think if I knew I had FM/ME/CFS, I'd adopt, rather than have children. But, if I were already pregnant, and found that the baby would develop, I don't think I could abort. Rather, I'd move heaven and earth to help find a cure. (I'm pro-choice, BTW.) Of course, when I had my three children, I'd never heard of these diseases, and now I worry that it might develop in one of them. Please, please, let a cure be found!

*I have had fibro since I was a very young child - as early as I can remember. I have in some ways had a miserable life, in others it has been outstandingly happy and beautiful. I would not change anything about my self, my life or the fact that I have FMS and the fact my daughter also has FMS.
This is who we are, this is what has made us special and this has given us a different purpose in our life. Make the most of it - turn your life into something meaningful and positive.
Life is a precious gift and as someone else has already said this is not life threatening, when you compare FM to so many other cruel diseases out in this world, count your blessings - it could be worse. And don`t say it couldn`t because oh yes, it can always be worse. There are always people better off than us but there will always be people worse off too.
I am not against abortion but I don`t personally feel that FMS is a good enough reason to take your own baby away and not give it a chance in life. some cope better than others, your child may be one who copes. If you feel so against passing this on to the next generation then DON`T get pregnant in the first place, your child has a very high chance of having the gene. Food for thought!

*First it's hard to say I "like" this question BUT this is an issue many women (& men) younger than I will have to deal with. My heart goes out to you.
There are many conditions that MAY be passed from parent to child, not the least of which is severe clinical depression. Who would want to know that their child will suffer that? People with high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes have children and somehow deal with it.
If the parent(s) have learned to live in balance and manage their symptoms (yes it IS possible!) then as one commenter said - who better to raise a child who may eventually develope FMS/CFS, etc. BUT a parent who is informed and active with a healthy, toxin free lifestyle - despite their physical challenges is probably less likely to have achild who will suffer to the same degree many of us have.
Don't expect "medical science" to provide a solution! Would you give a child a drug like Lyrica knowing the side effects! Become informed, be educated, have courage, don't fall into the victim mentality and take steps to take be in control of your own health and well being.
What better GIFT can we bestow upon any child?

*I wouldn't take the test and therefore wouldn't need to bother with the question at hand.

*Well I've asked for this questions to be asked and I think that even if it bothers some people the fact that other find it helpful or interesting means that it should have been posted.
For all of you who said hell yeah I would keep the baby because I've had good years well not all get to have as many good years as you did.
I started developing symptoms around the age of 13 and it became worse with time. it is true that most of us like our lives even though we have to deal with little things as if they were huge tasks but knowingly putting someone else and not only someone but your child in that position.
Well I don't know if id be able to look in their eyes when they couldn't get out of bed.
it is easier when you "get" it after having a family and education but many people I know, and I included, were not lucky enough and have had to sit aside (on the good days most even sitting is too much to ask) while people my age travel, get educated, meet and have fun.
And instead of being supported was being treated like a psycho.
I'm not saying that its an easy choice but making things seem so black and white or just being mad for asking is not the answer.

*Most importantly THANK YOU ALL so so much for sharing as I know how hard it is to face these kids of decisions even when they are only hypothetical.

*Of course I would still continue a pregnancy because it is a life that is not mine to take - BUT I would like to know ahead of time, just like I wanted to know ahead of time when I had my AFP test (screening for various birth defects) and amnio.
In some cases, there are surgical procedures that can be done prior to or immediately after birth. Most importantly it helps you prepare for how to care for your child. Then again preparing for caring for any child is kind of a daunting task at first.

*Who ever feels like having sex in the first place? NOT ME. But if I was that crazy, NO I would not have a baby that would have to go through the pain of FM. I am in so much pain I want to die, there is no way I could even care for a baby for one thing or even love another deeply with this much pain.

*There are so many health conditions and other problems a child can end up getting anyway. FM is not the worst illness. I am sure there are degrees of it and you would not know 100% your child would get it although shows up on a test.
Or the degree of severity they could get. Besides who are we to play with life? Its not ours to take. its kinda of sad to succeed in conceiving, start a life,then consider not allowing the life to continue - due to our worry for them not to have FM.
A child is a blessing period. Also, you don't know what medical advancements will be made or if any alternative treatments will reduce FM symptoms or put into remission for a child born today.
I am the only one in my family to have mcs and some level of FM. So environment may be more of the trigger. So although they have a genetic predisposition- they could possibly prevent it with a careful life. Avoiding toxins and chemicals.

*It really depends on what causes the Fibromyalgia. If it is from contact with a specific virus then it is a hit and miss situation.

*I have had a child while I have had this condition, and have been able to manage. I am extremely pig headed maybe that helps.

*I love my life and have a disabled son who also loves life so I would not even take the test.

Have you worked with or been exposed to chemicals? or have you ever had carbon monoxide poisoning?

*I have been exposed to a variety of chemicals and carbon monoxide but never in high levels I don't think.

