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Hi! Sorry about your diagnosis but glad that you now have a direction to focus on.

You've hit on two of the biggest helps!

-Cannabis... It works well for most people.

-Exercise... It can be tricky but I find it's best to keep a consistent schedule. Start easy, and gradually work your way up. If you're flaring because of it, you are increasing your workload too fast. Everyone's different in this, but I find swimming/water aerobics to be the easiest, followed by yoga, walking, elliptical, weight training, and lastly running.

-Books: The Fibro Manual is probably the best.

-Medications: There are only a handful of Rx meds that are approved for fibro. The primary ones are Cymbalta and Lyrica. Both are infamous for having nasty side effects. I strongly recommend reading up heavily on them before you test them out.

-Sleep. Make sure you get good sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time every day. If you wake up often, maybe try out a mask and earplugs.

-Supplements that may be worth looking into/trying, Vitamin D, Curcumin, & Fish oil.

-Diets... Some say they have better luck with less processed food in their diets. For me, high protein intake makes a difference.

Best of luck and hope you have a great day! If you ever want to chat with fellow fibro peeps, stop by and say hi in discord!

-Diagnosed officially about a year ago at Mayo.

-More than likely spurred on by chronic migraines since age 7.

Fibro is really tough because patients often have a ridiculous number of symptoms, many of which are debilitating by themselves. For me those are (fatigue, nausea, mild insomnia, allergies, widespread pain, migraines, brain fog, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, tinnitus, visual snow, depression, anxiety).

Medications that I've tried for fibro since diagnosis:

-Cannabis: Mostly helps with the nausea, which for me was probably the most debilitating symptom. I was regularly dry heaving and throwing up if I moved at all. If you are able to recommend it legally, I would strongly recommend telling patients to get a vaporizer(I personally use a volcano at home and a firefly 2 for travel). They are more efficient and don't harm your lungs as long as you don't crank up the heat settings. I don't really see much difference between sativa versus indica personally. As far as pain management goes, it's pretty laughable...but it does help a tad.

CBD: I've only been able to extensively try one which was underwhelming but mildly effective for pain management. Others, have had better results.

Zofran: Helpful but still wasn't able to do much on it.

Cymbalta(tried up to 120mg, settled at 90mg): Definitely helped my muscles feel less achy. My mood would swing way way too much on it so I decided to stop as suicidal thoughts were becoming the norm on it. Withdrawal was also a nightmare even with gradual tapering.

Fioricet w/codeine: I was originally taking this for migraines and stopped a few months back as I tried to replace it with midrin. I only took it once or twice a week at most but it was incredibly helpful for fibro symptoms. I'm not sure if it was the codeine or the barbiturates. It may still have been the right call to end it but it has definitely cut into how active I am.

Quell Device: This one has been one of the most surprising for me. It's far from perfect but it has helped. It's great for those days where I can't do much. I strap it on, push the button and I kinda forget about it until I notice that I'm being more active.

Sleep: I'm still trying to figure this one out. I've bought a new mattress. I use ear plugs and a mask to try to limit stimuli. I cover up all LEDs in my room. I try to follow good sleep hygiene practices. My sleep has gotten better but it's still far from normal. I wake up too often and still have trouble getting to bed. Melatonin has also helped a tad. Cutting out naps was a big win for me as well.

Some of the biggest changes I've had were from lifestyle changes:

-limiting stress as much as possible

-Maintain or get social connections(anxiety and depression)...you need to get out and keep involved.

-Daily stretching, yoga, or moderate exercise

-meditation

-myofascial release massage: I believe it has helped me but I'm not sure if it is worth the price of admission given it's not covered.

-fish oil: I can't say one way or another to be honest. I keep trying it on and off to see if it's helping.

-distractions: To this day I do not know of a better way to beat chronic pain than to distract oneself...Find a good tv show, movie, video game, audio book, book, whatever and indulge a bit.

