Hi all. I am new to this particular group though I have been a member of NT for over a year. I tend to lurk more than I post, guess I have a hard time meeting people.

My diagnosis of fibro is new er I should say though I have been having some trigger point problems and some other pain issues for years it didn't become really severe until an accident I had in Aug. 2006. They tell me it isn't progressive but you couldn't prove it by me. Then again maybe my diagnosis is wrong all I know is I hurt, all the time. I just finally got a pain management doc this May and he has started me on Nortriptyline daily and Zanaflex which I don't like to take cause it just makes me sleep so I have no idea how well it works. I have only taken it maybe 4 times. The other is doing nothing for me, I go back in August and we try the next thing. I also have osteoarthritis, widespread inflammation (cannot figure cause of this yet), migraines and a couple of other minor things.

I am a recovering addict, clean and sober for almost 9 years so in a way I am afraid to stress the need for pain medication. To be labeled as drug seeking. I have never gone to the ER for pain though I have wanted to. Well except for a migraine that scared the beejesus out of me. I put up with the pain instead of demanding a need for relief. My rheumie has flat out stated that the only relief I will get is with medication. I have done everything else. I put up with the injections because the ESIs occasionally turn off the fire that is my pelvis and I pray that eventually this wonderful man that is my new PM doc will catch up with my need for relief.

I have a wonderful fiance (please don't ask a date, I am the hold out) who works 10 to 12 hours a day and comes home and takes care of us. I have 2 wonderful boys. One almost 16 who is Bipolar (me too only I am type 2) also ADHD and has Anger and Anxiety issues, is funny, smart, loving, still likes to hug and is not afraid to let his friends know just how much he loves his mom, some days I am cool, some days I am a dork lol. My other is 7 and my love bunny though he unfortunately is reaching an age where he doesn't want lovins as often but will still curl up on my lap and watch a movie with me.

I have given up a lot within the last few years that I use to love to do. Cut back on a lot of things. Learning to roll with the punches. Most days I am really tired of living like this. But I go on. Smiles on my childrens faces make it worth it.