Anyone else with fibromyalgia?

Hi Thanks for the reply.
I saw him in 1987 and have since moved on. One shrink said bipolar and I've been told that there are different types some with mania and some not. At any rate it's Clinical depression that I've had for years, my Mom had it , and has been LONG term. I don't think much of the Dr. who originally ciagnosed me either. If I hadn't insisted on trying the cpap, I'd probably be dead by now. I've been on this site before and thought I saw someone who was a pro in this field, don't know if your are ,or maybe rested gal. I'm wondering(HOPING) that I'm correct in using an auto titrating machine like the s 8 to try to adjust to the way my body is reacting to different meds. I believe that with a standard machine changing meds could require me to have frequent sleep studies, that I can't afford, in order to change pressures.
I'm really not sure if there's a better way to deal with frequent med changes. I just want to avoid sleep studies as much as possible.
Thanks again for the reply, and have a good one!
John

john,

I'm far from a pro, but do you really see much difference when you change meds? That surprises me. Are you tracking the numbers yourself? I'd talk to the doctor who is prescribing for you about the changes in cpap pressure required, if that is the case. I don't think I can really answer that question fully, sorry.

jen

Hi John,
I'm fairly new at this, but I certainly agree with everything jen has said.
I would also imagine that an autopap would suit your changing needs more than a CPAP. You could start a post, bringing more attention to your questions. That way, lots of the pros would be more likely to see it.
Isn't it hard for you to be changing those meds so often? One reason I'm not on meds is because its so darned hard to come off them.
Anyhow.....please start another post so your questions aren't lost in this fibro post. You have some great questions, and I want them to be answered!

Hello
You're right about the meds....if you don't have to have them don't .
Pain, sleep and depression are all problems for me and often a drug , if it works at all, stops working after a while.....time to switch. Anyway this seems to be a common
problem with the people in my support group and I believe others as well. If you're doing without then I think that's great....wish my body would let me! Some of them are very hard to come off of but you do what you have to. I went to my dme? tech and he updated my software. He believes the s 8 is all that can be done for now.
I haven't had the dozing in the car for several years, though I generally don't have much "steam."
You mentioned a thread, for the time being I think I found out what I needed to now.
This is a site I don't visit frequently but one that's very helpful. Thanks for the responses.
John

Hi again John,
I understand about the drugs. They seem to lose their potency after a few months. My brother used to be on alot of drugs, and his comment about them wearing off was sort of a different take on them.........that it was maybe their side-effects that helped us, and once we became accustomed to them, and got rid of the side effects........we no longer got the benefit of the side effects!
I think I suffer longer than I need to because I don't use meds. I, too, have had life-long depression. Fortunately, I'm able to remain functional for the most part. I think the reason I don't like meds is because I'm so acutely aware of what's "normal" for me, and I tend to freak out with changes. I'm envious of people who can just try a med and not freak out about it. I hope I'm not standing in my own way of non-depression!
Its my understanding that the software for our machines is much more helpful than just reading the LED in the mornings. Maybe that would help you too. Good luck to you. And remember to get alot of good sunshine and let nature soothe you too!

I agree with Country. Following trends with software can be very helpful. I like to see the graphs they generate and I also keep track of my daily ahi and 90% pressure in a tiny pocket calender so I can visualize what is happening in relation to illness and activity and sleep habits etc.

John I know you are reluctant to post your questions, but honestly the more brainstorming you do with others about your condition, the more likely you are to see how others have coped and/or solved their issues.

For me, depression has been an ongoing issue since my early 20's. I'm now 35. I have been on most of the major meds and got off them over the summer in anticipation of getting pregnant. For me, handling my depression and keeping it under control seems to involve several areas of my life.

First of all, I saw a lot of relief when I discovered I was allergic to the protein in milk, Food allergies are known to make people feel depressed. The second key that went into the lock seems to be cpap. That helped me find the energy and leave sleepiness behind. The most recent key I unlocked was discovering the Omega 3 deficiency I was apparantly suffering, which I have discussed at length in this thread. Lately, I have found myself feeling not only happy, but actually giddy with excitement--a sensation that brought me almost to tears to realize it because I have rarely felt that way since college.

In future, I know I need to add excercise, continue to improve my diet, and keep my connections with friends and family at the forefront of my life to keep me grounded.

If need be, I will not turn away from medication if I truly need it, but currently while carrying a child I am happy to NOT need it and hope I will remain in this state while breastfeeding as well. I would rather not have to make the choice to possibly influence his or her development by taking an antidepressant, but if it comes down to it, having a depressed mom is almost as bad as not having a mom present, so if needed (I'm thinking about post-partum--which I suffered from so severely after Harry was born that I was having hallucinations and crazy thoughts) I will do it. I never, ever want to go to that dark place again.

I think you would be surprised, John, at how much just hearing other folks stories could help you. I know that this forum has made the world of difference to me and my acceptance and ability to cope with this therapy and many other aspects of my life!

jen