Holistic approach?

Shweedog

Hi guys. I am kind of nervous to post, as I see members get attacked often on here but I am going to take the risk! I recently went to see a specialist because my exercise tolerance has declined dramatically. I have had joint/muscle pain/weakness for about the past 8 months and when the fatigue hit I decided to go get my thyroid, iron levels, and blood (rheumotoid arthritis test) checked out. All came out just fine so the arthritis doc stated she thinks it's a combo of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, being that I also have all the other inclusionary diagnoses like IBS, pressure point soreness, chronically swollen lymph nodes, sleep disturbances, headaches, memory loss/trouble concentrating, nausea, etc. She gave me Celebrex for inflammation and flexeril for muscle pain. She wants to put me on an antidepressant approved for these conditions but I declined because I was on several in the past and had allergic reactions AND developed suicidal tendancies which were never ever there before. So I have decided that I would like to try the holistc approach. Does anyone on here have any recommendations for things to do to help with the fatigue and aches and pains associated with CFS and fibromyalgia? I would really like to continue exercising without the help from drugs. I have read that many have success with the holistic way of handling this. Thank you in advance!

lilRicki

go to a homeopathic doctor...they're highly educated, can give you "this not that" advice...but definitely go to someone highly trained...don't go to some crackpot that does it out of her basement. and get some reiki done!

dawnemjh

Acupuncture!!!

PalmettoparkGuy

I recently realized I was having a reaction to artificial sweeteners which was causing me severe joint pain (specifically knees and hands) for many years. 24 hours after giving up all artificial sweeteners I was pain free.

dayzeerock

I do acupuncture and spinal manipulation for my fibro pains...works wonders! I also believe that a diet rich in whole foods tends to help greatly.

ajbeans

I would also advise you to see a chiropractor. They can often give you advice on a more natural approach to wellness. Not all chiros are created equal, but many of them nowadays are a wealth of natural healing information.

crysofmyk

I think that's a fantastic idea to go for a more holistic approach. Have you looked to see if you have any holistic practitioners in your area? If so I'd make an appointment! I'm very big on holistic medicine, but in no position to give any advice since I'm not trained and this is your health we are talking about. There's probably not many on here who are qualified to give advice, especially without seeing you in a medical setting first. So take peoples suggestions with a grain of salt. Do an online search and see what pops up, you may just find yourself a new (and natural) general practitioner.

aucnla

Try giving up gluten or other carbohydrates. Took my joint pain away.

scapez

Bump - interested in seeing the responses.

staceyb00

I recently realized I was having a reaction to artificial sweeteners which was causing me severe joint pain (specifically knees and hands) for many years. 24 hours after giving up all artificial sweeteners I was pain free.

Me too!!

Rikki444

You may benefit from acupuncture and chiropractic 'therapies'. Look to Eastern medicine.

All the best.

melsinct

go to a homeopathic doctor...they're highly educated, can give you "this not that" advice...but definitely go to someone highly trained...don't go to some crackpot that does it out of her basement. and get some reiki done!

I agree. There are many holistic doctors out there that are knowledgeable. http://www.holisticmedicine.org/

linsben

I would try eliminating carbohydrates from grains and starches, processed foods and sugar.
Many people who try the low carb approach ie under 100 G a day find that many physical symtoms lessen. My father arthritis for example. Often it is our diets that throw our bodies out of whack and a little experimenting with food might help
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/ Is what i do

linsben

Try giving up gluten or other carbohydrates. Took my joint pain away.

THIS!!!

ladybug11

Have you read The pH Miracle by Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Young? It's centered in plant-based nutrition and there are several personal testimonials of people who had similar conditions to the ones you're describing. They prescribe juicing, lots of raw foods, and supplements. It's a drastic change, but apparently well worth the sacrifices. I ordered mine on amazon. Check it out if you get a chance.

Also, I googled homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia and a couple of seemingly helpful sites came up. One is www.homemademedicines.org.

Hope this helps.

Just1forMe

Try giving up gluten or other carbohydrates. Took my joint pain away.