*Yes. I worked in a greenhouse with geraniums for over 5 yrs. They sprayed all kinds of pesticides and chemicals there.

*Pollution is no longer just about belching smokestacks and ugly sewer pipes—now, it’s personal. The most dangerous pollution, it turns out, comes from commonplace items in our homes and workplaces. To prove this point, for one week authors Rick S

*Art School/Photo/Pesticides. Rebuilding old house, way too much. I now am canary

*I have to touch money all day. That's about the worst of it. *shudder* Money is disgusting.

*Yes I have been exposed to carbon monoxide. In an office building I worked in.

*I used to work with sulphuric acid, 100% H2O2, fluoric acid, ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), and a host of others.

*I work with chemicals like bleach and sometime ammonia for my job.I hate cleaning with bleach because the smell is stuck with you.I was exposed to freon from a leaky fridge for months before it was replaced.I use a variety of cleaning agents while working and find even with gloves my skin pays for it.

*"I have been made desperately ill by chemicals- fumes from cigarettes, new clothes, perfume, furniture, carpets, anything made from MDF- households products- the list is endless. There was a time I had to wear a mask to help protect me. Anything new we get has either got to be washed- or out into storage to "gas out" before I can use it.
I've been like this since I was a small child, but didn't discover what it was until 1989- by which time I was so full of toxins I thought I was going to die.
That on top of M.E/Fibromyalgia/Endometriosis and Hypothyroidism! I have to be so careful with medications as well.
I was able to go and live by the coast and after 2 years the awful headaches and nausea started to ease. Moved after seven years and though it's not as bad I still have to be very careful".

*I was being exposed to very harmful chemicals at work when I 1st noticed how bad my hurt,and 6 months later I was diagnosed with Fibro.

*Just in the printing business - inks, toners, etc.

*I spent many years working in an office with cranky photocopiers, in the days when they had spirit to work and then black powder. The fumes were horrendous and I would stand and copy for hours on end. Does this count?

*One of the worst triggers for a flare up is queuing in traffic, when my husband get too close to the car in front!

*No

*Slightly off topic but I find being a passenger in a car over stimulating/stressful, so I wear dark glasses to reduce the optical input (I sound like a robot there. I'm not, honest!)

*No

*Yes, I worked in a school lab with no ventilation.

*Lived surrounded by orchards till 17 and a half. They used helicopters to spray. Can still remember the taste from the air after.Have always said it has something to do with the high percentage of cancer we have in the Fens.

*Worked in a leather design company and worked around sprayed leather everyday.I have problems with new cloths, carpets, sprays, perfume, car fumes and lots of other things. Can't go down the part in supermarket with cleaning stuff without getting headaches.

*I lived abroad as a child and everywhere was sprayed heavily with DDt to kill mosquitoes to prevent malaria. I also lived in the Fens which is highly sprayed and as a teenager worked in a talc factory packing Brut - yuk.
I worked for 20 years in offices, all those copiers and PC's. The photocopier used to make me feel ill. Newsprint gives me a headache.
I cant stand any chemicals now, my house and garden are chemical free and I only wear cotton and wool. I just think we are poisoning ourselves and the planet.

*I am just the same, especially driving as a passenger in city or if driver drives fast or takes risks. I'm a nervous wreck. I wear sunglasses when going out most of time because of sensitivity to sunlight.

*formeldehyde exposure at 16, was sick for 6 months, it came from glue used to put down carpet over 30 years ago.
Plus I work in a salon so am exposed to highlighter, and perms all day long. Lost my voice once to a woman wearing the most gawd awful perfume that announced her approach, before she even arrived, it gagged me so bad it paralyzed my vocal cords for over a week, no pain from it but it sure was annoying.
co workers called me squeaky. Customers were always asking what happened and were surprised that perfume could do that. Yes it can. Plus the stuff that was sprayed 40 years ago to kill bugs in neighbourhoods.
My dad was exposed to bleach and ammonium mixing,(never ever mix these too, a deadly gas forms) by accident. Luckily a neighbour found him in time and revived him, but his lungs are permanently scarred which causes a chocking cough sometimes, this accident happened on a farm 35 years ago. Its crazy the stuff we are exposed to on a daily basis.

What event do you think triggered your FM/CFS/ME?

*viral meningitis. It took several docs 5 days to diagnose me after saying its a migraine, ear infection, and throat infection. I feel if it was caught earlier I would not have got Fibro 3 months later.

*A car accident.

*Childbirth or the use of the Depo Provera shot afterwards, not sure which one to pinpoint it one, I just know that was when it started. Right after my first child was born.

*A car accident. My symptoms started the day after

*A small motorcycle spill.

*I think my dairy intolerance hasn't helped, also have other immune problems that triggered my Fibro.

*Car accident

*I think my EBV was reactivated (probable mono at age 17) at age 38, my first semester of nursing school. I managed for about fifteen years before the effects forced me to retire with disability.
The day after I lost my last job (couldn't remember new-hire orientation from one day to the next, or make sound judgements), I had a major emotional and physical meltdown, and was diagnosed with fibro soon afterwards.
That was nearly a year ago, and I'm still picking up the pieces. Although, stopping work was the best thing that could happen to me-had I been still slogging along, I honestly think it would have killed me.

