Feeling at my wits end with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

@faithann64

I'm 69, and I'm experiencing some similar pain issues, with OA in a few areas, compression fractures in my lower back, have had spurs scraped away, bursitis and torn menisci repair in my right knee, and recent surgery on my left ankle that was unstable. The orthopedist repaired torn ligaments and put in a permanent internal brace. So, getting older is hard.

I see a pain specialist, primarily for my peripheral polyneuropathy, and I have several good doctors for my various pains. I haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, but maybe we both could benefit by finding one. Arthritis is probably something that can only be cared for by treating the symptoms, usually with NSAIDS. There are lots of creams for arthritis pain - I use Voltaren, a topical prescription NSAID pain reliever. Of course, every pain medication is temporary. The trick is finding things that work for you.

So, are you thinking about what steps you can take to treat your pain? Your primary care doctor should be able to get you referrals to the appropriate specialists. If you talk with a pharmacist, they could be a great resource. Best wishes.

Jim

Thank you for your insights. I have recently been diagnosed with OA and am trying to find my way through it all. I live in a rural area and do not feel the recommendations have been very specific to my needs, so this is very helpful in my journey.

@migizii Welcome from one country person to another.

Some people would say I live in a rural area, 7 miles from the closest town, pop. 8000. But we moved here from a truly rural area, 120 miles to Walmart, in a town of 247. It's a whole different world living in remote places. There's rural and there's REALLY rural.

What challenges do you face with being rural with OA? Limited # of specialists within driving distance? Have you ever considered online access to doctors? There are so many options out there that we never dreamed of 20 years ago. I use the internet any time I want to know more about a medication or an illness. Right here in Mayo Connect is a wealth of information, and I really appreciate reading what other people have found that worked (or didn't work) for them. And it helps to know that you aren't the only person who has your particular symptoms.

Jim

Do you have a discussion topic for chronic soft tissue pain such as fibromyalgia?

Hello Chris

I sincerely thank you for such a heartfelt response. You pegged me without a doubt! I do care alot.

I will first start by saying that my whole life I have been anti drugs, alcohol, smoking. I have been forced to become accepting of my need for pain medication. Early on I resisted meds and tried my best to use inner strength, will power and natural remedies. It was a fail and I eventually opened the door to medications out of necessity, impatience and desperation. Currently I take
Norco 5-325 (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), Lyrica CR 165mg and Duloxetine 60mg. These were all drugs I agreed to for quick support while Doctors and I continued to trudge through to a final diagnosis in February.

Now that I have gained knowledge while still working on acceptance of my diagnosis, I realize it's with me for life...It's time to stop masking pain, attempt to regenerate nerves (if possible) and allow my body to move forward as healthy as possible. In finding that balance I am building up my supplement/vitamin intake, decreasing sugars and processed foods, trying to keep my activity balanced between light excercise (as my body permits) and appropriate rest.

I want to find substitutes for my current meds. Ones that will not cause long term harm to my brain and organs, however, I know there are no guarantees with anything. It's a scary thing because I want qiick help when I need it for pain and I'm not ready to wean off meds until I know an effective back up plan in is place.

As for my pain... I feel like my body is a loaded weapon with a plethora of symptoms. The most debilitating pain stems from my legs...
numbness, pins and needles, cold flush, sunburn sensations, vibrations, heavy and dead feeling. Cramping, pain and tightness in calves and multiple days with unrelenting burning ache. I now have one speed of walking and need to stop and take breaks. If I can drive, it is limited to 15 minutes max one way and that may mean putting the car in park at traffic lights or just coasting when I can to avoid using my legs.

My right foot has constant pain in big toe joint with shocking jolts at times. Across shoulders down arms burn with weakness in hands and fingers at times or deep bone aches with tingles. Right shoulder and arm will be stricken with pain and throb then go numb and tingle. Neck and up back of head get tight and sore at times. Scalp goes through days of sensitivity to touch. Difficulty regulating body temp, although this has gotten much better since B12 has leveled off, as did palpitations, dizziness and heavy breathing.

Once I fall asleep at night I'm generally able to stay asleep. It's about getting to that point though with the discomfort of pain and various symptoms. Many nights I lay awake for an hour or two before I can find a comfortable position or compromise, either waiting for the next hydro to kick in or finding an alternative like heat.

My pain meds do provide comfort at times and other times they simply can't keep up. I take 3 hydro on a good day and 5 on worse days.

I try so hard to keep stress to a minimum because that entices my nerves but some days it wins out. My daughter just went to college and my husband and I are adjusting to being empty nesters after 26 years.

That means my son is 26 and is getting married next June. He just got a beautiful German Shepherd puppy! My children are my best medicine and for me distraction can be key.

I do enjoy these positive parts of my life and am very grateful although my limitations frustrate me tremendously when I think of not being able to be what I used to be in regard to grandchildren one day.

To conclude, thank you so very much for taking the time to read this super long post! I look forward to any insight and advice you wish to share or offer and hope you are having a pleasant day. You are a gem!

~Rachel

I'm experiencing pain all over after a hard fall on cement in December. I haven't seen my doctor since the outbreak, but am journaling to her and will have a phone appointment on May 5. We could share what we learn.