Thank you my friend it really helps when we all try to help one another out.

I agree too. Since I was diagnosed in 1978, the description of FMS has changed drastically. Drug companies weren't interested in us back then, so we the patients raised money for research ourselves. Fibromyalgia was considered an "umbrella" illness because you had to have issues with all major organs...it wasn't just about pain. You had to also have intestinal, lung, heart, bladder, brain, joint, hormonal, thyroid, muscles and nerves issues. It was considered an autoimmune disease back then, but often described as a sort of arthritis of the muscles. The research back then pointed towards pituitary glands, stress, lack of sleep and low magnesium. Nerves did not enter into the diagnosis until drug companies came on the scene in the 90s, when they realized could dump nerve medications on us (which were all designed for other illnesses). FMS was removed from the autoimmune list when a doctors conference decided we didn't have a degenerative illness. Funny, I have degenerative disc disease, but it's not considered a disease either...but definitely degenerative. Silly huh? Anyway, my husband, family and GP can all testify that I have "degenerated" every single year since 1978. By the time I was 30, I was told I already had the spine of a 60 yr old. Wonder how old it is now 40 yrs later.

Until we have a voice at medical conferences, nobody will change the medical definition or classification of Fibromyalgia.

Agree 100%, fibro is progressive, unfortunately.

Not me. I finally found what works for me as far as sleep, exercise, diet, etc., and I am feeling better the last 10 yrs. than I did for MANY years!!!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there you all!!!!!!!!!!! keep researching and seeing what works for others and you WILL find what works for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are so many new ideas than there were when I was so horribly sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try cutting out nightshade vegetables and taking plenty of systemic enzymes - these two things REALLY helped turn my Fibro around. Amitriptyline gave me the sleep I needed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Sue

Yes it has definitely gotten worse over time ..