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.
I moved to another state last year, and we just got insurance back again, so I'm on a search for a doctor.
From 2002 to 2005 I bounced from doctor to doctor trying to get someone to listen, explain treatment options and find treatment that worked. In truth I never did, so after I won my disability in 2005 I stopped going to doctors and treated myself as best I could: herbs, exercise, stretching, resting, ice, heat...on and on and on.
But I have finally hit the point that I can no longer manage the pain or other problems (back spasms, leg numbness/weakness and more.
I have been diagnosed with DDD, severe arthritis throughout spine, several herniations throughout spine and fibro.
I'm trying to figure out what I'm suppose to say to a doctor so they will listen and stop trying to give me Tylenol to treat the pain and suggesting PT. I already do yoga, therapy ball, light weights and as much walking as I can before my legs go out. I'd prefer not to take narcotics or meds that cause drowsiness/decreased alertness but honestly if they stop the pain...anything to stop the pain.
I have a three year old (my husband and I took custody and last year adopted our grandson) and lately I'm having trouble daily things, and recently (about 2 weeks) getting out of bed and dressing myself ( still do it every day. so far), let alone taking care of him (it's a little easier now with the 2 older children out for the summer)...but like many of us I push through and do the best I can.
As well, what treatments and medications have you found helpful?
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give, it is appreciated, as I am feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of beginning the process again.
Liz
PS. sorry if my post is scattered I'm in a great deal of pain today
From 2002 to 2005 I bounced from doctor to doctor trying to get someone to listen, explain treatment options and find treatment that worked. In truth I never did, so after I won my disability in 2005 I stopped going to doctors and treated myself as best I could: herbs, exercise, stretching, resting, ice, heat...on and on and on.
But I have finally hit the point that I can no longer manage the pain or other problems (back spasms, leg numbness/weakness and more.
I have been diagnosed with DDD, severe arthritis throughout spine, several herniations throughout spine and fibro.
I'm trying to figure out what I'm suppose to say to a doctor so they will listen and stop trying to give me Tylenol to treat the pain and suggesting PT. I already do yoga, therapy ball, light weights and as much walking as I can before my legs go out. I'd prefer not to take narcotics or meds that cause drowsiness/decreased alertness but honestly if they stop the pain...anything to stop the pain.
I have a three year old (my husband and I took custody and last year adopted our grandson) and lately I'm having trouble daily things, and recently (about 2 weeks) getting out of bed and dressing myself ( still do it every day. so far), let alone taking care of him (it's a little easier now with the 2 older children out for the summer)...but like many of us I push through and do the best I can.
As well, what treatments and medications have you found helpful?
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give, it is appreciated, as I am feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of beginning the process again.
Liz
PS. sorry if my post is scattered I'm in a great deal of pain today
Good luck, Maybe acupuncture would help you also, Let us know how it turns out
No neuro yet, I'm starting at the beginning find a GP. I'm in a new state with new insurance.
Sorry if my post was too long winded, it was my first asking for advice.
Have you joined the backpain group on DS? They might have suggestions.
I went to 2 rheum., but they only wanted to do the cymbalta, savella, lyrica meds. I tried the first 2, couldn't tolerate the side effects. I didn't even want to try lyrica because of the weight gain issue.
I get pretty good relief from prozac (for mood, sleep, and pain) and hydrocodone. I've also found that resting some everyday is a must for me, and pacing myself. Heat is also good.
I've gotta get ready for hair appointment, so I'm rushing, but I hope to hear how you're doing!
Take care.....Elizabeth
I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad. I believe that if the doc is caring and understanding, you don't even have to worry about what to say and how to say it, they will ask the right questions and help you get to the bottom of things. If a doctor is stuck up and set in their ways, there's nothing you can say or do, again, because no matter what you say they have their opinion already made up. Sometimes you can open their eyes, like one of the members talked about in a post a while ago(I can't remember the title of the post or the name of the person)
As to what helps, rest is number one for me. I recently had a massage a few times and it felt good, except for one time when I was in a lot of pain. Sometimes ice, sometimes heat. Also, as difficult as it is, exercise, even light stuff. I just recently started, and most of the time, I do 10 to 15 min, sometimes only 5.
