Getting to the Root of Fibromyalgia

by Janis Leibold, Assistant Editor, Fibromyalgia Network
Posted: October 28, 2011

While many researchers are studying blood and urine of fibromyalgia patients to determine if mineral abnormalities exist, one team from Korea is taking a novel approach by going directly to the root of the problem.* Their study of trace elements in hair samples shows fibromyalgia patients have lower levels of important minerals compared to healthy adults.

Using 44 women with fibromyalgia and 122 healthy controls, the researchers snipped hairs from the tops of heads, very close to the roots, to perform their analysis. Like crime scene investigators, the research team led by Nam-Seok Joo, M.D., carefully selected patients and controls with similar characteristics related to age, body mass, and lifestyle habits. Women with other illnesses that could possibly influence their hair sample were excluded from the study. All the participants, averaging 44 years of age, had to refrain from using hair gels, or applying any type of chemical processing (such as coloring or perms) for at least two weeks before the snip.

The clean hair analysis showed fibromyalgia patients had significantly lower levels of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Many other minerals, such as chromium, selenium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, and zinc, did not differ between the patients and controls.

Previous reports looking at mineral status in fibromyalgia patients have been mixed and often conflicting. Joo points to the inherent problem of these prior studies, which sampled blood or urine. The body is made to adapt to changing demands, such that many minerals are robbed from the bones to maintain sufficient blood levels. And alterations in the urine may not say much about the level of mineral storage in the bones or other tissues. However, hair analysis should provide a more accurate picture of the body’s overall mineral status.

“Several studies have explored the relationship between fibromyalgia patients and oxidative stress. Still other studies investigated elemental composition of patients, but they surveyed only blood and urine samples,” reported Joo. “The latter studies, while potentially useful, overlooked the mineral content of hair. The hair mineral assay is a good method to explore the mineral status at the cellular level.”

So what exactly does it mean to be low in the five minerals identified by Joo? More studies are needed, but Joo points out that several reports have shown that fibromyalgia patients lack the necessary antioxidants to neutralize reactive chemicals that can interfere with cellular functions. This, in turn, leads to an oxidative stress environment and could account for symptoms involving muscles spasms and cramps, fatigue, neuromuscular weakness, and insomnia.

While it is not practical to start taking a whole barrage of expensive mineral supplements, fibromyalgia patients should consider taking a daily broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains 100 percent of the essential nutrients including iron.

Mineral levels (average)
Healthy Controls
Fibromyalgia Patients
Calcium 1,093 mcg 775 mcg
Magnesium 72 mcg 52 mcg
Copper 40 mcg 28 mcg
Iron 7.1 mcg 5.9 mcg
Manganese 190 ng/g 140 ng/g

 

* Kim YS, et al. J Korean Med Sci 26(10):1253-7, 2011.

71 Responses to Getting to the Root of Fibromyalgia

  1. Benita Humble says:

    Hi:
    My doctor found several years ago when I had some stomach problems that I was not absorbing minerals and vitamins and was even malnutritioned. No one ever thought that it might be related to the Fibromyalgia, so this is very interesting to me–I will review a blood workup that my doctor gave me about a year ago to see if the minerals you mention above coincide. I notice that I definitely feel better when taking vitamin/mineral pills, however due to my sensitive stomach and trouble swallowing pills, I am not able to take them regularly so I don’t know how I would feel if I was able to stay on the supplements for a significant amount of time.
    Thank you for your time.

    • Sharon Ward says:

      There are a number of companies that make chewable vitamins & minerals as well as powders you stir into water or juice, as an alternative to a pill. You might try those and see if you can take them more regularly. There are even different flavors.

    • Cheryl Mitchell says:

      Try Nature’s Plus Source of Life liquid vitamin supplement. Although more expensive at first, you will find the boost it gives you will be worth it! It tastes like kiwi fruit. You can find it in a health food store. Hope this helps!

    • pamela says:

      Benita I had a lot of blood work done all minerals and vitamin levels were extremely low vitamin d and magnesium was off the charts low and I am always in sun so no reason for vitamin D to be that low . The doctor had me get a chewable vitamin that started with a V, I can’t remember the name for my life but they are with the vitamins and remind me of chocolate candy.
      He also told me you absorb chewable vitamins better.
      The best way to absorb magnesium is by soaking in Epsom salt bath daily hope this helps.

