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Herbal Wisdom:  Herbal Help for Fibromyalgia  |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 08 2006 : 5:12:21 PM
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| The doctors who have helped me and what I have told them about my past think I have had FM since the age of four years young. I will be 54 years young in December. That's 50 years of constant, unyielding, everyday, every night pain. It never stops. But, I think I startled these doctors with my attitude. Please don't think that I'm tooting a horn here because I am not like that. But this story is how I've learned to cope. I very rarely complain about how I feel. I always have a smile on my face. I will try something even if I don't feel like it. I am a productive person who has raised my own five kids and four others who's moms didn't have time for them. I have a job. I am happy. Why? Because I choose to be this way. I choose to get up every morning in total exhaustiion and pain thankful that the Lord has given me this day. It's not my families fault that I feel this way, so why should I treat them badly? Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that even though I am in pain I don't have to be a pain." I am grateful for what I have and for what I can do each and every day. Attitude towards this debilitating disease is the key to survival for most of us who will admit it....and then live it. I do not remember NOT having pain. Therefore, I basically don't know any better! None of us are alone on this trek to find relief. Praise God for that! And because we who are talking to each other in this chatroom have FM, we can believe each other and root for each other to keep on going even when we absolutely have no desire to. I am grateful for those of you who are honest and tell it like it is. This pain is not fun. But, we're not alone. Thank you so much for reminding me of this. Bless you all....and keep your bodies and your minds moving. Don't give in to this horrible weakness. CHOOSE to keep going and to wear a smile. Someone once accused me of being a very good actress. I told her that I choose to be a happy person. And, I'm grateful. Love and happiness to all you wonderful women. Susan |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2006 : 08:24:38 AM
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Susan, you have it exactly right. This is what I mean when I say, "fake it until you make it". The Universal Law behind this idea is "like attracts like". What that means is, what we think, believe and give energy to is what we manifest. And it's so true - look at the people who say "I'll never lose weight" or "I always attract the wrong guy". This is what they believe and so this is what they manifest. We're not pretending we don't have pain. We are choosing to enjoy life despite it. And enjoyment of life is what we manifest. My neighbor said to me the other day, "You're always happy. You're always smiling." and I said, "I've got a lot to be happy about." and that's true. I thank God every day for what I have - my wonderful husband, my great home, my wonderful children and grandkids, my job that I love, etc. Giving thanks creates abundance. An attitude of grattitude creates more to be thankful for.
Farmgirl hug,
Patricia
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 12:20:01 PM
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I'm so glad I used the search function rather than starting a new topic!! I was diagnosed with fibro just a few months ago. It makes my entire life make a bit more sense, but I do wish it were something that could be "cured." I've had a terrible reaction to medication, so it's all alternative therapies for me, which of course aren't covered by my insurance. Lovely. I'm going to read each and every post to see what has and hasn't worked for you all. I hope you've all been coping well. I have found that my fatigue has improved since I gave up caffeine, and that my pain/stiffness has lessened somewhat after cutting back on gluten. My husband is a Celiac, so ideally I would cut out all gluten. I do swipe a roll occasionally though! Anyway, I need all the herbal help I can get!
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
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RubyJunes
True Blue Farmgirl
246 Posts
June
Greenwich
Ohio
USA
246 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 5:27:13 PM
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I'm very interested in following this topic, and appreciate all that you all have to share here! I too have fibromyalgia, and am trying to take as few prescription meds as possible. Cymbalta nearly killed me, literally. I just don't want all of the side effects of the meds. I have an herb garden full of lemon balm, guess I'd better figure out what to do with it to help me? There's a great little herb store nearby, so I need to figure out what supplements are priority, and work at getting them gradually, as they are most likely costly. Again, it's good to find gals with so much in common! Thanks :)
--June
Farmgirl #545
www.RubyJunes.blogspot.com
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 07:59:02 AM
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Hi June! I tried Savella and on the third day my blood pressure shot so high I passed out...right after I made it home in my car. Back when they thought I was just depressed and making it up, I tried Zoloft, and THAT nearly killed me literally too. I refuse to try Cymbalta and am worried about Lyrica based on my track record. Is your lemon balm easy to grow? I need to research it and see if it will withstand Texas heat. I'm sorry to hear you've had a rough road too. Here's hoping we all start feeling a lot better, and big insurance starts covering more alternative therapies!
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 8:33:53 PM
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| I've heard of several people now that have said they had Fibromyalgia and after having bloodwork done discovered a severe lack of Vitamin D. They started taking large doses of vitamin D and the pain of their fibromyalgia diminished or disapeared. I don't know this from experience, just heard it from others that did it, but it might be worth looking into. Vitamin D is actually so essential for a lot of things and most everyone doesn't have enough in their system. |
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marthajane
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Anna
Orlando
FL
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2011 : 10:58:51 AM
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Hello All! Since someone mentioned vitamin D, I thought on that note Ill chime in here. I read all the other posts, and I dont know much about the topic of FM but I do know chronic pain.
