This is my first post on here. I'm after some advice if I may. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia this year after having symptoms for at least 4 years. I initially had problems with my right arm in the elbow which then spread into the shoulder,neck and back.
I was advised early last year after an mri and x ray that i had chronic high tone muscle tension and that basically i may have to live with it.
To cut a long story short i ended up seeing a rheumatologist privately following occupational health advice in April this year as the pain is now affecting my lower limbs and I'm experiencing excessive tiredness.
I'm having a lot of problems with sitting in an upright chair which is a real problem for me as i do a desk job hence i'm currently not at work. I have been prescribed gabapentin with the dosage steadily increasing. While i have noted some mild improvements i'm still getting alot of pain in my hips, buttocks and thighs.
I'm wondering if the problems i'm experiencing with sitting are common for people with fibromyalgia and if anyone has any tips?
I've tried various things such as walking,swimming and seat pads etc to no avail so far.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. X
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littlemy
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I experience exactly the same thing. Ive had pain in that hip /bum area for a long time, luckily I am under pain clinic for the Fibromyalgia pain, I have been diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and priformis inflammation affecting the glutes. A big lump has developed which the Pain Doctor said is severe muscle spasm. My gp said it was "me" I asked him what do you mean. .is it fat? He said that it was.
I wonder whether you have been to a Pain Clinic, and if it would be of help to you
Yes that unfortunately is a problem I have and I think also many on the forum suffer the same. I find sitting in any hard chair for more than 15 minutes torture. Sometimes having your feet on some kind of foot rest helps the angle that your legs are at and this can ease the pain in your hips. Try to get up frequently and slowly walk around and gently flex your back as sitting in one position just makes any pain and stiffness worse. Have you been referred to a physio as they might be able to show you some gentle exercises which might help strengthen your back muscles and make sitting a bit easier. Walking on hard surfaces can jar the joints so if it is at all possible try exercising on grass as you will find it cushions you better.
I hope you can find something that helps the pain so you can return to work.x
Hi, I to have similar story, started in the right arm, then left then back and then my butt killed!!! The only was I can get the pain to go is with amitriptyline when I come off amitriptyline it really comes back stronge in my bum and thighs can't sit or lye down it kills! Actually find it that area the hardest to deal with I can't sleep.
I have degenerative disk disease so sitting standing walking or laying down for very long hurts. I have learned that I can only do one thing for a short period of time. Then I have to change positions or do something different. I get shots in my back once a month and that helps for a short period of time. I truly hope you find something to help with the pain.
Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I sincerely hope that you find the forum useful, informative and loads of fun! I have sciatic nerve damage and find it exceedingly painful to sit for too long and sadly I have never found a way around this as of yet. I tend to sit on a cushion on my seat and / or go for little walks around my bungalow until the pain subsides slightly.
I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.
Hi, my Fibro also progressed in a simliar way. Physio at pain clinic recommended sacroiliac belt, which does help & enables me to sit at desk longer before pain starts. But haven't way to stop it altogether x
Hi, ask the OT for a "repose" cushion, its an inflatable chair cushion they use for bedsores and the like. The tube they come in is used as the pump and it only blows up to the right level. I thought it wasn't blown up enough at first but it was, and It makes a difference for me. Hope you get comfort soon
If it were me, I would get some checks done to see if there are any problems in your lower back. An MRI would be helpful in order to see if there are any disc problems which could be causing the symptoms.
Sometimes it is easy to lump everything together into the Fibromyalgia category. I know the different pain that osteoarthritis and slipped discs cause me.
hi littlemy--YES! my bum pain is sciatica and piriformis syndrome. (could be spelled differently in the UK) there's a lot on line abt this if you search. I use cold packs and e-stim. had a TENS for a long time, then a "super TENS," then finally had an implant of a spinal cord stimulator. literally a pain in the bum! best of luck! QoB
Your muscle problem is spastic muscles and Baclofen is made for that. It's a prescription. I was on it but it was overkill for my situation so I was taken off
I have the same ,iv had ME for 15yrs an FIBROMYALGIA for 5yrs plus a Damaged Spine in 3places,an Stroke,Dibetic.
I'm on Gabapentin 900mg, plus Tramadol, MST Morphine. As I can't take Ibrofen, I rubb Voltarol on to my lower body,I got hit by a car giving CPR ,I was left with damage to my left bum cheek an hip an Spine ,so I do really know how you feel.there is another drug I was on that was good ,but I had to come off it as I got a Ulcer in the colon.
It was for inflammatory of the joints ,I have to ask my GP ,I can't remember. Also Vitamins Really do help.if you go to your local Holland an barrat ,they will tell you what will help .
And food,I'm afraid food affects this illness,Fruit,Tomatoes, Red Meat, Alcohol, Diary, processed food.
Keep a food diery ,then you will see what flare's you up ,
Thanks for all of your advice . I'm on 1800mg of gabapentin and also on baclofen. Trying lots of things such as exercise, vitamins and cutting certain foods out. Didn't expect to still be in this situation after 2 months on meds. Staying positive though that things will get better.
Best wishes and hugs to you all battling this awful condition. Xxx
Hello, you are not alone, I have similar symptoms to you, the pain on sitting in hard chairs has been diagnosed as related bursitis. At first my doctor said it should go away in a couple of months and that was about 2-3 years ago he had not factored in the FM.
I am a Buddhist and I returned to sitting cross legged on a cushion which hurts a lot less, bit I struggle getting up again. Incidentally meditation can help with keeping a positive outlook and with pain, if I can stay awake 😉
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can't sit or lye down it kills! Actually find it that area the hardest to deal with I can't sleep. 
Which pain killers?
A pain in the bum
Heart ,pain ag
Fibro - flashes of nerve pain throughout the body or not?
The Pain Clinic
