Fibromyalgia pain: Let's connect

Posted by clownscrytoo @clownscrytoo, Oct 22, 2016

Is there anyone here that suffers from fibro? I had the 'tender spot test' several years ago and I had 17 out of the 18. I try my hardest to get through the pain with my 4 hydrocodone/acetaminaphine pills a day, Tiger Balm rubbed into areas that are the worst, light exercises, and distracting myself with hobbies or chores, etc; but there are many occasions where none of that helps and I spend most of the day holding down the couch, getting up about 30-45 minutes after that, walking/standing around the house for 15-20 minutes, or sitting for about 15-30 min. I do not drive and my husband works 6 days a week, overtime almost every day, so I'm alone a lot. my wonderful husband is very supportive and I am very grateful for that, but my only other friends are online, out of state, and I will probably never even get to meet them. when extreme pain takes over, my depression takes over and it is so difficult to find hope. does anyone have tips for fibro, whether diet or over-the-counter meds (I've tried them all, I think), or anything, besides hobbies and such? I've tried every over-the-counter med, and the Tiger Balm does cover some of what the pain pill doesn't help, but I'm hoping one of our members might have some knowledge that could help. I'd really appreciate it.
hugz,
Clownscrytoo

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

I’ve been suffering like you for 10 years. We have to keep moving, whatever it takes. Every month I pray that my pain manager will increase my prescription for 10ml of Oxycodone 2 Xs a day. I wait as long as I can to take it in halves so I can function. Meanwhile I soak, do stretches, put lidocaine on the pain areas and walk the way my PT instructed. Hip first, heel then toe.
I’m a lymphoma survivor and have had 3 spine surgeries which have left me with severe neuropathy. We have to do whatever it takes ALL DAY LONG, EVERYDAY.
Thanks for posting. Somehow it helps to know that there are others feeling the same way

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Get the injections they work. I'm going in soon for the nerve ablation procedure. I'm finally feeling great. Also I was taking Diclofenac and that really works good too.

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I've dealt with fibromyalgia for about 40+ years. It was not so bad for a few years, then it started escalating. For several years it would get worse, then ease off some. A few years ago it decided to visit and stay. My body also added degenerative disc disease, Osteo arthritis, and neuropathy. Complications abound. I was prescribed Tramadol for pain. It did NOTHING for real pain, but I discovered it does help the fibromyalgia aches! Not a cure, but it is a blessing; gives enough relief to help me get through the day/night. I take one the minute I wake up. I am 80, so I'm sure that adds to the mix. I wish you the best!

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I was diagnosed, by my family Doctor last year using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines. All I know is that for the last 2=3 years I have felt exhausted and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I also suffer from headaches daily, I have aches and pains that seem to be constantly increasing in intensity.

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I was diagnosed with fibro in 2006 and have been taking Lyrica, tramadol, and buproprion (an anti-anxiety med I was told helps the other meds work) since then. That protocol was life-changing for me. No more "bugs crawling" or stabbing pain, and the tramadol helped with the fibro pain, and I could sleep. Because of new issues this year, I have changed from Lyrica to Gabapentin, which seems to cover the fibro problems as well as the Lyrica had.
I wish you all good luck in your journeys to find the right doctors (I went to a rheumatologist) and a combination of meds to help you.

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I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia this year. Had been taking Tramadol and gabapentin for the pain in my legs since my spinal fusion in 2016. My PCP finally sent me to a rheumatologist and pain management specialist who both came up with fibro after lots of tests. Pain management doc put me on low dose (12.5 mg) Savella as well, and that has helped! Brought everything down about 20%, which is huge for me. I asked them why I developed fibromyalgia, and they said probably the back pain, spinal fusion, followed by osteonecrosis in both knees ( during Covid, so surgery was delayed) and two knee replacements set my central nervous system on high alert. Makes sense I guess.
For me I try to find the joys and distractions that keep me from focusing on my pain: my kids and grandkids, volunteering where I can. My physical therapist reminds me that pushing myself might hurt a bit more, but it doesn’t make me worse, so that has helped me to continue to do some things. It’s not a death sentence! My husband helps me so much, doing the things around the house I used to do. God gets me through each day with things to be thankful for.

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I have severe fibromyalgia gratis a car accident in 2003. It has taken my life practically away from me. My career, gone. I found yoga helps, soft gentle yoga. The pain, fatigue and sheer exhaustion is beyond horrible. Honestly I feel best when it’s 90 degrees out but I live in the Northeast so it’s cold more often than not. I’m sorry for your pain. I have many hobbies to distract me on the “better” days. It’s a horrible life. I’m curious, have you tried cannabis, I have not. I’m curious if it helps and worth trying. Soft gentle hugs to you.

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@karlabgs

I was diagnosed with fibro in 2006 and have been taking Lyrica, tramadol, and buproprion (an anti-anxiety med I was told helps the other meds work) since then. That protocol was life-changing for me. No more "bugs crawling" or stabbing pain, and the tramadol helped with the fibro pain, and I could sleep. Because of new issues this year, I have changed from Lyrica to Gabapentin, which seems to cover the fibro problems as well as the Lyrica had.
I wish you all good luck in your journeys to find the right doctors (I went to a rheumatologist) and a combination of meds to help you.

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I bumped off of the harsh pain meds. But yes Gabapentin helps and Lyrica, that's after I got my nerve ablations and injections done. I feel so good not relying on opioids. I have 1 more nerve ablation to do and I tell you it has changed my life. No Pain. I used to be bed ridden. Not no more. Hope your feeling good or better.

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@crosez

I have severe fibromyalgia gratis a car accident in 2003. It has taken my life practically away from me. My career, gone. I found yoga helps, soft gentle yoga. The pain, fatigue and sheer exhaustion is beyond horrible. Honestly I feel best when it’s 90 degrees out but I live in the Northeast so it’s cold more often than not. I’m sorry for your pain. I have many hobbies to distract me on the “better” days. It’s a horrible life. I’m curious, have you tried cannabis, I have not. I’m curious if it helps and worth trying. Soft gentle hugs to you.

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Hi, I am so sorry for your pain. I do use CBD! Not during the day, but I take a tincture under the tongue specifically for sleep- fibromyalgia makes sleep difficult. I went to a dispensary (legal here in California, no rx required) and they advised me on a sleep formula with a small amount of THC. Really helps! Also- swimming! It makes me feel so much better- the only time I don’t feel pain! Of course, it’s ‘winter’ here in So. Calif. Now, so can’t really do that, water’s too cold. I miss it. We have a community pool not too far that they keep heated, but it’s not quite the same as walking out your back door every morning.
I wish you the best- I understand how it runs and ruins your life. And most people don’t really get it. But keep your head up- there are lots of us who do get it.

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@tresemae

I bumped off of the harsh pain meds. But yes Gabapentin helps and Lyrica, that's after I got my nerve ablations and injections done. I feel so good not relying on opioids. I have 1 more nerve ablation to do and I tell you it has changed my life. No Pain. I used to be bed ridden. Not no more. Hope your feeling good or better.

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What nerves had ablation since fibro pain is usually widespread throughout the entire body? How long does the ablation last before it needs to be redone?

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