1. < Fibromyalgia

Feeling at my wits end with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Posted by Jen, Alumna Mentor @sandytoes14, Aug 19, 2019

Usually I am not one to share much of my personal story but here goes...I have what is called moderate to severe degenerative disc disease, arthritis of the spine C3-C7 and lumbar spine, and Fibromyalgia. In the 20 years Ive had pain, I"ve been though many treatments including PT, tens unit, bio feedback,injections, nerve ablations, you name it. I'm prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg for Fibro and anxiety as well as 225 mg of Lyrica. I have been on and off various painkillers too. I'm currently on a long acting oxycodone of 13.5 mg and once a day one 15 mg of IR oxycodone. This has been my regime for a few months now as I switched from 15 mg IR oxycodone. Now for those who are worried about me ODing...I understand. I actually hype-vigilant about my meds. (And I have my hubby and son who watch) Years ago I was on 15 mg Fentanyl patch for 10 months and came off it in one month with no side effects.
Right now I'm really struggling with this rotten pain. I have no appetite, either can't sleep or nap during the day.

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

mariah | @mariah1 | Sep 18, 2019
In reply to @sandytoes14 "@gingerw Hi Ginger, I'm not sure its visualization but when the pain is a 10 (and..." + (show)
@sandytoes14

@gingerw Hi Ginger, I'm not sure its visualization but when the pain is a 10 (and I'm too stubborn to go to the hospital, partly in fear of being labled) I can look at a picture of the ocean and imagine I'm sitting there. I try to feel the sun and hear the ocean. There is an app on my phone CALM and I play the ocean sound. That helps bring the pain down a point or two.At least its not stabbing me anymore. I had acupuncture and it helped some. Maybe I'll look into that in my area. Thank you.

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Great suggestion!

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Oh My Aching Back & Neck | @jmweissler | Sep 18, 2019
In reply to @sandytoes14 "@jmweissler I’m so sorry about your mom. I understand what a difficult time this is. Please..." + (show)
@sandytoes14

@jmweissler I’m so sorry about your mom. I understand what a difficult time this is. Please take care of yourself. My prayers are with you

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Greatly appreciate your words of support 🙂

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scruffy1 | @scruffy1 | Sep 18, 2019

@jmweissler More power to you! I'm glad you're getting some relief.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Sep 18, 2019
In reply to @scruffy1 "@jmweissler More power to you! I'm glad you're getting some relief." + (show)
@scruffy1

@jmweissler More power to you! I'm glad you're getting some relief.

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That I do not know yet and haven't decided if I want to go for an initial visit with the doc or not. See, like Bova, where ever you go they want to sell you their products and make money. I get they are in a business.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Sep 18, 2019
In reply to @rwinney "That I do not know yet and haven't decided if I want to go for an..." + (show)
@rwinney

That I do not know yet and haven't decided if I want to go for an initial visit with the doc or not. See, like Bova, where ever you go they want to sell you their products and make money. I get they are in a business.

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ooops...that was not meant for here. Disregard.

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fibrowarrior | @fibrowarrior | Sep 18, 2019

Are you familiar, or have you attended the Fibromyalgia Clinic?
I am hoping to learn more from those who have attended.

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Sep 18, 2019
In reply to @jmweissler "Hi Chris. Here is a link to an article found that discusses the Medical Marijuana programs..." + (show)
@jmweissler

Hi Chris. Here is a link to an article found that discusses the Medical Marijuana programs in the US - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398594/. As far as "pot", it is just good old marijuana (cannabis, reefer, weed...). Legal in some states but not in mine. It is not vape. I roll joints or use a bong (water pipe). A little at a time to help alleviate some of the pain. If it gives me a buzz, I just go with the flow. I am disabled so I am at home almost all of the time so getting high is an added bonus, at least for me. If you live in a state with legalized marijuana and you live in pain, try it. I literally have tried every pain management protocol available and pot is the best alternative for me. Definitely not for everyone but it's worth a try. Here's an article to better help understand the use of marijuana for pain - https://www.leafly.com/news/health/how-marijuana-relieves-different-types-of-pain. Happy reading! 🙂

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@jmweissier, Good evening. Thank you for responding and for attaching the article. It was published in 2018 so is relatively new. I have read it first round. It appears that it is now and always has been difficult to compare apples and oranges.

Having been in CA through the medical and then the recreational onslaught of the marijuana industry........I can see why the variables are different as the legalization and medical diagnoses became more prevalent. I do read Leafly regularly and so will follow up on that reference.

You probably have nailed it as far as your statement about "pot" providing your best pain relief. I certainly feel the same way although the "pot" category is not one that I frequent. In the 70's I grew my own in planters in the living room. Neither do I play with edibles or beverages that arose with the growth of the recreational contingent. I do "go with the flow" sometimes, too.

Did you have injuries to your spine? Were you able to get any relief from a surgical procedure or a PT program? Hats off to you and may you have a pain free sleep tonight. Chris

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1 reply
kimspr3 | @kimspr3 | Sep 21, 2019
In reply to @dazzah1234 "I use methadone 20 mg 10 mg twice daily that has helped me over the last..." + (show)
@dazzah1234

I use methadone 20 mg 10 mg twice daily that has helped me over the last 4 years but I have had a increase in pain and hoping to get it back under control some how, its very hard all this.

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Hello dazzah1234, My P.M. Doctor called a script in for Methadone, I picked it up changed my mind after I read the side effects. I've never been one to take pills even Asprin. Did you have any side effects? Today, first day taking morphine about hour ago. NOTHING. I guess it has to get into my system. Even when I reply here I notice the errors I make. All these drugs effect the brain. I started in 2015. Worried.

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kimspr3 | @kimspr3 | Sep 21, 2019
In reply to @dazzah1234 "I use methadone 20 mg 10 mg twice daily that has helped me over the last..." + (show)
@dazzah1234

I use methadone 20 mg 10 mg twice daily that has helped me over the last 4 years but I have had a increase in pain and hoping to get it back under control some how, its very hard all this.

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Can you please tell me if you had any side effects from Methadone? Today is my first day on Morphine, it's not helping my pain at all. I had a Morphine drip in the hospital but pill form is so different. My brain has so much energy and my pain controls me.

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3 replies
christjakubik | @christjakubik | Sep 23, 2019

Yes same boat here and now with this less than 90 Mme yet the ins company won't pay for the flector patch works well for your neck upper back pain

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