Study participants reported a significantly higher pain threshold, less pain in general and less need for pain-relief tablets. Get the right prescription. Until a drug specifically developed to treat fibromyalgia is available, there are a number of prescription drugs that scientists have found to help people with fibromyalgia, says Dr. Russell. Ask your doctor whether a prescribed medication is compatible with these OTCs. The network assists more than 250 local self-help groups around the country and produces a newsletter that keeps members up to date on research.
Members also share tips on how to live with fibromyalgia.
Here are some of their favorites. Make sure your doctor's up to speed. So if your doctor has a tendency to pat you on the head and hasn't any idea where the tender points in fibromyalgia are supposed to be, head for the door. Then check the Yellow Pages in your local telephone directory for a doctor certified in rheumatology or contact the Fibromyalgia Network for a list of self-help groups and physician referrals in your area. Live for the moment.