It's difficult to start from scratch with new docs, but if you find a good one, it will be the beginning of feeling better.
See, my post longer than yours and probably makes much less sense than yours.
Hope you are having a good day.
Sorry about your pain, and I hope you can get some help soon.
I'd say see a neuro, and a pain specialist.
My pain is mostly soft tissue, so is easier to live with than what you're facing, so that's really all I can think of. Good luck, Liz!
I have been through this before in 2002, trying to find a doctor, but honestly they treated me more like IF I just got my hair done and got off my fat butt...sure I have extra weight but not THAT much...I'd feel better and stop bothering them.
I dread going through that I can, it made everything so much worse.
Ja36, I was thinking of that post as I wrote this, the person who said they fell, instead of 'just' the symptoms of fibro, and the doc paid closer attention.
Thanks LeoX3, I've tried accu-pressure and did some research to see if I could do some myself, it did work some when I tried. I wonder if my new insurance covers treatments like acupuncture and massage...will check today as I'm looking to see what doctors in the area accept it...thanks.
I feel your pain at not being able to find a good doctor. I was diagnosed the first time in 2004 and I found that there wasn't much support and there was very little info on the web. Re-diagnosed a month ago, I've since found not one but two understanding GPs and a wealth of online information. A good place to check might be here:http://fmcfsme.com/doctor_info.php - it has info on how to find a doctor, the questions to ask and most importantly, an up-to-date database listing doctors and other health experts worldwide who work with FMS.
Good luck!
I am so sorry to hear of your issues and know they can be daunting at times! I have a few of your issues, including the fibro and the spinal problems (herniated discs and arthritis) and have leukemia.
I have 2 herniated discs and had tried trigger point injections, steriod injections, accupuncture, exercise, etc, etc. Even pain meds but they soon lost their effectiveness. What finally worked for me, and it has been so awesome was radiofrequency rhizotomy.
If you have not heard of radiofrequency rhizotomy it is an out-patient procedure where they "burn" the nerves in the area of the herniated disc using a needle and radio frequency. Sounds like something out of "Star Wars" but it works! Now that you have insurance again, you might try to find a doctor (usually a neurologist or good pain management specialist) that performs the procedure. When I had it done nearly two years ago you didn't read much about it but now I hear more about it all the time. Be sure your insurance company covers it! Mine did.
It is an out-patient procedure, they put out with "twilight" sleep and recovery time is usually only a day! The results, at least for myself and a friend of mine that had it, has been amazing! They say it lasts from 6 months to two years and I have been one of the lucky ones. I had the procedure done about 21 months ago and am only now starting to have a little back pain again. I will go as long as I can and then have it again!
Before I had the procedure, I could not even bring my leg up to tie my tennis shoes without excruciating pain! Afterward I could do most everything but you must remember that the DISC IS STILL HERNIATED, so you will never want to pick up heavy items, etc as you could cause more damage. I did have some bruising and soreness in the area the needle went in but that was all!
Sorry to be so long winded but wanted to let you know about the back issue.
Good luck!
I'm so glad you have insurance again. Right now that is my problem is I have no insurance. AND on top of that when I did I went from doctor to doctor. I have DDD, fibro, and was in the process (before insurance dropped) getting diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthristis. Pretty crazy how we have similar conditions. Honestly I've had this about 5 years and I've been going crazy. Every doctor I go to does nothing suggests PT and vicodin (which does nothing).
Congratulations on adopting your grandson, I know the adoption process is rough. I currently am taking paralegal courses and the paperwork they have for adoption is extensive.
I really hope you can find a new age doctor who is willing to listen to you. I would join some support groups in your area if they have any that way you can meet someone with fibro and DDD or even one of them and find out what doc they have.
As for me I am still in search of anything to help keep my pain to a minimum, I recently quit my job because the pain has overwhelmed me. I have a 5 year old, but he finally starts kindergarten this year. He's been in pre-school 3 days a week, but getting up and getting everything ready for the day is painful. Like we all do, I just press on too...
Well I hope you find some relief and a great doctor. Let me know how it goes. I added you to my friends, I would love to keep in touch.
*HUGS*
Krystle