*Gas leak in my flat.
I had inhaled gas for months unknown to me as I do not have much sense of smell from the after effects of a nose operation.
I went to bed one day healthy and woke up badly disabled the next. Not only FM but also Menieres disease with bilateral hearing loss. Great!

*The thing that triggered my Fibro was when I was looking after a relative and was knelt down on the floor and went to stand up and broke my right foot very easily that is when it was picked up I'd got them.

*Having 3 jobs,going to college then uni full time,partying,not sleeping enough having a very hectic lifestyle and to top it off I had my belly button pierced,didn't heal &I had lots of infections (the piercing was the only thing at the time that could of made me ill)
The doctors told me I'd run my body into the ground.will not really ever know for sure.

*I had a really nasty fall in the snow, in Holland, fell and hit my face/head and that triggered of my Fibro

*Well, my Fibro symptoms started in childhood, after a couple of Philadelphia winters where I was almost continuously sick (measles, mumps, flu, colds).
The MCS kicked in after I was riding my bike and rode through a cloud of insecticide (the "professional" pest control company apparently ignored the warnings not to spray on windy days!)
I was too zonked after making it home to take a shower, so it was in my lungs and on my skin for several hours. The CFS symptoms came on gradually, and I can't really say what triggered them.

*Car accident, poor nutrition as a child, physical and emotional abuse as a child, major head trauma aged 8, having my kids in my 40's, not much hope for me really!

*My FMS was triggered by bad bouts of glandular fever when I was 19 and 27, the icing on the cake was when I was in a bad car smash at the age of 31.
Since then it's been downhill, with the FMS symptoms becoming worse as I'm getting older, I'm now 38.

*Abuse during childhood was first wave, then onset of RA.

*Childbirth 7 and a half years ago. I had an epidural go wrong & suffered a dural tap & haven't been right/well since.

*Mine stared back when I was bout 16 after 8 years of my brother abusing me n then bad relationships I had bad pain when I was pregnant had 3 kids but hated been pregnant. Then in 1999 my back went so from there on I was told I had chronic pain n now been told I've FM. Hope I haven't bored you all too much.

*Problems with childbirth and post op complications of C-Section.

*Take your pick! Emotional and sexual abuse from a child to adult years, dealing with parents and grandparent addictive abuse as a child, Scarlett Fever as a child, body surfing accident (severe whiplash and compounded fracture in back), two car accidents as a teen, continual nurturing of others (putting myself last.) I could go on, but will stop here.

*We all seem to have had events that have overrun our sympathetic nervous system, or our primary nervous system.
This is where current thinking is leaning, though with the causes so manifold it may be some time before they nail it down.
When we suffer trauma our body releases extra chemicals and these chemicals in too high a quantity trigger the processes behind fibromyalgia.
Sadly it is a chemical our bodies make because we need it to remain healthy and active, but like many things too much causes damage at cellular level and changes in our nervous systems and cellular misinformation signals that precipitate the worsening of symptoms over time.

*Had it for many years and don't know for sure the cause. I do know that when I developed colitis it sent me into a major tail spin. Fibro just went out of control and hasn't stopped for a breather!
My piece of advice is Know the side effects of your meds as they can cause some pretty bad things for your body (as mine caused the colitis.)

*Giving up smoking then after 10 mins on an exercise machine my auto immune system decided to go overboard and give me RA and FM - its been a tough year.
I could cope better with the pain if my brain was still intact but I can't remember or work out anything important any more. Still breathing though, lots of stuff still to do.

*Car accident #4 (and no, they were NOT all my fault)!

*I had a botched surgery and several to correct the screw up and all within a years time, then this hit. I'm sure that's what did it to me, maybe I should have that thrown in the malpractice suit too.

*Triggered? I don't think it was triggered. I believe it is a disease that I have/was born with that eventually developed later in my teens.

*Much like the others, abused child, bad relationships, full time college then Uni alongside my job and four kids, two of which were under one year old. I think I always had it but mild as a child.
It really started to kick off after I had the twins plus I was also wearing my body into the ground because I didn't know what was wrong with me and tried to carry on.
When I got diagnosed, I moved to Ireland a week or two later. Just packed up my things one morning and asked my sister to book me on the boat. Left my job, Uni and my house with all my possessions.
I still believe it was the right thing to do, even though I'm back in the UK now and going back to Uni, hopefully!



*Triggered means exactly that.
You have a genetic predisposition to a certain illness or biological problem from birth
Some event, major or innocuous will then trigger it and you develop full on Fibromyalgia.
For some reason there are up to 10% of the population that are potentially pre-disposed to FM and the trigger event can be something that you don't notice.
Even the onset of puberty has been put forward as a trigger as it is such a huge change for the body to handle and many new chemicals are being produced in the body at an alarming rate. This could well be true for you?

