Susan
Hi Tammy, You've got to find yourself a Dr. that knows more about FMS than the Dr. you have. Many Dr.s are apprehensive about prescribing opioids, and there are those of us whose pain has been so bad that there were no other options. Drop me an email of where you live, the town, if you have insurance, and how far you can drive. I'm now 55. My FMS started in my right arm in 1996 after starting a job with a Dr. I figured it was arthrits, not a big deal, and only if I laid on it during my sleeping hrs, which were also irratic.(A definite FMS symptom) There are lots of things you can do, but the first thing is to find a Dr. to help with your pain. Does he know that there are days that you're in so much pain you can't walk? Shame on him if he does!! It's difficult for Dr.s to understand the pain and fatigue that goes along with these types of syndromes. During that 6 yr period that I worked for the Dr., what I didn't want to believe was coming true. Several of my good friends told me I needed to see a rheumatologist, and I basically said that I couldn't have FMS, MPS, CFIDS, I had wayyyyyy to much to do.(Very typical for a person with FMS). So as I told someone else, email me and I'll help you find a Dr. that will help you with your pain. One of the first ways of treating FMS was with just what you're doing. Amitriptyline at bedtime(what mgs are you on>) Then something like Prozac in the morning, not necessarily for depression, but to give you energy enough to get out of bed. You mentioned disability. Here in CA we have State Disability. It kicks in after being off work for a week or two, I can't remember. I knew my FMS was getting worse,(it's said not to be progressive,what happens is that it "feels" like its getting worse, when in fact our own pain relievers begin to be less efficient, and other pharmaceuticals are needed. Some don't like the thought of taking a opioid for pain, neither do I, but I refuse to live with this pain. Drop me a line, and let me know your area and how far you can drive. We'll find a pain specialist or a Dr. that believes in prescribing for pain. The same day I applied for State Disability here in California, I also got the ball rolling for Social Security Disability, at 49, I knew my body well enough that I'd not be able to return to work. I was one of the fortunate ones, it took me only 6 months for the entire procedure. I had a very helpful man at the Social Security office, who was kind enough to actually put my FIRST application through, it was to save time. He said that unless you own nothing, and have any income over x number of dollars, you're not eligible for SSDI, which is different than SSD. Please feel free to email me for suggestions. I'm a bit snowed under with email, and pain Dr.s but will get your info to you asap. I'm sorry you're having to go through so much, when there are things available to help. Had I been able to tolerate the amitriptyline I would not have had to resort to the stronger meds. Elavil for me was a bad drug, I never tried LSD, but that's what I imagined it felt like, almost an out of body experience. Take Care Susan