      • Jessica says:

        Oh, how I’ve been there too. I usually tell my husband I just need to vent. Sometimes I forget, and he also goes into fix-it mode. I’m grateful for the many things he does fix; but sometimes that’s just not what we need.I’ve been off this whole month too. Been feeling more aches than I have in a long time. Been trying to analyze and figure out why, but I can’t put my finger on it. Hang in there Nancy. I’ll pray for you and hope that this flare-up goes away very soon.

    • Melody says:

      Hey, just started getting this news letter and read your comments. Have you looked to see if you can get the nutrients/mineral/vitamins in liquid form? Check this out of course with your doctor and look for a pharmacy that does “compound” mixing for you. Good luck.
      Fibromyalgia 2002

    • Stephanie says:

      I have had a hair analysis from my doc a couple of times. My findings were the same as this study. I also have liver issues so take all supplements in luquid form.

    • Ariel Napier says:

      Have you thought about taking liquid vitamin instead of a pill? Studies show when you take a vitamin in pill form you absorb approx 15% of it & it’s harsher on your stomach. The same studies show when you take it in liquid form, usually as a powered mixed with water your body absorbs almost 90% of the vitamins. Just a thought. I learned this a few months ago…and I feel better …

  2. miriam sivak says:

    I can’t take a multi vitamin for various reasons. I would like a pill that is a supplement for these except calcium which has many other options. I am going to ask my doctor if he can test me for these things.

  3. Jackie says:

    Benita if you have problems swallowing tablets take them with a spoon of yoghurt.

  4. MiMi says:

    I have learned how to “control my FM pain” by taking vitamins and supplements and doing other things as well….I would like to encourage all FMers to be sure and ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level….which is so very important to a lot of people these days….Low Vitamin D can cause “additional pain” for some of us…and it can also affect other illnesses as well….according to the medical researchers…
    when my level was checked it was around 12….which is extremely low…and it took me a very long time to get it back to within the “normal range”….I now take a Vitamin D every week….I have also learned that taking Fibro Response, Omegas, Vitamin B Complex and Calcium….has helped my FM pain…doing gentle stretching and exercising also help….as well as taking a hot shower at night using lavender bath salts in a stopped up drain….(this helps my body to relax so that I can rest better)….Stopain Spray as needed…watching what I eat…and drinking water….plenty of water….(98% of what I consume)….

    This has helped me….and I have to sleep in a recliner….(not by choice though)….

    I hope this helps…..

    • judy says:

      About Vit=D…I had mine checked about four years ago just by chance before all the hype about low Vit-d in women. It was at 12 and it took two years to get in 32 ,at 100,000 IU weekly, PCP said the higher it is in the normal range the better you will feel. He then dropped it to 50,000 IU’s a week stated the medical community were to aggressive with treatment at first.

    • Tina Peterson says:

      I to have an extremely low Vit D count – originally it came in at a 9 which shocked the dr. She initially didn’t even want to check it and I actually called them after they did a thyroid blood check for me and asked them to use some of the blood to check the Vit D. I had gotten really anemic, exhausted, headachy and just in intense pain all the time. Vit D helps as does Juice Plus+, Vit B.

  5. Janet McLaughlin, M.A. says:

    As a retired registered dietitian with fibromyalgia for approx 28 yrs, I cannot recommend supplementing with iron (Fe) without discussing it with your physician. I myself do take a multi-vit min for seniors, from Costco, which does not have Fe, after lunch, to minimize any stomach discomfort. Food also has the fat, enzymes and other “helpers” to promote bioavailability of that pill. Our vitamin and mineral needs are actually individual, not those listed on the label of the supplement. Unfortunately, we cannot press a button on ourselves for a printout!

  6. Barbara says:

    Thanks for this valuable information. I’ve felt some general improvement, and no GI upset, using OLA LOA Multi Vitamin/Mineral powder. It comes in several flavors, no sugar, gives a gentle energy boost. I use 1-2 daily in spring water, drinking it over an hour period. Tests show Vit D deficiency so I’m adding that too.

  7. Diana says:

    My friend has fibro. He is 50 yrs old and was diagnosed several yrs ago. At a young age he started hair loss for no reason. Weight loss and Chronic Fatigue are also a problem with him. For 3 yrs now he has been treated and although the hair hasn’t come back full he has more now than he did. He also is being treated with testerone injections which seeems to help. His body was so low on hormones that it was not even showing on the blood work. I have to say he is on the uphill rise and doing better.

