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.

Hello, and thank you! If someone has suggestions for coping with unusual GERD symptoms (body trembling on the inside that isn't observable on the exterior, a sensation that my muscles are vibrating, and muscle weakness), I'd love to hear from them!
Thank you!

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@james71

GodSpirt, it sounds like to me your C5 in your neck is causing your hand problem. I have it so bad i can't feel either hand and cant even drive! Also it sounds to me you have a severe SINUS infection and need an AB right away! I dont believe that the Fibro can cause a lot of what you listed, Fibro is mostly Nerve and Muscle disfunction i believe. I did a lot of research on all of that for i came down with CFIDS which is closely related along with EBV, Sjogren's Syndrom, Bells Palsy and of course-Fibro! I had the Chronic Fatigue so bad i lived in my easy chair, any strength i had was saved for a shower and that was it! Tie 50#s of weight on each limb and walk upstairs-thats a perfect example of CFIDS! After 4 months in my chair, my employer {after 35 years of service} fired me ! This is after a dedication of 6 days a week at 10 hours a day! Yeah-HERE-GoodBye-Thanks for your service! Sorry-got off on a tangent there! LOL Dont forget Humor and Music, they are the best PILLS in the world-i wish you well! :")

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Be sure to support you neck for sleeping. Example: the Tempur-pedic Neck Pillow. (Some people roll a tile and put it in the pillowcase for the support but it may move in sleep.) If the neck is crimped in sleeping the arms go numb. Hoping you are using just a plain pillow between the knees for side sleep and under the knees for back sleeping.

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@suzanneag

I'm so sorry you're living with such discomfort! I've had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome since prior to my diagnosis in 1991. I also have spinal stenosis is my cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as well as a pinched nerve in my lumbar spine. I was recently diagnosed with GERD and am experiencing some strange symptoms from that, too. I know it's hard living like this, and I wish I could make it easier for you. What I can tell you is that the only medications I take are Vitamin C, Famotadine, and occasional Acetaminophen. I manage my pain by walking approximately 3 miles daily (broken up into 4 separate walks). I wish you well in your search for relief!!

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Famotidine: "Is it okay to take famotidine long term?
Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) should not be used for longer than 14 days if you are treating heartburn symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you need to use this product for longer than 14 days or you've had heartburn for longer than 3 months, as you may have a more serious problem."
I was on Omeprazole for years because my doctors kept prescribing it but I was having all kinds of GI Problems and getting dizzy when standing up from a sitting position. I researched it and they said take for up to 14 days! I was on it for over 5 years!
I weaned myself off. I had been on two 20 mg tabs per day and when I got down to needing the 10 mg, had to go to a doctor for a special script (which came from India), for the last week or two. Now off and using: 4 or 5 almonds after breakfast, baking soda and water after lunch, and trying to stick to only one TUMS after dinner. (TUMS can cause problems also such as: " The most common side effect caused by Tums is constipation. Other mild side effects include gas, dry mouth, and decreased appetite. In rare cases, serious side effects such as kidney damage, high blood calcium (hypercalcemia), or low phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia) can occur."

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@c101

Be sure to support you neck for sleeping. Example: the Tempur-pedic Neck Pillow. (Some people roll a tile and put it in the pillowcase for the support but it may move in sleep.) If the neck is crimped in sleeping the arms go numb. Hoping you are using just a plain pillow between the knees for side sleep and under the knees for back sleeping.

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Sorry, mean towel not tile 🙁

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@c101

Famotidine: "Is it okay to take famotidine long term?
Famotidine (brand name: Pepcid AC, Zantac 360) should not be used for longer than 14 days if you are treating heartburn symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you need to use this product for longer than 14 days or you've had heartburn for longer than 3 months, as you may have a more serious problem."
I was on Omeprazole for years because my doctors kept prescribing it but I was having all kinds of GI Problems and getting dizzy when standing up from a sitting position. I researched it and they said take for up to 14 days! I was on it for over 5 years!
I weaned myself off. I had been on two 20 mg tabs per day and when I got down to needing the 10 mg, had to go to a doctor for a special script (which came from India), for the last week or two. Now off and using: 4 or 5 almonds after breakfast, baking soda and water after lunch, and trying to stick to only one TUMS after dinner. (TUMS can cause problems also such as: " The most common side effect caused by Tums is constipation. Other mild side effects include gas, dry mouth, and decreased appetite. In rare cases, serious side effects such as kidney damage, high blood calcium (hypercalcemia), or low phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia) can occur."

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Thank you!

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