Fibromyalgia: IT'S REAL, It's Manageable, What You Can Do 

Check out "Healthy Longevity: A Geriatrician's Perspective" here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L1fF06kheP4.html

I've had it for about 23 years now. The ONLY thing that helps are painkillers yet docs are always wary of giving them because of addiction. I could CARE LESS ABOUT ADDICTION as long as I CAN GET UP, OUT, & FUNCTION. It's sooooo frustrating. This plus friends & family sometimes thinking that I'm faking sickness because I "look fine!" ARGH

I cried in between watching this because it’s hard enough to come to terms with it all then to be discounted by family and friends with all kinds of advice as though they are medical doctors. I feel validated by this video and my current doctor is amazing. It has taken years to get the support I need. The anxiety & frustration that comes with it can be unbearable some days. At least I can now share this with people for better understanding and hopefully support. It is both isolating and debilitating in so many ways. But I have faith that if I can at least focus on managing it then I can get somewhere with it. I live one day at a time now and even the slightest change in plans can be overwhelming. I pray all who suffer from FM get the support they need. Thank you for this.

This man absolutely nailed what it’s like to have Fibromyalgia. It’s so frustrating when your doctor is ignorant of Fibromyalgia and thinks it’s “all in your head”. There is so much more to Fibromyalgia than people know.

unless you have the condition you will never know what we have to go through daily.

I disagree with those of you who are saying this is a bad video, as a fibromyalgia sufferer, I think this video is very educational and covers the syndrome thoroughly. Thanks for sharing.

I was diagnosed in 1988, at age 27. During the prior several months, I had my second baby son, moved twice, and had a melanoma removed from my left shoulder. I read that your body’s overreaction to a traumatic event could trigger fibromyalgia. I believe that is true. I explained to one doctor that I felt like I had been beat up! Just touching my hair hurt. I went into some kind of remission over the next few years. Then, at almost 42, I had my daughter. The fibromyalgia flared up again. But it calmed down, I think because my husband and I were so happy to have our daughter. Then, in 2012, my husband’s mom died. We were at her house when she passed away at home. My daughter was 11. Then, about a year later, we lost our oldest son in a car accident. I was 54 and my daughter was 12. My pain flared back, plus vertigo and other symptoms. A few months after we lost our son, our daughter started complaining about pain. She would be so tired that she wouldn’t want to go to social functions. Her hands hurt. Even her face hurt. She had trouble sleeping and wanted to lay down all the time. Her memory was getting bad. I knew myself what was happening to her. She had been through so much at a young age. I told her that I thought she had fibromyalgia, like me. She was shocked and cried but I told her I was there for her and together we could deal with it. We, of course, took her to the doctor for a check up and tests to make sure it wasn’t anything else. All her tests came back, “normal”. Her doctor said, ‘Oh, it’s just depression’. That’s the same runaround I had got to begin with. Now, she’s 19 and still suffering from it, like I am, at 61, but we support each other and my husband supports both of us. He’s been through a lot too, of course, but his constitution is so different from ours. He can deal with stress and loss so much better than we can. Now, it’s near the end of 2021, and all of us has been dealing with the pandemic stress. I’m the caregiver right now for my parents. And I’ve been dealing with right shoulder/upper back pain for awhile now. The first doctor I went to ‘diagnosed’ me from across the room, without even looking at my back or anything! The second doctor ordered a CT, because he thought it was my liver. All good results, not even any fatty liver, and he said blood results were great. He did order a MRI for my shoulder. There was a mixup there. (Nobody listens!) Finally, I have the test scheduled for a week from now. Worried about what it might be. But I’ve been doing some research and I think it may be extreme flare ups from fibromyalgia. I’m going ahead with the tests, of course…… I do know that my daughter and I have both benefited from what we eat: REAL food. We hardly ever have anything processed and we cook at home. The effort it takes we think pays off in the long run. We eat lots of vegetables and no seed oils or food that contains them. We also have lowered our carb intake over the last three years or so to no more than about 75 to 100 grams a day. Most days, it’s a lot less. We don’t eat pasta at all; bread only about twice a month. We get the most nutrient dense kind we can find. We eat fish, meat, nuts and some fruit, too. I think we have really benefited from eating this way. I don’t have any other health problems except for what I mentioned. I don’t take any medicine except for a VERY occasional pain med when I need it. My daughter has to be feeling extremely bad before she will take any medicine. We both like very warm showers. They help. And I like a hot bath when I hurt really bad. And the drier the weather is, the less pain we have….. I hope the best for all who suffer from whatever they are going through. :)

I went to see a rheumatologist today. He told me I had fibromalgia and to exercise more. He never bothered to ask me what my fitness level was to begin with. I've been going through this crap for years. Rheumatologists are a joke but the pain is real.