  8. DrBobbi says:

    My pain MD checked my Vit D and & B levels, all way too low, and I’m now on supplements. He also recently recommended magnesium, too. It’s too soon to tell yet…but I’m hoping this will help. Some days can be hellacious, as we all know.

  9. margaret says:

    i got the vit/min iv an d it helped alot. any doses i take orally do not. the doses above are tiny, what doses do most of you take? i am taking a good multi vit and min daily plus 400 mg magnesium and 1000 iu vit d at nite.

  10. barbara says:

    i too take vitamindD magnesium and and iron will add b complex

    would love to hear about what food afeects different people

    • Meg R. says:

      Besides vitamins and supplements and minerals has anyone else’s doctor mentioned anything about the brain? A few of the doctors I’ve seen mention that it’s some type of brain malfunction where the brain perceives pain when there is none.
      My understanding is… that the part of the brain that percieves pain is somehow on overdrive.
      Anyone else hear anything like that?

  11. Kathy Szczepanik says:

    I have suffered for years from RLS, CFS, Allergies, Chemical Sensitivities, frequent infections, continual pain and FMS.
    Magnesium helps control the RLS, but as soon as I cut down
    a bit it quickly flares back up. I am worse in spring, summer,
    and fall. It is challenging! I will look more into vit. and mineral
    deficiencies. Thank You for the info.

  12. maudine walker says:

    I was checked by my MD had blood chemistry levels checked I was told I had no Vit D whatsoever in my system. I had MD check on at Phyiscal for the year I noticed my Teeth cracking & Chipping after Dental work I ended in Dental Office 5 times after fillings, skin itching with Hives and I was not healing . I have fib 1992 auto accident, worker compensation and the job fired me and worker comp let me sit for 18 months I needed help? Chronic Fatquie & Myofasical diagnoise 2007 with severe Sleep Apena anixety & panic attack due to not getting proper help after auto accident when drunk driver hit me I never sleep due to continued pain!!!from 1992-present almost homeless never heal right and Original Doc never ran test for anything or even took blood due to emplorer not given BWC Number for years and switching MCO My doctor only gave precription for medication when I kept fighthing for my rights my old Meds Files where taken from hosp by emplorers Representative and Hospital gave me a certified letter stating that I need help?help??

    • maudine walker says:

      Hello forgot Hair also came out due to steriods shot skin itching and I lost Organs prior to Auto accident and I couldn’t walk got so bad I couldn’t think or help myself my life has been altered I never was sent to the right kind of Doctor’and Personal Dept Rep never sent me my Medical 1st report of injury paper’s I requested this held up my claim and the Doc could not see me and I never knew why?I was told by Personal rep we’ll take care of you? I told her to send me my papers she kept stalling I no why now and I needed help them and now from a very good attorney & the right Doctors that not afraid so this will never happen to anyone? Fibromyalgia News know how to get in touch

    • Carla Anderson says:

      I agree, all of us with Fibro are different with some similar and some different sx, and maybe multiple diseases and injuries, and causes of fibro. We need the personalized, not cookbook care, and I have not found it yet. I have not even found a doctor that can study or “read” once the copies of Fibro Network News I give. They say ” oh, I will give that to my students…” but they do not know a thing about fibro, and I cannot tell what is in their brain if they do not speak. I want a cure if possible, but if not, improvement by 50% at least by helping at the cellular level, as malabsorption seems universal, and affects everyone differently, as well as what else happened in their life, and their individual genetics. But while that is being done, we need help with our pain. I am fully functional with proper meds for “me”, not what some drug company patented for fibro. But I am in agony, and 10% functional without pain relief. Every movement, including on the couch is painful.

    • Ricky says:

      Nancy,thank you for a very timely article. I struggled with a fibro flare from mid-December through the end of January. It was so bad that I was convinced the doctors were wrong and that I was really dying of some terrible disease. I wanted to share something that helps me. I bought one of those heated blankets (like a giant heating pad) at Wal-Mart and I stay wrapped up in it, even through the night. While it didn’t take away the pain, it did help (I bought it half way through this last episode.) So, maybe that may help you during those rough times as well.