*Bad job experience did it for me, constant mental stress and too many high speed typing sessions with no breaks, head turned to another screen, 12 hours at a time, then more at home.
Had had a little pain and weakness before that with heavier than normal exercise. Result- Depression, anxiety, and surprise, the Fibromyalgia that my mother told me I had.

*I believe I was born with it but it was dormant until a slip and fall.I have always suffered migraines and back problems so pain was always there.It got worse after me and a sheet of ice had a disagreement on whether I should be walking or laying down.

*As a child I was sick a lot with asthma and allergies. Was told by one Dr. that I had CFS in my 30's(I'm 43). But the BIG incident that started FM was that I was on a drug called Meridia for 3 years.
My Dr. took me off it cold turkey! And what I found out later was what I was going through was like a protracted withdrawal. It has been one thing or another since then and that was 6 years ago.
My rheumatologist said I have FM but not CFS. I am extremely sensitive to any new medication (except asthma meds). I could go on and on!

*Mine started the day after my 18th Birthday, so I reckon it was just waiting to strike.

*I think it was pushing myself to work when I had mono and valley fever within the same 2 months. Taking OC meds to get me through (thinking it was just a bad cold) and having a miscarriage because of the meds I was taking the next month.
Then came the cooping problems from the miscarriage. I think it was an overload. Have learned allot and I do very well keeping the pain under control without a lot of medication.

*One other thing about my fibro, my mother is severely disabled with it and my sister has it but functions. My daughter has severe RA but her symptoms mirror fibro.

*I think I started experiencing some symptoms after being diagnosed with endometriosis 9 years ago, but suffered a serious relapse after major stomach surgery last year.

*Reading all this is making me wonder about my trigger now, I'm basically allergic to everything (severe dust allergy,year round hay fever, medicines, cemicals, fruit and veg, paint, animals, latex you name it I'm probably allegic to it)
I didn't know how allergic I was till last year, I also have poly cystic ovaries that has been a nightmare could these of done something?? I used to be so active.

*Depo seemed to aggravate my FM as well.
Not sure when it started, always remember it being there, from childhood. Childhood trauma maybe, whip lash as a teenager, childbirth. All these things seem to have intensified it, but I can't remember ever not feeling this way.

*Oh, and I forgot to mention that I lived an extremely stressful lifestyle (hated my job, abusive relationship, burning the candle at both ends, drinking and smoking loads, etc.) until my health finally failed. Like they say, eventually somethings got to give!

*I have absolutely no idea. I've read that infections can set it off. I had respiratory problems from birth and used to get 2 or 3 throat/chest infections a year.
They stopped around the same time that the Fibro symptoms became much more obvious (although that may be coincidental and more to do with my girlfriend forcing me to take better care of myself.)
I've had back pain since around 14 or 15 which my doctor insisted was just growing pain. This became much worse around 18 and the joint pain and IBS have settled in over the last 5 years or so (I'm 28 now).
I really wish I could point to one incident and confidently say that was the cause, but with all the various symptoms presenting at different times, it's impossible to say.

*Saying that my disease was triggered by an event just furthers the already enormous amount of stigma attached to this utterly disabling disease.

*Getting run over when I was 6 years old & having severe bruising around my spine that stopped me from walking for about 6 weeks, I was never right after that.

*Arthritis in hips and back created sleep problems - although I've always been a light sleeper- which probably triggered FM.
Although Looking at how my Nan was I think she had it too but undiagnosed as she died 24 years ago. I've had mysterious aches and pains from early childhood so maybe it was inherited? Who knows.

*I cracked my coxis when I was about 11 I fell of a small wall.

* Mono!

*Injury to arm while channelling a brick wall for wiring.

*Car accident when I was 20 and 7 months pregnant with my first- neck hurt from then on and was on painkillers but pain never went and slowly travelled over rest of body, and of course other symptoms crept in as the years went on.

*Not sure. Had rheumatic symptoms from age 11. Stress from losing 1st baby .
Then had two miscarriages.
Had threatened miscarriages with my eldest two, took 4year docs to diagnose gallstones. They overflowed into my bile duct. Diagnosed with Arthritis then ME. 7yr ago Fibro

*The death of my lovely dad, I think, triggered my Fibro, that was 8 years ago.

*Car accident Nov 08, from Dec 08 my life has never been the same.

*When I was 28 and had 3 emergency surgery's ectopic pregnancy,gallbladder,then total hysterectomy then divorce then wa-la they were looking for a pituitary tumour lupus etc but Fibro and chronic fatigue was my 1st diagnosis

*I have FMS due to genetics as I have family who also have FMS (on my Mum's side )

*I believe it does have something to do with genetics. But I was a premature and alcohol baby.
Arthritis as a young child, dairy intolerance, back injury from hard labour work 2000, of course bad relationships & a lot of abuse.
I was also on depo for many years & was diagnosed with Fibro after my 2nd child that was born in 2005. Was in car accident when pregnant with son 1995.
Still trying to find something that works for me. Arthritis has went from fingers to my knee's & hips now. Don't sleep because it is to painful to lay in any position for more than 20 minutes.
I remember always having some sort of pain, somewhere all threw-out my life.
Dr.s have gave up on me but I have not giving up since I have 2 kids to raise by myself.

