1. < Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia newly diagnosed

Posted by jack993 @jack993, Oct 12 9:02pm

My wife 31 years old lives in Jordan, today diagnosed as Fibromyalgia (chronic pain syndrome).
Her case very complicated, as at the age of 29 she had an ACDF operation C5-C6 with numbness, burning, needles sensation from the neck to fingers, muscles weakness and limitations in range of motion.
Post operation, she had some complications such as vertigo in which BPPV maneuver helped much but not in a fully way.
PT sessions helped a bit for a small period of time (couple of weeks) and the limitations got back in which she was diagnosed as a frozen shoulder.
She had a capsular release (RT shoulder) operation in which under anesthesia drs reduced the possibility of having frozen shoulder due to having a full range of motion, and performed the operation as tendinitis.
Post the operation (again) she got better for almost 4 days. PT dr refused to continue her treatment due to the severe pain she was experiencing.
Lately her pain got worse in which the pain spread to her LT shoulder, shoulder blades, swollen back muscles (rhomboid muscles) going all the way down to her hips and legs.
That pain restricted the way she moves and walks.
Several MRI scans for the brain and spine have been performed, resulting to be diagnosed as Fibromyalgia.

My question is, are those symptoms (limitation of range of motion, muscle weakness and severe pain of the whole body 24/7) are from Fibromyalgia?

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

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Oct 13 9:16am

Jack993, Bless you both. My heart goes out to the both of you. I have had Fibromyalgia for 29 years and the answer to your question is unfortunately "Yes".

Fibromyalgia is a hard. You look fine, but, you hurt all over. What doesn't hurt is sore and what isn't sore, burns. The fatigue is indescribable. It will take you both time to absorb the new normal....but you will and you will get through this.....I promise.

Suggestions: (Sorry for the Length)

1) Rest is essential. Yes, you can stay in a flare up for quite a while. Rest, do a little something. Repeat. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) tends to go along with Fibromyalgia. Take short naps. It helps greatly.
2) Soaking in Epsom salt in the tub as hot as I can stand it helps me. Hot showers warm & loosen muscles.
3) Voltaren Gel (over the counter) on the spots that hurt for me help the most up to 4 times a day.
4) Heat Packs (Bed Buddy on Amazon).
5) Get off caffeine, sugar and if weight loss is needed, losing weight helps. People with Fibromyalgia need more protein. Drink water. Move as much as possible. Water aerobics and walking are the best exercises for Fibromyalgia. Even if you just walk around the yard or down the driveway....keep moving.
6) I take a lot of vitamins. I will post if you like. I do ask that you concur with a doctor before she goes on any vitamins.
7) It is not unusual to feel good one hour with Fibromyalgia and then crash the next. I know, unbelievable!
8) A massage at least once a month is most beneficial and helps me greatly.
9) Lower stress levels as much as possible. Stress triggers flares.
10) Get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is essential for aches, pains & lowers stress.
11) Get your Vitamin D & B & Iron Levels checked.
12) Thyroid disease tends to go along with Fibromyalgia as well as osteoarthritis. I have all of them. Get all of the thyroid levels checked including: TSH, T3 & T4 & antiglobulins & antibodies.
13) Do whatever relaxes. Sometimes a good nap refreshes and lessens the pain. Read, Burn a candle, Ride down the road on a pretty day, sit on the porch, pet animals, hug on children, love on the elderly, a phone call, etc., Being "others minded" keeps my mind off of myself many days. Pain can be consume your thinking and I'm being honest....I have to fight it with much prayer and time in God's Word.
14) Getting restorative sleep is essential.
15) There are a lot of medications for Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I am so sensitive to medications, I can hardly take any of them. I cannot take NSAIDS (Advil, Motrin) and so I take Tylenol. I also take Robaxin, a prescription muscle relaxant. I take Melatonin 5 mg at night and I also take Children's zyrtec 2.5 ml to help me sleep. Please see doctor before adding any of these to her regime. They are not for everybody.
16) Stretching first thing in the morning is most beneficial. My mornings tend to be the hardest time for me
17) She will not be able to plan a lot of things....she wants to do them, but, her body will not let her some days.
18) Laugh and laugh often. Watch movies that make you laugh. Talk about funny things that have happened in your married life that make you laugh. A good belly laugh is wonderful!
19) Physical therapy & Chiropractic care helps some folks. I tried both and they worsened my pain.
20) A comfortable pillow and mattress.
21) Electric blankets are beneficial to some folks with fibromyalgia as the warmth helps with pain.
22) Fibromyalgia can wax & wane. A "remission" mode is wonderful!
23) Encourage her as much as possible.
24) Barometric pressure changes in weather can cause a flare up with Fibromyalgia.
25) Sometimes an Eastern Medicine (Integrative Medicine) doctor can help greatly. Usually it's out of pocket.
26) Researching online can be overwhelming, I recommend to do a little at a time.
27) Social Media is so negative. I don't recommend a steady diet of the news.
28) For your wife: YOU ARE NOT FIBROMYALGIA PRECIOUS LADY. YOU ARE YOU AND GOD MADE YOU SPECIAL. FIBROMYALGIA DOESN'T DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON.
29) Be around people that love you and care. They don't have to understand it. You don't have to talk about it but, you both need the social interaction.
30) Order groceries online. Walking around a grocery store on a hard day can be exhausting. Keep meals healthy, but, simple. My crockpot has become my best friend!

