why med free is for me

Living with Fibromyalgia – Med-Free?

Can you really cope with Fibromyalgia without medication?

For me, the answer is an emphatic yes.

Before I go any further, I want to be clear: I do not judge anyone who uses medication for Fibromyalgia. This is simply my personal experience, and my approach is about managing my symptoms in a way that works for me.

My Journey

I’ve been living with Fibromyalgia since 1989 (that’s 36 years), and during that time, choosing to be “med-free” has sometimes led others to doubt my diagnosis. Comments like “You can’t have Fibromyalgia if you don’t take medication” or “Your pain isn’t as bad as mine” were common.

It was disheartening, and it made me cautious about online support groups. Every time I shared my approach—clean eating, gentle yoga, meditation—I would often be accused of being a “Fibro fraud.”

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor offered strong painkillers and antidepressants. My response? A polite “No, thank you.” At that time, I had been coping with pain for 11 years. It was manageable, and I felt confident I could explore medication if needed in the future—but thankfully, that time has not come.

The Turning Point

In July 2016, I was in a car accident that injured my neck and back. For the first time, I agreed to take strong painkillers, alongside anti-inflammatories, Diazepam for spasms, and Omeprazole to protect my stomach.

The results? Minimal relief, and a cascade of unpleasant side effects: nausea, fatigue, and brain fog. Each new prescription seemed to require another to counteract the side effects—a vicious cycle I quickly decided I could not continue.

After three weeks, I stopped all medication. My pain remains, but at least I can think clearly, sleep better, and live without feeling like a victim of drug-induced symptoms.

Emotional Pain

Why I Choose a Holistic Approach

Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood—even by medical professionals. Many doctors rely on prescribing a cocktail of medications without fully understanding the condition. For me, a holistic lifestyle has been key to managing my symptoms.

I focus on:

  • Clean, nourishing eating

  • Gentle movement & yoga

  • Meditation & mindfulness

  • Prioritizing sleep and self-care

This approach has allowed me to thrive, not just survive.

A Word on Medication

I know that for some people, medication is essential to functioning day-to-day. I respect that completely. My experience doesn’t diminish anyone else’s struggle.

I also believe that, in some cases, medication can exacerbate chronic pain. Studies suggest that certain painkillers may worsen symptoms over time, rather than improve them. Many of the side effects people attribute to Fibromyalgia—brain fog, nausea, insomnia—may actually come from the medications themselves.

My Advice

If you’ve been recently diagnosed:

  • Explore holistic alternatives before diving into medication.

  • If you are already on medication, consider whether a gradual reduction combined with lifestyle approaches might help.

I am living proof that you can manage Fibromyalgia without relying on drugs. My method works for me, and that’s what matters.

To those who doubt: please don’t judge. My Fibromyalgia is every bit as real as yours. My path is just different.

Ready to explore med-free approaches for managing Fibromyalgia?