I have Fibromyalgia and feel undescribable. I've had it sinçe I was twenty years old. I also was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. I struggle everyday just to exist. My pain never stops. I take Tramadol for mine. Thank God for Tramadol, I know I would probably be in a wheelchair if it wasn't for it. It's sad there's no cure for Fibromyalgia and all disease. I really believe there is a cure for all disease. I'm so sick of Fibromyalgia sometimes I want to give up. Sometimes I feel as if my whole body is lead. Fibromyalgia is very real. People if you don't have Fibromyalgia thank God everyday you wake up and before you go to bed.

I suffered 20+ years w/severe fibro. I was finally diagnosed after all the tests you mentioned. After being in bed, my feet hurt to walk on them. Couldn’t fully open or close hands. I called it “the slap down“ after any type of exercise. It’s normal to feel sore after exercise but I couldn’t walk or move because of the pain. I started eating Keto and intermittent fasting 3 years ago. Lost 65 lbs and NO MORE FIBRO!!! All gone! Have others reported this?

My wife has fibromyalgia, watching this video has helped me better understand what she is experiencing and was very informative. Most family doctors don't have this level of expertise regarding fibromyalgia.

I've had FM since my early 20s. I'm 46 now & my life has been reduced to the bed & couch. I'm on the couch now, about to go back to bed. Oh joy. I've bought damn near every supplement & OTC med, tried all the prescriptions, etc. The only thing that helps (alil) is norco, trazodone for sleep, flexeril, then guaifenesin, reg aspirin & alka-seltzer. Before FM, I grew up on a swim team for 11 yrs, worked full time while putting myself thru school, got a degree & then worked 10 yrs at a decent job, most of those yrs having FM already. Now it's damn near crippled me. So pls, don't tell me I just need some fresh air & sunshine, or I just need to exercise, etc. Remember folks, diabetes was also thought to be a "mental condition" not too long ago, till they finally found out the real physical reasons for it. FM hopefully will be figured out soon

I listened to the entire video. I have fibromyalgia and osteo arthritis. I found Dr. Gross to be very informative and learned from his presentation.

Having the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can also be a disadvantage because doctors stop taking other conditions seriously and miss another disease!!! That happens every day!

I was just diagnosed yesterday and this is very helpful. It is funny how there have been all these "stupid" pains and stuff I have had that I thought were all in my head and are actually symptoms. Kind of glad I have an explanation now.

This man has explained more in the 20 plus yrs that any other dr or rheumatologist has ever explained and everything he’s explaining is spot on terrible debilitating illness….Thank you so glad I came across this video

Such an interesting video, thank you for posting this! Having Fibromylagia is really lonely. No doctor really understands, and here in Sweden it's almost like it doesn't excist. I have had so much problems finding a good doctor that believes in what I am feeling. This video made me feel less alone :-)

I was diagnosed in 1992. My whole body basically felt bruised but I could deal with it. In 2016, I had a knee replacement and it traumatized my body and sent my fibromyalgia into hyperdrive. I ended up going to Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. I had gone into a Centralized Sensitivity Syndrome and was going through hell. Fibromyalgia is not a figment of your imagination. I was an Emergency Room nurse and heard over and over how these people who said they had it were “nut jobs!” I never told anyone I had it because of that. I didn’t even tell my orthopedic surgeon before my knee surgery. I did later but it didn’t help the fact that the damage was done. The CSS is under control but increased stress can begin to wake it up so I have to remember that. It’s basically focusing and breathing to control your emotions when that happened. Anyway, I just wanted to share part of my story.

The problem with sleep is the pain from fibromyagia kept me from getting to deep stages of sleep. I woke up more tired than before. My brain lost the ability to go to sleep. During normal sleep, the body repairs itself and has many functions that it must carry on each night. When we keep waking up from the pain, it can’t do that. STRESS usually starts the process and builds over time. Decreasing stress anyway you can helps. I found soaking in warm Epsom salts (like 2 pounds) in the tub and no soap) before going to bed helps. . Taking MAGNESIUM tablets everyday helps. We are all low in magnesium. Malic acid can also help to get the lactic acid out of your muscles. Mild physical movements help. To improve your ability to sleep get out in sunlight every morning for a half hour. Turn off all light in the early evening before bedtime. Just like nature does if we were living outside. This is the way to release the brain chemicals like melatonin that prepare us to sleep. Get up every morning even if you are tired. Eat the most healthy food you can manage. No chemical additives! Our pain comes from tightness in the muscles along our energy meridians. Put 2 tennis balls in a sock and tie the end of the sock. Put it behind the base of the neck. Lie on this for a few minutes. If it hurts, you found the right spot. Move it down your spine to all the spots that hurt. You can also place it on lower back, side of the hips, wherever. You could also do acupuncture. That can take many treatments and does cost some money unless you have insurance that covers it. Everything else is free. I would not recommend any drugs as they cause other problems and really do not work, at least not for me. Drink plenty of water. These things all helped me. Takes time.

