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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.

clownscrytoo | @clownscrytoo | Nov 5, 2016
In reply to @taterjoy "HI @clownscrytoo. I am sorry you are suffering with a terrible case of fibro. My Mom..." + (show)
@taterjoy

HI @clownscrytoo. I am sorry you are suffering with a terrible case of fibro. My Mom had a bad case before it was an official "diagnosis" in the medical literature. She visited Mayo (Rochester) in the later 1970's and was diagnosed with Fibro. She took small doses of Elavil (10mg) daily for years, which helped her tremendously. She was also told to avoid foods in the nightshade family, which helped. They also recommended weight loss--a diet with lots of veggies, lean proteins including dried beans (lots of complex fiber) helped her the most.

She has learned that a firm seat is much better for her than a soft, cushy seat. She made a wedge-shaped cushion that is VERY firm to use in the car and when out of the house. She also feels that her pain is much reduced when her sleep is better quality. When her fibro flares, she can only lie down or stand (not sit). I pray that a cure will be found, and that you will experience many more "good" days ahead.

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@taterjoy
I really appreciate your tips and sincererity. Thank you. What type of med is Elavil? I've heard of it, but that's all. Have a nice day 🙂

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taterjoy | @taterjoy | Nov 5, 2016
In reply to @taterjoy "HI @clownscrytoo. I am sorry you are suffering with a terrible case of fibro. My Mom..." + (show)
@taterjoy

HI @clownscrytoo. I am sorry you are suffering with a terrible case of fibro. My Mom had a bad case before it was an official "diagnosis" in the medical literature. She visited Mayo (Rochester) in the later 1970's and was diagnosed with Fibro. She took small doses of Elavil (10mg) daily for years, which helped her tremendously. She was also told to avoid foods in the nightshade family, which helped. They also recommended weight loss--a diet with lots of veggies, lean proteins including dried beans (lots of complex fiber) helped her the most.

She has learned that a firm seat is much better for her than a soft, cushy seat. She made a wedge-shaped cushion that is VERY firm to use in the car and when out of the house. She also feels that her pain is much reduced when her sleep is better quality. When her fibro flares, she can only lie down or stand (not sit). I pray that a cure will be found, and that you will experience many more "good" days ahead.

Jump to this post

It is an antidepressant at high doses, but can be used for enhancing sleep "quality" at lower doses. My mom was able to sleep better, and hence, her fibro was less disabling.

I just visited the website for Mayo Clinic "Fibromyalgia" and see that Elavil remains in treatment options for fibro for sleep-related issues. The generic name for Elavil is "amitriptyline." Here is the excerpt on TREATMENT of fibro from their website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/treatment/con-20019243

I pray for better days ahead for you, @clownscrytoo, and for everyone posting on the topic of Fibro.

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1langla | @1langla | Nov 6, 2016

Well,I don't have a lot of tips 4 Fibro.Although,I've had it a long time 2.But,I encourage you 2 keep walking.I cope with depress.2.These things're hard 2 cope with.Glad you've a supportive husband.

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2 replies
clownscrytoo | @clownscrytoo | Nov 6, 2016
In reply to @1langla "Well,I don't have a lot of tips 4 Fibro.Although,I've had it a long time 2.But,I encourage..." + (show)
@1langla

Well,I don't have a lot of tips 4 Fibro.Although,I've had it a long time 2.But,I encourage you 2 keep walking.I cope with depress.2.These things're hard 2 cope with.Glad you've a supportive husband.

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@langla
thank you for your note and mentioning walking. I'm going to do my best to take walks every other day. I have trouble leaving the house, but with my husband I can do it. I'm sorry you suffer from it too, plus depression. you're in my positive thoughts and prayers...
clownscrytoo

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1langla | @1langla | Nov 6, 2016
In reply to @1langla "Well,I don't have a lot of tips 4 Fibro.Although,I've had it a long time 2.But,I encourage..." + (show)
@1langla

Well,I don't have a lot of tips 4 Fibro.Although,I've had it a long time 2.But,I encourage you 2 keep walking.I cope with depress.2.These things're hard 2 cope with.Glad you've a supportive husband.

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Sure.Good.Thx 4 empathizing&prayers!Lisa

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Jen, Alumna Mentor | @sandytoes14 | Nov 22, 2016

@nanke99 I read your post on the Chronic Pain forum. I believe you wanted to know how Fibro symptoms first started along with other questions. If you can copy your question here I will gladly give you as much insight as I can and I'm sure others here will as well.
I was diagnosed in 2012 but had Fibro symptoms for over 5 years. Morning stiffness, deep muscle type pain, points on my body that are extremely tender to touch and fatigue. With the change in weather I'm in a flare now.
They can last from a few days to a few weeks. Again, please ask your question here so we can help or message me directly.
@JustinMcClanahan is a very helpful moderator here on Mayo Clinic Connect. I hope you post your question in the RA section as well to get answers.

Wishing you the best

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angieh | @angieh | Nov 27, 2016
In reply to @sandytoes14 "I have been on Savella aka milnacipran and that helped. Now I am on Cymbalta and..." + (show)
@sandytoes14

I have been on Savella aka milnacipran and that helped. Now I am on Cymbalta and that helps a good deal. Otherwise, you sound much like me. I have chronic neck pain added to my story but only get 1 or 2 Vicodin per day but not even a whole months supply--I'm no addict, we have military (retired) insurance and the military health care is trying to paint spouses and retirees as opioid dependent.

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Hi. Congress is having USDA do a study on how many people are opiate addicts. The HUGE problem with the study is that they are throwing heroine on with opiate addicts & deaths. It's going to be so off!!! They need to separate heroine from other opiates to make the study more accurate!
So with that & the CDC giving doctors to either not/stop subscribing opiates for long term illnesses. They are totally clueless how much hell we go through every day! There are meds that can help our chronic pain but Congress is taking them away from us. We all need to enlighten our Congress members that we NEED good pain meds! I have hydrocodone for break through pain but cannot get more than 30 pills per month. Not near enough for my bad days--usually winter is a lot worse! Now my daily pain med is Nucynta. It is an opiate but it does not have the bad side effects like the others. No ups & downs. After a couple weeks it helped stable my pain

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angieh | @angieh | Nov 27, 2016
In reply to @2122 "I tried a diet plan that a doctor wrote and for me it worked. It had..." + (show)
@2122

I tried a diet plan that a doctor wrote and for me it worked. It had something to do with not eating anything from the night shade families such as anything with tomatoes, potatoes, etc. You do have to follow it exactly but it is worth it plus you can lose some unwanted inches as well.

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I'm interested in the diet & also have not heard of night shade family. Do you take Gabapentin? I've gained 40 pounds & my Dr's are not helping me to lose weight! Does anyone have help to lose weight while taking gabapentin????

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angieh | @angieh | Nov 27, 2016

Wish this was legal in all states.

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rhondami | @rhondami | Nov 29, 2016

I couldn't get through the day without my trigger point tool. Mine is a Body Back Buddy. There are others, TheraCane is another. Simple design, simple idea, use it yourself, wherever you find the trigger points. I can't believe this isn't the first prescribed treatment for everyone with fibromyalgia! I wish I had known before... for $30-40 you cannot go wrong. Plus you can pinpoint the spot, which we all know can be difficult trying to get someone to massage in right place. Helps me relax the muscle, helps me to breathe deeper. Be careful not to overdo it at first, or you might be sore next day.

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