Connect
Neuropathy and fibromyalgia unbearable pain
I am 68 years old and was told I had fibromyalgia in its early years when nobody believed it to be real so I suffered many years trying to get help. Now for the last year I have struggled with leg and feet pain and I was told it was the fibromyalgia and exercise would help. My legs became so weak i started falling and the muscle mass started disappearing. They say it is neuropathy. I am on gabapentin, duloxetine, tizanidine and hydrocodone and started my 2nd round of physical therapy. Honestly nothing is working very good and I keep falling 😌
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.
Connect
I need to say more and ran out of room. I also drop things easy and frequently and my arms have become very weak. I lost 20 pounds last month, I figured it is because the muscle in my legs and arms are going away. I am also taking B12, potassium and folic acid because my levels are low. I just am hoping someone here might have some ideas that can help me because honestly I don't feel like my doctor is.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsJadene, do not stop searcing for answers. Have you been tested for autoimmune diseases? It sounds very much like polymyostus or another myopathy. Research and ask for specific testing from your doctor and make suure you have talked to a good rheumatologist.
Thank you and I will.
I am 79 and was finally diagnosed with FMS 25 years ago. 2 years ago I started having similar but somewhat different symptoms than FMS and finally got the diagnosis of Parkinson. A dr put me on vitamin b6 which is supposed to help. I already had neuropathy and b6 was at an acceptable level. In 3 weeks my level was double what the acceptable high should be. The neuropathy got much worse with feet burning, toes foot and ankle cramping and my legs become so weak I could hardly stand up or walk. B6 toxicity is often overlooked. Even the Dr thought you can't take to much. So maybe Parkinson which is common with fibromyalgia. Good luck 👍
It sounds like you need to see a neurologist . They should test you for MND and ALS. Also you are on too much medication
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionSorry that I don't have any great ideas but I hope that you are using a walker as falls will only bring you more pain and grief
IMHO: That's a LOT of Rx and still no relief!
You need to get a second opinion and start from zero. Perhaps the wrong Dx... wrong lab tests... wrong Rx.
Ask friends, family, search your insurance plan providers, Google for a Neurology or Rheumatology referral.
@jadene
Were you told what the cause of your neuropathy is and are you being treated for the cause, not just the symptoms? What type of neuropathy do you have (large fiber or small fiber) and how were you diagnosed? When did you get diagnosed for fibromyalgia and how?
Do you drink alcohol, smoke/vape, are you prediabetic or diabetic, are your vitamin/mineral deficient or do you have toxicities?
Your hydrocodone and gabapentin may be contributing to your balance/dizziness issues and falls so I would see about coming off them or reducing gradually.
Have you had MRIs of your brain and cervical/lumbar spine to check for central nervous system issues like compressed spinal cord/nerve roots or brain changes? Did they do an
EMG/nerve conduction study of upper and lower limbs and a skin punch biopsy of thigh/ankle? Did they do extensive neuropathy bloodwork?
Thank you for your information. Honestly I have had someone tell me, because I have tremors through my whole body, that it could be a sign of Parkinson.
I just turned 50 and have all of those same symptoms, I have fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and psoriatic arthritis its tough I can relate, I too am looking for relief and have struggled finding the answers