Thank you Doctor, finally someone who knows what I've been experiencing. May GOD Bless you. I was in grad school, 1991 when I developed chronic fatigue syndrome which developed into fibromyalgia after being in a car accident. I'm 71 yrs old now and still trying to make the adjustments to living with this.

When I went to get evaluated they treated me like a drug seeking addict I just live with it! I was SO HUMILIATED!

I’ve had fibromyalgia my whole life. It was when I was about four years old a doctor told my mother there was nothing wrong with me and what I needed was a good spanking. I suffered in silence nearly my entire life in 1994 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I’m wondering now if the lack of understanding contributed to my heart attacks. Funny thing there was a bitch of a doctor at ER who yelled at me while I’m having a heart attack told me I needed a hot bath and it was all in my mind. Then the last doctor I saw at ER a totally different approach , he asked me how severe was my pain , I didn’t know how to answer, he looked at me and said I guess you’ve never had a pain free day in your life have you? I’m glad there’s some acknowledgement in this talk. Some doctors still dismiss fibromyalgia. Some doctors can be incredibly cruel and dismissive. It’s true I did have an unnecessary gall bladder operation and it hasn’t helped in the slightest. I hope in time there will be a cure or better understanding. I’m nearly 60 years old and I’ve never had a pain free day in my life.

My ex girlfriend is gointhru same problem I feel so sad when I hear her crying over da phone I feel helpless ....If I could I would hav took her half pain.

Ive had fibromyalgia for years. Interestingly, I noticed that when I would mow the grass on my riding mower, I would experience relief from leg pain which I attributed to vibration from the mower. Based on that, I invested in a vibration platform and experienced the same effect. This is my personal experience and I found it relaxed my muscles. Other folks may not have the same outcome but its worth trying.

at 71 its great to finally hear someone tell me he knows me.. my dr just shakes his head w no suggestions...10 years ago I could keep my house and my businesses running smoothly, now i can barely get out of bed in the morning fro. the physical aches...I dont enjoy anything anymore because I cant ger far from home and I cant do the day to day maintenance of my life by myself...therefore depression heaps on the pile and I swear Id end it all if I didnt have my pets that need me...whkm I can barely tend to because of the physical pain...so it's a vicious circle...glad to finally have someone tell me "it's not in your head"...now if I could find someone local 🙃

Wish he could do an updated version. This is the absolute BEST video I’ve seen on fibromyalgia

I love the way he explains things. I have fibromyalgia and I learned allot from him!

Those of us who suffer untestable , unprovable illnesses are at the mercy of the medical profession. I am 67 and it started when I was a child. So there was not a label until recent history. So many people suffer from this group of symptoms. I thank the Lord for Doctors like you who listen to and believe their patients. I've seen many doctors had many tests over the years. Been to alternative therapists spent so much money. I've learnt a lot about nutrition and that has been my best help ..not a cure. I have spent my life in bed with visits to the 'outside' world pretending I'm normal then back to bed. I send my love and prayers out to you all who are suffering so much.♥️🙏

I have had this since the 80's. Finally found some information on the web in the 90's. I do have a MD that listens and treatment has been fair. Enough that I could work. But now there's something I cannot work through....chest pain. No, it isn't cardiac. So my Cardiac MDs have tested me. It is substernal and with pressure. I can hardly keep going at that point. Anxiety? I've had anxiety attacks before. This is nothing like that. I am thinking retirement and disability. I've had it with the everyday push to get through the day and the tremendous push through working. I'm an RN and have worked for 34 years. But at 58 there's such a frightening future as I live alone ,no children, family so dysfunctional and really little understanding of what Fibromyalgia is. So very little to no support from them. I have Diabetes, had an open heart surgery for a valve repair and 2 way bypass 2 years ago, chronic low back pain and sciatica. I'm done. I no longer can handle it. Something has to change.

YOU ARE INCREDIBLE.THROUGH THE YEARS I AM "PRACTICING" THE FIBRO. THERE IS NOTHING YOU DID NOT SPEAK ABOUT. I GOT IT AFTER A EMMOTIONAL TRAUMA. HANDLING MY PAINS WITH EVERY POSSIBLE WAY. THANK YOU AGAIN

Listening to this makes me cry! It is 2021 soon to be 2022 still I suffer! All who wants to deny us meds, pray you just a week of my pain!

I got lyme disease at 5 yrs old and I have not been the same since and have only gotten worse after "getting better ". I'm 36 now. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 5yrs ago and am now on gabapentin. The medication has helped me live again. I still have severe pain but it allows me to deal with it better. I also was diagnosed with severe social anxiety. I dont think the anxiety causes the pain, I think the pain causes the anxiety.