*Birth - mine

*Car accident and being abused by EX! Also maybe the 10 epidural's I have had.
One in childbirth and 9 for steroid injections. Having five kids and 8 years of emotional abuse!

*Maybe genetics I have two Aunts who have Fibro and I think my father does!

*No idea.
I contracted Mono after hanging around a friend who had had it.
I was competitve skater. around age 22 I just realized I hurt all the time.
I was diagnosed in 1991 @ OSU med center.
Never heard of Fibro before that. developed full on CFS immediately after birth of first child. recovered thanks to alternative med, but still have flares

*Looking back I had it mildly as a child but got severe after an emergency c section at 33 weeks due to a placental abruption.

* think my started after the birth of my 2nd child, but didn't hit me 100% until my daughter was so ill she almost died, when she was 13, and then it was up to up me to find all out about her illness and learn so much to keep her well everyday of her life, I would spend days without sleep. I'd would be so worried about her all the time.

*My very long and messy divorce procedure ! Now that I'm happy with my lovely partner I have to deal with the result of above: FM. Life's not fair.

*I had a bad fall was in hospital for 10 days on my back, it was just after that I was diagnosed with FIBRO. I think shock can sometimes trigger Fibro, of course that is not the only way soft hugs everyone.

*Glandular fever 3 times as a teenager.

*A life full of lots of bad stress along with illness and a back injury a month prior too my first major severe flare up.

*I had a particularly unpleasant op that I just couldn't seem to bounce back from or heal. Then I started catching every lurgy under the sun. Then came the muscle lethargy and the pain.

*Back injury from gymnastics started it off, then car accident made it worse, then wisdom teeth surgery - the three really brought out the Fibro - by the wisdom teeth. I had TMJ, IBS, etc.

*Ah that's not to mention the 3 other ops before that, plus other mental factors. Reading all these comments makes me see I'm pretty textbook!

*I had no symptoms ~ zero. Until I had a complete hysterectomy. I developed restless leg syndrome, then FM. It's been 11 years, of pure hell.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone and there are times I just think it's too much. I want my old life back.

*When I think back I have always had some pain. I had meningitis at 5 months. But everything got much MUCH worse, to the point of diagnosis when I was thrown from a galloping horse about 2 years ago. I was thrown backwards, tucked & rolled, hitting first my sciatic nerve then rolling my neck.

*Interesting to read these as I'm going to a Fibro / CFS clinic next week & I'm sure I need to consider what triggered mine. Hmm, could've been a whiplash I had at 18 with years of neck pain, falling off a horse in my 20's, having a high fever after the birth of my 4th child, a concussion head injury (abuse) in my 30's? Lyme Disease in my 40's? Seems like I've been tired my whole life with poor endurance.

*OH! and at the same time worked a job where I was assaulted on a regular basis. I worked at a juvenile psych centre.

*Tonsillitis 3 times in 6 weeks the bronchitis straight after that. Within a couple weeks couldn't move my neck then pain went down spine and spread all over. That was 11yrs ago.

*Back surgery: removal of L-4 disc

*I suggested this question to Duck, as I am very interested in how this disease works. Reading all your answers, some very obvious trends jump out.

One is how many of you list a whole lot of factors you believe contributed to your getting FM/CFS/ME. This would suggest that cumulative stress (physical and/or mental) may play a part. It may be that cumulative stresses can create a predisposition to getting ill, or wear away resistance that would prevent getting ill.
Either is possible.
One is that many people say FM/CFS/ME hit them when they were already down, suggesting there is an opportunistic element to this disease - it gets its opportunity when resistance is low
One is how many of you can date the onset of symptoms to a particular event or other illness or injury, which would suggest that *for some people* there is a 'trigger'. It may be that the trigger takes advantage of something that is already there (eg if you were born with it or contracted it in childhood but it's been fully or partly dormant).
Personally I believe there is a viral or bacterial element involved. If it can be passed by close contact or through family lines, that would explain why so many people say they were born with it, or had flashes of it in childhood, while others had their first taste of it later in life.
Just my personal observations. But this thread is really valuable in terms of comparing trends and experiences, so thank you for all the contributions, so freely-given.

*I've only recently been diagnosed, but had anxiety as far back as I remember, then stomach aches, then terrible period pains always, headaches, panic attacks, agoraphobia etc etc. Real stressful job in my late 20s and 30s was one of those 'triggers'
I reckon as I also got a second period of really bad phase of agoraphobia/panics etc, Then got pleurisy, which left me with very bad back pain, stiffness, coccyx pain etc. Back still flares up, but pacing myself and not working definitely helps as I am more in control.

