AFAIK, TMS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation) is pretty effective against fibromyalgia. At least that’s what my neurologist said. He suggested we do it for my depression, but I haven’t found the courage yet. He said one woman that had chronic phantom pains and didn’t believe anything could cure her was in raptures after the course
Have you tried any kind of exercises to lessen the effects of your condition? I don’t mean anything drastic, of course. Only things like stretching, yoga, or even exercising in a swimming pool (that should take the pressure off of your joints and bones). I suppose it sounds counterintuitive, and it’s hard to make oneself even try. When I was constantly told that regular exercising would help with my anxiety and depression, it angered me so much! I felt I had no energy for any of it. However, I was lucky to visit an occupational therapist who helped me develop a routine that did not deplete my energy while improving my symptoms. So don’t discard this idea, please.
What type do you have – somatic or nonsomatic? I’ve read that the somatic type responds well to SSRIs/SNRIs, but I’m no doctor. Also, checking your levels of iodine and magnesium might be helpful.
@ShanChun1964 Magnesium is not the only supplement, why does everyone talk only about it? I agree that they may significantly add to the feeling of fatigue, and since everything kind of affects everything, malnutrition may increase all the symptoms and inflammation. But it’s about so many things… L-carnitine, Zinc, all B vitamins, K1, also choline supplements. Nutrition and metabolism are complex matters.
@noname Hey, this is a helpful list, thanks. I don't want to casually mention many supplements because it's not exactly healthy to take anything without the appropriate blood tests. Magnesium is the least harmful supplement, so people often advise it to support the nervous system. I don't want to sound like I know everything about nutrition, cause I don't.
@ShanChun1964 I wasn’t picking at you personally! It’s just that I see these comments about taking magnesium all the time, as if it's some miracle and cure for everything.
If you're really serious about doing something with energy levels, I can tell you that you should start with a proper diet. One can start with keto, then try out carnivore (which is mainly meat, eggs and salt, plus water). Dieting has shown some great results for people with pains, migraines, and I believe diagnoses like fibromyalgia as well
Generally person with fibromyalgia when they exercise their pain worsens. So it is very important you will have to first slowly and gradually exercise. You can start with 2-3 times a week. Keep a gap for a day at least when you start exercising so it means you exercise one day then next day a break and then do exercise the next day. You will have to stick to this exercise program for at least 6 weeks for your body to get adapted to it. This way you will start feeling and seeing the benefit. You should not start the exercise when fibromyalgia is flaring. Wait until the pain has reduced to larger extent. Initially you should start with moderate exercise like just walking. walking on the grass or pool or pathways. walking for 10 min then try 12 min next day so slowly increase that. Don't start with running or treadmill or stair climbing at initial stage. The idea is to just let your body understand and adapt to it. This walking will also help to get blood flowing to your muscles and joints. It will help your heart and lungs as well.
if it hurts or pains you need to stop walking for a day. Understand how you feel and you have to judge if walking is increasing the pain. Generally feeling sore a day or two is quite normal after any form of exercise. As you continue to walk the muscle soreness should diminish. But if the pain doesn't reduce that means you are over doing it so stop and just do stretching exercises till you feel better. you can also do cold compress if the pain doesn't subside. Wrap the cold ice pack in towel and keep it on your legs. Keep it for 20 min. You can also try heating pads for muscles spasms or stiffness. Anything which works for you hot or cold.
After 6 weeks start adding weight training to your exercise regime. This also should be 2-3 sets of reps but only 2-3 times a week. Your progress to increase the reps depends on how you feel.
You can also do tai-chi which involves slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing exercises.
Remember one thing that adding physical activity in your day would gradually decrease your pain, improve your sleep and give you more energy, positive feeling. So don't get disappointed. The key is to do everything in moderation. just do it slowly and gradually. if you follow this you will start feeling better within. Kindly be patient with yourself.