Everything single thing you've said is exactly what I've been experiencing, right down to the anxiety and the past traumatic abusive situations I've endured. Listening to you was like listening to a friend I've never had. Now I know what to do. Thank you 💛

When you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome you never know if you can go anywhere. Going in pool whilst having diarrhoea not good. How can you go and exercise when you can't get out of bed.

I hurt SO bad daily,even the thought of ANY exercise is out of the question...

I actually had a tick bite then rocky spotted fever. Then boom I am still unwell over 10 years later. This video has made me feel so confident in my doctor's ( multiple doctors) diagnosis. I def share these types of information with family so they can understand. Thank you for making this video.

I suffered from fibromyalgia from ‘88 to ‘97. My life while my children were small consisted of getting them to school, doing a few chores then lying on the couch till they came home. My house was a disaster. My daughters learned to look after themselves and cook. I was involved in a study here at the university of Saskatchewan in early ‘97 and ironically it made me worse and forced me to find something - anything to get better. I ended up following a regime from a naturopathic book designed to “cure” allergies. My diet consisted of foods that would have been on the table in 1900. No preservatives no additives. I also took out caffeine and sugar. I added basic vitamins and tons of probiotics. In three months I was feeling better than I had since I was 20. My doctor told me fibromyalgia wasn’t curable but acknowledged I “could be in remission”. I was interviewed during follow up to the original study. Out of at least 100 people three of us actually improved AFTER the study but I was the only one who got 100% better. Most people did not get better during the study. The study involved specific exercises. Aquacise in warm water on the other hand did help.

Guys, I was desperate and so cut out gluten... the next DAY my symptoms had improved. i reluctantly cut out coffee too, as it was making my confusion even worse (plus I found that even one cup in the morning badly affects my sleep). My symptoms have reduced in severity and location... only problems now are knee pain, low back and neck. Dietary changes haven't helped the fatigue tho - I feel like I've been actually drugged, plus that I have some kind of cat allergy or hayfever... but I have no cat and it's Winter here in London so no pollen. Really pleased to see a doctor genuinely care about this issue.

I think this is a great video. He explains fibro thoroughly as though he is speaking to someone who knows nothing about it. Hopefully that is helpful to those who day fibro isn't real. My family doctor has been incredible through my 15 years of having fibro. I'm on Cymbalta, have flexiril for muscle spasms and they work, plus I take tramacet for pain. It works better for me than just the plain tramadol. I am allergic to all the other pain meds. I walk my dog a few times a week. I am also incorporating yoga into my weekly life. I have done Tai chi before and since he mentioned it, I will start again. My family has been very supportive which is a huge factor in living with fibro.

Thank you for giving such an honest and balanced overview of what fibromyalgia is and how to treat it. I learnt a lot from your lecture.

So you suggest no pain medication, no sleep medication for Fibromyalgia. You obviously have no idea of the pain and suffering that patients feel. Sometimes medication provides brief times when we can sleep or function as people. Constant pain wears on us. Do nothing is a cowardly and cruel.

Finally someone that gets it. This gentlemen nailed it from the all over muscle, joint pain to feeling like having to urinate constantly & waking up feeling like you've been put through a meat grinder. He's so spot on that you'd think he's living with it. It's constant pain & begging for help.

Every person who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia should have this talk easily available to them through their medical provider. It is the best I have ever heard! I have had fibromyalgia for 40+ years and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 9 years ago. I am a warrior

Wow, I felt like you followed my whole Fybromyalgia experience through my life, lymes, multiple tests with nothing wrong, terrible all over pain, sleep issues, cybalta, Lyrica etc, nerve studies, exercise, diet, everything! If you want to understand a loved one with this, listen to this. Cymbalta made me too loopy for my job working with numbers plus I had to take it everyday and my pain wasn't horrible everyday. So, it would have taxed my liver and system daily when that was not needed for me. I got my dr to give me limited, liw dose vicadin so I can take a half pill on really bad days. I also noticed, not always, that my worst days are before a weather change. Once it rains, its less, but I can often tell weather will be changing in a day without a weather report. So, occasional opiods for movement stopping days,, over the counter aleve on bad days, and nothing on other days. Not getting enough sleep makes it worse for sure. Great talk. It was right on. Just curious about inflamation and its role.

I'm doing much better now since I am on a diet rich in green veggies and organic meats. I knocked out msg, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, no fast food, no gluten or wheat, no dairy, little carbs, vitamin D, 5-htp for sleep and depression...gentle exercise

Fibro for 15 years now, after a terrible car accident that kept me in a wheelchair for one year. Don’t take medication because I tried everything and nothing works. Just lost 20 lbs with a fiber diet and planing on quitting smoking so pray for me! Loved this chat, very informative, realistic and true.