Happiness IS being a MoM |
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marthajane
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Anna
Orlando
FL
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2011 : 11:03:57 AM
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O k ....
as I was trying to say, there is a chemistry book very small very easy to read sold by 1800 HOMEOPATHY...which may help this condition...they are promoting MINERALS, saying that our chemical and skeletal structures depend on MINERALS for everything they are and do...I just wonder if this being such a generalized condition, maybe its something that is affecting the entire system?
They sell 12 minerals, they each cost about 9$ or you can buy a bottle of a combination of them all for $9...I dont work for them its just that if you get this book called Biochemic Cell Salts, you'll see how interesting this chemical perspective is...hope it helps all.
blessings on all who suffer, may the Good Lord reveal the reasons why
Happiness IS being a MoM |
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marthajane
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Anna
Orlando
FL
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2011 : 11:05:43 AM
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the book costs 4$
Happiness IS being a MoM |
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blackfell_farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
96 Posts
Casey
Chandler
AZ
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 11:39:39 AM
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Really "Fibromyalgia" is a dumby diagnosis, when the physician doesn't really know what the problem is (no offense to doctors, who are really good for most things!!). Blood tests are often inconclusive. However, there are hundreds of things that one can try. Diet seems to be key in this, along with exercise. Often, people with fibro do not test as possitive for allergies to wheat, but there is an enzymatic reaction to wheat in the gut which affects your entire system, with brain fog, among other things.
Anti Inflammitory diet for a full three months, no cheating at all (which is difficult) often helps. Then sticking to gluten free.
B-12 shots for energy and the minerals, as mentioned by Martha above are also key. Digestive enzymes seem to help the body absorb.
some consistent exercise, but just not as much as everyone else seems to be able to do.
That is just the tip of a very large iceburg! :) Whew! I have a lot of info and experience in dealing with Fibro, so if anyone would like my two cents worth, feel free to ask. :)
blackfell_farmgirl
HorseCrazy! |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 9:12:59 PM
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Casey, I just found this topic and I would love to hear more about your anti inflammatory diet. I've had Fibro for over 13 yrs. Pain is a regular, but I would love to find natural herbs to help with controlling it. I am only taking Ibuprophen when I flair up but once it grabs me for weeks at a time, I sometimes have to get a steroid shot. I am trying to stay away from 'chemical' fixes. I do regular massage which helps a lot. I don't 'exercise' as it flairs me up, but I stay very busy every day. I'm no couch potatoe by any means. I've done the B12 but am told I'm only allowed six a year. Hope to start on a few herbs I've been reading up on such as magnesium, Eveningprimrose and 5HTP. Any info you could share about these or anything else, I'd love to hear from you. You can email me personally if you like. Thank you and everyone who has shared on this topic.
Gail
Farmgirl #486
http://grammasladybug.blogspot.com/
http://klamathfallscharmingchicks.blogspot.com/ |
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Tapestry
True Blue Farmgirl
1223 Posts
Cheryl
Wisconsin
USA
1223 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2013 : 1:55:44 PM
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Hi Ladies, Like all of you I have fibromyalgia too. I was diagnosed 18 yrs. ago. Needless to say I've been on about every medicine on the market. I think most fibromites would agree we'd give anything not to have this condition. There are some new studies out that may lead to more treatments or even potentially a cure. There is also now a blood test available in some areas to help with diagnosis. Although my drs. have prescribed a bunch of meds for me I try to keep things to a minimum. #1 is sleep. If I don't sleep well I'm in agony. I drink chamomile tea in the evening if I am feeling a bit tense. I alternate OTC meds including herbals with Zolpidem. I don't take together. As a former LPN for 32 yrs I know safe medication practices. I know we lack certain vitamins however I will caution on taking too much vitamin D. Vit. D is a fat soluble vitamin which is processed and stored in the liver. You can overdose on this vitamin as well as vitamins A, E, and K so please be careful with taking large doses of these vitamins. I had a naturopath tell me years ago to drink pediasure if I was having a bad flare. That has helped me during flares. I recently changed my eating habits and have done away with all bad carbs. Within 3 days I felt a huge difference. HUGE! My muscle pain has become minimal. I still have a couple areas that are bothering me with a nerve type pain but even this has lessened. My energy level has sky rocketed. I have actually felt human this past two weeks. I have been checked for celiac's disease and was negative for gluten intol. I'm taking a multivitamin, effexor XL, zolipidem or other OTC sleeping aid. My drs. have ordered gabapentin but I have found it causes me weight gain and just feel sluggish so I use this very sparingly. This is all I take now for Fibro. I do have other meds I take for blood pressure, cholesterol and GERD however I feel my change to more mindful eating and upping my exercise level will help those conditions in time. I totally agree with an earlier posting that fibromyalgia affects us all differently. When I talk about exercising it may be just a walk around the block. I try very hard not to over do it as yes it will flare me. Gentle stretching helps me also. Stress makes fibro worse so I try to stay on an even keel emotionally and really try to find things every day to be grateful for and to enjoy. Sitting on my front porch watching birds and reading a magazine can give me that mental vacation I need. I love lavender, eucalyptus and menthol essential oils for massage and bath. I have a TENS unit that also helps me when I have a particular muscle group that decides to be especially painful. I think fibro is a process of finding what works for you. Hopefully, one day there will be a cure. Until then being supportive of each other is the very best thing we can do to help. If you decide to "go rogue" and try to figure out your own set of meds you're comfortable with please do talk to your dr. and pharmacist in regards to medication and herbal drug interactions. Above all keep yourself safe. I did a post on my blog several weeks ago on some of the new studies and information coming out. Feel free to check out the link in my post to head over and read up.