  13. jan charrlin says:

    My gastrointologist believes there is a corelation between the mast cells he found in my colon and stomach and fibromyalgia. Has anyone else ever been told this? My disease is mastocytosis -similar to Chrohn’s disease.

  14. Dianne Nabors says:

    It took me ten years and seven doctors to get a diagnosis for FMS. That was about ten years ago. At first my family doctor was very attentative and seemed interested in my wellbeing and my relief from pain. As I read about new treatments and deficiencies believed to be associated with FMS I would ask her to check for various things that I might have in common with other sufferers. She seemed to resent my suggestions and tried to make me feel stupid. She even told me she had never heard of having vitamin D checked. On my own I saw an Endocrinologists to do a further check on my thyroid. She also checked for several vitamins. When I told my family doctor about seeing someone else, she ranted and raved and said she had rather I not come back since I was “self referring” to other doctors. Now I don’t have a family doctor. Has anyone else had a medical doctor treat them in this manner? What do I do now? Why do doctors not like for patients to think for themselves? HELP!!

    • Diann Toler says:

      Yes, I’ve had that happen many times. I can’t count the number of docs I’ve been through. When I go to a new doc I always ask if they like a patient to be proactive and educated. It took 20 years, but I have a great family doc who is the head of the team of specialists. I shower him with appreciation regularly and hope he never gets tired of me. Don’t give up. Keep trying.

  15. Fred says:

    Dianne:
    That a physician – much less your primary care doc – would treat you this way is reprehensible! The first thing I’d do is get ahold of someone in your state who works for whichever state agency monitors medical licenses, & I’d file a formal complaint. On top of that, I would (personally) also post to sites like Angie’s list!
    Sadly, there are doctors who prefer to make assumptions about a patient’s intelligence (pr worse, psychiatric well-being!) just because that doc lacks knowledge about Fibromyalgia is not all that uncommon. More than once I have had to educate a doctor on what current research says (I read it, because I deal with Fibromyalgia everyday!). But I have NEVER had a doctor insult like yours did, much less “fire me”.
    Yep. The Internet is great at spreading the word. Or a Facebook page like, “Don’t Go To Dr. So-&-So Because…” I’d make him/her regret treating me (or anyone I cared about) like you experienced.
    Every normal person knows that low vitamin D causes pain! Surely your doctor knew that!
    I’m sorry you experienced that… You might try the American Pain Foundation. They have a page with doctor referrals for those with chronic pain (although it may not include physicians in your area – you just have to look).
    Best,
    Fred

  16. Karrie says:

    I just seen the Dr again today to go over all the test he did. I to was very low in D and he said a lot of people with FM are low and will need to be on a strong dose for life. Also he seems to understand what’s really going on. They really feel it is an over stimulation of our nervious system. A lot of the medications they have now are for slowing down the over stimulated nerves. I have really bad migraines and this also is part of FM. He has also found that people with FM often have sleep apnea. I told him 8 years ago i got my machine but got tired of it and quit using it. So he has ordered me to go back to do a sleep study as this might be adding to my FM. I have to agree with him.
    I am willing to try anything to make this better.

  17. Mary Ann Scheler says:

    Hi all you fibro sufferes I too have been sick and in pain since my 30s, I am now 75. Long time, I diagnosed myself after reading an article, and taking it to my doctor and he agreed that’s what I had. I found the best help I received was from massage and prescriptions I take. Neurontin and flexerill. They do reduce my pain level. In 1999 I had neck surgery to repair two collapsed disks, I had so much pain from that for years before I got help. We all have different stories and I pray you all get the help you need. I had to be my own advocate. Also very low in vit D. Supplements haven’t helped so far.

  18. Fiona cole says:

    I am 43 years old and diagnosed with FM over 15 years ago. I experience every single symptom regularly and it totally sucks! I have been tested more than a science project. I’ve learned to suck it up and work around it. FM can’t kill you, just make your life really difficult sometimes….. Ok most of the time. But lots of things can make your life hard. My glass is half full!