Let these doctors have fibro for a week and let them see how awful it is to live with this pain-

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, years ago. Lots of ppl. Think it is a fake illness so I don't often tell anyone. The best part of your video (to me) was when you said you aren't a fan of narcotics for this. I am in recovery and I can say I hate those drugs. They ruin lots of lives. 20 years for me was a fight to get what I needed just to be normal. So, long story short, it's like saying, okay I can give you these pills for your pain but I have to give you another disease. How many patients would still want them? So, thanks for being diligent! I wish more ppl would listen to this video. I learned a lot that I never knew. Thanks!!

You are correct. This is a physical condition which can be caused/brought on or exacerbated by mental issues, stress, trauma and yes abuse. I was suprised to find that a large per centage of Fibro sufferers were molested as children. A counselor once told me that a child who is abused can often not handle the pain and the brain will block it. Then later in life, that pain finds other ways to be expressed- with Fibro, through physical pain.

I love this. I was the first person given a fibromyalgia diagnosis at Emory over 30 years ago. My mother, her mother, and I had the same symptoms. I was lucky to have a wonderful husband who believed my pain even before I was diagnosed. His words to the doctors as they explained how unpredictable my ability to do different tasks was "my wife never has to do anything she doesn't feel like doing with or without pain."

I respect all doctors. I will not write a long comment. I suffered from Fibromyalgia after my husband told me over the phone that he had a mistress and he wanted a divorce out of the blue after 29 years together. I suffered all these symptoms. At the highest peak of pain, it was all over my body and even showering, the water just touching my skin would make me cry in pain. I heard on a panel of doctors discussing Fibro and one of them was a naturopathic doctor. At the last second of the show he blurted out: “ some patients find relief when they take SAMe. I went to the health food store and bought it. It pulled away all the fog, depression and pain within a week. I stopped it and the symptoms came back. I started taking them right away again and finished the bottle then bought another one and after two bottles in all, I stopped and it was gone for GOOD. I have been free of it since 2007. We are in 2023. I can assure you that it is certainly due to trauma and depression as the doctor said. It creates havoc at all levels everywhere in the body. I pray you also find relief and cure in that supplement that is natural and safer than medications. All the rest of the advice on activities like walking, stretches etc are excellent. God Bless All our doctors. ❤️🙏🏻

Had it for 17 years, been tested for everything under the sun. White blood cell count has been out since this started. I lost my partner and went into a long term depression and that was when pains started erupting and never went away. I have flare ups that cause me to isolate at home and it's hard to maintain friendships. I've been prescribed many of the drugs mentioned they don't help too much. I need valium to sleep. I've noticed some foods make it worse like sweets, cream, pasta, bread etc all the addictive foods i guess, so I'm wondering if it's time to try a radical diet change. I think some of our issues are auto immune and I've found dietary suggestions. God, I feel so bad for everyone in this boat. It's the worst. And when nobody believes you or understands it feels just terrible. If you read this, I believe you and I'm sorry you are suffering so badly. May we find a path to healing soon 💛💛🌞🌞🌼🌼

awesome video..i have fibromyelgia and i got jaw pain and clenching of teeth..ur the first person ive herd about jaw..ive been to dentist and all is good.

My aches and pains subsided when I started taking high dose vitamin D3 with K2 and reduced stress in my life. My vitamin D was 18- too low. Getting it up over 50 really helped . I had horrible migraines as well. When I’m consistent in taking my D vitamin, thyroid meds, and get enough sleep - I do not experience this debilitating illness.

Finally the Doctors are talking about this! I have been living with this for 15 years.I was diagnosed from the Mayo Clinic. There isn’t a symptom that I haven’t had. You live about 1/2 of your life,the other half you are inside your home in pain,waiting for the worst to pass.Right now ,I have been in bed for 5 days with debilitating headaches, chronic fatigue,over all bad flu symptoms! If I feel good for two or three days,then it soon starts it’s cycle all over again with another set of different symptoms.It’s hell to live with,and I take good supplements,eat right,doesn’t matter!

Omg he's spot on with all the symptoms it's truly hell it changes your quality of life big time and it's horrible that there's ppl and Drs that don't believe it's real like it's all in our heads , I'm glad they are doing more research. To all my fellow spoonies I send you hugs and well wishes😢💖

Every time I went to the doctor with this for 25 years they said I had a mild grade fever, until I finally found this on Wikipedia 7 years ago and brought it to my doctor. Honestly it was a relief just having my doctor BELIEVE me. She did the test and I was debilitated for the rest of the day, but I KNEW what was wrong😊

One of the best and most accurate talks on fibromyalgia I've seen. My fibro went hand in hand with endometriosis. I even had a total hysterectomy. Sadly it didn't stop the pain but it has improved. I took myself off painkillers 5 years ago. Started learning about central sensitization.