Best book I've read on fibro is: https://www.amazon.com/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor/dp/110196720X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473122123&sr=8-3&keywords=fibromyalgia

Highly recommended as it is pretty up to date and seemed to accurately relay a lot of my feelings as a fellow sufferer.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to ask sufferers and try to help. You're a good human being. :) I think most sufferers feel for the physician in the room as there is no good answer. I think it's a really tough situation for all parties involved(doctors, patients, family and friends). I hope more people like you take interest and maybe we can figure out some ways of limiting the suffering caused it.

There's probably some on Facebook but best thing I ever read, as a young carer for my mum, was this book: The Selfish Pigs Guide to Caring. It sounds super bad with the title but it's actually great at talking about how selfish it can feel to be "selfish" as a carer and take time for yourself. There might be some more recent books too.

Does fibromyalgia have a charity or an "official" association near you that does things like carer support? We have one for my mum's disease and they did carer retreats that were great. Even just a general chronic pain one?

Alternatively, if he can't find any support groups he's comfortable with, don't underestimate the benefit of good friends or a normal therapist. Make sure he takes some time to himself every week, whether it's a beer with his friends, going to play a sport, or even just going to Starbucks and chilling with a book and a coffee.

And if he's struggling with anxiety about the future, either counselling with a therapist that's just for him where he can feel free to vent or if there's disability service organisations around you, maybe going into them and getting some information about what the processes for claiming for services or support care are. I know here in Australia, if a person counts as "disabled" based on certain criteria, a social worker or a disability advocate can help them get things like a home cleaning or carer that can take some stress off of your husband.

This is the book I have. But maybe not the same edition specifically, of course.

I personally haven't managed to ever use all the techniques in it, in good part because of the anxiety/focus issue myself, but learning some of the things in it about memory has been extremely helpful anyway, especially optimal times to memorise key bits of information.

The mind palace for instance is something I struggle with, even though I have a good baseline visual and physical memory. My oldest brother can use it quite well, as I understand. Part of the reason I struggle with it may be that my colour memory can be a bit off. (If you wore a red t-shirt I might incorrectly remember that it was green, a day later, and be quite surprised at myself)

Overall, I found it to be helpful anyway and I would recommend the book to anyone, just because we all have to use our memory, and we're not really born knowing how to best make use of it, at times.

Edit: Oh, and I'd like to add, that like the "for dummies" series of books (which is usually decent too) there's a few other books in this series that are good; but by comparison, with this series, it's a small sized book, so it shouldn't feel like a chore to read it!

That is wonderful how much you want to help and support her; she will definitely appreciate it.

These are what I use:

Blanket: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BF2392/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mattress Topper: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G72DN63/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What is nice about that mattress topper is it has 2 zones so you can heat one side of bed without having to heat other side. The mattress topper is also great at soothing all-over body aches since you're laying on top of it; feels amazing to crawl into after a long day.

There's also a really good book about Fibro, written by a doctor who has the disease herself. It's laid out in easy to understand language and includes both conventional and alternative treatment methods. The book is a must-read for sufferers, their loved ones, and even their health care providers. My review of this book would be: Before reading the book, I was genuinely ready to kill myself because I felt it was hopeless to try and cope with this disease for another 50+ years. Reading her book I've been able to find ways to improve my circumstances and now feel motivated to fight the disease as several of her methods have already made a huge difference in my life. https://smile.amazon.com/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor/dp/110196720X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GYD3ZCYHN0PS&keywords=the+fibro+manual+by+ginevra+liptan&qid=1569526359&s=gateway&sprefix=the+fibro+ma%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

> My rheumatologist doesn't seem very well-versed in fibro

Welcome to the club. I'm in southern California and I'd love to find a good rheumatologist too. So far I've seen 4 of them, including 1 in an academic setting, and all of them are either woefully uneducated about fibromyalgia and/or are unwilling to treat it. For instance, one of them was unaware of the 2010 ACR criteria. Another one was very thorough, did a bunch of extra testing, and seemed good until I asked about the FM/a test. I know that it has a bad reputation, but she was totally unaware that it even exists. Another reum. doc, who I thought was the best overall, is unwilling to treat fibromyalgia because "it's not an inflammatory disease." It seems like rheumatologists don't like fibromyalgia because it's the only rheumatological condition that doesn't have a specific, well-regarded, and reliable test.