*Think the ME is probably caused by Ehlers Danlos, my Fibro definitely is.

*Lymes Disease did it for me.

*I inherited it, had severe 'growing pains' as a child, plus severe mumps and chicken pox but CFS began when I was 20 caused either by severe food poisoning or living in a damp mouldy home. Was sick for the 6 months I lived there!
Fibro was diagnosed approx 7 yrs ago after a virus caused my muscles to go into spasm, but had symptoms after traumatic birth of my 2nd child a year before that, was diagnosed with IBS during this time also, but my mum's death 10 years ago may have had an impact too.
Had an undiagnosed hereditary bone disease also which I only found out last year...so take your pick, could be anything!! At least I inherited a sense of humour along with the rest!

*I'm a bit confused, if FM is to be taken seriously as a disease, then how can an event trigger it? I've had a stressful, but good life. Everyone has stress. Some of us have problems with our brain chemistry or immune systems such that we don't process that stress in the same way.
I'm interested to hear what scientific evidence there is for life events causing a disease. I'm not being confrontational - I just really want to understand this rotten condition I have.

*I know mine sounds crazy but I think mine started around the time I started birth control pills and when I moved up to a higher elevation.
I didn't have but maybe one migraine a year and when I started those I had a constant headache/migraine. Im off them now, but I still It got worse when I went skiing for the first time a few years back and I had a crazy wreck and fell straight down on my back. Now I have pain there all the time.

*140 km car crash, no blood no broken bones, just ripped the soft tissue away from my bones & Maine nerve.

*I started depo shot when I was 13, got the mumps even though I was vaccinated when I was 15, and then Mono as well at 15. Things were never the same again. Diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis at 20, carpal tunnel at 22, food allergies and chronic candidiasis at 23, then Fibro, TMJ and PCOS at 25.
I am now looking into being treated for leaky gut syndrome because I believe it has a strong connection to my health issues. Anyone else have leaky gut or know much about it?

*Menengitis

*When Galileo suggested that the Earth was not the centre of the Universe, he was convicted of being "vehemently suspect of heresy".
There is always scepticism whenever a new scientific theory is put forward, especially in medicine - think infection, vaccination, retroviruses (the existence of which for years could not be proved even though scientists knew if they *could* be proved they would provide a reasonable explanation for AIDs)
Just because something does not conform to a previously-understood pattern does not mean it automatically must be wrong or that we must fear its not being taken seriously.
Every day, people with FM are not being taken seriously because a disease that does not show on any tests doesn't make sense to infection-oriented doctors.
If you read back through the entries here, all I'm saying is, there are some interesting commonalities. For instance, everyone has stress, I agree. Not everyone has stress against the same kind of context as many of us are reporting. The entries here are saying something about our reactions to stress that is different to what non-FM/CFS/ME people experience.
I'm not a scientist, but it doesn't take a scientist to say: hey, there are some interesting patterns here.

*I would agree - the recurring theme is some sort of physical or emotional trauma or stress, and that is what I put my onset down to as well, the 20 anaesthetics, 9 of which were failed surgeries over the last few years.

*Virus laid me low for 6 weeks with fever and body pain but I had viral polio as a kid, so that the reason for me.

*I don't think there was any event. I was fine one day and then pain.

*A virus

*A car accident and whiplash.

*Trauma from abuse,the a very long labour!

*Massive blood clots in my leg from ankle to mid-thigh--turns out I have genetic mutation of genes controlling clotting.

*Stress combined with chemical overload.

*I was hit by lightning in 2002 - it took several years, a lot of tests and constant pain before they diagnosed me with Fibro and neuropathic pain... all I know is that I've been in pain every day since then - if it's not one thing, it's another!

*Being knocked about by my first husband, fell down a staircase once.

*Probably stress and probably all the 10 surgeries that I have before could be hereditary.

*Breast cancer


*Birth of my 2nd child. love him to death!

*I believe that mine started around the same time I fell pregnant with my first child through IVF. The year before this was awful with 2 failed attempts at IVF.
I have endometriosis and pcos, had my Gall bladder removed about a year after having my baby and then my 2nd pregnancy compared to first was awful ending up on crutches, then my 3rd pregnancy (thought I'd of learnt by know) ending up in wheelchair then from awful delivery got worse until now.

*Mine is probably genetic. Think my dad probably had it; then I fell down stairs, have had three major operations, and lost my mother. my son and daughter also have it. At least I have someone close to compare notes with.

*When I had stress from my son being arrested for assualt as a minor my whole system crashed. Adrenal exhaustion.

*Car accident - I was rear-ended at a red light. I was never the same since.

*Flu, without a doubt, and before that my entire life of stress brought down my immune system huge.

*I had a lot of stress and health problems in my childhood and a couple of car accidents, but I think the clincher was Encephalitis, high fever and fluid on the brain.

*I love having these questions. I learn a lot when reading of others and their situations re: fibro/cfs

*I think years of stress. And after losing my job in 2003 & having to move again, I think that was the last straw for my body & the fibro was set in motion.