This Is the best overall presentation on fibre and related issues that I have come across--highly recommended.

I cut out most carbs, all grains , never eat sugar . Sweeten my food with Xylitol when needed. Cut back on big green salads and vegies. I am doing so well now, that I postponed my monthly injection three times . My doctor is not too happy, but it is not she who is being infused with dangerous medications. I pray everyday that my pains from RA will not come back ! I do have stress with my hubby and do best when I am alone ! C'est la vie !

Why don't they say we do not know exactly what this is and we do not know how to cure it ?

I've had fibromyalgia for ten years. It took almost 5 years prior for me to be believed and diagnosed. It took for me to be seen by a neurologist who was persistent in finding out what was wrong with me. I now have autoimmune disease and degenerative issue's. I have brain fog, TMJ and now Transverse Myelitis. Having the right medical care is very important at this stage in my life! This information is very good clarity for me, cause I now no what I feel and experience is real!

I’m watching this video 11 years after it was posted & im around 15 minutes in & I’ve genuinely learned more in that short time frame than I ever have from my GP & Rheumatologist in the last 5 years. It’s such a sad reality to accept that even since this video was posted 11 years ago that the medical community here in the UK are still not even close to gathering the understanding that this gentleman clearly possesses about this condition. Information like this will change peoples lives & perspectives yet we need to find it here on RU-vid & not at the doctors office or rheumatologist visits 🤷‍♀️ What is it about the medical community & fibromyalgia? Why do they choose to look the other way? Why isn’t there more research & education? Why isn’t there more funding for research? It’s like a dark ominous mystery condition that the medical professionals here in the UK are almost frightened to address & approach it correctly. It’s strange but more so heartbreaking! My conclusion is that it is a condition/disease that affects mostly women & women are not the sex that the medical community like to invest in when it comes to research. I would hedge a confident bet that more funding for research is put into erectile dysfunction than it ever will be pumped into research for fibromyalgia. I also think that women are often told that they are hysterical (not directly most of the time but indirectly). I often wonder if this was a condition that affected predominantly men would we have more answers by now? Thank you so much for this video you have made me feel validated completely & I’ve yet to watch the rest & im sure it will completely change my life by the time I’m finished watching until the end. The part that resonated with me the most & compelled me to write this comment was when you said people will often go to the doctors suspecting that they have Lyme disease. I was a trail runner prior to being kicked down by fibromyalgia & I often plucked ticks out every other day & didn’t give it a second thought until I started to get sick & Lyme disease was the diagnosis I was sure I would receive. Apparently I don’t have it (based on 1 blood test). I’m trying to accept my fibromyalgia diagnosis as I can’t afford further testing & second opinions from other medical professionals but your video has sure helped to find that acceptance. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙏

Ive had it for 30 years. Its so nice finally having it talked about. And know that im not alone. I really havent found anything that works. Never sleep. Yes so extremely tired all the time. No concentration.

Dr Andrew Gross understands fibromyalgia 200 % and your kind concern is evident. This is a no nonsense presentation on fibromyalgia. Thank you. Don't know why am I crying watching this though.

i feel your pain. luckily two of my buddies, who were plagued with symptoms like yours were surprised to see how awesome "upper cervical chiropractic" was for them. HIGHLY specialized chiropractors who show you very objectively what they are doing to remove the interference between your brainstem and your spine... this is the junction where every nerve pulse passes to your body. eventhough you may not have pain in ur neck your top vertebrae may be twisted. X rays are clear, if you get checked!

Respect to Dr. Gross for being thorough AND for enduring an hour and a half of trying to speak through the selfish person who, instead of stepping outside, COUGHED FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF

I believe fibromyalgia is really stored trauma.. ask most sufferers if they have had any traumatic experiences in their life and most will say yes. I have body or muscle armoring from cPTSD that has disabled me and was told it was fibromyalgia 35 years ago. But it's not. I can feel that I hold my muscles very tight from being stuck in the freeze response of trauma. My pain doctor and therapist agree that it's muscle armoring but very few doctors know anything about it. They better start learning because there are a lot of people like me. If you've been diagnosed with fibro, read about muscle armoring.

I was diagnosed last year. I was an avid hiker, and a very active, petite person, Fibro has taken away a lot of my enjoyment. I no longer hike, I cant. I walk......when my body lets me. I have also gained 25 pounds this year.....WT?? Seriously, I'm not sure why I'm gaining. My diet has not changed. I keep getting newer medical symptoms , (including swollen lymph glands for months), that after given multiple tests to rule out cancer or the like, ALWAYS goes back to " a possible fibromyalgia symptom" from the doc because the tests show NOTHING. I was taking Savella for fibromyalgia, but I came to the conclusion that Id rather be in pain, than deal with the migraines, intense fatigue and night sweats that the meds were bringing to me. So I just deal. No meds. I hate it. I also hate sympathy....so its hard for me to make people understand that even though I seem strong on the outside....there is really something painful going on!! But I guess, it could be worse??

