I'm so very sorry to hear about your sister. Your doctor is right, stress and anxiety can make the pain worse. I think if you got some of that off your shoulders, you might feel better. The only other thing I can come up with is maybe a muscle relaxer to loosen up those muscles and if you can tolerate being touched, a massage.

I hope you feel better soon.

Are you saying all you're taking for pain is tylenol ?

It sounds as though you have so much on your plate, I'm sorry your sister's health is suffering now as well. It sounds like youre trying your best to manage your pain, another thought may be to try some yoga. While it won't take the pain away, maybe it can help relax your mind just a small bit.
Another suggestion (and yes i know it may sound odd is to consider your diet. I have found shifting towards a Paleo diet has helped reduce my pain somewhat. You can find alot out about the Paleo diet if you google it. I have taken baby steps in my eating towards this kind of a diet b/c it can seem overwhelming to do it overnight.
Regardless, I hope your sister's health improves very soon and you are able to get a few more things off your plate. And..I hope you get some ease from the pain very soon. Gentle hugs.

I think maybe you should find another doctor for yourself. I've always had docs that would give me more meds to help me in a bad situation, when I'm just trying to make it through. I don't understand a doc leaving you with Tylenol and hot showers.

There are homeopathic meds that can help pain and stress.

So sorry that you are going through such a terrible time.

Thank you all so much is comforting to know that anybody really cares nobody knows who they are in less they walk in our shoes, yes Tylenol and Xanax is all I'm on right now I've had a reaction to pain pills and I guess my doctor is afraid to give me anything else but tried antidepressants and things like that but they seem to cause me more side effects than they do to help ,thank you and love you all have a pain-free day your friend Shirley

Not all pain meds have the same side effects. And the side effects usually get better the longer you take the meds. I'm not sure what side effects you're referrring to. But the most common ones, most of us have learned to deal with. It is a choice between dealing with the severe chronic pain 24/7 or the side effects of the meds. When you can't stand the pain, you choose the pain meds and hope and pray that the side effects go away or get better.

A lot of people can't tolerate Vicodin but can tolerate other opioids. Perhaps you could bring a list to your doctor of other opioids and ask her/him to prescibe one.

Also useful (for me) are muscle relaxants like: baclofen or tizanidine. Taking an opioid with a muscle relaxant knocks back my pain/stiffness a great deal. Low, low doses on both unless in a super-flare.

An herb called marijuana.

How long does flare ups last? Mine has been more than two days. Also I had so many tests, spinal tap, lyme, thyroid, diabetes, mri of back, mri of brain. Is there any tests for fibromyalgia?

Debbie, flares can last weeks. I have had all of the same frustrating tests too. I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Rest and good sleep will help.

Hi, I am new to this site but was diagnosed 9 years ago. First I am sorry you are experiencing such misery, I certainly remember those times. After more than 2 years of medications that was not all that effective, I was able to find a regimen that has greatly improved my quality of life. I know we are all different and what works for me may not for you but I will share some of the things that worked. I found a vitamin/mineral/amino acid powder supplement called "fatigue to fantastic", I take alot of antioxidants, vit D, vit B12, magnesium, calcium. I found that chiropractic care, massage and rolfing has greatly improved my aches and pains. I have also discovered that my joints are especially sensitive to sugar and refined flour. A good dose of dessert at night will guarantee significant joint pains the next day. Hydration is also HUGH!. I also get botox injections to my neck and back for back spasms every few months. I dont know how long you have been suffering from FM, dont give up hope. Key to a better quality of life with FM is to be your own "doctor", because, unfortunately, there isnt much acceptance, understanding or knowledge with most medical doctors when it comes to FM. At my worst, I was not able to walk up stairs without help or rail, having bouts of spasms where I am not able to stand erect, I could not walk fast, had migraines with projectile vomiting and was off work for 3 months. With a supportive husband and determination to not rely on prescription medications, I stopped all medications and started addressing my symptoms with supplements and other treatments. My last visit to my rheumatologist was in 2011. Its a slow process of detecting, trial and error but well worth it. Yes, I still have symptoms but they are tolerable, I rarely need pain medications now. I am more than happy to share whatever specifics that you may be interested in. Hope that you are having a better day today.

My Mother-In-Law almost died. We went back to our home town to be with her. I couldn't sleep and was worn down. I could hardly hold a conversation with anyone although the whole family was there. I was not openly tearful. My fibromyalgia was in full bloom. Stress really effects us with this illness. You right now are going through some heavy duty stress. I would suggest something to help you sleep while you are going through this period of life. Sleep will help the healing process for you.