Fibromyalgia and TTC

[EllyMayMomma]

I know at least one or two of you that are TTC have Fibromyalgia. I have been diagnosed with it as well. I have an appt with a pain clinic next week to determine where I will go from here.

What questions should I ask? What medications have your doctors put you on knowing you are TTC? How will it be managed after you get pregnant?

I would appreciate any advise, suggestions or words of wisdom.

[LessTraveledBy]

I have hypothyroidism and in my research have kept on bumping into the idea that fibromyalgia is caused by hypo.... There are some doctors who say that having good thyroid labs (with medication) takes away the fibro symptoms. At least worth looking into, I think.

[Lillbjorne]

I have chronic fatigue syndrome, but I haven't had any help or meds from the doctor, but having connected with other sufferers, I think I'm glad about that as they seem to pump themselves with all manner of toxins, which can't possibly be good for them.

However, I take a lot of natural meds myself - mostly vitamins, most notably magnesium, vitamins c, d, e and the b vitamins, plus 5htp (although that's apparently not suitable in pregnancy) but really loads.

I was also taking bovine adrenal complex for adrenal fatigue, but I worried about taking that in pregnancy so stopped that. Also seaweeds or sea-salt for the thyroid problem.

Also, I try to avoid junk food obviously and try to eat as much fresh, raw food as possible, including lots of coconut (fat / milk / water etc.)

hth. 

[BusyMumof5]

I would ask, in all fairness if you HAVE to be on ANY medications - other than herbal remedies..

I have not been diagnosed with CFS / Fibro, but giving I match pretty much ALL the flippin' symptoms I've kind of diagnosed myself.

I have 5 children under 6 to look after and remain absolutely knackered on a daily basis, actually it's more than just knackered, it's the achey pains and absolute failure to move anywhere quickly.

I think you should be thankful that they've picked up on your condition but be weary of the medication they may put you on and the effects it will have to your unborn child.

Having a child with a serious heart condition and NO reason as to what caused it, I know more than anyone that living with a perminanly sick child is something that should be avoided at all costs..

Good luck - Remember, don't just take their advice for it, Google research on other herbal remedies etc. x

[LivingSky]

I don't have fibromyalgia, but I have lived through it second hand with my mother for the last 7 years.

Fibromyalgia is hard to treat because it isn't one, specific disease. It is a catchall, for a lot of autoimmune issues that don't fit in to other definable categories (such as Lupus). So two people who have fibromyalgia don't necessarily have the same illness - just similar symptoms. So, most doctors have difficulty treating it. There are some drugs that have helped a large percentage of sufferers, but not all of the drugs prescribed for it will help everyone.

What has worked for my mom is doing the research herself. You know your symptoms best. Do the research and find out what medications match your symptoms. There are SO many possibilites for medications out there, you should be able to find one that helps with your symptoms and is still safe for TTC and pregnancy.

There are definitely, as mentioned by previous posters, alternative medicine ways to help with fibromyalgia. Notjust herbal remedies, but also acupuncture and reflexology, reiki, etc. It could definitely be worth a try to talk to some alternative practioners to see what they can offer as well!

[TickleToes]

Originally Posted by BusyMumof5 

I would ask, in all fairness if you HAVE to be on ANY medications - other than herbal remedies..

I'm with BusyMum's statement here... first see if you can treat your fibro without meds. I was diagnosed in 2008. At the time of my diagnosis, my pain was so severe and debilitating that even the shower had me crying in agony and I was was forced to take a leave of absence from work for several months. My doctor wanted me to try lifestyle changes first before trying out meds. So far, the only medication I have had to be on is a sleep aid... and that is something I've rarely taken. I was told to read The Fibromyalgia Solution and to ignore the chapter on medications, because the book was underwritten by a pharmaceutical company. My treatment plan is:

1. Establish regular sleep patterns
2. Eat well
3. Exercise
4. Reduce Stress
5. Vitamin D - through sun and fish oil

It has worked well for me. Now, my symptoms only show when one of the above become unbalanced... particularly if it is sleep or stress. Since fibro is different for everyone, its possible that lifestyle changes alone won't be enough to help you. If that's the case, definitely ask your doc about what is safe and research all of the gains for you and potential risks for your baby.

I've nothing to back this with, but some docs have claimed that their fibro patients report better symptoms during pregnancy. Good luck!

[BusyMumof5]

Originally Posted by TickleToes 

Originally Posted by BusyMumof5 

I would ask, in all fairness if you HAVE to be on ANY medications - other than herbal remedies..

I'm with BusyMum's statement here... first see if you can treat your fibro without meds. 

Well Thanks ;-) It's nice to know I kinda know what I'm talking about and some people agree with me! :)