Fibromyalgia- what are others way to get relief from the pain?

Question

I've had Fibromyalgia for 17 years now. I've been off and on Medicine for it. I was just wondering if anyone who has it , had any other methods of pain relief besides medication.

Thanks!

Answer 1

First and foremost, fibromyalgia IS a real illness. There is at least one specific test that is used as part of making a differential diagnosis. I'm shocked that the first respondant here doesn't want to understand and accept this for a fact. Further, although it wouldn't be used simply because of it's cost, there are specific tests that can be done during a functional MRI that shows the differences in pain responses between an FM patient and a non-FM patient.

Have you ever seen a chiropractor for an evaluation and help? It is possible to get some help from a DC, but it's not for everyone. I have other types of arthritis, in addition to FM, so it may be that I would get more relief from a chiro than does someone else. But it's something to try.

Have you been referred to a pain clinic? This would be a way for you to get a more updated combination of meds and to help to find other specific management methods that will also be of assistance to you.

And when did you last see a rheumatologist? Yes, FM exists, but there are a few other types of arthritis that can mimic some of the effects of FM and that are more easily dealt with. This doesn't mean that you don't have FM or that you're not in pain, it's just a way of checking that there isn't anything else going on. Having any one chronic illness does not make you immune from any other type of medical problem, inlcuding other chronic illnesses

Make certain that you stretch and exercise (to tolerance) every day. Doing all of this in heated pool, as a part of an arthritis aquafit program, can do wonders to help relieve some of the pain, and to increase flexibility. It's also a way to get out on a regular basis, and that helps greatly, too.

Answer 2

I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago, but experienced symtoms for about 14 years. Mine started with a back problem, and like you, took several rounds of oral steriods with temporary relief. My symtoms have changed over the years, however, poor sleep, pain issues, fatigue and weight gain (60 lbs) are the constant ones. Had many tests, none conclusive. Things that have helped me cope are: medications - ambien for sleep; Lexapro - seems to stop some of the pains signals to the brain; Naproxen- for inflammation not related to fibro; muscle relaxers as needed and Vicodin for breakthrough pain I have a small hot tub, try to stretch often and try to excercise very carefully (Yoga DVD for people with chronic pain). I wish you could find some answers - I have a really great GP who understands and really listens to me. I hope this helps you, I know how you feel.

Answer 3

I have RA and know what pain is ....yuk!

Anyhoo Pain killers are just a way of life, or pain management. I will add a link below to our pain management commission, it might come in handy to you.

Only thing so far I have found to relieve some of the pain other then pain killers I do not react good to (you no the throwing up, knocks you out so you sleep all the time on and on) is cannabis. Legal in our state. Doesn't knock me out,no throwing up, I have seizures as well and some of the pain killers I had been on put me into one, known of these with this.
It does not do anything for my body attacking itself, but have herd the medication out there that does slow this down has other health risks....I also take inflammatorys.

Messages feel real good!! So does the hot tub (these days it is a hot bath tub lol). What ones body reacts too others do not.
Good luck finding relief and go read up on pain management, the site may have some information to help you out?

P.S. I went and looked up this fibromyalgia and it is recognized as a condition contrary to the first poster up there (so if this person is a real doctor where did he get his medical degree?). This seams to be a touchy issue on this board? Link below... How can one say the pain one feels is not "real" pain?? I guess I just do not understand some people.....

Answer 4

I have FMS along w/systemic lupus, hypothryoid, stenosis, etc, etc. I take many different medications- pain meds, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, sleep meds, anti-depressant, etc.

Exercise is also an important part. While it hurts to get started, it ends up helping....
Those who say it doesn't exist are the type who say "it's all in your head" "it must be your period" and crap like that. We've all had to deal w/that.
Try to find a doctor who understanding and understands the disorder. Make sure all other problems have been ruled out... especially if you were dx'd 17 yrs ago.
There are a lot of new meds that are helping a lot of people.
Chronic pain has some nasty long term side effects and no doctor should ever dismiss your pain.
Take care
Nicole

Answer 5

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Answer 6

The best relief I have found aside from certain medications...excercise and massages. I have also found a wonderful new thing called floating. Its a "capsule" that has tons of salt in it and about 10 inches of water...and you float. Like you would in the Dead Sea. I came out of the floating session feeling like a new person, I kid you not!

Answer 7

Many times the fibro is a symptom of being hypothyroid. If this is the case a T4/T3 medication like Armour can help to relieve the muscle and joint aches.

To diagnose thyroid, you want a morning only TSH, Free T4,and Free T3. Many times doctors only do a TSH and sometimes the Free T4 and Free T3 can catch what a TSH misses.

Answer 8

see a physical therapist. he/she can help you more than u can imagine, but just give the therapy a few patient weeks to show effect.

Answer 9

Go on a detox regimen and colon cleanse. Drink lots of water. get massage weekly.

Answer 10

The first step is to realize that the condition doesn't exist.


To answer mcdannell's question, I received my undergrad degree from the University of California and my MD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I did my residency in orthopaedics and sports medicine at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.

Do some research. More than 80% of specialty trained physicians understand the fibromaylgia is not a true diagnosis, but a trash can diagnosis that is used by primary care to lump all difficult pain patients.

Once you realize that fibromyalgia doesn't exist then you can find the true cause of the pain and provide appropriate management. Now that I've list my bona fides.... how about you? Where did you get your medical degree?

That's what I thought.