"Just where did I say parasites were the cause of fibromyalgia? (You will not be able to find where, because I did not say that)." And where did my post claim you said that? The relevant quote is: "A veterinarian may not be the best source of information on what causes human medical complaints." Bottom line is there's a lack of evidence fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome are caused by parasites. There is a belief among some that a whole host of diseases and deleterious symptoms are caused by hidden parasites, and a cottage industry has grown up around selling books, devices and supplements to people who believe they are so afflicted. Sometimes (because reputable physicians won't prescribe anti-parasitic drugs to them) they buy potentially dangerous animal drugs. Various organisms get blamed - from the ever-popular Candida (a part of our natural flora) to the liver fluke (devotees of the late Hulda Clark believed her claim that this fluke was the cause of all cancers, and bought electric "zappers" in an attempt to kill the flukes and thus "zap" away their tumors). Just as people should consider alternatives before using expensive and potentially hazardous prescription drugs for fibromyalgia, they should also think twice about diving into antiparasitic drugs (which have their risky aspects too) for conditions that have no demonstrated connection to parasites. *I've never heard of any animal version of CFS or fibromyalgia, but maybe someone here can clarify matters.

I'm not really familiar with the empirical evidence on this issue. But some research has been done that suggests it may be a factor. It is not clear if this gets to the root cause or merely treats some of the symptoms. "Preliminary studies suggest that the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone might be an effective therapy in patients with fibromyalgia." from Are cannabinoids a new treatment option for pain in patients with fibromyalgia? "Fibromyalgia is now conceived as a central sensitization state with secondary hyperalgesia. Cannabinoids have similarly demonstrated the ability to block spinal, peripheral and gastrointestinal mechanisms that promote pain in headache, fibromyalgia, IBS and related disorders." in Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD): can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions? "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the benefit of nabilone in pain management and quality of life improvement in 40 patients with fibromyalgia...this is the first randomized, controlled trial to assess the benefit of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, on pain reduction and quality of life improvement in patients with fibromyalgia. As nabilone improved symptoms and was well-tolerated, it may be a useful adjunct for pain management in fibromyalgia." from Nabilone for the treatment of pain in fibromyalgia. "This pilot study demonstrated that a generalized statement that delta-9-THC is an analgetic drug cannot be made. However, a sub-population of FM patients reported significant benefit from the delta-9-THC monotherapy." from Delta-9-THC based monotherapy in fibromyalgia patients on experimentally induced pain, axon reflex flare, and pain relief.

I had been meaning to answer this, and of course never was motivated enough. When I saw it was active again. I decided to chime in. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 6 years ago about 15 months after I had my daughter. I at first thought it was just postpartum changes, lack of sleep, new mom syndrome. Looking back on it, I've had back problems, migraines, carpal tunnel, GI problems since my late teens/ early 20's. I've always had chronic pains, but the sleep issues,poor concentration/forgetfulness, chronic exhaustion was mind blowing. Leading to many specialists, and many antidepressant trials. I have tried both Lyrica and Cymblata with no significant benefit. I had returned to work part time, but I just couldn't focus to complete paperwork, I'd drive and not know how I got there, my attendance was poor, and the final straw was a patient error. I went on a leave, and 3 grueling years later was approved temporary disability. I have tried many things, PT, massage, many medicines,therapy. And I've seen many specialists. Recently seeing a gynecologists to see if hormones are playing a role in this. Again the answer, it's Fibro suck it up. I'm seeing a new female psychiatrist at present, and she says she likes a good challenge. Well here I am. :) It seems I'm flared the majority of the time, but winters are the worst! And I'm frustrated with the lack of benefit of any treatment, 9+ med trials, and counting. I feel like a shell of my former self, and most days I'm in tears thinking this isn't what my husband signed up for, and it's definitely not the kind of mom I want to be. Life just sucks! Reading the posts here, admiring everyone's gardens, and sense of humor usually brings a bright spot to my day. Even if I can't get motivated enough to plant seeds, or have the energy to work in the garden, I can live vicariously through you all. :) A little piece of my remaining sanity......LOL. Now if I can just remember where I put my seeds, and hope I don't forget where I'm going on the way out to plant them, or where I hid my milk jugs so I would be sure I didn't forget where they were. There are times I seriously think I can't keep doing this.But it takes on glance/word from my little girl, and I struggle on. Here's hoping for some new success. Thanks for letting me vent. Best wishes to all, hang in there!

Hi lindylou, I have both. Well actually, I'm IN menopause now, but its still a challenge. I'm thinking that perimenopause can cause fibro. It has gotten easier, but still has tons of surprises (and not the good kind).