My Symptom Set
I've been avoiding actually putting this list down on paper, so to speak. Not only does it take time, but it just seems like a litany of whining.
Oh well, let the litany and whining begin:
Fatigue:
There's a reason why the word fatigue is part of the syndrome title. Last year I was blown away by bone crushing fatigue. I could make it to work, but on weekends I often couldn't get out of bed. I've done quite a bit better over the past six months. My doctor thinks that the gamma globulin shots have played a big role in my improvement. I also have tried very hard to get enough sleep. See below under insomnia.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
This so sucks. I hate it. Read here for how I, for the most part, beat it.
Irritable Bladder Syndrome.
Until three years ago, I was never even aware of my urinary tract - unless I drank too much beer and there wasn't a potty close at hand. Then not only did I develop have urge-frequency, I also developed bladder and urethral discomfort and pain. And it sure made sex not a lot of fun at times. Amitriptyline controlled it for a year and a half. However, I had some side effects (high heart rate) and its efficacy lessened over time. So this Spring, I received a Interstim Implant. It basically zotzs the spinal nerves that control the bladder and urethral muscles. It has helped a great deal. I was able to go off of the amitriptyline and the urge frequency and overall pain level have really improved.
Pain
I luckily, do not have the pain levels that most fibro sufferers experience. However, it has started picking up in the past few months. Unbelieveable body aches - just like the flu. And everything hurts. Especially my upper arms and my poor feet. I'm still working out what to do about this one. I have a pretty solid physical regimen and the gamma shots make a huge difference, but it may be time to bring in a bigger gun. Right now I'm considering Neurontin.
Chronic illness
This really really really sucked. I was sick for 18 months straight - if there was a viral or bacterial infection floating around, I got it and got it bad. I missed so much work. My self esteem was just flattened. Dr. Bateman helped me get back on track - the two big keys were the gamma globulin shots and lots of sleep. I've only been sick once in the past four months.
Insomnia
I don't have nasty insomnia, but within the past few years I've started having problems getting to sleep. Once I was asleep, I was fine. But getting there could be problematic. The amitriptyline helped for awhile but I then became accustomed to it. Right now, I'm taking Ambien but I'm not real fond of it - I wake up quite a bit with it. So I am considering switching. Dr. Bateman wants me to get at least ten hours a night of sleep. Easier said than done.
9:18:27 PM 
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