You might also consider a neurologist or pain management specialist. I've had fairly good luck with the neurologist, especially because he's able to do EMG and nerve conduction to help rule out some stuff and describe my condition. Pain management people are supposed to know about fibro. Mine is shit, but at least they are more willing to push medications like high-dose Lyrica.

One long shot and I can't personally recommend her is Ginevra Liptan who runs this:

http://www.fridacenter.com/drliptan/

Here's her book:

https://www.amazon.com/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor/dp/110196720X/

Her approach is a bit too out there for me, but may work if I get desperate enough.

In any case, I hope you find some relief. Good luck.

You might be interested in the book [The Fibro Manual](
https://smile.amazon.com/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor/dp/110196720X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517839795&sr=8-1&keywords=fibro+manual) by Ginevra Liptan. She is a doctor who specializes in fibromyalgia as well as having it herself. I thought the descriptions about what it feels like to have fibro were pretty spot on and it offers a lot of suggestions and products you can try. I found several things in the book that really helped me.

Some things to try: keeping warm, gentle stretches, magnesium spray, foam rolling, gentle massage, myofascial release, drink plenty of water, Epsom salt in the bath, a visit to a float tank, improving sleep, experimenting with diet changes like eliminating caffeine, gluten, dairy, or plants from the nightshade family.

Just keep searching and reading this sub. You will find a lot of suggestions on stuff that has helped someone or another. We just give everything a shot and see what sticks!

Good luck to you and your mother.

I have one of those pillows with the cooling gel which helps me a lot
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Brands-Reversible-Memory-Standard/dp/B00MGLOX40/ref=sr_1_7?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1497840698&sr=1-7&keywords=cooling+pillow

 

The heat totally does me in too.

 

Also, I tend to run cold water over my wrists (underside, where you can see the veins) or hold an ice cube between my wrists for a few seconds or as long as I can. It really helps even though for some it's just an old wives tale. Also putting a cold cloth on the back of your neck, groin area, and on top of your head is supposed to help.

 

If you can Percale sheets tend to stay cooler longer, they tend to be a bit expensive (around $60US) but I've had mine for 5+ years and they are still my favorite sheets https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Percale-Egyptian-Cotton-Comfortable/dp/B01LMDQ994

 

A strong (8000btu) window a.c. unit is helpful too, and sometimes you can find them on Craigslist.

 

I hope you find some relief

That's a really good point! I have both, but I'm not 100% clear on the difference either, to be honest (I should probably ask for clarification next time...). However, OP, you should definitely ask the doctor you like about myofascial pain syndrome. Also, take a look at the Trigger Point Workbook (Davies and Davies). It's totally harmless and may provide you with a lot of relief. It's been great for my enormous, rock-hard knots, and I was even able to help my husband with his neck pain.

http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942

Not sure if you’d be interested in something like this, but I have a hip/thigh bag that I absolutely LOVE. I hate carrying purses and bags because they’re inconvenient and I want my hands free, and crossbody bags or backpacks hurt my shoulders/neck/back. I have this hip bag from Amazon and it is my favorite thing! I get compliments on it every single time I wear it. I call it my “post apocalypse purse” lol. Again, not sure if something like this would be your style, but I figured I’d throw it out there just in case.

https://www.amazon.com/Anjoy-Outdoor-Motorcycle-Costume-Pouches/dp/B07BZF3HP1/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=thigh+bag&pd_rd_r=b7173f9c-2f60-44db-b1e1-f696bf36fd41&pd_rd_w=qOZfs&pd_rd_wg=jhBgc&pf_rd_p=801e52f8-2f92-4121-a10a-a677634e995d&pf_rd_r=S9BP2XSAD8PWSD7X3ADD&qid=1566610686&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMUtYODJSTlBFOVFJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjk0NTYzMlFCVlpCRFNXUUFJWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzkwNTgyMjhKMkxMWEFKWjA2MCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

I understand constant headache and migraines for weeks. When you say nothing else works do you mean concerning medicine only? You said they are tension related and trust me, yoga is amazing for reducing pain. There are so many great yoga teachers on youtube just waiting to teach you how to reduce stress and pain. Yoga with Adriene is a great place to start if you don't have experience or need a bit of a refresher.

