What treatments should i pursue? i have fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel in both wrists, depression and chronic migraines. it is difficult to live day to day. i have problems standing, sitting, laying down, trying to clean my house and taking care of my childr

The : The most effective approach to getting your health back is, without a doubt, cognitive behavioral therapy. This is particularly effective for puzzling conditions like fibromyalgia. Cbt is like a course where you learn how to best interpret the symptoms and keep active. I realize this sounds unusual, but the evidence is very, very strong. It's the stigma against mind-body approaches that keeps people from reaching out for this technique. Discuss cbt with your primary care doctor. You will not regret it.

While : While i cannot tell you how to treat chronic migraines and fibromyalgia, if you truly do have carpal tunnel it becomes even more important to treat that because it is treatable problem. In the scheme of things leaving things untreated just makes the other things feel worse and they in turn amplify the overall severity of the carpal tunnels evvect on another part of your health. If you are past splinting, injections or have a severe enough carpal tunnel you should consider seeing a hand surgeon or orthopedic surgeon to get your carpal tunnel taken care of surgically. I can't promise anyone that surgery will make all your issues go away but it is the one thing of the three that likley has the most predictable result. Of course speak to your doctor about what the expectation are for your own individual case.

Various: You need pain pills (three approved) in beginning to aid increased physical activity & aqua therapy. Nutrition, relaxation therapy, behavioral training, & acupuncture are helpful. Deconditioning & obesity worsen problem. Treatment of trigger points is part of a broad therapeutic program. Read stories of survivors in their books. Avoid support groups where people primarily commiserate & complain.

Depression: The general rule of thumb is always fix the mental illness first. You should be screened for bipolar disorder. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-easy-to-read/index.shtml.

Exercise: Aerobic exercise will improve blood flow , loosen muscles and joints and improve your mood. Do it to music you like, ideally outside in a pleasant environment. Try swimming, it is low impact, or dancing, or gardening. Make sure you get enough sleep at night and avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco.

Treat the treatable: Your most treatable conditions are the depression and the carpal tunnel syndrome. Have those treated first. Lamictal often takes care of migraines and depression. You need to assemble a treatment team, hand or neurosurgeon for the carpal tunnel, neurologist for the migraines, psychiatrist for the depression and an empathic rheumatologist for the fibromyalgia. Other lifestyle changes are best addressed after your surgery. Best wishes to you for a quick recovery.