New member needs help with pain

[AwolChizza]

Hi, I've just signed up on here today so still getting my bearings etc!

Suffered with Fibromyalgia since 2016, took until last month to actually get diagnosed with it! Apparently (the new doctor) says it's very rare in men hence the lengthy diagnosis!

Anyway reason for finding a site like this. Pain is getting worse, well if I'm honest then everything is getting worse. Regards the pain though I'm taking a right concoction of tablets with some relief but there's still pain there.

Are there any other ways to relieve the pain?

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

Hi, and a very warm welcome to the forum.

For many of us, it can take a long time to finally get a diagnosis.

Personally, I find heat helps with the pain. Electric blanket in bed, hot water bottle, heat pads etc, and trying to keep the muscles as warm as possible. If you can manage to get in and out of the bath some people find a bath with Epsom Salts added helps to ease their pains.

I also find aromatherapy massages and reflexology helpful.

I'm sure others will be able to give you ideas and tips too.

[AwolChizza in reply to M0AL61]

Thank you for the welcome! See I find heat awful, always have windows open, fan by the sofa, fan next to me in bed. How strange that the symptoms or remedies can be so different from one to another!

[Dinkie]

Hi and welcome to our happy little band. Took me from 1987 to a couple of years ago to get my diagnosis! As fibro is different for all of us it's difficult to offer advice as what works for one may not work for another and it is very much a case of trial and error to find out what works for you. Personally I don't take prescription drugs as I cannot tolerate them so I rely on other things. Diet - no processed foods or refined sugars. Heat pads, hot water bottles, tens machines, biofreeze and the like. Epsom salt in baths to help with muscle pain and spasms. Learn the art of pacing yourself - because you did something yesterday doesn't mean you will be able to do it today. For me pacing is still work in progress. Learn to say no if by saying yes it will lead to fatigue or a flare. I also rely on chiropractor and hypnotherapy too. Feel free to ask any questions on the site as someone will have the answer or know someone who can answer it for you.

[AwolChizza in reply to Dinkie]

Thanks for the welcome! That's a hell of a long time for a diagnosis, and I thought mine was bad! More power to you avoiding drugs, there's days I honestly wouldn't know what to do without them! Definitely agree with the pacing ourselves. I already know I've done too much today and will suffer tomorrow!

[Hidden]

Hi hun, welcome to fibro world-I assume you have a rheumatologist who diagnosed you? when is your next appt. with them? ask about having a steroid injection into your bum of "Kenalog" I used this for 7 years every 6 months with my pain relief and found myself so much better, it gives you energy, it relieves the pain and generally gives me a better mood on life...If you havn, t got a follow up appt, ask your g.p if they will give this to you, many fibro and other arthritic people have tried and proved this method can help, you have to get a prescription if its g.p as they wont stock this but hospitals do have stock.

[AwolChizza in reply to Hidden]

Hey, yeah actually had two different rheumatologist diagnose me (through some cock up of appointments) and have a follow on this coming Monday so will ask for or at least info on Kenalog as that sounds a great thing to have! Thanks for the heads up!

[Bettybright]

Sorry you've joined our club!!! To be fair, everyone is different and what works for one doesn't for another . I try meditation and salt baths. Works sometimes😣 I'm having a mare of a day today but I know it's just a bad day (I hope). Keep your chin up hun. Tomorrow's a new day ❤

[AwolChizza in reply to Bettybright]

Club.. Thought clubs were normally based around good things 😅 I'm going to try this bath salts idea. Not today as have already over done things and doubt I'd even be able to get into the bath! Tomorrow's going to be a hard day! 😩