Fibromyalgia pain: Let's connect

Posted by clownscrytoo @clownscrytoo, Oct 22, 2016

Is there anyone here that suffers from fibro? I had the 'tender spot test' several years ago and I had 17 out of the 18. I try my hardest to get through the pain with my 4 hydrocodone/acetaminaphine pills a day, Tiger Balm rubbed into areas that are the worst, light exercises, and distracting myself with hobbies or chores, etc; but there are many occasions where none of that helps and I spend most of the day holding down the couch, getting up about 30-45 minutes after that, walking/standing around the house for 15-20 minutes, or sitting for about 15-30 min. I do not drive and my husband works 6 days a week, overtime almost every day, so I'm alone a lot. my wonderful husband is very supportive and I am very grateful for that, but my only other friends are online, out of state, and I will probably never even get to meet them. when extreme pain takes over, my depression takes over and it is so difficult to find hope. does anyone have tips for fibro, whether diet or over-the-counter meds (I've tried them all, I think), or anything, besides hobbies and such? I've tried every over-the-counter med, and the Tiger Balm does cover some of what the pain pill doesn't help, but I'm hoping one of our members might have some knowledge that could help. I'd really appreciate it.
hugz,
Clownscrytoo

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

@whattodo

I’ve had fibromyalgia for about 15 years. I take Cymbalta which helps a lot. For some reason it has to be the brand name, and not the generic version. I tried the generic and it did not work as well for me as the brand name version. Like you, I would spend a lot of time resting and not doing too much. Now I am able to do a lot more. I hope you find some relief from the pain and the isolation.

Jump to this post

Hello, whattodo. I guess I've had this fibro since I was in my 30's. 73 now. Only in recent years have I received real care for this pain, as it was considered a female anxiety issue for so many years, poo poo'd and basically treated as hormonal or in my head. It's such a treat now to have it treated as a real illness. It is, of course.

I began taking Cymbalta several years ago for fibro. It worked! First thing that really addressed the issues. I now take a double dose, 120mg daily, a.m., and only the brand as well. There are several drugs I've taken through the years that only the brand worked properly.

When that happens, I often have to contact my prescription insurance and have the doctor prescribe only brand. So far, insurance has always paid after that process, usually at the beginning of the new year with drugs I already take. I do have GoodRX that I use to help with co-pays until they're gone.

Another drug that has helped a lot is Lyrica. It helps with leg cramping and other pain. I'm off that now, and take requip for restless leg syndrome. It is a good switch for my needs.

Bless you in this crazy journey with fibromyalgia. It's tough, not an easy life but can now be well controlled with a good combination of efforts. Cymbalta, requip, Voltaren creme/ointment, and medical marijuana. I use 1:1 CBD/THC. It works wonders. Wonders. ANd, 94 degree therapy pool exercise, an hour 1 or 2X weekly. If I stay on that program, I can control the pain fairly well and stay somewhat level.

Be well. Be proactive and make your providers hear your concerns. And, they actually can help now.
Blessing, Elizabeth

REPLY
@ess77

Hello, whattodo. I guess I've had this fibro since I was in my 30's. 73 now. Only in recent years have I received real care for this pain, as it was considered a female anxiety issue for so many years, poo poo'd and basically treated as hormonal or in my head. It's such a treat now to have it treated as a real illness. It is, of course.

I began taking Cymbalta several years ago for fibro. It worked! First thing that really addressed the issues. I now take a double dose, 120mg daily, a.m., and only the brand as well. There are several drugs I've taken through the years that only the brand worked properly.

When that happens, I often have to contact my prescription insurance and have the doctor prescribe only brand. So far, insurance has always paid after that process, usually at the beginning of the new year with drugs I already take. I do have GoodRX that I use to help with co-pays until they're gone.

Another drug that has helped a lot is Lyrica. It helps with leg cramping and other pain. I'm off that now, and take requip for restless leg syndrome. It is a good switch for my needs.

