My doctor thinks that i may have Fibro, I am still a long way from an official diagnosis but its something.
I am still in a lot of pain on a daily basis and unless I can just lay on the sofa and walk around the house like a sloth this is the case as well as daily headaches. I currently take 2x 400mg Ibuprofen 4/5x a day and 2x Paracetamol (normal strength) 4/5x a day. The problem is that I don't feel that the pain is going, the painkillers take the edge off so that I can go to work but it is not a life I want to lead.
This brings me down and I already have depression. I feel like my mood is getting worse and I just don't want to do anything.
Unfortunately my doctor won't give me stronger painkillers (don't know why) and wants me to "persevere" with my anti-depressants.
Thank you for listening.
Hi Maddie21 and a warm welcome to the FMA UK community. And while you may not have a full diagnosis, at least you have an idea of what it might be.
Please make yourself familiar with the community guidelines and you can also find further information on fibromyalgia on our website fmauk.org.
Regarding pain relief, many people get no or limited relief from traditional pain medication, are are extra sensitive to side effects. This is because fibromyalgia pain is due to disordered sensory processing of pain signals and not physical injury or damage.
Anti inflammatory medications are not generally used because there is no inflammation in the muscles or joints. Tramadol may help some for pain relief, often taken in conjunction with Paracetamol. Strong opiods are not recommended as they are not as effective for chronic pain.
Meds such as amitryptilene, gabapentin or Pregabalin are used regularly for fibromyalgia due to their ability to ease neuropathic/nerve pain and amitryptilene can also help with sleep.
Non medication pain management techniques can help to manage pain... Pacing, heat, meditation, complementary therapies, mindfulness, distraction etc are all ways you can help yourself. Xxx
Thank you this is really helpful
Also trying to keep moving as much as you can.... Even if it is only walking about the house and doing regular small stretches of main muscle groups.
Sitting /lying causes increased stiffness which leads to increased pain xxx