Current mood:	sore
Current music:	Dave Matthews Band

Hello...
My name is Olivia, I'm from New Jersey, and I'm 21 years old. I've been suffering from Fibromyalgia since I was 16 or 17 as far as I can tell. It started when my guy friends in high school would playfully punch my arm, and I would cringe in pain, though they had barely touched me. I also lost all of my energy, and the ability to focus or retain information that I was learning. I wasn't officially diagnosed until about two years ago. I started out with naturopathic treatment - from a doctor who I started seeing when I was 17 due to my disdain for and sensitivity to many medications - through detox, acupuncture, diet, exercise, supplements, and such. It absolutely helped me, but only to a degree. I learned that mild exercise, a strict diet, and taking the right supplements can help maintain a lower degree of pain, but my exhaustion, fibrofog, and everything else still held me back. I just found a medical doctor who understands my condition and truly listens to me every time I see him. He started me on a 5mg dosage of Elavil for my sleep disorder, which after a few months gradually increased to 20mg, without any luck. I still wake up exhausted and stiff. My daily pain usually hovers around 5-6, but on bad days it hits a 9 and I can't leave the couch. He prescribed me both Codeine and Fioricet for when my pain and tension headaches are especially bad. They have been helping to take the edge off, but nothing helps 100%, and I hate having to live medicated, though I've learned to accept it as a way for me to function and live my life for now. I go to both my medical and naturopathic doctors and combine their advice and recommendations.

I just joined today, so I figured I'd introduce myself. I look forward to hearing what everyone else does to get through the day. Tips are welcome! Hello to all.

Olivia