Desperate for adequate medication.

[Craig_d]

Hi, my partner has struggled with pain from Fibromyalgia for many years. This is our 4th year together and during this time she's never been able to nail decent pain meds. Co-codamol, Gabapentin & Naproxen have all but failed. She continues to soldier on with these in various combinations but her GP never seems to give her anything else. I feel so bad for her and can only suggest finding a GP with an understanding of Fibro.

Do any of you knowledgeable bunch have any ideas.....at all? Please. Please.

Craig. x

[neesey1005]

Hi I have had fibromyalgia for over 9 years tried many meds (only made me worse) side effects awful - for the past couple of years I am nearly meds free just the odd sleeping tablet or painkiller I still have pain but I eat only pure foods I pace and I walk and go aqua i take supplements and i cope. Good luck neese. X

[Bobbassett]

Hi Craig,

You sound like a very caring and supportive partner.

We often forget the difficulties our partners experience as they’re also living with this fibro beast!

Has your partner been referred to a pain management consultant, or clinic?

Personally, I have little faith in medication as I have witnessed sufferers being prescribed stronger and more addictive drugs. Often these bring side effects which add to day to day problems.

I’m not anti meds; I just believe that chronic pain doesn’t benefit from pain killers.

Hypnotherapy can be really beneficial, as can mindfulness and meditation.

I’ve never tried acupuncture but there are some friends on the forum who have found it really helpful.

With respect to the medical profession, generally they are trained to medicate or operate.

Thankfully, my pain specialist sees a much wider picture.

I hope your partner is able to explore other things to help her and send you both my best wishes.

Jan xx

[Horsesgalore]

I have recently moved onto a painkiller called nefopam that I am finding helpful, I don't use it everyday, just on bad days when I need to. I also take nortriptyline at night which is good for pain and regulating sleep - at least it is for me.

I also find a tens machine good, wheat bags you heat in the microwave, Epsom salt baths and hydrotherapy when I can, or at least sitting in the jacuzzi at the local hotel pool.

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., hi there always good to see someone seeking information/advice for their partner as that shows you are caring and concerned, it is a very mixed bag for everyone as we are all different some on meds for pain , some members trying other ways to cope as you will read. It is worth seeking out a different doctor, my experience some differently are not clued up or accepting , but managed to find one after a few years that was and had empathy for Fibro so that has made me feel so much better about everything. I do find resting is the most helpful thing but if your partner works this would be very hard ? Xx

[rosewine]

I would personally try more alternative methods of pain relief like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc rather than trying to increase the pain medication. With stronger medication it can be great for a short time and then unfortunately starts to lose it effect and what do you do Have a look innit mother site Fibromyalgia Action UK as there are very good pieces on prescription meds but also the alternatives. I have actually felt better since introducing more exercise into my life. Only gently at first with stretches, then more gentle core exercises and more walking and it has helped. So has acupuncture with a private acupuncturist/Chinese medicine practitioner who looks at the whole person rather than the illness in isolation. He has also been very helpful with dietary advice and was more knowledgeable on fibro that any of the medical doctors.

Thank you for being such a wonderful caring partner.x

.