Chronic illness can be a huge financial burden, as someone who is living with fibromyalgia disease, most of the money I make from the work is spent on my treatment. I spent hundreds of dollars every month for the healthiest food. I spend a lot of money on supplements so that I can function. And then comes the doctor appointments and prescription medication co pays and I also spend a lot of money on lotion and on creams, and it continues.
Chronic illness has cost me hundreds of dollars during the past few years and it keep on adding. I keep on spending money in hope of becoming better one day and having a better life style. I know what it feels like when you take tough financial decisions, so I want to make a list of low cost financial treatment for fibromyalgia disease for those people who are fighting with their financial issues. Everything on this list is under 20 dollars and I have used things by myself or other fibromyalgia sufferers. They can relieve the symptoms.
1. Multivitamins:
Because of changing agricultural methods it’s hard to get all nutrients from food. The foundation of my supplement protocol is good quality multivitamin. I like to take multivitamins with methylated forms of B vitamins and folate to ensure better absorption.
2. Magnesium:
Magnesium malate is the best supplement I have used so far, since I have diagnosed with fibromyalgia and Lyme. It reduces my pain, improves my sleep, keeps me regular, and soothes my restless legs. I use “Source Natural Brands”, and one bottle lasts for month. I don’t know if it’s true of not, I find it useful in relieving my pain.
3. Vitamin D:
Many researches’ have shown that vitamin D deficiency can contribute to chronic pain. I once read article years ago that people living in Florida must be vitamin D deficient because of the positioning of the sun, a simple blood test can confirm your vitamin level. Luckily vitamin D can easily be corrected by taking vitamin D3 supplements; it is good to take vitamin D with vitamin K foe better absorption.
4. Digestive Enzymes:
Most people with fibromyalgia and Lyme disease have gut problems. Taking digestive enzymes with meals and at night did wonders to me. I was diagnosed with GERD in 2015 and often nasty reflex when I was sleeping. Only within two weeks I was able to stop taking proton pump inhibitors.
5. Nux Vomica 30C:
I am nowadays taking long term antibiotics to treat Lyme. I have to deal with nausea every day. It was lifesaving for me for the treatment of nausea. It work the same as my medicine did, given by the doctor, above all it is super cheap. Ginger tea is also good remedy for nausea.
6. Curcumin:
If your gut can tolerate it, it is a great pain reliever, it also reduces inflammation.
7. Kratom:
This Asian tree has gained popularity in relieving pain and opoid withdrawal. There has been a great debate that whether it’s addictive or not, in some countries it’s illegal. My fellow used it for pain lessening and they succeeded.
8. Topical Magnesium:
I use topical magnesium lotion for reducing muscle aches calming restless legs, and reducing the burning in my feet from neuropathy. I have fallen in love with “Elepure Magnesium Lotion”, “Ancient Minerals” another brand mostly recommended for fibromyalgia patients but it costs more than 20 dollars.
9. Peppermint Essential Oil:
It is also good for nausea. I add a couple of drops to my palm, rub my hands together, bring my hands to my nose and inhale.
10. Pain Patches:
I recommend Tiger Balm, Salonpas, lodocaine patches foe localized pain.
11. Heating Pad:
People fighting with fibromyalgia have found heating therapy very effective. It is an inexpensive way of relieving pain. There are also microwaveable versions.
12. Compression Clothing:
One of my very miserable symptoms was nasty, bone deep shin pain caused by bortonella, o common insect borne infection. Only compression clothing was helpful.
13. TENs Unit:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.
14. 5-HTP :
I am a big fan of 5-HTP (100-300 mg), as it helps with sleep and mood, but being a doctor i will not recommend it for those already taking prescription antidepressants.
15. Tennis balls :
Tennis balls work great for those tight, painful areas around the body.
For support, discussions and Q/As join the group “Living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness”
