Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Surgery

jrk1288
jrk1288
I don't have confirmation yet, but my doctor is suspicious that what was previously diagnosed as a stress fracture in my hip could actually be a labral tear. If that's the case, the treatment would be surgery to clear out the torn cartilage and smooth down the head of the femur. In addition to all the normal things people worry about when faced with surgery, I'm wondering if/how fibro will affect things. Has anyone had any experience with surgery that they'd be willing to share?
Fantod
Fantod
I had foot surgery a few years ago. I had to be off of my feet except for very short intervals for a week.

Tell everyone that you interact with that you have Fibromyalgia. You should not be left in the same position for long intervals. Make sure that your surgeon is on board with providing pain medication and for a longer period of time. If your gut tells you that they are telling you one thing and won't cooperate if you run into trouble find someone else. Don't stop using your pain medication suddenly. Taper off of it gradually to try and avoid a flare. Expect that it will take longer for you to recover.

At home, be well stocked with food that is easy to prepare. Have things on hand that will keep you entertained. I used a small rolling cooler which was stocked with water and snacks and kept it right next to my bed. Drink more water than you can stand to get the drugs used to knock you out etc out of your system faster. You can buy moist cleansing towellettes at the medical supply store if showering is restricted. Dry shampoo will handle your hair. Get a shower stool to sit on. I got a short subscription to Netflix and had magazines and books to read

Try to anticipate what you might need at home for a couple of weeks.

Good luck and take care.
Fantod
Fantod
One final thought. Try to go into this whole process with a really good attitude. It helps a lot in the recovery process. Take care.
LynnJ55
LynnJ55
I'm sorry about your hip issue and hope everything works out to relieve your pain.

I just had some extensive hand surgery this past Monday. In addition to all the home comfort tips Fantod mentioned (like making lots of pots of soup and stews ahead for the freezer), set up an area where you will have blankets, heating pads, books, ice packs, pillows, etc. so you don't have to try to gather everything when you come home.

I told my anestheologist team and nursing staff about my fibro and they made me as comfortable as possible in pre and post op. They propped and cushioned me with extra pillows and hot rolled up blankets. Better than a cold hard stainless steel table.

Pain wise, you might need to be prepared to sleep in a soft padded recliner to protect your pressure points. My fibro pain seems worse but my arm and hand are so sore from the surgery that all my pains are worse, including my migraines. I think the pain triggers more pain.

Take care, and ((hugs)).
Lynn
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