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.

@grandmar

Hi All!
I just received the following from AARP regarding meds for Fibro.
It amazes me that it took sooooooooo many years for the medical community to believe this really exists.
Anyway, this is just an FYI....
Here's to a pain-free day.....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

This clinical disorder is marked by muscle pain and chronic fatigue. You can have fibromyalgia alone or along with another condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Though it’s most common in middle-aged women, fibromyalgia may worsen with age.
“People with fibromyalgia hurt all over,” explains Dallas rheumatologist Zashin. “They have tender points, which hurt when touched, on all four quadrants of their body.” They often have insomnia, depression and other issues. “A lot of rheumatologists shy away from fibromyalgia patients because there may not be a quick solution, and they may require more time during their visit,” Zashin adds.
Fight back with an anti-addiction drug
Some physicians prescribe low doses of naltrexone — typically used to help addicts stay off alcohol and drugs — to fibromyalgia patients. In one study, 32 percent of those taking low-dose naltrexone experienced significantly less pain and fatigue or sleep problems, compared with 11 percent who took a placebo. “Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors; the body responds by increasing levels of natural opioids, helping with pain and fatigue,” Zashin says.

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@grandmar Wow you mean after all these years they have discovered something Thanks for this information I will talk with my Dr about it.

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Thank you for sharing naltrexone for fibromyalgia pain. I was an addiction counselor for 25 pus year and naltrexone was prescribed for many of our patients with opiod addiction and worked well. I see my doctor next week and I will talk to her about it. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Pain is a daily struggle for me. I am taking prescribed percocet on a daily basis and that helps with the osteoarthritis pain, but does little for the fibromyalgia pain.

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@summertime4

Thank you for sharing naltrexone for fibromyalgia pain. I was an addiction counselor for 25 pus year and naltrexone was prescribed for many of our patients with opiod addiction and worked well. I see my doctor next week and I will talk to her about it. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Pain is a daily struggle for me. I am taking prescribed percocet on a daily basis and that helps with the osteoarthritis pain, but does little for the fibromyalgia pain.

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I take Gabapentin (Neurontin) & Savella for my fibromyalgia pain. They’re prescribed by my pain management doctor and works well.

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@lioness

@grandmar Wow you mean after all these years they have discovered something Thanks for this information I will talk with my Dr about it.

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Hope it helps.

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@sakota

Have any of you with fibromyalgia been tested for alpha one ???

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Please explain- what is alpha one?

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@sakota

Have any of you with fibromyalgia been tested for alpha one ???

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What is Alpha One?

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@migiIi I really have no idea where I’m at in this discussion group as far as timeline, etc., but I’m feeling lost...I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year ago; bronchiectasis 1 1/2 years ago; osteoporosis many years ago; osteoarthritis a few years ago and more popping up as it goes; and chronic migraine (too long ago to remember). Oh, I broke my foot this winter and just starting to walk without the boot “a little.” It seems like I’ve been the type to grin and bear it, but it doesn’t work anymore.........I’m BEAT! The fatigue seems unwielding and although there is much pain, I think it manifests primarily through aching or fatigue.....I’m still working full-time and I see an occupational therapist for my neck and shoulder pain. I take a variety of meds for my migraines and BOtox quarterly(which does help significantly); and daily respiratory hygiene therapy twice daily. I also have a sleep med which has helped following a sleep study which revealed significant brain activity which was interfering with my sleep. I also see a psychologist a couple times a month to help me work though “my new normal”-which I’m not liking too much. Am I having a fibromyalgia flare? Do I need further consultation with a doc or just keep the faith? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😍

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@parus

Fibromyalgia surely can be a challenge. Throw in the other chronic pain seems the fatigue is overwhelming. I have adjusted my diet and due to TMJ my diet is to be soft. No more fresh salads filled with nuts and other crunchy things. Have adapted to this. My energy level has been so low.
I was fairly certain I needed more protein. Started looking at plant based protein powders. Have been using this for a couple of weeks to supplement my diet. They are now available sugar/gluten/GMO/dairy free. This is the only thing I have changed and my energy level has improved.
My experience thus far. Plus I have dropped 3 lbs. in this 2 weeks.
Whether it is more protein...? Don’t know for sure.

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@parus Good morning! I was reading your post and see you added more protein which resulted in a weight loss. You are right on the money! I had gastric bypass in 2007, lost and have kept off until recently 135 pounds. Lyrica recently put weight on me. Now I don't know the chemistry how increased protein helps you lose weight, but it works!

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@migizii

@migiIi I really have no idea where I’m at in this discussion group as far as timeline, etc., but I’m feeling lost...I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year ago; bronchiectasis 1 1/2 years ago; osteoporosis many years ago; osteoarthritis a few years ago and more popping up as it goes; and chronic migraine (too long ago to remember). Oh, I broke my foot this winter and just starting to walk without the boot “a little.” It seems like I’ve been the type to grin and bear it, but it doesn’t work anymore.........I’m BEAT! The fatigue seems unwielding and although there is much pain, I think it manifests primarily through aching or fatigue.....I’m still working full-time and I see an occupational therapist for my neck and shoulder pain. I take a variety of meds for my migraines and BOtox quarterly(which does help significantly); and daily respiratory hygiene therapy twice daily. I also have a sleep med which has helped following a sleep study which revealed significant brain activity which was interfering with my sleep. I also see a psychologist a couple times a month to help me work though “my new normal”-which I’m not liking too much. Am I having a fibromyalgia flare? Do I need further consultation with a doc or just keep the faith? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😍

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@migizii My doctor said a way to tell if I'm in a Fibro flare is if my pain suddenly jumps on the pain scale by 3 points or more and if another symptom worsens suddenly. So let's say my pain level is usually a 4 but now it's 7 or higher and my normally clear head is now foggy, and I'm extremely tired....that's my sign of flare.
You mentioned you take meds for migraines. Do you take any meds for Fibro?

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@sandytoes Hi Jen Since I told you about fibro magic I was doing research on the fibro website and magnesium as to which is best they recommend ,m.malete,glutanate, not oxide which is in f.m so I just started the Mag.malete to see if it helps me better Its all a guessing game been on all the meds know worked out for me to many side effects. My Tramadol @Meloxican are pain savers for me .

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