Obviously as many massages as possible will help and here's a little something that has changed my life: neck block
This can be used in myriad ways to reduce stress in neck, upper back and face. It's tempting to go cheap and just get the small part that sits atop the black stand but you will not gain the relief you need that way. It's worth the investment if you invest your time. Another miracle tool is the Body back Buddy find the right size for you and I promise you will never want to put the thing down. You can work on knots anywhere in your body that cause tension without a massage therapist's limited time.
Learn about Myofascial massage techniques, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a God send. It even says right on the cover, the first type of main you can helps reduce yourself by learning these techniques is fibromyalgia. Chronic Myofascial Pain causes great pain in the face and head and this book teaches you how to fix this yourself. Help yourself and get these things if you can.
Another thing, when was your last eye exam? When I finally got glasses my migraines went from 5-8 times a month to 1-2 every couple of months. Didn't even realize I actually needed glasses.

Hopefully these things help! Having dealt with regular headaches and migraines since the age of six, these are really the only things that have changed me.

I've only recently kind of come to terms with it. I've been moderately health conscious my entire adult life, and I always looked at the slowly progressing symptoms as me missing something. I whole-heartedly believe that my symptoms aren't as severe as they could be because of dietary and supplemental steps I've taken. This book has been incredibly eye-opening; it's a wealth of knowledge and I'm taking most of the things recommended. I've been able to pinpoint some key foods (gluten, eggs, potatoes) that significantly increase my pain and eliminated them, so I'm definitely convinced that diet plays a key role here. I haven't dropped the money on getting food intolerance testing done, but I think that may happen soon.

All that to say, that I've finally accepted that yes, this is medically called fibromyalgia, but I'm not convinced that conventional medicine is the only answer. I still believe there is an underlying issue causing all of these symptoms. I'm going to do everything I can to make myself feel better, and to hopefully keep this from getting worse. I know how absolutely terrible it can become, and that is my motivation to keep searching for a better solution. Don't give up!

Please do! I have the TENS 7000 from Amazon. $30. Comes with a carry case and 8 pads. They're square, 2" by 2". I also bought rectangle pads 2" by 4" and a butterfly wing pad. Honestly I just play around with them via trial and error. The basic premise is to put one (or more) pads on either side of the area that hurts. Your current will run from one pad to the other. When you place them on either side of what hurts, the current will run across that muscle area. Now you'll have nerves in there also, so depending on where the pad is and how strong your device is set, you can stimulate muscle contractions. I like to freak my sister out by putting a pad on the top of my hand and on the top of my wrist, which stimulates the median and or ulnar nerves and causes my fingers to twitch around like a fish out of water. She hates it, haha. But basically, once you turn it on, you'll get a feel for what is being stimulated. I usually end up adjusting the location of the pads a couple of times. I generally start on a continuous mode and keep it at the surface for a while and once I've adjusted to it, then if the area is particularly bothering me, I'll go to a burst mode which will do more of the contraction style.

I started out with the TENS 7000 which is entirely manual, which is nice, if somewhat daunting. A couple weeks ago I picked up another device which has 15 preset modes. I don't like that I don't have entire control over it, however it's advantage is that the preset modes combine different types of stimulus which is cool.

Here is the TENS 7000 and the HealthmateForever Preset Modes

I asked a question on this sub and found a support device that allows me to have better quality of life. Ear plugs that let sound through but block stressful background noise. These work great for going to the movie theater, out to loud restaurants, and concerts. Definitely not depressing or worthless to me.

Maybe you could add more fun subs to your mix? I recommend r/AnimalTextGifs to start.

A good book for you and your husband. You, because you can relieve some of your fibro symptoms yourself, at home, and the husband because it will help him to better understand what you're living with. https://smile.amazon.com/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor/dp/110196720X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468210274&sr=8-1&keywords=ginevra+liptan

The Fibromyalgia for Dummies book is actually quite useful. It helped me better understand. Understanding better means you can explain it better.

You might compare fibro to having the flu every day if you want a really short and sweet answer.

