If your wife has fibromyalgia, it isn't something easy to see--the best way I can describe it is like arthritis , but of all the connective muscles instead of your joints and bones. In a severe flair, I would take my skin off to reduce the pressure on  those muscles if i could.

Pain killers and muscle relaxants can help with the symptoms, and sometimes she may go into remission. Pain saps your energy and dulls your mind.  Some things aren't "major" but will win you bonus points--like carrying in groceries or anything heavy up and down stairs.  I'm sure you've done this, but just telling her you didn't understand what was going on, and that you tried to learn more will go a long way.

Extreme temperatures can trigger attacks.

this isn't about just aches and pains. Chronic pain is another stress on the body; prolonged stress can lead to clinical depression. It doesn't mean you are crazy or mentally ill; it means there is a chemical imbalance. You don't tell someone who is diabetic to cheer up when they need insulin. (If you can be fixed by seeing something funny, it wasn't depression.)

I had the insane idea once to try to use pain for energy--always had plenty of one, and I knew that if I took painkiller I'd crash for hours. As this went on, I was afraid that I was having/had a stroke. I was losing vocabulary and reasoning ability. I was in what is called "Fibro fog". My brain had started shutting down anything non-essential to survive--like language. It took months to come out of it.

Here's one that may sound strange--one of the things that can make a difference in both pain and mobility is eating cherries. The Native Americans used cherries for pain--doesn't matter if they are sour, sweet, frozen, or juice--she'll feel better. Any fruit or food high in anti-oxidants like sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries--any of the berries, the darker the better. In fact, if she likes dark chocolate, it is also high in antioxidants--and high in points for you. It doesn't need to be a big box, either.

I realize this isn't a complete list, but it should improve how she feels and how she feels about you. I appreciate all the help my husband gives me, although I wish I was able to do more myself. I have spinal problems and have had fusion on the upper spine over a decade ago. I just keep reminding myself that while everything complains, a lot of people would be grateful to chanage places.

A good support group can help her--on the computer, through a local group--there's a support group in my area, but I have a group here that I can attend in my pajamas.

Best of luck to you--I think it will mean a lot to her  how much you want to help.

Aug 9, 2012 -- 3:42AM, karbie wrote:

If your wife has fibromyalgia, it isn't something easy to see--the best way I can describe it is like arthritis , but of all the connective muscles instead of your joints and bones. In a severe flair, I would take my skin off to reduce the pressure on  those muscles if i could.

Pain killers and muscle relaxants can help with the symptoms, and sometimes she may go into remission. Pain saps your energy and dulls your mind.  Some things aren't "major" but will win you bonus points--like carrying in groceries or anything heavy up and down stairs.  I'm sure you've done this, but just telling her you didn't understand what was going on, and that you tried to learn more will go a long way.

Extreme temperatures can trigger attacks.

this isn't about just aches and pains. Chronic pain is another stress on the body; prolonged stress can lead to clinical depression. It doesn't mean you are crazy or mentally ill; it means there is a chemical imbalance. You don't tell someone who is diabetic to cheer up when they need insulin. (If you can be fixed by seeing something funny, it wasn't depression.)

I had the insane idea once to try to use pain for energy--always had plenty of one, and I knew that if I took painkiller I'd crash for hours. As this went on, I was afraid that I was having/had a stroke. I was losing vocabulary and reasoning ability. I was in what is called "Fibro fog". My brain had started shutting down anything non-essential to survive--like language. It took months to come out of it.

Here's one that may sound strange--one of the things that can make a difference in both pain and mobility is eating cherries. The Native Americans used cherries for pain--doesn't matter if they are sour, sweet, frozen, or juice--she'll feel better. Any fruit or food high in anti-oxidants like sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries--any of the berries, the darker the better. In fact, if she likes dark chocolate, it is also high in antioxidants--and high in points for you. It doesn't need to be a big box, either.

I realize this isn't a complete list, but it should improve how she feels and how she feels about you. I appreciate all the help my husband gives me, although I wish I was able to do more myself. I have spinal problems and have had fusion on the upper spine over a decade ago. I just keep reminding myself that while everything complains, a lot of people would be grateful to chanage places.

A good support group can help her--on the computer, through a local group--there's a support group in my area, but I have a group here that I can attend in my pajamas.

Best of luck to you--I think it will mean a lot to her  how much you want to help.

Hi karbie,

Have you tried lyrica? Is that how it is spelled? Anyway, it is new and is suppose to be so good for Fibromyalgia, but because of all the side effects that are listed, and because it is new, I don't feel safe taking it, so was wondering how it is working for those that do.

If you have tried it is it helping you?

Acomtha

I had chronic head shakes too on Lyrica.

I got off of it.

No more head shakes, I lost 40lbs and I'm more moble!!!

I still have flair ups

but not nearly as bad.

I now use motrin.

Stacey