Gentle hugs to all.
Cheryl
Happy farmgirl sister #353
Look for rainbows instead of mud puddles 
http://pinterest.com/ctapestry/
http://tapestrysimaginings.blogspot.com/ |
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TexasJo
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Jody
Berthoud
CO
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2013 : 10:22:19 PM
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I just saw this post and wanted to add my experience with this very painful condition. First I want to say how sorry I am that you all are suffering with fibro and I hope you all are able to find ways to alleviate the pain. I have gone thru one of the worst types of surgery a person can experience and I have to say fibromyalsia is right up there with the post surgery pain I experienced. Last year I went thru a series of injections of a medication called Lupron and up until then i did not have fibro. Within a month I was in horrid pain daily, my blood pressure went nuts and I dont normally have high bp and I felt like I truly was not going to make it much longer. My doc did some research and felt that the lupro had brought on the fibro and due to the pain level probably the high blood pressure also. I was on the lupron for about 7 months. We discovered my body also does not tollerate blood pressure meds or any kind of meds except ibu. Three months after the last lupron injection and within two wks of stopping all blood pressure meds, I felt normal again. It was absolutely amazing! I could not believe how good I felt after being in so much pain. I truly felt as if my body was being poisoned. The fibro symptoms have left and I actually have energy again and can function normally. I hope I never experience that again. I recently signed a petition and wrote a letter to our US President hoping to have Lupron use discontinued. Thru my experience I believe there are probably different things that bring fibro on. Finding what works to fight the pain is tricky because they don't know what causes it. I think its wonderful for you all to share what works for you and i hope it helps others. Lavender and chamomile are the only two herbs I rely on for pain relief and calming effects.
We can do it! |
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Cozynana
True Blue Farmgirl
1123 Posts
Kem
1123 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2013 : 02:54:28 AM
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| I too suffered with fibro symptoms. My symptoms got worse and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue too. This changed when I finally was diagnosed with Lyme disease. It has all the symptoms of fibro and more. I have been sick for 20 plus years. I am now on treatment for Lyme which is a bit like fibro. B12, vit D, etc are part of the protocol for Lyme. Dr Horowitz is coming out with a new book called Why Can't I Get Well or something like that. This is for,chronically ill people. You can preorder on Amazon. I would suggest we all read it. !You may not agree with all his theories, but will give you a new angle in fibro. My naturopath called fibro a trash can diagnosis, when the docs do not know what it is, they classify it fibro or chronic fatigue. Since starting lyme treatment, chronic fatigue is gone and pain is much, much better., does not move or jump around as much. |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2013 : 2:46:29 PM
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I've re-encountered this thread thanks to the Farmgirls who posted recently . I read the whole thing again and want to share some love for all of you who've suffered with fibromyalgia. It is real, it hurts like hell, it affects your cognition and I guess what we're learning is that different people respond to a variety of treatments.
Another thing I'd like to say is how sorry I am for the pissy tone of some things I posted. Okay, not gonna dwell on that. The best way to say sorry is to not repeat the offense. I'll try hard not to .
