I wanted to share with you guys a little about my journey and how CBD has helped me with my Fibromyalgia. In my case, and I hope yours too, CBD can absolutely improve Fibromyalgia symptoms, and I think that me being honest about my journey with CBD might help someone, and that’s why we’re here! First, let’s start with a some backstory on how I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Then we’ll go into my journey to coming off all my prescription medications. Plus, I have some pretty amazing tops on how I chose a high quality CBD oil (protip – don’t use cheap CBD products – they are never worth the pretty penny).
Originally I was NOT Diagnosed Properly with Fibromyalgia
Originally, I was misdiagnosed from 2004-2012, with PTSD and conversion disorder. I would go out on disability, and magically get better. Only to return to work and within months start having pain episodes to the point I couldn’t walk anymore and was literally crying in pain just rolling over in bed.
When I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in March 2012, it was a double edged sword. “YES! I finally have a diagnosis and it’s not a mental illness!” but also the “Well, what do I do now? How is this going to affect my life?” It felt cruel, almost.
My Diagnosis was a Stroke of Luck
The only way I was properly diagnosed, after years and years of testing, disability runs, and medication changes – was because my doctor’s wife had Fibromyalgia, and he said I met all the same criteria she did.
When I first went to see him in November 2011, our appointment was an hour and a half long. He told me up front, he was going to start me on non-traditional Fibromyalgia medications, and to let him know in 4 weeks how I felt. Sure enough, 3 days before Christmas of 2011, I finally started feeling better. The chronic muscle burning was subsiding.
I was able to roll over in bed once again without much effort or wincing.
It felt like a miracle.
This is actually part of the reason I became a health coach at all – having someone that listened to me and my symptoms and actually helped me figure out the solution was invaluable, and it was all because my doctor knew someone who had Fibro.
5 Years Later and The Beginning of My CBD Curiosity
Fast forward to 2017. I’m thriving in my life by this point, with nearly no signs of Fibromyalgia. I owned my own company doing pet care and child care, and worked full time hours. I was going to yoga, learning to live a more natural lifestyle, and enjoying life. My symptoms were very well-managed with diet, exercise, and stress reduction. I began asking the doctors if I could come off my medications, since I was feeling better. Of course, there was clap back:
- Why try to fix something that isn’t broken?
- But you’re doing so well, let’s continue on this path.
- There’s nothing wrong with taking medications!
- But you’re a success story and you feel well because the medications are working!
I KNEW deep down I didn’t want to be on these medications if I felt well enough to manage every day life. I remember the doctors telling me before my diagnosis that this was just the way life was going to be… This was my new “normal”. I wasn’t having any of it.
I refused to back down because this was supposed to be “normal”. In my mid 20’s, nothing was normal about being in chronic pain. I wanted my life back. So what if I made all these changes for nothing? I at least wanted to try coming off my prescriptions, and FINALLY received the go ahead in summer of 2018.
Reduction in Medication & Finding CBD
Of course, I recommend you talk to your physician before starting and stopping any medication. Please do not quit your prescriptions cold turkey. I’ve been there, done that, and the outcome nearly cost me my life. With the proper guidance from my medical team, my research, and a weaning schedule, I am now off nearly 80% of my prescription medication:
- Nortriptyline – 80 mg – 50mg
- Gabapentin – 1200 mg – Completely Off
- Paxil – 50 mg – 10 mg
I knew coming off my prescription medication that I wanted to look for more holistic alternative for pain and had heard something about Cannabidol in many pain-management communities. I also had several friends who had turned to selling CBD through direct sales and they had answered some of my questions.
It took me awhile to find the right fit for me, but when I found it, I knew that it was the company I wanted to work with. Being a small business myself, I wanted to work with another small business as well. I was introduced to Blue Botanicals at our local swap meet. They were very open about how it was made, where it was sourced, and even shared their gas chromatography with me. This is a scientific way to determine how pure any oil is, including CBD. Many companies don’t share this information because it exposes any fillers used. That doesn’t mean they’re harmful, but it does mean you’re paying premium dollar for olive oil sometimes!
Taking the Leap to CBD!
I decided what the heck, let’s try it! And sure enough, it has helped me transition to being even more pain free, and controlled my flare pains without having to go back on prescription medication. All my research in looking for a pure, small home-based business to buy my CBD from has paid off, and I am so thankful I found them!
I have been off Gabapentin for 9 months at the time of this blog (October 2019). I have been on CBD oil for 6 of those months. Each day I’m feeling better, with little to no residual Fibromyalgia pain. I still work full time hours and own two companies now. I feel like I’m living my best life!
I make sure to take my CBD 2 times a day, and when I don’t I feel the difference throughout the day. Now, I keep two bottles actively. One stays in my purse and one stays at home for convenience.
For the record, this is the product I use. I take a half dropper in the morning, and a half dropper in the evening. Not sure what dosage to take? START SMALL and work your way up! It was recommended to me to start at 500 mg, and that’s what ended up working for me.
Are you ready to explore more holistic alternatives? Let’s work together. We can definitely chat about CBD being one of your many, many options!