More than just tablets

[Bunny-friend]

First of all please know I totally sympathise with you and your suffering.

In 1999 I was diagnosed with Fm,followed by OA , diabetes t2, and MRI scan showed Multi Level Spinal Stenosis. And High Blood pressure.

Just recently I have suffered the worst muscle spasms ever and No Drug Eased the pain. I have just finished another 6 week physio sessions to try and ease the pain but came home worse than ever.

I have eased myself off Cymbalta (Duloxetine) ( recently for 2nd time as it made me sick) also in the past Tramadol, Amitryltaline and God only knows what else. Now I am taking 8/500 Co-codamol occasionally, and ibuprofen 400mg with 2 paracetamol 500mg together. I have changed my routine of what and when I take it. As well as that for the first time Diazapam which I've been told only to take it when I need it.

In the past I've given myself breaks from certain tablets as your body gets too used to them which has helped but I then go back on the ordinary painkillers to see if it helps again.

Just lately my latest flare up has been so bad its stopped me from doing nearly everything due to pain and hard to say if it is FM or OA. BTW I was properly diagnosed by specialists for both. DR Chiu is a one consultant I've seen and he was very helpful plus my own Doctor specialises in Muscular Skeleton conditions which is my bonus.

Everyone is different and drugs work different for sufferers too. I know how debilitating it is and you get quiet despondent but please stay off any Alcohol as that may interfere with your medication. Also if you should feel in the least bit so despondent you feel possibly suicidal PLEASE PLEASE phone or go and see family or friend or a helpline ... there is help out there.

Pace your day.

Make sure your family know how bad it is for you.

Ask for help.

Apply for PIP.

Have a hobby or two ( in my case abt 5 !!!) To relax and take your mind of stuff. I DONT always get the time to do them but I try.

Apart from the joy of children get a pet you can all enjoy.

Have Massages.... I found this very beneficial.

Watch your posture.

Stay off Social Media! That just makes your joints ache more holding phones.

Go swimming, do what you can. Water aerobics is good.

And believe me when I say ... Pray every now and then. I am not a religious person and some people may say I'm talking a load of rubbish but I have prayed and asked for a break and I have had little breaks.

Another thing ... STRESS, if you have personal stress you can do without either see a counselor, back off from people who stress you out, just put yourself FIRST, get out of any abusive relationships ( if you are in one) . YOU WILL SURVIVE. If you have been unlucky to have suffered any type of abuse when you were younger or even still ongoing, this could be a contributing factor if you have not come to terms or had help with your feelings or your situation (been there done that as they say) this is not ever given much thought by the medical profession but I have seen articles about it (PTSD).

I know its hard but having a positive attitude also helps. I could say so much more, the tablets help but theres more to it than that.

Look after yourself and good luck

[Midori]

I agree almost totally with you; it is more or less what I do. I have CoDydramol which I keep strictly for emergency pain. Normally I take Ibuprofen.