I'm only 23, but have had this since I was 8... Hard to believe it's been 15 years since I first noticed these pains. I was only officially diagnosed when I was about 19, but my family always knew because it's genetic for us. Still doing my best to get by. Using a cane to more evenly spread the strain of walking, up through my arms and upper back, has saved my legs and lower back every day. Sometimes I use a wheelchair at home or on trips, though. I'm surrounded by loved ones who believe me and have a nurse who helps me. It's still hard to handle, especially as the cold season comes in. The cold makes the aches themselves worse, but after a point I go numb from it and I welcome that sometimes 😅 I hope there will be more complete relief in my lifetime but I'm still grateful for the meds I've found that help (gabapentin). Stay active, care for your body. We're all doing our best.

Thank you very much for your most informative and understanding lecture on Fibromyalgia. Your explanation on how to manage the pain was so helpful, It has given me the confidence to believe in myself again. My best wishes for 2022 to you and your family, from Maria, Dublin Ireland

Thank you so much for taking the time to make/upload this very informative video. I plan to show it to some family members. Thanks again!

The worst Thing I ever did was go on meds. I can't believe this was 10 years ago. Good video.

Well covered. I really appreciate Dr. Gross's conference. Well done. Although one point, I agree that losing wt is definitely going to be doing yourself a favor. But I started out as a jogging/hiking/mountain biking/ cross-country skiing etc junkie in Alaska no-less, at a wirey size 6, 5' 7 3/4 130 lbs, pulling nothing but skin from my belly, 20 yrs ago, the pain came out of the blue, was given prednisone for low back pain...here I am, 52 yrs old, 5' 7 1/4, 270 lbs.

I'd love to develop a virtual reality program that would actually take the pain from people who have fibromyalgia (or other nasty painful conditions) and give it to the doctors and also to people who have negative views about those of us who seek treatment for the never ending pain and discomfort. To make sure the doctors can help us they really need to feel the pain for at least 6 weeks. I don't think they would last one day before they were seeking treatment. My biggest problem is that I am also diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder, TMJ Disfunction and coeliac disease. The TMJ and fibromyalgia flare-ups I experience often make the bipolar worse, and then I get stuck in a downward spiral.

I am 62 years old with fibromyalgia and i can tell you it is so painful. I had to retire way before i was ready. I was diagnosed in 1998 and the dr just dont know how to treat it. I dont care about addiction find a cure for this painful disease. It destroyed my life completely. I was a nurse and just couldnt concentrate so i left nursing which i loved my job.

Your video is awesome!!! I wished I saw it when I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia 8 years. ago. I do everything you recommend on this video but unfortunately I had to learn all of it on my own. Exercise, yoga and swimming is essential for survival. I have been given all types of meds none of them work. So funny you listed everything they gave me in the past. Thanks for sharing all the information most doctors neglect to tell you about fibromyalgia. I wish every rheumotologist was like you!

I continued to say, "me too!" My husband came in and asked, "who are you talking to?" We then watched the video together. Both nodding yes as if this physician interviewed me and is reporting what he heard me report during his assessment!

Absolutely wonderful presentation. It was delivered with clarity and care. I loved it and thank you for this which has been of great help to provide clear information fir this disturbing disease which ribs you of your spirit and zest for life.

I've been on Lyrica, tramadol and trazadone for about 16 years with great relief. I also stay fit.

I am in pain all over. But I also have cramps that drive me up the wall. Especially the ones that hit my back. I never got any real sleep. Pain pills have been given to me in high doses but didn't work. Then my brother talk to me about self hypnosis. I said what have I got to lose. Well he taught me. It has made my life so much better.

This is the best video I’ve seen regarding info for Fibro. Thank-you so much!

Hi I'm in the UK and of course we are way behind the USA. I am an ex nurse was in the army, did gymnastics, netball, running, was always very fit. I was working as a special diets cook at a local hospital when I had an accident, I was left with paralysis in the shoulder muscles and a winged escapism, I had constant pain, this was 28 years ago, since then more and more things have happened, I now have hypothyroid, and fibromyalgia. I have bowl and bladder problems etc etc you name it it's there lol got to laugh or I cry. My worse thing is pain and sleeping, my body goes into spasm and that's me awake sometimes it's days one time it was 6 days before I got more than a little nod off in my chair. If anyone can give me any idea what I can do or take to help me sleep.I'd be eternally grateful. I also want to say this video was good to watch its good to see someone believing in turbo, thank you for making this. xxxAnnxxx