My sister has suffered with almost all of your exact symptoms for years. She unfortunately went to about 35 different "holistic" doctors and spent about $60,000 (most of them take no insurance) with no results at all. She has recently learned that there is a scientific link between fibromyalgia, thyroid, RA (all autoimmune issues) and celiac gluten intolerance. She is extremely hopeful because she knows
a lot of people who have had good results with following a celiac gluten free diet and had their symptoms go away.
You can find diet guidelines here: http://www.celiac.com/. It is free and won't cost anything to try it before you spend a fortune going to doctors who don't really have answers. Good luck!!

Shweedog

Wow thanks for all of the responses! There is a lot of great advice here! Honestly, I didn't realize that there were holistic doctors (never thought of it really).

MrsCon40

go to a homeopathic doctor...they're highly educated, can give you "this not that" advice...but definitely go to someone highly trained...don't go to some crackpot that does it out of her basement. and get some reiki done!

I agree. There are many holistic doctors out there that are knowledgeable. http://www.holisticmedicine.org/

Absolutely!

A holistic doctor will look at a lot of other environmental factors that can be contributing to your pain. It's not always just a matter of medicating a problem.

I do hope you find some relief!

:flowerforyou:

p.s. I think you're unlikely to get any grief for this post because you've already done the right thing in seeking medical attention.

Kristhin

I recommend you get your nutrient levels tested at a vegan heatlh & wellness center if you have one in your area. My friend goes to one and she has a lot of conditions which cause her pain. He's really helped her out a lot and given her dietary advice which helped her conditions plus natural treatments. She has this all natural creme stuff she rubs on when she gets pain and it really helps a lot. Other things too but you'd really have to go see what they say is best for you. They usually aren't all that expensive compared to regular doctors and often your insurance will cover it.

portexploit

Have you read The pH Miracle by Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Young? It's centered in plant-based nutrition and there are several personal testimonials of people who had similar conditions to the ones you're describing. They prescribe juicing, lots of raw foods, and supplements. It's a drastic change, but apparently well worth the sacrifices. I ordered mine on amazon. Check it out if you get a chance.

Also, I googled homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia and a couple of seemingly helpful sites came up. One is www.homemademedicines.org.

Hope this helps.

I am following this program. I do have a free day once a week,

SkeletonSong

Acupuncture could definitely help. Some health insurance will even pay for it, depending on your policy.

portexploit

I'd highly look in to an alkalaizing diet. Mostly plant based greens. When your body is too acidic, it does whatever it can to keep the proper pH of your blood. If you get too acidic (as most people are) it starts to steal calcium from bones, magnesium from muscles. The cuprit is microforms in the body, such as candida(yeast), fungis, mold. These microforms waste is acidic. Some of these microforms feed on glucose (which is what carbs turn in to). This can explain your fibromayalsia. When the acid gets to great, it's dumped in to the tissue, this is where the lymphatic system has to deal with it. This can explain your lymphatic issue as well.

Of course some would say this isn't how it works. This is how it works to Microbiologist Robert O. Young Ph.D with 30yrs experienece in the field.

speculardaisy

Hi there

I was diagnosed with Fibro about 14 years ago, and struggled for years with my weight, and inability to do any meaningful exercise....

However, since joining MFP, I have found that exercise and clean healthy eating has improved my symptoms and increased my energy levels.
I also take small doses of Amitryptiline at night (which is an antidepressant in higher doses), which act as a muscle relaxant, along with other painkillers.
I know you want a holistic approach, and I have personally tried Acupuncture, Reiki, Alexanders Technique, Osteopathy, hydrotherapy to name a few!!
The only thing that I know actually helps me is massage, or aromatherapy massage.
However, Fibro affects every individual differently, and as such, you need to find what works for you. Its taken me about 10 years to realise the massage worked, and now i'm on here I know its alcohol and high fat foods that exacerbate my symptoms...
Good luck and hope this helps a little

chiroGirl77

You should look into going to a chiropractor. I am sure in your area you can find one that can help you with your conditions and generally just make you feel a lot better!

You can use the American Chiropractic Association to find a DC in your area. This association is more apt to deal with a holistic approach to wellness. Many of them will also have massage therapist in their office and your health insurance will probably cover it!

http://www.acatoday.org/search/memsearch.cfm