Fibro is definitely a neurological condition. It can manifest in the form of inflammation, but that's definitely not the cause. Check out the Fibro Manual, I think you'll find it more helpful: The Fibro Manual

Also, you may like to look at this, I have heard excellent things from people with Fibro - and it has very high reveiws

https://www.amazon.com/You-Pain-Free-Break-Chronic-ebook/dp/B01N6Q1ZM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505845242&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+kuttner+pain#customerReviews

I use a memory foam and gel pillow made by Sharper Image, I can’t seem to find it, however, it’s generic enough to be copied exactly.

On top of fibro, I’ve had insomnia for nearly 30 years. This pillow gave me some of the best sleep I’ve EVER had.

http://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-HealthmateForever-Electrotherapy-Electronic-Management/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450155928&sr=8-2&keywords=healthmateforever

This is my favorite one, long battery life, and good power, plus 8 hook ups

I got this one from Amazon. It has decent reviews and a lot of options. I've only used it a few times, but it was very nice.

If you want a better understanding of FMS, try to find a copy of this workbook. It's $25 new, but I got a near-mint copy on half.com for $4 including shipping. My wife said it's like reading a diary that she doesn't remember writing.

One of my friends swears by these earplugs for hearing conversations while cutting background noise. Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs, Standard Fit, Frost Tip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015WJQ7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cVVVAbJK9Z6JY

https://fedupwithfatigue.com/myofascial-release-for-fibromyalgia/

That tells you the rough background... it's basically Yin yoga...

Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.[3]

So stretch until you feel the problem areas burn, hold it for an unusual long time, move onto the next as needed.

A good book is Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, 3e https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/070204654X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MUn5BbX6K598P

This is my favorite book that I’ve found - lots of scientific explanation & some very solid recipes. https://www.amazon.com/Chocolates-Confections-Formula-Technique-Confectioner/dp/0764588443?crid=25GLONMA924AY&keywords=chocolates+%26+confections&qid=1538291326&sprefix=chocolates+%26+&sr=8-4&ref=mp_s_a_1_4

https://www.amazon.com/dp/110196720X/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_R7m8BbMM0GTQ0

Now it's not all that and a bag of chips and some of it is just hokey, BUT there is a lot of useful stuff in it.

I like full body pregnancy pillows. No matter what side I want to sleep on I am covered. It does take up a lot of room in the bed, if you have a spouse and do not have a kingsize bed it might not leave enough room for you to both sleep on the bed.

https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Maternity-Contoured-U-Shape-Bluestone/dp/B00DVKJXFE/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1502120721&sr=1-4&keywords=body+pillow

This just came in the mail today because I've been so bad about forgetting my Savella and Gabapentin that I've caused myself to have withdrawal episodes.

Anyone else who's rolled around wailing uncontrollably for hours until you pass out because you're too afraid to go to ER and explain what a dummy you are will be able to relate. I thought the worst thing was being unmedicated, but it is not. The worst pain I've ever experienced with fibro was withdrawal. The reason being that the withdrawals do the opposite of the medication and add to the pain that is already there from being unmedicated.

Holy smokes, I hope this pill container works out. I like that it's rainbow. 🌈

TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit with Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9JlLDbHVKGH26

This is the tens unit I have!

What about a a pregnancy pillow?

Here is the mobile version of your link

• https://www.amazon.com/How-Sick-Buddhist-Inspired-Chronically-Caregivers/dp/0861716264
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Live-Well-Chronic-Pain-Illness/dp/1614292485/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/142-9884767-4401934?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1614292485&pd_rd_r=2175ae43-7bbf-4898-8a90-b849cc7587d5&pd_rd_w=dHRFk&pd_rd_wg=ZvtAa&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=DR4FH1TVHTB4N798KYVR&psc=1&refRID=DR4FH1TVHTB4N798KYVR

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O7CM12W/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I also have a portable tens unit called omron that I keep in my purse https://www.target.com/p/omron-electrotherapy-tens-pain-relief-device/-/A-14898718?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9014904&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuay_0Y7d1wIVULjACh1JDw9PEAQYAiABEgJvWfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You can get ones that offer four time slots, like this.