I have had fybro for 33 years now. I was told by so many Dr's. that is was all in my head, or that it was stress from being a new mom. I finally got a diagnosis after going to a university hospital rather than local Dr's. and rheumatologist. Since I have lived with this disease for so long, I already knew the info contained in this video. I watched it though because I was so happy to see a compassionate Dr. that recognizes fybro is real and can greatly impact your quality of life both physically and mentally. I am grateful for you Dr. Gross and this informative video, so that others won't have to go through what I did and so many others to finally get a proper diagnosis, but most importantly to just be believed that this is real and not "all in their heads", and you can do things to try to feel better and cope. I have found as I age my symptoms have gotten a lot worse. So I need to really focus even more on the strategies mentioned in this video.

I want to hear from a doc that has this....

Would love an update to see what new information is available ten years on 😊 very good presentation

I lost my husband of over 47years and lost my sister December 23 I've been sick ever since

Thanks 🙏 for sharing this Fibromylgia video. I find the information to be educational, enlightening and informative. I’m a Fibromylgia sufferer and I agree with the presentation. I’ve learned new information and appreciate the treatment plan. I’m having a flare up right now experiencing severe pain in my neck and shoulders. Tramadol helps me. I have good days and bad days. The pain is real and not psychotic. Chronic pain affects my daily living. However, I’m living with this beast of a condition. I have Fibromyalgia but it doesn’t have me.

I been dealing with fibromyalgia for many year's. I suffered when i was younger. For many year's. I finally got the help i desperately needed. I take Lyrica. It changed my life, for the better. I'm not suffering. The Pain is a lot manageable. But during the times when there's precipitation or cold. The pain, gets intense. However Lyrica does makes a big difference. The Pain, is only on the left side of my body. I get the headaches, pain behind my left eye, left hand, left knee and left foot. And the chest. It's started in my left index finger. Overtime it spreads. I was 15 years old when it started. I'm now 58 year's younger.

I hope they get to the bottom of this illness..my life has changed dramatically in less than a year..its also a lonely disease..I can't make plans of any kind..90 percent of my life is at home now..a simple walk to the shops leaves me in agony

Thank you, you just explained my body and my life . I am now age 61 and have been suffering for years. Thank you again.

I definitely believe in the GOOD sleep/fibro connection. For decades I rarely slept more than an hour at a time, causing me to never really get into deep restorative sleep. I also had a very stressful job and three kids to raise. Retirement has helped me finally get enough sleep most nights. My Primary Care internist prescribed trazodone and with some adjustments in dosage it has helped me have restful sleep which controlled my fibromyalgia very well, along with other meds and exercise when I feel up to it. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 3 years ago. I believe that the handfuls of ibuprofen that I took for years had masked the RA, until I was forced to stop taking NSAIDs due to severe gastrointestinal disease. I'm now on a treatment plan for the RA that finally is controlling the pain and joint damage due to RA. Fibro AND RA is not fun, believe me. Bottom line, I recommend discussing trazodone with your doctor if you have Fibro (or RA) and related sleep problems.

Thank you! This is the best information I have seen on fibromyalgia.

Hi Darren..I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia..and have experienced various levels of pain for many years. I'll send you a more detailed message when i can.Thank you for researching this painful condition... Most doctors treat the symptome with anti -depressants and that helps to a point... but it's a daily struggle to be pain free.....

Thank you for the valuable information Dr. Gross and also for your effort and time to educate us. Bless you.

I was seeing the decline in my pain level after every trauma in my life and did not know that this is what it would leading to thank you for your Insight

Recently diagnosed...Really wish that more doctors would recognize that this is real, and is extremely painful, i feel 95% of the time that i have been hit by a freight train....unable to find work b/c of this, and been so hard to find a doc to actually help find a way to manage the pain...

Thank you so much! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 20 years ago after a horrible emotional loss. A few years ago, my symptoms were added to with Ataxia, gait abnormalities and two terrible falls, straight backwards on tile floor, one straight frontwards, w no attempt to try to catch myself. I have recently has every medical test available, told I do NOT have MS and blood tests came back normal. So it appears there is no diagnosis other, than Fibromyalgia, clinical depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, ataxia. No one is able to help me. So your video has been helpful. But all I want to do is sleep.

This video is 💯% on point. Only those suffering with this condition, can appreciate its contents. Thank you, Dr. for sharing. 🙏🏽For all of us who are struggling to cope with it, just to get through a 24 hour day. 😢

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia when my adult children were wee.....like 17 years ago. Local Dr said it was psychosomatic. I had numerous tests to no avail but I have gotten relief with Naproxin and CBD tabs. What triggers an attack became my approach. I am in for an episode of pain, if I have coffee, if I get more sleep deprived ,if I am cold for long periods of time or if I have been physically ill.