Bless you in this crazy journey with fibromyalgia. It's tough, not an easy life but can now be well controlled with a good combination of efforts. Cymbalta, requip, Voltaren creme/ointment, and medical marijuana. I use 1:1 CBD/THC. It works wonders. Wonders. ANd, 94 degree therapy pool exercise, an hour 1 or 2X weekly. If I stay on that program, I can control the pain fairly well and stay somewhat level.

Be well. Be proactive and make your providers hear your concerns. And, they actually can help now.
Blessing, Elizabeth

Jump to this post

Elizebeth on the Cymbalta is that the name it comes under? My PCP have had an ongoing chat today on our "My Chart"! The Cymbalta is one of his suggestions.
Also, having him do up a blood work. Last time we did it was over two years ago.
I want to make sure there is nothing else that may be wrong with me, other than "OLD AGE" that I refuse to admitt!
Thanks for the help!
Sundance(RB)

REPLY
@ess77

Hello, whattodo. I guess I've had this fibro since I was in my 30's. 73 now. Only in recent years have I received real care for this pain, as it was considered a female anxiety issue for so many years, poo poo'd and basically treated as hormonal or in my head. It's such a treat now to have it treated as a real illness. It is, of course.

I began taking Cymbalta several years ago for fibro. It worked! First thing that really addressed the issues. I now take a double dose, 120mg daily, a.m., and only the brand as well. There are several drugs I've taken through the years that only the brand worked properly.

When that happens, I often have to contact my prescription insurance and have the doctor prescribe only brand. So far, insurance has always paid after that process, usually at the beginning of the new year with drugs I already take. I do have GoodRX that I use to help with co-pays until they're gone.

Another drug that has helped a lot is Lyrica. It helps with leg cramping and other pain. I'm off that now, and take requip for restless leg syndrome. It is a good switch for my needs.

Bless you in this crazy journey with fibromyalgia. It's tough, not an easy life but can now be well controlled with a good combination of efforts. Cymbalta, requip, Voltaren creme/ointment, and medical marijuana. I use 1:1 CBD/THC. It works wonders. Wonders. ANd, 94 degree therapy pool exercise, an hour 1 or 2X weekly. If I stay on that program, I can control the pain fairly well and stay somewhat level.

Be well. Be proactive and make your providers hear your concerns. And, they actually can help now.
Blessing, Elizabeth

Jump to this post

For forty years I have had the aching in my upper back. My life was miserable. Several years ago I found a person who specializes in myofascial release. Haven't had a back ache in about 3-4 years.

REPLY

After forty years of Fibro, especially back pain. Find someone who specializes in myofascial release. I haven't had a twinge in 3-4 years.

REPLY

Thank! I'm going on line here in ABQ to see if I can find someone!
Sundance(RB)

REPLY

If you don't find one right away, don't give up!

REPLY
@wheelerma

After forty years of Fibro, especially back pain. Find someone who specializes in myofascial release. I haven't had a twinge in 3-4 years.

Jump to this post

wheelerma, Thank you so much for the recomandation for Myofascial Release. I have had body work done for over 50 years and I have never heard of it. As I said I was going to do is go on line and see what I could find. There is much written about it and it's benifits! I found two practioneres here in ABQ.
I reached out late tonight, Wednesday, to both by email. Hopefully I will hear back tomorrow, Thursday. I will keep you posted.
Question, how long does a session last? Do you do multiple sessions to really get it to work? What does a session usually run $$ wise?
Thank You Again,
from The Land of Enchantment!
Sundance(RB)

REPLY
@wheelerma

If you don't find one right away, don't give up!

Jump to this post

Just replyed to you, Wednesday night. Found a two and asked them to contact me. Will keep you posted. I asked a couple of questions, would appreciate if you could help me understand the procedure!
Sundance(RB)

REPLY

I do the myofascial release at home using a racket ball or a tennis ball. May take a while to find the trigger place in the muscle giving the pain. I will admit it smarts to keep the pressure on. I place two in a sock and use at the base of my skull. Speaking for myself it does hurts and one need take it slow (a tennis ball). Once that muscle releases you will know. Again, what works for me. Not a fan of massages, etc. A PT shared this with me and I have been thankful.
Worth a try-or not.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.