Hi! Any tips on pain relief?

[Jo1978]

Hi all! I'm new on here. I have been suffering with severe aches and pains ever since I had glandular fever in the summer. The pain started in my legs and got so bad that I cannot walk it then spread to the rest of my body. My Doctor thinks I may have Fibromyalgia and I am due to see a rheumatologist in 2 weeks. I just wandered if anyone could give me any tips on pain relief? My legs are so painful at the moment. I have tried hot baths. I am taking cocodomal and I have rubbed ibuprofen gel on my legs too. I also have a heat pack on each leg. I dont know what else to do

[Ian123]

A cup full of Epsom salts in a warm bath, drink plenty of water and try some relaxation with anything that can distract you from the pain. I have tried TENS machines but any relief was outweighed by an area that felt as though it had been burned. The pain what works, what doesn't along with side effects is all an individual experience that I hope you find the best outcome soon.

[rosewine]

Hi

Welcome to the site you will find everyone friendly and helpful.

I am with Ian on this one as Epsom salts in the bath can really help in fact my legs have really been aching the last few days so that is what I am going to go and do now and have a good soak in the bath with the Epsom salts whilst listening to some nice music on my MP3 player to try and distract my mind from the pain. It also helps at night to be able to get into a bed that has already been slightly warmed as it helps the muscles relax. The the best thing I did was buy an electric blanket, I only have it on low for about 15 minutes before getting into bed but I have found that it makes alot of difference to how much pain I get in the night.

I hope that you have a good consultation with the rheumi and get some helps with your pain. Soft hugs.x

[Jo1978]

Thank you so much for your advice. I will definetly try the Epsom salts and I was considering getting a heat pad which I can use in bed. I just feel that I am constantly in pain and not able to do much. I am going to look at a hotel with a heated pool on Monday. Hopefully I will be able to get a swim pass as I have read that this can help too.

[Fibrofoggiest in reply to Jo1978]

Hi Jo, and welcome to our very friendly forum

Can I point you in the direction of our mother site fibroaction.org where you will find lots of very useful info on fibro, together with the names of good specialists etc., and also support groups which might be in your area.

You ask about pain and I'm in agreement with both Ian and Rosewine on the Epsom salts in the bath, which can be helpful. However, as you say you are due to see a rheumatologist in a fortnight, at that point you can ask about proper medication for fibro and also possible referral to a pain management team.

I would however point out that we are only giving our own experience and it is always essential that you speak with your GP or rheumy about proper medications for you. You may be given a referral to a pain management team which can be very helpful.

We also try here to have a bit of fun and games resulting in laughter which is known to release feel good endorphins, so if you feel like joining in you will be very welcome indeed

I know the early days after your diagnosis of fibro can be very difficult and a lot of information to take in and adjustment to the way it impacts on your life. To that end I am sending lots of positive healing vibes your way and much look forward to seeing you around the forum

Foggy x

[TheAuthor]

Hi Jo1978

Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I genuinely hope that you find the forum useful, informative and loads of fun!

The problem with pain relief is what works for one person may not work for another. When you see your Rheumatologist they will be able to give you advice on what is on offer. I have found that it is a question of trial and error but hopefully you will find something or a combination that works for you.

I sincerely hope that you find the answers that you are looking for.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[AlysAudrey in reply to TheAuthor]

Can anyone suggest a way to reduce pain, without a bath, as I only have a shower, thanks Alys

[TheAuthor in reply to AlysAudrey]

Hi Alys

I use a TENS Machine that I find quite effective. They are quite cheap these days (start around £10)

Good luck

Ken

[Jo1978 in reply to AlysAudrey]

I absolutely love my heat pad!!! Haha. I use it everyday and it really does help. I would recommend getting one if you haven't already. I have a plug in one and it automatically goes off after 3 hours so it doesn't matter if I fall asleep with it on.

I hope you can find something that works for you soon.

[Betty67]

Very good advice oh here and I hope you find relief soon.

I would like to caution about taking too many tablets I found that your body soon gets use to the dose and you end up taking more and more just to get the same relief. I also found that I got a detox headache in the morning - every day with a hangover is not fun.

Laughing or just smiling is good as well as doing things to take your mind off. Mediation and looking at ways to reduce your stress and finally my dad always said to have a drink of water and wash you face.

Finally a gentle hug is most beneficial.

[Jo1978]

Thanks so much for your advice. You have all made me feel very welcome. I am off to have yet another hot bath! lol xxx

[XliddybX]

First thing I would say is get off the co codomal ASAP. It is addictive if u take it regularly as I was on 30/500 2 tablets every 4 hours. TENS is great until u get to ur rhummy, as u can get them at boots/ tesco etc. I take pregabalin regularly which I am mostly pain free with. This is only because I take them regularly and it has been trial and error on the dosage, i do use my TENS if the pain is bad. I can only speak for myself but when I am in pain and it does happen if I forget to take my tablets on time, it is BAD, remember that ur mind set is important and try and keep calm as stress will only make it worse.

[Jo1978]

Thanks again for the advice. I have stopped using the cocodomal now, I don't think it was actually helping any. I have my hospital appointment next week so fingers crossed he can do something for me. Xxxx

[AlysAudrey]

wish I could try the epsom salts remedy but don't have a bath only a shower unit.