A bit of an update. I had a recurrence of fibro a few years ago triggered by a sciatic nerve injury possibly suffered as the result of sitting for too long on an over-inflated Gaiam ball chair I had just purchased. It got so bad I had to get a disabled sticker for my vehicle. I had to use a cane and couldn't get upstairs at my farmhouse unless I literally crawled. I went through months of physical therapy because the problem appeared yo be arthritis. Then I remembered by bout of fibro a couple of decades ago, and how Zoloft had helped me. I suggested to my doctor that we give that a try again. I also gave up the office space I'd rented for 15 years and that had been a source of financial hardship (equals stress). Long story short, after over two years of being crippled, I was back to normal within a couple of months.
The reason Zoloft or other antidepressants work on the pain of fibromyalgia is that there's apparently some chemical link between fibromyalgia and depression. Whether it's a cause-and-effect thing or just a convenient coincidence, I don't know. Zoloft is an antidepressant. I'm told it's not used much any more but the generic form is cheap and it worked for me -- twice now. In my case, I'm pretty sure the issue was anxiety, a belief that I literally couldn't move (out of my office) which expressed itself in crippling physical mobility problems. Maybe the Zoloft was a placebo for me. Maybe an herbal anti-anxiety treatment would have worked as well.
I'm not here to say anyone with fibro should take prescription drugs instead of herbal remedies, massage and other natural treatments. I believe wholeheartedly in these things. I'm just saying, I guess, that the antidepressant approach has worked for me and maybe it could be helpful to one of you as well. Whatever it takes, I figure. I hope I never experience another flare-up of this chronic condition. To prevent that, it's probably a great idea to eliminate stressors in our lives, avoid inflammatory foods, get regular exercise and get on a regular program of preventive herbal support. I wish I could say I've been taking this advice, but mostly I haven't. I will listen with great interest to the experiences my Farmgirl sisters are having with this horrible condition, and what they find is working for them. |
Edited by - Rosemary on Mar 28 2014 1:38:52 PM |
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Denise Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
831 Posts
Denise
Shoreview
MN
USA
831 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2013 : 4:05:54 PM
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Hi all,
I just wanted to chime in about Fibro. I have many patients with Fibromyalgia, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, rule out all the bad stuff and whats left?? Unfortunately no blood tests or scans for this and it gets a bum wrap, "its all in your head" mentality if there is not a quantitative way to diagnose something. Regarding prescription medication... Not everyone fits the cookie cutter starting doses for specific medications. Some people are just super sensitive and if that is the case, ask to be started on the lowest dose and work up from that point and go slow. Some times its just a matter if patience on the providers part. I am interested in the more holistic aspect. Exercise and diet are important and continuing to move is key, don't have to run marathons but even a little is better than none....take care
Denise |
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kymomma4
True Blue Farmgirl
516 Posts
RoDonna
Frankfort
Kentucky
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2014 : 1:32:26 PM
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Girls thank you for posting on this. I've shared with one of my friends who has fibro. I hope this helps her bc nothing else has. She's been very depressed lately and she has a young child. You guys are a blessing.
RoDonna
Farmgirl #2361
"Blessed is the farmgirl who helps make the world a better and healthy place" ~ Me
"For she is clothed with dignity and strength and without fear of the future"-Proverbs 31:25
www.marykay.com/rcarson4 |
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jenne.f
True Blue Farmgirl
643 Posts
Jenne
Wagontown
PA
USA
643 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2014 : 05:58:50 AM
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Since I had a recent flair-up of my own fibro, I did lots of reading online and I found this thread and wanted to add a few remedies of my own and take away many more to try. I learned that fibro often appears or re appears after a bout of illness or stress. I personally have found that cutting back on the acidic foods, for me coffees and cokes, ( my weakness) and orange juice and similar foods helps. I have read that overdoing on Vit D is difficult and I take it daily. 5-10.000 I.U daily. I also take a mild allergy med daily such as benedryl, ( I take Tylenal PM for the benydryl and sleep help) It helps loosen the thick mucus typical of Fibromyalgia. Eliminating flour foods, when I can helps so much too.
Best Wishes to all. I find knowledge helpful and healing. Sometimes it helps to make sense of it all.
~blessings~
Jenne
Farmgirl #4616
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Edited by - jenne.f on Jun 09 2014 06:46:55 AM |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6647 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6647 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2014 : 06:04:50 AM
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I too am happy to have found this thread, my hubby has fibro and is learning to live and deal with the pain which is not easy. Thank you for all the wonderful information I have read here, I too have a Dear Farmgirl Friend who has had it for years and she helps and advices us as well.
Take care each of you.
Hugs,
Debbie
"BE KIND TO PEOPLE BECAUSE EVERYBODY YOU KNOW IS ENGAGED IN REALLY TOUGH BATTLES."
www.etsy.com/shop/MountainWingsAntique
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
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Herbal Wisdom: Herbal Help for Fibromyalgia |
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Herbal Help for Fibromyalgia