I find something like this helps a lot with my pain, however temporarily.

https://www.amazon.com/HealthmateForever-Electronic-Arthritis-Inflammation-No-USD723178S/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479415617&sr=8-10&keywords=electric+shock

Well, at least you have this subreddit, and your loved ones. I know I feel the same way; my house is my sanctuary.

I'll just say to keep therapy as an option, because I prevented myself from going for the longest time, but your mind lies to you. Therapy isn't what you think it is. It's whatever you need it to be. If you want to sit in the room and just gather your thoughts, it's okay to do that. It's a safe place with someone who is qualified to guide you through these worries, or anger, or discomfort, whatever you want to work on.

edit: since a lot of the stuff we go through is in our own mind, my therapist recommended this book to me. It's scientific, (which is what resonated with me the most) and it makes a lot of sense. How we process these events are not common sense, believe it or not. :)

Ah, MIL needs to understand how seriously stress affects - sorry if she already does - but I mean its going to be key to you doing better ... maybe she got illness herself (mentally)

I dont know how sometimes things really get me and sometimes not.

Btw, have a look at this book - it has INSANE positive reviews, it seems little known. I'm reading through now and its eye-opening. Intense, but eye-opening. Check the reviews on it... It's intense and not easy, but it seems like the real deal, I'm only small way in. - I got a book version

https://www.amazon.com/You-Pain-Free-Break-Chronic-ebook/dp/B01N6Q1ZM0

Me too, go into burning hell.

I'm leaving this board anyway. Thanks for your words. Had enough bad experiences and triggered into more pain with ppl here than any benefit it offers.

Also if you don’t have a tens unit already you should absolutely get one!!! My doctor says commercially available ones are safe to use (check with yours maybe anyway) and they are cheap!

This is the one I have
FDA cleared OTC HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit with 4 outputs, apply 8 pads at the same time, 15 modes Handheld Electrotherapy device | Electronic Pulse Massager for Electrotherapy Pain Management -- Pain Relief Therapy : Chosen by Sufferers of Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Sciatica, Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Shin Splints, Neuropathy and other Inflammation Ailments Patent No. USD723178S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B1wGDb2GF95KC

Does wonders for sciatica-like pain! There was a 2 week period there where I couldn't function without it.

Inconclusive about trigeminal nerve pain. It definitely triggered a migraine, but then I stopped having general trigeminal nerve pain. I don't know if it is related. I no longer have significant problem with that nerve since I used the TENS on it.

They are cheap enough that I recommend giving it a try for any pain you're struggling with.

> I've been reading online and it seems that the doctor was nicely telling me it's all in my head and nothing can be done for me

Actually, it is quite the opposite. If it is all in your head then Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a good chance of completely curing you. There might be nothing that a doctor can do, but a psychologist could get you back to full health. Unfortunately your doctor is completely wrong :(

> I've been reading a lot about chronic myofascial pain with no known cause and FM and how they are both considered psychosomatic.

It is probably best to start reading better sources. People who actually understand Fibromyalgia are able to tell the difference between psychosomatic symptoms and symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Psychosomatic symptoms exist, and some people with fibromyalgia have them, but psychosomatic illness is insufficient to explain all the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Maybe try reading a book? Fibromyalgia: The Final Chapter is an example of a book that does not support the "fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic illness" theory.

> Internet doctors are especially of the opinion you can't fix a psychiatric disorder with pain management.

A real world psychologist that I saw said that you can't fix depression without fixing the chronic pain that is causing it.

> It almost feels like victim-blaming by the medical community.

Yes it is. It is best to not get caught up in it. Had you done things completely differently, you would probably be in the same position as you are now. There might be "associations" between pain syndromes and emotional states, trauma, stress etc, but as yet there are no proven cases of cause and effect. For all we know, it could be completely random. My advice is to assume it is random, and focus on treatment.

Whether you have fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome or a broken leg, there are lots of treatments that are discussed on this subreddit that help reduce pain. I don't think there is a single treatment that is specific to fibromyalgia. What we can't tell you is which of them will work for you and which will not. As I always say, "trial and error works every time".