Have you found anything to successfully treat fibromyalgia pain?

I have been taking Cymbalta for years. It helps me manage the pain. When I over do it physically however, only rest and hot bath/showers for a few days is needed. Sometimes certain foods I hear triggers fibro pain for some people so if you haven’t looked into that it might be something to consider as well.

@gail4 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! We are patients, family members, and caregivers [sometimes holding more than one role!] and share our experiences and health journeys.

Can you tell me what type of pain you experience, and what you have tried so far? What has your rheumatologist talked to you about as far as the pain? While I also have a fibromyalgia diagnosis, there are other things going on, too. Frankly, it's hard for me to figure out just what is the root cause of my painful days, which thing it might be! Do you have days like that? Some days I just want a warm shower, other times stuff me under a blanket and let me sit! Other times Tylenol or a light dose of CBD is needed. Even a relaxing half hour and cuppa hot tea can be nice.
Ginger

I don’t think there is a certain way or medication to manage fibromyalgia pain.
For me, it’s now rest, sleep, rest.
Triggers are not enough sleep, weather changes, stress, illness and more.
Today I’m fine, no pain or complaint. On the other hand, a couple of days from now I might wake up with brain fog, pain around all the joints, barely able to get out of bed.
I’m retired now- I can do what I want, but when I was working I had to be on once I reached the office.
Two of my children were diagnosed early in life- very tough for them. The fatigue affected them the worst then. They couldn’t do sports or hang out with friends. They went to special programs for youth where they among other skills learned how to meditate with help of audio guidance. It was very helpful.
If you are not doing it already, try meditation/ mindfulness as well as regular exercise. Swimming, yoga etc.

I listened to XM Doctor Radio yesterday and a Prof. of Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery stated that Central Desensitization Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are the same thing. And a combination of antidepressant therapy, a good PT HEP and a changed mind set are all needed to control this type of pain. I used a combination of some of these to control my chronic pain (not CDS) plus CBD/THC that has enabled me to almost cut out my PRN oxycodone. Otherwise I’m using buprenorphine 40mcg patch and baclofen 4x day and I’m much happier.

Massage therapy helps me, especially myofascial release and trigger point pressure on the worst joints. Also, daily stretching and walking.
I get out of bed every morning, no matter how awful I feel. Eat breakfast, shower, get dressed. By that time my body wakes up a little and I do some chores or take a walk. Certainly I will stop and rest when I feel the need, but I find sitting and/or lying down too much seems to "feed the pain" whereas mild activity can make me not notice it so much. Regular bedtime, no TV in the room, just read for a bit. Also, I get higher quality sleep if I stay up as much as possible every day. I would characterize my fibro as sort of mild, with exacerbations from time to time. I have lived with it, with varying levels of severity for over 35 years, even before most doctors believed it existed.
Sue

Sue, Sounds just like me!

This is a great plan. Stable, moderate, flexible. You are an inspiration for others living with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes.

One of the best phrases I learned while attending Mayo's Pain Rehab program was "march before you feel like it", and you certainly do Sue!

Same, mostly. I have been on Cymbalta for about 2 + years now? It definitely has calmed my pain greatly. Not completely, but it's less debilitating, ex.; screaming in pain all night long feeling like my femur was being crushed in a vise - slowly. Cymbalta isn't great for everyone though, and in the beginning gave me very dark feelings, which was quite upsetting. try to start a low dosage if you can, should you choose to try. Otherwise, yes, I still have daily chronic pain, so I just need to rest more, in short increments, or simply when I need to. I try to exercise, but sometimes it can cause a flare, especially if I do too much for a couple days and under much stress. in those situations, I just try to be kind to myself, and concentrate on self care. I'm trying to get into a pool club now, they've all been closed due to covid. one warning about rest- don't let yourself become TOO immobilized for days at a time, as you would then be at risk for blood clots, potentially. I'm looking into (REAL) CBD w/ very low THC as I believe his is hugely helpful. I really want to get a topical, it's just not legal in my state yet. good luck!

I recently purchased a pain brain package from Dr. Martin Rossman, M.D. from PBS for $15 monthly donation. It includes a book and several CD's like "Pain Secrets" "Natural Restful Sleep", "Meditation for Pain Relief", "Guided Imagery with music for pain relief", "There's more to medicine than medicine" , "Manage pain without drugs" & "Laser Acupuncture Therapy". You might be able to go to local pbs station & see if package still available for small donation. Swimming is one of the best modalities for helping with pain. I've not had a chance to listen or read all yet. But so far, he's given me a lot to reach for. Dr. Marty Rossman, MD is an integrative physician from California & a certified acupuncturist.

I've lived with FM for about same as you. I use stretch bands, elliptical, bike & free weights @ gym 2-3 times a week. I've lost over 30 lbs. the past three years. I've been swimming 2 x a week for several months. And I've been eating healthier the past few years. Berries & greens help FM I think. I have to ease into my days usually & sometimes have to push myself to get to the gym. But I don't give up, although the pain does get discouraging. Best to all.