My faith in the Lord Jesus is what keeps me going. I am praying right now for you and your wife. I am so sorry she has this. Please keep me posted. I understand and empathize. Blessings, Prayers & Hugs....

REPLY
1 reply
covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Oct 13 5:37pm

P.S. Has she seen a Rheumatologist and had her levels tested for autoimmune disease? Blessings & Prayers....

REPLY
vicscats | @vicscats | Oct 14 2:30pm
In reply to @covidstinks2023 "Jack993, Bless you both. My heart goes out to the both of you. I have had..." + (show)
@covidstinks2023

Jack993, Bless you both. My heart goes out to the both of you. I have had Fibromyalgia for 29 years and the answer to your question is unfortunately "Yes".

Fibromyalgia is a hard. You look fine, but, you hurt all over. What doesn't hurt is sore and what isn't sore, burns. The fatigue is indescribable. It will take you both time to absorb the new normal....but you will and you will get through this.....I promise.

Suggestions: (Sorry for the Length)

1) Rest is essential. Yes, you can stay in a flare up for quite a while. Rest, do a little something. Repeat. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) tends to go along with Fibromyalgia. Take short naps. It helps greatly.
2) Soaking in Epsom salt in the tub as hot as I can stand it helps me. Hot showers warm & loosen muscles.
3) Voltaren Gel (over the counter) on the spots that hurt for me help the most up to 4 times a day.
4) Heat Packs (Bed Buddy on Amazon).
5) Get off caffeine, sugar and if weight loss is needed, losing weight helps. People with Fibromyalgia need more protein. Drink water. Move as much as possible. Water aerobics and walking are the best exercises for Fibromyalgia. Even if you just walk around the yard or down the driveway....keep moving.
6) I take a lot of vitamins. I will post if you like. I do ask that you concur with a doctor before she goes on any vitamins.
7) It is not unusual to feel good one hour with Fibromyalgia and then crash the next. I know, unbelievable!
8) A massage at least once a month is most beneficial and helps me greatly.
9) Lower stress levels as much as possible. Stress triggers flares.
10) Get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is essential for aches, pains & lowers stress.
11) Get your Vitamin D & B & Iron Levels checked.
12) Thyroid disease tends to go along with Fibromyalgia as well as osteoarthritis. I have all of them. Get all of the thyroid levels checked including: TSH, T3 & T4 & antiglobulins & antibodies.
13) Do whatever relaxes. Sometimes a good nap refreshes and lessens the pain. Read, Burn a candle, Ride down the road on a pretty day, sit on the porch, pet animals, hug on children, love on the elderly, a phone call, etc., Being "others minded" keeps my mind off of myself many days. Pain can be consume your thinking and I'm being honest....I have to fight it with much prayer and time in God's Word.
14) Getting restorative sleep is essential.
15) There are a lot of medications for Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I am so sensitive to medications, I can hardly take any of them. I cannot take NSAIDS (Advil, Motrin) and so I take Tylenol. I also take Robaxin, a prescription muscle relaxant. I take Melatonin 5 mg at night and I also take Children's zyrtec 2.5 ml to help me sleep. Please see doctor before adding any of these to her regime. They are not for everybody.
16) Stretching first thing in the morning is most beneficial. My mornings tend to be the hardest time for me
17) She will not be able to plan a lot of things....she wants to do them, but, her body will not let her some days.
18) Laugh and laugh often. Watch movies that make you laugh. Talk about funny things that have happened in your married life that make you laugh. A good belly laugh is wonderful!
19) Physical therapy & Chiropractic care helps some folks. I tried both and they worsened my pain.
20) A comfortable pillow and mattress.
21) Electric blankets are beneficial to some folks with fibromyalgia as the warmth helps with pain.
22) Fibromyalgia can wax & wane. A "remission" mode is wonderful!
23) Encourage her as much as possible.
24) Barometric pressure changes in weather can cause a flare up with Fibromyalgia.
25) Sometimes an Eastern Medicine (Integrative Medicine) doctor can help greatly. Usually it's out of pocket.
26) Researching online can be overwhelming, I recommend to do a little at a time.
27) Social Media is so negative. I don't recommend a steady diet of the news.
28) For your wife: YOU ARE NOT FIBROMYALGIA PRECIOUS LADY. YOU ARE YOU AND GOD MADE YOU SPECIAL. FIBROMYALGIA DOESN'T DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON.
29) Be around people that love you and care. They don't have to understand it. You don't have to talk about it but, you both need the social interaction.
30) Order groceries online. Walking around a grocery store on a hard day can be exhausting. Keep meals healthy, but, simple. My crockpot has become my best friend!

My faith in the Lord Jesus is what keeps me going. I am praying right now for you and your wife. I am so sorry she has this. Please keep me posted. I understand and empathize. Blessings, Prayers & Hugs....

Jump to this post

Everything you said is so true. Especially all the different medical issues and how they go together
I started with osteoarthritis following car accident 30 years prior neck fusion
Then heart rhythm
Diagnosis2008
Then I went nuts due to the fact I had Graves’ disease coupled with diabetes diagnosed 2014. My days are mixed with joint pain/ weakness from cervical and lumbar severe stenosis it’s hard to know which curse is giving me my issues day to day
Drs. Today don’t know us anymore and care we get is on our own I’m not sure what can be done at this point. Trying to help myself
Anyone with any suggestions please speak up!!
Vicki

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