*Stress can cause a lot of ailments in the body, not just fibro. You're right everybody has stress but too much of it keeps your body in a constant fight or flight state which is only supposed to happen when you're in danger & need to flee. When it happens constantly, it makes a person more susceptible to disease.
H posted some good points. I think there's a lot more contributory factors but stress just doesn't mix well with any of them.

* A car crash triggered my FM

*Looking after husband after operation seven years ago, I was working two jobs, desperately stressed and overworked, looking after five kids aged 5 to 14, had only just bought our first house so had mortgage to pay, and then I got a severe chest infection and never recovered.

*I'm not sure really was physically abused as a teenager for a number of years. I had 'flair ups' every year or so for a few months (everyone put it down to depression but I had nothing to be depressed about at the time as life had improved).
Always had pain so FM was always lurking but that was put down to flat feet.
I managed to keep going until about 7 years ago when I was so tired and sore I just wanted to curl up and die.
Saw the doc who said ME, then a specialist who said FM. was okish for another two years till I had an emotional trauma which knocked me off my feet. never physically recovered and am gradually getting worse.

*Working in a sick building and the exhaustion and stress from years of abuse as well as being in an abusive marriage

*I got pregnant with my son in '94. I threw-up EVERYDAY, more than once most days; I even puked during delivery. I had never been a person who was sick until then. I lost 20lbs during my pregnancy.
He was born full term, 7lb12oz, 21in; perfectly healthy. I however didn't remain that way. By the time he was 4mths old, I couldn't get out of the chair to take him to take him to his bed when I'd rocked him to sleep.
My legs just wouldn't work. It got worse and worse. It slowly started moving all over my body. The stress of not knowing what it was made it worse. After about 3yrs I went into remission and was doing really well. Then I got pregnant again, I thought no way would another pregnancy be the same as the first. I was wrong, just the same only a beautiful little girl this time. That was almost 10yrs ago and my body still hasn't recovered.

*An Ectopic pregnancy! Devastating I nearly died. It is something you never get over.

*Sounds so similar to my own experiences!

Question from a member: HTP 5

I am considering taking HTP 5 as heard that it can be effective for Fibro. Wondered if anyone had tried it and whether it had helped?

*hmm, interesting, when I worked at a vitamin store, 5-HTP was recommended for all sorts of things; let us know!

*Wondering the same about low dose naltrexone.

*No and No. Helpful Eh.

*It cannot be taken with any antidepressants. Make sure you check for drug interactions before you take it.

*I've heard bad things about that product, something to do with side effects being worse than the symptoms in a lot of people but at the end of the day its the individuals choice isn't it.

*Tremaine can someone tell me what it is, and I would also be interested in what others are taking for Fibro pain.

*I have been taking Lyrica for the past couple of years, and it helped at first, but not so much for the past couple of months. I don't go back to the MD until August, so I am hoping that this will pass. So I am curios myself to see how others answer your question.

*I didn't notice any difference, but I didn't take it for very long.

*I tried Htp5 didn't see any difference.

*Cherry active, I heard Is good for Fibro. Been saying going to try it but keep forgetting to go to shop to get it!

*5-HTP doesn't react well with other drugs, you have to take it alone, and like antidepressants, you have to let it build up in your system before it works.

*I take prescription, high dose amino acids, that brought me back from the brink of disability, and helped me lose lots of weight.

*Exactly what amino acids and they are prescription? Please expand on that if you could. Thank you!

* Have you heard about Monavie? It has helped many people with Fibro.

*I have bu trans patches which work fab and co codamol, never heard of the others sorry.

*I'm interested in the high amino acids too.

*A good site with loads of info is the Fibro 360 Community/Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centres, they are here on fb, also just search Fibro and you will have tons of info.

*What is htp5? I have never heard of it.

*Tell us more I have not heard about this.

*Most people get something off their doctor for pain and I've been ill with M.E & fibro for 10yrs (+ so many other things) and never been offered any pain relief apart from the anti-depressants I'm on. I'm not even sure what I could be taking.any ideas?

*I take it and have been for about a year I also take calcium, evening primrose and magnesium with gentle exercise and yoga plus a good diet I cant say am pain free that's for sure but I am med's free now! Need to think positive gets you farther!

*I use 5htp - 100 mg and yes it helps a lot. I missed a couple of days (from being disorganised and running out) and by god I knew about it.
Had a mini flare and my mood bottomed out. I like the fact it helps my low mood *and* the fibro too win, win in my book. You mustn't take it when on anti depressants though and possibly a few other meds this site is really good if you want to find out more:
HTP5 Information site


*For me personally I get little side effects from 5htp whereas meds from doc make me very sick. So now only taking moderate pain relief as and when needed.

