I was diagnosed with figromyalgia and am in a constant amout of pain.?

Question

My rheumotologist ordered Flexril, a muscle relaxer, but It's not working like it use to, any ideas on how to relieve the pain? Anything work for you?

Answer 1

For a muscle relaxer I use one called Skelaxin. And one of the things I like about it is that it doesn't make me drowsy when I take it. Another thing that I have found to be helpful for my fibromyalgia in the past is that of massage therapy and I hope to use it for my fibromyalgia again real soon.

Some have also found going to get trigger point injections from a Pain Management doctor can be very helpful.

Answer 2

Working with your doctor or Rheumatologist is important, to keep a breast with new medications etc. The FDA has just recently approved pregabalin (Lyrica) for treating fibromyalgia.

From the Physician's First Watch newsletter
The drug is the first treatment for the condition; it was approved in 2004 for use in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. The expanded approval was based on two double-blind controlled trials involving about 1800 patients. Lyrica "reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients," according to the FDA. The agency says that the drug's mechanism is unknown.
The most common side effects are mild-to-moderate dizziness and sleepiness


I take Neurontin which helps a little with the pain, this drug is a neuropathic pain killer, and is also used as a anti-epileptic. I only use this if the pain is persistent, I will also use heat packs. I am pleased to see that it is one of the drugs suggested by the Fibromyalgia Network.
And if If your sleep is very poor, speak to your doctor about taking a good sleeping tablet, but try not to use it every night. I take Stilnox but only if I have work the next day, so I can at lest have some sort of brain function (I hope).
Any sort of medication needs to be monitored closely.

I find that a balanced diet is vital, with plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and I avoid alcohol and coffee, which seems to exacerbate symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Also keeping up fluids seems to help too with pain, dehydration certainly causes pain levels to increase.

I can not sit in the sun for more than five minutes, because it causes itchy rashes, headaches, and fatigue. So I have low blood levels of vitamin D. I take vitamin D3 tablets, which helps a little. It is not uncommon for some Fibromyalgia sufferers to have low levels of vitamin D.

The Fibromyalgia Network and National Fibromyalgia Association are very informative web sites, I have included the links for you if you don't already have them.

Answer 3

I have had Fibromyalgia for 35 years. So I totally understand the constant pain. definitely you should try some different medications to see what works for you. There are many things you can do for yourself that will help reduce the pain. I've written an article about this and I'm enclosing the link for you so you can find out more about self help. I find that deep tissue massage therapy relieves me of the pain more than anything else I use. I really suggest getting massaged on a regular basis. You would find a difference very quickly.

Answer 4

I'm not sure that you doctor is up to speed on fibromyalsia . I have never heard of flexaril being prescribed for it, as it is muscle pain, but not tight muscles. I have heard of many, many different types of treatment for fibro, and with it being a fairly newly explored condition (although women have been suffering from it for decades) I really cannot say what is the most effective. My strong advice to you is to find a Pain Management Group to take over your pain treatment for this condition as it is chronic and long term care is needed. You can research and find what is available in your area, but you DO NOT have to be in such pain.
For now, at the very least you can take Tylenol Extra Strength, as long as you have no heart history, the acetaminophen is good for aching pain. Also, topical creams are good such as Bio Freeze or AsperCreme.
Good Luck to you, and again research,research,research there are alot of answers out there that are very helpful.

Answer 5

Flexeril is a very mild drug. You would probably benifit by talking to your doctor. If you feel that the treatment plan to control your pain then talk with a pain management specialist.I had a friend that sufferred with fibromyalgia. She started out with a slow released narcotic. She then had to go for a stronger narcotic as her pain increased, That is one of the reasons that I suggested a pain management specialist.He/she understands about the disease and how to treat you so that you will be more comfortable. You could see your other doctor if you like, the two could work with your illness and painful problems that you have.

Answer 6

I found Asper Cream to help soothe the painful muscles. When you get up in the morning, a hot shower helps a lot to soothe the pain.
I never heard of muscle relaxer for Fibromyalgia. My Physician told me there was nothing on the market on prescription medication for Fibromyalgia. I did receive shots in the painful areas in my back, had a bad reaction to them. They were Steroids. Can not recommend the shots.

Answer 7

I have a friend with the same diagnosis that swears by a health food product! She says it is the first time she has had any relief. I too have found relief from my pain associated with TMJ from this juice. It has been an answer to prayer for us. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Join the crowd...There is no cure or no relief