I have fibromyalgia and I need any advice anyone can give on helping with my muscle pain.?

Answer 1

Fibromyalgia is actually a neurological disorder of hypersensitivity. The single best thing you can do to help you feel better is to reduce the amount of stress in your life by controlling your environment and establishing and maintaining firm boundaries in your relationships.

Establish your home, and especially one room in it (I chose my bedroom), as a haven. Make it as safe and comfortable as possible. Don't allow unpleasant people in it, and don't even permit unpleasant conversations in your safe room. Declutter and set things up so that your home is easy to keep clean and harmonious. You'll be glad you did, as you will feel better as a result.

If there's anyone in your personal life who "doesn't believe in fibromyalgia" or is simply unsupportive or negative in general, disassociate from them. You're an adult, and you do not have to spend personal time with anyone unless you choose to do so. You cannot afford the energy it takes to be with those people right now, as they will increase the pain, fatigue, and "fibro fog" you experience.

Learning to deal with the stressors you cannot remove from your life as constructively as possible, through relaxation techniques, being very organized, learning to ask for help and delegating efficiently, will also help you.

I find hot showers and baths to be helpful, as well as those rice bags and heating pads. If you have access to a hot tub or sauna, use it! Move gently each day, as much as you can. The more you move, the less function you're likely to lose.

Seek treatment to control any other health problems, injuries or illnesses ASAP. Fibromyalgia can intensify their symptoms and cause slower healing, so don't mess around with taking care of them.

Finally, if your regular doctor or rheumatologist isn't able or willing to give you medication that controls your pain well enough to allow you to function well, get a referral to a pain management specialist. I've found that proper pain medication allows me to think clearly and function well enough to attend classes as a full-time student with a high GPA. I was wholly disabled before my pain was properly managed.

If you're worried about addiction, it isn't actually a serious worry for people who live with chronic pain who don't have a previous record of substance abuse problems. Research is showing that our bodies react differently to opiates/narcotics. While we may develop a physical dependence, it's more akin to the dependence a type I diabetic has on insulin than the need an addict has for his drug of choice.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

I have osteoarthritis in the severe degenerative stages and I can feel for you. I am on Vicodin..Lyrica, Lodine. I also take Requip and of course Reglan. Nights can be the worst, I read, use the PC and write. I'm retired so that help, I don't have to get up for work in the morning although, I don't think I could. My friend with Fibromyalgia went to the Mayo clinic for treatment.

Answer 3

I also share some symptoms of this, though my issue is mostly myofascial pain syndrome. Both are often tied to low seratonin levels, or so my doctor tells me. Do you also suffer from depression? I do.

Please find a physiatrist who specialises in pain management. I've found great relief with mine, and it's making all the difference.

You might also want to inquire about dietary supplements ( I take N-acetyl-Tyrosine, pharmaceutical grade). I am also getting lidocaine iinjections in my tender points and trigger points. I know it sounds gross, but it truly works. In fact, since I started treatment, I am not on antidepressants either, and I feel pretty good!

My heart goes out to you, and I hope you find treatment that works for you! Hang in there.