Thank you for allowing me to join your tribe. It's so good to find some other folks who are dealing with these issues! I hate to admit it, but years ago, I was one of those who believed that fibro was a "made-up" word for people who wanted drugs or didn't want to work or whatever. After about eight years of undiagnosed pain, countless specialists and experiencing the doctors who just assume I am lazy or seeking drugs, I finally believe. A few doctors had mentioned FM in passing, along with thoracic outlet syndrome, Epstein-Barr and a host of other conditions. None of the treatments ever helped and no one ever gave me a definitive diagnosis. Interestingly, I also have a problem with TMJ disorder, which seems to have a high correlation with FM.

All of that changed this week. I saw an article about a new FM drug study in my town and I figured I should give it a try. I can't even explain the relief just from having a "real" doctor say, "Yes, you have fibromyalgia." I'm still in pain, but I feel better just knowing someone believes me and that there is something real and medical happening.

After losing so many jobs, getting kicked out of school when I tried for a fresh start, neglecting my family and friends and all of the other things that I guess we all share. I finally feel hope that I might find relief. The drug is called reboxetine. It's approved for depression, but not yet for FM. It's a little different because it's not an SSRI but a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. I hope it will help. I had previously tried SSRIs (the serotonin ones), but had a terrifying reaction and started having suicidal thoughts. The funny thing is that I am generally opposed to taking medications, but at this point, I just cannot see any other options.

Sorry, I guess I'm writing a whole novel here, but I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself and maybe get to know some of you as well.