Probable Fibromyalgia and pain control (or not!)

[Geminigirl]

Hi all.

Am waiting for a Steroid jab in my shoulder next week for persistent pain and restricted movement.

However, my GP "thinks" I "probably" have Fibromyalgia due to my overall pain and tenderness practically everywhere. The physio gave me basic exercises and she discharged me, saying she would write to the GP advising they refer me to the pain clinic. They are refusing to do so, saying and I quote "the pain clinic can't do anything we can't do!" However they aren't really "doing" anything.

I am prescribed Co-Codamol 30/500mg & Ibuprofen gel but these aren't doing much at all. I am sleeping okay once I get comfy but am so stiff and sore in the morning and most of the day with lots of sore "trigger" points, hence the sort of back door diagnosis. Het pads help but are costing me a fortune, I have an electric one as well as a tens machine, all bought myself.

I can no longer drive the car, sew or garden....basically any real exercise has me laid up for days and I am getting very depressed. I really don't know where to turn for help. I try to meditate and relax but find I am now putting things off for fear of pain.

I did try Amitriptyline but it gave me palpitations so had to stop.

I am only getting this treatment for my shoulder after weeks and weeks of nagging the GP about it. I feel very fatigued and low. It is such a shame as taking the Jardiance has had such a beneficial effect on my levels and I was feeling positive.

My hubby is getting very fed up with me as I must admit I am tetchy with the pain and find excuses not to do things.

Does anyone else have Fibro who can advise me please?

 

[Guzzler]

I do not have Fibro but I live with chronic pain. I recently did a six week course at a Pain Management Clinic and apart from one session I found it a waste of time. Having said that, my experience should not put you off trying to get a place on one of these courses as we are all different, we all have different levels of pain and react to it in different ways. I would suggest not giving up trying to get your GP to refer you.
As to heat packs, I have three, two larger strap on ones and a smaller one that sits around the neck and shoulders. They are designed to go into the microwave and cost almost nothing to heat (the larger ones go in for two minutes fifteen seconds). A word of warning though, heat packs can cause Erythema Ab Igne and they will only mask the pain. They should be used in the short term rather than long term. I was advised to use them and alternate with a cold pack but the cold pack did nothing for the pain, it just made me cold!

I can say that the steroid injections I have work but again these are efficacious for a short period of time.
Be wary of the amount of cocodamol you take and how often you take it. I use it as sparingly as possible because it is addictive.

I know we have members with Fibro and I'm sure they will give you advice better suited. Good luck and sending you a gentle hug.