I was diagnosed by a general practioner with fibromyalgia, then sent to a rheumatologist. The rheumy was sort of a jerk but he did discover some other health problems I have. Several meds tried, nothing really helped.

I met with a MD who also used various alternative treatments, he told me that in all honesty he hadn't found anything yet that truly helped his clients with this, he had found that acupuncture did not help, and that several herbs usually suggested for immune system stuff, such as echinacea, was actually making clients feel worse. He was honest enough to tell me when he did not know the answers, I appreciated that.

Years later back with a general practioner, I was referred to physical therapy, did a few weeks of that. Of everything, the heat treatments felt really really good, but they provided say only a half hour or so after treatment of relief. A half hour though can be a god send, any relief from pain is wonderful and a blessing.

I also read read read everything I can find on chronic pain, on living well with illness. I've carved out my own coping skills. My current physician has praised me for this, says it is what folks with these types of chronic illnesses have to do, learn how to self-manage.

I say I read everything but actually I am now quite selective, I know what type of information does not help me, and have learned to politely say No Thanks if someone tries to push it at me.

Low dose Flexeril helps me sleep. I use lots of heat and cold treatments. I do relaxation exercises. I work to speak to myself in my mind in a caring, compassionate fashion. I participate in this self help group: http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/

For the challenges you list, might be helpful to get current books on them, also join any interesting useful support/information groups here online.

Have you found anything yet that at least takes the edge off? That is my own current goal, the edge being taken off can be such a relief.

Arthritis Foundation

Sarah