  19. Stacey says:

    I have had FMS, chronic fatigue and OA for a little over 15 years now. I have all of the classic symptoms that everyone else states here. The worst pain that I have (besides the OA in most of my joints…at 47 years old) is in all the muscle groups in my back. It feel almost every day like I have been punched in the back…over every square in of it. I have done PT, meds and so on. I currently take Lexapro, meloxicam and neurontin. The lexapro keeps my brain calm which keeps the nerve pain at bay..somewhat. And it keeps ME calm too!! The neurontin isn’t a cure all, but It keeps the flares farther aprt in frequency. The meloxicam is the only things that keeps my joiont pain under control. AND….I HIGHLY recommend heat thereapy…every day. If you do not have a hot tub……GET ONE!!! Best thing ever for FMS and OA!!! It really works! Soft hugs to everyone….here’s to pain free days!!!!

    • Prince says:

      HiII found your blog through tiettwr ! I also suffer from anxiety, your story could be my story Well apart from the husband bit lol.Glad I read that Inspiring to hear people getting on with their lives despite everything !Oh , and I dive as well, in the cold water off the British Isles.Take care and happy diving !!Derek

  20. Marie says:

    Well I have had FM now for about 20 years. Most mornings just as soon as I open my eyes my head is killing me.
    I also have insomina for over 20 years, if I don’t take something to help me sleep I might sleep 2 nights out of a week. For me it doesn’t matter if I take something or not, my big problem is waking up. Once I get to sleep I just cannot seem to wake up after like 8 hours. Does anyone out there have this problem. Finally I do get to sleep (between 5 to 8 am) and I sleep that whole day and into the evening. I cannot get my scedule back on track, it’s been a few years now. Help!!!!!!!!

    • Candelaria says:

      Hi Kimberly! I haven’t read any of your books (yet), but I have read everything you’ve wrttien here and on your MySpace and I swear it feels like you know my body better than anyone! Thank you for all your wonderful information and I will be back often.Tammy

    • Rachel says:

      I also have FMS and the sleep issue. I only found out last May what has been driving my pain for over 20 years. I have been in a flare up since January. It’s miserable! I have nothing to help me sleep or wake up.

    • Angela Turner says:

      Yes Marie I have trouble waking up, taking Cymbalta but w/o my Ambien med I cannot get to sleep until around 5 am, then can not wake up. I seem to always need at least 10 hrs. I sleep through the night, then wake up like I had no sleep. I have had fibro since I was 23 am 44 now. Husband wakes me at 8 am to take my Ritalin & hydrocodone to wake up by 10am. It helps wake up but still no energy :(

      • judy says:

        Regarding trouble sleeping. I still have trouble falling asleep and have had the sitting all night. for years ,…I take Cymbalta and after years of taking it at night the NP said switch to taking in the am and it has helped. I still have those sleep issues, but it’s not each and every night.She said it works differently in people Makes some people drowsy in others works the opposite.

    • Ruth says:

      i find that if i don’t eat after taking my sleeping med., i will never get to sleep. you then need to wind down the noise,activities etc. In the morning i was prescribed several meds. and would soon fall asleep again. I learned there were some meds. i just couldn’t take in the morning with breakfast. I had to wait for a couple of hours.

  21. Momerath42 says:

    I was diagnosed with FM when I was 19. I’m approaching 31 now, and it’s been an uphill battle. I have sleep issues (sleep walking/talking, extreme deep sleeper, difficulty waking, vivid disturbing dreams). I take Zoloft to manage FM and Xanax for anxiety & PTSD. I take Vitafusion gummy vitamins: calcium w/vitamin D, omega 3, and a multi. Seems to be helping thus far. I’ll look into magnesium, but I’ll need one without potassium because of blood pressure meds. Best wishes to all.

    • Kelly says:

      Momerath42,
      My daughter, Selena, is 16 and has been dealing with Fibro for several years already. Since you have also dealt with this condition since a teen, would you be willing to correspond with her to just occasionally “talk” about the daily challenges you both face? I think she feels isolated because none of her friends can relate to her extreme fatigue and how much energy it takes just to get through the school day. Please respond to my email (kcslack@verizon.net) and I’ll pass on her email if you’re willing.
      Kindest regards,
      Kelly

      • Maddyandco says:

        Such wonderful insgiht my friend! I’m sorry things have been so difficult lately with the fibro. I’m so glad you listened to the Holy Spirit’s prompt and shared honestly with Tony and you both can support and comfort each other. It’s scary to be open, but so wonderful when you have each other to rely on. Ain’t love grand????

