Still trying to figure it all out

[AppleFanBoy82]

After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for just over a year, I am still trying to come to terms and ways to control the pain. Nothing is working at moment and things seems to be going downhill. Has anyone found or have ways to know of that they use to control or ease the pain

[lolacat]

Hi - sorry things are going downhill. It can be really tough can't it. You don't say what medication you are taking - different things seem to work for different people. But I think the key is to persist with your GP or pain management service until you find do something that works for you, or at least works as best it can.

Otherwise practical aids like heated pads, warm baths, physio, hydrotherapy etc..or behavioural ones, pacing, distraction, cbt. Again different things for different people - have you been on a pain management course where you learn about these things? Worth asking your GP about if not.

Good luck and hope you see some improvements soon. Xx

[AppleFanBoy82 in reply to lolacat]

Hi thanks for the reply. I’m on duloxetine 3x daily, pregabalin 3x daily, lansoprazole morning and amitrypriline nightly and codeine now for the restless legs syndrome. I’ve just done a course of acupuncture and cbt but the cbt wasn’t working. Acupuncture was ok but only relieved pain for a few days not a few weeks like it is suppose to. I will try the heats pads thanks for that one. I like to walk and cycle but at moment I end up in severe pain in I do much of it. Will try get pads and see how I go with that for now. Once again thanks

[carol789 in reply to AppleFanBoy82]

I have found capsican cream (prescription only) eases my pain along with Gabapentin and Sertraline. Very warm magnesium salt baths. Doesn't go completely but does help.

[Blono]

Hi im exactly same my pain has never been controlled and I can't seem to pace myself Hugs to all X

[Yvonne42]

It's so hard when this happens and things go from bad to worse. Can you try to work on one thing, like pain and one body part, like shoulder. Then try heat or massage or similar until you find what works best for you- don't stop tablets etc - then maybe you could try that relief elsewhere.

Hope it works, I know it takes ages but it could be useful x

[Ramjets]

I have tried to take an holistic approach to managing my fibro rather than rely solely on medication so have adjusted my diet, lifestyle etc. I was initially prescribed a load of meds but like you, some weren't working for me plus I felt some were actually doing more harm than good. As lolacat has mentioned each person has to find their own way of handling this condition as different things work for different people. One of the things I found hardest was having to stop doing some of the activities I enjoyed but I knew it is important to try and keep mobile. So I do stretching exercises each day to try and keep joint and muscles supple and then slightly more energetic exercise when I feel able. You say you can't do much of walking and cycling but you can still do some? It is a case of knowing your limits and pacing yourself. Maybe you could substitute cycling with swimming as this is low impact and may not leave you in as much pain? It is also being aware of what may trigger a flare, e.g. overdoing things or stress, so you can try and avoid it happening (not always possible I know). When my back hurts I soak in a warm bath with some Epsom salts and it does ease it. I know TENS machines can also be helpful to some. I employ distraction techniques when the pain starts by focusing on something I enjoy like reading or writing but there are still those times when I still have to pop that pill. As already advised, hopefully you have a supportive and knowledgeable GP, so I would discuss all the options and therapies available to you with them and try as many as possible as well as having regular reviews of your meds with your doctor. It is just a case of suck it and see! In the meantime welcome to the forum hun, I hope you find it as supportive and friendly as I do. x