*5 HTP is 5-hydroxytrypophan an amino acid that helps form the bodies happy hormone serotonin. to quote the article I have read it says, 'because increased levels of serotonin are thought to help us combat depression, reduce appetite, ease chronic headaches, INCREASE PAIN TOLERANCE AND RELIEVE SLEEP PROBLEMS, 5 HTP may be helpful in treating these conditions although this has yet to be clinically proven.'
The article also says that it should not be taken if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on antidepressants. it is expensive £14.99 for 60 capsules at Holland and Barrett although it is currently half price until 28 or 29th April 2010 (cant remember the exact date).
I have bought some and am now guinea pigging myself with these tabs to see if they have any effect. will keep you all posted! if not its back on the lyrica and a quick couple of stone added to the body weight. what's better fatter and in less pain or thinner and in agony!

*I tried it, but you have to give up any anti depressants you're taking at least a week before starting the 5-HTP, as it doesn't interact well with them. I have to say I found it hard to tolerate as it gave me nightmares, but I started on 100mg and maybe the trick is to start on a lower dose and build up? I've been recommended trying Low Dose Naltrexone and am hoping to start that in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.

*The only thing that really makes any difference is pacing, patience and eating well. I have tried all the drugs offered and just end up no better or even worse.

*I tried 5-HTP once for anxiety and it didn't work. Then I read something re few people it doesn't work for and they responded to something else - melotonin (?) I couldn't get the stuff anyway. I'm now on paroxetine low dose and that has helped a bit with anxiety though have put on weight.

*The sunshine helps.

*I am interested too, I need some relief and I have had gastric Bypass and medications are a issue for me. Needing something though I have my good days and my bad days and when I have a bad day it is really a bad day.

* What is it? How do I research it? Where do I find it/ What do the letters stand for? Never heard of it.

*I have heard this is helpful, although you should not take it if on antidepressants due to drug reaction.

*Yes I take it daily along with mellatonin,ldn,Q10,vit c,giniko biloba, siberian ginseng, natural glandulars [ nutri adrenals]

What is your favourite saying/quote or phrase that keeps you going?

*If you come to a fork in the road, take it. ~ Yogi Berra

*Life's not a rehearsal, this is it!

*What was I doing?

*This too shall pass. A proverb thought to have humbled King Solomon.

*Its a up hill battle but down on roller skates is a hell of a ride

*Chumbawumba.
"I get knocked down, but I get up again."

*Story of my life really.

*All things are possible through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.

*Positive today, "what's for you wont go by you"

*God give me the strength to get through the day.

*No life is not fair but there is always someone worse off than you.

*Same as, only when its a bad day though.

*'No-one ever lay on their death bed and said I wish I'd gone into the office more'

*God can make a way where there seems to be no way.

*The house work will still be there tomorrow!

*Loving that, lol!

*I can choose to be happy regardless of my situation.

*listen to your body, not your head!

*Let it be not my will but yours, Father. It's a paraphrase from John. Also, "Stressed backwards spells Desserts" helps sometimes, too ;)

*Everything happens for a reason and God has plans to prosper you, not to harm you. He has plans for hope and a future.

*This too shall pass.

*Its.....bedtime! yay!

*Bugger it!

*Try to pass stuff off so I don't stress as bad.

*I'll get there, eventually!

*You either need to get busy living or get busy dying.

*What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

*"There's no other secret than to fight 'until the end" It's a quote from tennis player Rafa Nadal's website and I use it on my Facebook. Helps me keep going.

*However bad my day, someone, somewhere is much worse off than I am.

*Dust is a protective coating, why remove it.

*love it!

*Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. -Conan O'Brien

*"Really?"

*Teach only love, for that is what you are.

*It is what it is

*Do small things with great Love ~ Mother Teresa.

*Keep smiling!

*Housework will still be there when I am dead and gone why worry, people should like you for you not because you have tidy house!

*"Finding Nemo" - "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!"

*Let it go, Let it go, Let it go - (sung to the music of "Let It Snow")

*Suck it up buttercup.

*Tomorrow is another day.

*When a door slams, God opens a window!! - just love the Sound of Music.

*God never gives us more than he thinks we can handle.

*Things could be much worse (although some days it doesn't feel like it!

*Live long, die oblong.

*Only lack of oxygen kills you in the end.

*Life is just too short.

*OK - so what have I learnt today that will help me start tomorrow?

*Painkillers !

*I use just keep swimming too! My boyfriend now uses it as encouragement when I'm flagging. Makes me smile.

*There are people who are worse than me.

*Shit happens.

*"It's all for a reason"

*God demands nothing less than complete self-surrender as the price for the only real freedom that is worth having. - Gandhi

*"Love is the greatest force of transformation." - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

*If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. (REALLY BAD DAYS)
Put on your big girl panties and deal with it. (medium days)

*Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

*It's about learning to dance in the rain.

*God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.(both for so-so days)

*This too shall pass.

*See the good and keep it good.

*Make stronger that which is weak.

*I have several
"We will pay the price, but we will not count the cost"
"Just keep swimming!"

*Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Philippians 4:6

*This too shall pass'(I Corinthians 10:12)

*Tomorrow is another day.