    • Jody says:

      Try Reishi by Home Defense and Ashwaganda by Banyan Botanicals for your immune system and anxiety. Natural products been around for thousands of years . Trust me they have changed my life. Good luck

  22. Meg Taylor says:

    I take supplements but remain low in the minerals. I had a doctor tell me years ago to always take chelated minerals as they are absorbed by the body but even that does not bring my levels to a normal state. I have a theory that fibro patients do not process supplements in a normal way.

    • Sajitha says:

      Thank you for your blog post. Jones and I have already been vanisg for just a new publication on this matter and your short article has made us to save money. Your thinking really answered all our inquiries. In fact, a lot more than what we had thought of ahead of the time we ran into your excellent blog. My partner and i no longer nurture doubts along with a troubled mind because you have actually attended to our needs above. Thanks

      • sandy mathein says:

        Hi guys: I have had FM/CF for the past 23 years. I have been to many drs.
        but to no avail. I am now 63 and I still am suffering. I wonder if any of you
        experienced not being able to walk up stairs. I have two chair rails in my
        house to get up and down stairs. I also find that my legs get very tired and they can weaken enough that I will fall down if not caught. Do any of you
        have this problem.

  23. pat says:

    We are all different, and we all need individuals solutions to pain management. Thank goodness for these creative people who have figured out they do not have a drug deficiency, but rather a nutritional issue or a metabolic issue. We seem to have varying degrees of sub-clinical and clinical signs, known often to ourselves better than anyone. How well we can communicate that has a great deal with how the dr. responds to us. On the other hand, some drs. can not recognise that medicines generally do not cure, but rather manage symptoms. It is expensive to do the detective work, if you will, regarding the source of distress. Sometimes it is never found. I guess it depends alot on how much energy one has to deal with looking. After 30 years of looking, and trying, I must say the concept of mineral/elecrolyte makes so much sense. If biological processes are not just on target, there will be effects. The magnesium issue is the most hopeful, and simplest idea, along with heat, nutrition,stretching–of painful parts. I fear the long term effects of so many psycotropics and cns depressants unless it is a last result. A place to start, but not the best place to stay. Best wishes on your quest.

  24. Helen Mueller says:

    My biggest help is the cortisone, by far and away. I also take opioids, daily, whatever gets me thru the day with at least a pretense of productivity. I will not allow anyone to hassle me about my intake/treatment, I am the only one who lives in this body. I would urge all to do a lot of research to find what holds this beast, and several others, at bay, so life still holds desirable tomorrows.
    HPH, Helen

    • Reen says:

      Good for you Helen!
      I’m in agreement. Seriously- some people who claim fibro have no clue the severity one can suffer in pain. Comments putting down the use of opiods tic me off- these being the ONLY thing that help my severe fibro pain – even then my activity is very limited. I’m housebound most days. Spending a week with myor your pain would change their tune quick!

  25. Sheril says:

    I would encourage to ask your doctor concerning supplements. The label does say to “consult your physician…”. Vitamin D and calcium is an essential part of my regimen. I have to have them for other reasons. I found it, it does help with Fibro pain. I needed Magnesium. Made all the difference in the world. I will check Manganese and Copper. Iron – call doctor first. Praying for you…

  26. Susan Evans says:

    I have been ill, pain, fatigue and lack of motivation for most of my life. I was told I had fibro 12 yrs ago but never understood the illness. I have had severe pain and sleeplessness, gastric problems, rashes, edema, nodules in mt lungs, kidneys etc. I was labeled menopausal, hysterical, and lonley. I am grateful to have found my new Dr and this website. I’m not as crazy as they make me…

  27. Terry says:

    I too have FMS/CFS, sleep apnia, extremely low vitamin D levels and have never felt one bit of difference with or without vitamins. I too suspect there’s an absorption issue for many of us. After trying every possible alternative am now just grateful for opiods that give me a semblance of life! There are degrees of this disease and judgment isn’t helpful… The drug Mirapex has helped me.

  28. Trisha says:

    Hi All,

    I was diagnosed with Fibro in early 1998 when I was 26 years old . As frustrating and agonizing as fibro is try not to let it get the best of you! I currently take Cymbalta which seems to help and Vit D since my level was 0. Massage therapy is a huge help as well. Try to stay active within reason and keep things in your life as normal as possible (working, social life, etc).

