SelfhelpMagazine

by Miryam Williamson

You are not alone in experiencing discomfort from these drugs. Some newer medications include Cymbalta or Lyrica, but they also can have serious side effects.

In my experience, the long-term side-effects of a medication often make them more trouble than they are worth. Nonetheless, it seems that our medical system is encouraging the use of medications more frequently than ever, despite their hazards. Doctors seem to be quick to pull out their prescription pads and quiet complaints with pills, rather than offering the patience, support and education needed.

It may be true that you need to be "taking something". The biggest health challenge most of face is whether or not to "take something" for our ailments. We have all been taught that pills are the cure, but some of us are realizing that they can contribute to the problem, too.

In assessing ourselves and our situations, we might need to have detailed conversations with several carefully chosen physicians to formalize a plan for what is indeed in our best interest. Deciding to take synthetic compounds (most Western medication) is a much bigger step than most people realize.

You may want to discuss these additional options with your physician:  

• avoid mood-altering medications
• treat yourself with excellent nutrition
• engage in gently increasing aerobic exercise
• rigorous discipline in sleep habits, and
• careful management (avoidance) of stress.

If you go this latter route, you may find that you need regular support and rigorous honesty with yourself and others. Living with pain and fibromyalgia is not a solo journey.

Luckily, you can get FREE support and other ideas in many places online. You might try resources available right here in SelfhelpMagazine. Have a look at the SelfhelpMagazine Community Forums and the SelfhelpMagazine Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue BLOG.

I also recommend that you visit the web site of the Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation , a source of particularly excellent and authoritative information.

About the Author:

Miryam Williamson is a technical journalist and author of "Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach What You Can Do About Chronic Pain and Fatigue," published by Walker and Company, New York, ISBN 0-8027-7484-9.