Trinda e-mailed me and asked for me to let her know about my experience with the Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Center, Inc. I just went for my 1st appointment last Thursday (11-30-06). I had a nice long chat with the doctor & they took alot of blood samples for tests - probably about 15-20 vials. I'm very good at picking the doctor's brain because I spend alot of time studying this illness. So, I feel like I got my money's worth. I am a "lay person" & I'm not a scientist or doctor. I feel that this clinic has a handle on new approaches to treat this awful illness. They only specialize in Fibromyalgia & Fatigue (CFS, Lyme Disease, etc.). That's all they do so I think they have some unique ways of dealing with it.

They gave me 2 shots. 1 had gamma globulin (also know as Immunoglobulin) & the other was a mixture of vitamins. They also recommended some vitamins. The formulas were very focused & had some ingredients that I haven't heard of. As I mentioned, I do alot of research & I've spent alot of money on various doctors who basically gave me the "blue plate special". I think some of their vitamin blends are from proprietary research - so I was impressed (which doesn't come easy for me). I felt a bit ill after the shots. 2 days later I had a big headache & a "different" sort of pain feeling in my cells then usual (kind of stinging - like). It feels like "something" is going on even though I've been more tired/fatigued then usual & in pain. I called to let them know at the clinic. I'm going there tomorrow to continue with an intravenious vitamin drip & another gamma globulin shot - if it's OK with the doctor based on my reaction.

They really didn't sell me alot of vitamins. I've been to other doctors that do that & make up their protocol with evey vitamin they sell. I found the FFC vitamins to be very focused for the needs of us fibro sufferers & the individual person's needs. They also prescribed me some bio-identical hormone therapy (which had to be ordered from a pharmacy in Colorado). I haven't started that, yet. They also included pro-biotics & Nystatin (to get rid of candida) which, I assume, is an issue with us. I explained that I didn't have insurance so the whole deal was about $2000 (tests, doctor, shots, & supplements) + the extra $200 or so for the bio-identical hormones which have to be custom made.

So, we'll see. I've read on other sites that a gamma globulin treatment can cost $1000 (easy) just for that. I've going to continue & see how it all works. I feel it's necessary to give their protocol at least 3-6 months since it's based on a combination of drugs & supplements that I've never tried before. I've been dealing with fibro for about 7+ years (I also had CFS when I was 28 for about 3 years & I was able to get rid of it on my own - I'm 45 now). I think they have a unique approach & I'm willing to give it a shot.

I hope this will help any of you out there to see if it's worth spending the money. It's a big decision & I spent alot of time considering it. I'll be posting regularily to let you all know how it's going & if it's worth it. I understand that many of us have had the run around (as I have) & I'd like to be of some help to you - if possible. In this country, alone, there are 8 million + of us fibro sufferers & "they" really try to bring us down (you all know what I mean). I'm going to fight this illness. I know there's got to be a way of getting at least 50% to 90% better.