    • Trisha says:

      It truly does help to keep some level of normalize in your life. My first 2 years with fibro were debilitating.. Difficult to even hold my head up at times. Unfortunately, at the time I had no choice but to continue working to take care of my children. The positive thing about it is that “required”level of normalize improved my quality of life

  29. Laura says:

    It is my understanding, at least in my particular case, the reason I am deficiant in vitamins and minerals is due to my lack of restoritive sleep. I have yet to have a sleep study show that I go into any other stages except stage 1 and stage 2. I realize that few FM suffers have the severity of a sleep disorder such as mine, but I still feel there is a correlation between the two.

    • Patrice says:

      There is a definite sleep correlation in Fibro. U of Maryland did a study (in 2005?), they could induce Fibro in healthy college kids by continually interrupting 4th stage sleep. The kids regained normal health with solid sleep. Most people don’t realize waking up to go pee several x per night interferes with 4th stage sleep thus vicious fibro cycle. Uninterrupted sleep is critical 4 recovery!

  30. JOyce says:

    FM since 2007, had all these systems since years back but I be leave FM was not well known, lumbar with 3 herniatic disc and sciatic nerve pinched on both side, herniatic disc in my cervical area plus 2 nerves pinch on both sides, a cervical, thorax, lumbar chronic spasm so really a walking disaster. Fatigue ,I exercise interval days,rest when not well.The Lord is my Savior, strength.takeVitam

  31. Melody says:

    okay, i find this article useful but tell me how do you convert MCG to MG?
    Do you convert NG/G to MG also or what? Help!!
    Thanks.

  32. denise ferguson says:

    I to suffer from FM (2002) leggs hurt when climbing stairs, always tired, light headness, body always achy and also suffer from prenious anemia (body does not absorb vit B12) and have troble sleeping.

    • kathy says:

      I too can not absorb vitamins due to a gastric bypass when 17, i am 49 now and do my own vit B-12 injections. This work for this vitamin anyway, no luck with any others. Do have low D i am aware of.

  33. mickey cummins says:

    I suggest trazadone for sleep…no hangover, no fog, no etc.

  34. Kathy says:

    I agree about the nutrients and minerals, however, to absorb all that we need can sometimes cause stomach upset and many people cannot take enough minerals to make a difference. What I found lately is that juicing these precious vegetables and fruits makes a big difference. You can get so much more naturally than with a pill. I eat so much more fruits and vegetables now than I ever did.

  35. LucyGoose says:

    Hi! I was diagnosed with Fibro about 6-7 years ago….among a bunch of other things, and not until I asked to be tested for Celiac, did it all make sence! I went gluten free 3 years ago, and all my symptoms have disappeared, and I absorb nutrients now. It is amazing, really..I am more healthier than I have been in a long time and I FEEL good, too!! No more meds….what do you have to loose!

  36. Patrice says:

    Well, …this explains why when I drastically changed my diet in February I began recovering. I eliminated refined foods, gluten, sugars, high glycemic carbs, and dairy except yogurt. I ate berries with large portions of organic yogurt with probiotics, plates of greens, colorful veggies, fish, small amounts of meat..BTW, U of Maryland recently discovered acidophilus can relieve Chronic Fatigue.

  37. Anne says:

    I take One A Day gummies. I alternate between the ones with Omega and the ones with minerals and antioxidants to build immunity. Doesn’t help the Fibro AT ALL. Doesn’t give me more energy AT ALL, but I’m telling myself that it’s improving my overall health.

  38. judy says:

    I;m 65 and have the same problems with stairs..don’t know if it is a combo of age,FM and the anti-cuvants that may me dizzy. I plan to talk to the dr about this. but don;t expect to much help

  39. Diaz says:

    My doctor diagnosed me on the phone and said I did not need to go back to see her!

    I went through a lot of problems, including, TMJ, heavy period, insomnia, body stiffness, pains, etc. Through trial and error for 4 years, I finally got better through Chinese Medicine, Taiqi, SSRI, Vitamin, most importantly Christian prayers and resolved personal relationship problems.

  40. Alysa says:

    Even so, in much more extreme conditions, the expert care of a podiatrist is recommended to get over
    this problem.
    Powerful or too much sports pursuits involving the foot,
    and in specific conditions, arthritis could result in this sort of
    foot soreness.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

captcha *

 characters available

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>