Self-help advice

[sleepycocoa]

Wanted to know if anyone had any advice for self-help as I’ve been left on my own by the doctors.

I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia just over a year ago after 3 years of pain. The doctor that diagnosed me put me on amitryptaline (which has done nothing for me) but told me I shouldn’t be on any other medication because ‘I’m too young for that’. I’m 23 and can’t even attend my uni classes anymore from the pain. She then told me I need to lose weight and to exercise more (she actually told me to ignore the pain because it ‘can’t actually hurt me’?). I’ve been given no help since. I’m in agony, I can’t do anything, I can barely get out of bed because the pain is so bad. Do I need to lose weight before they take me seriously or am I just stuck with this by myself? I’m scared to go back to the doctors in case they just talk down to me and tell me to lose weight first again. Is there any way of relieving this pain other than paracetamol and swimming?

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Morning I would definetly telephone around some other local surgeries get some helpful information and change, not all doctors have this view, I did get a great one eventually so don’t give up, yes you could have ago at some weight loss but if you find a better doctor there are pain clinics who can advice you and doctor can refer for you , swimming a few lengths now and then sounds great, paracetamol upsets my stomach so that’s one I try and avoid . I find a nice soak in the bath with some Epsom salts is great most places ie boots sell bags, some people try a tens machine for pain, I personally use a rub in gel call bio freeze, but with anything always check with your doctor or pharmacy. Don’t get pied off as they say take someone with you to your next appointment, your mum , older sibling, having some support is always good, I hope being on the forum you can read some posts and find it helpful, we do have some younger people here and always good to have a chat and also read their journeys along the way, xxxx

[tricia_liam]

Change your doctors

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Sorry that your Dr has not been more supportive ....

Many people with fibro find that medication does not help, or they cannot tolerate due to side effects etc. However that does not mean that your gp should automatically exclude them because of your age.

Losing weight is recommended generally for your overall health, but may not make any difference to fibromyalgia symptoms.

Fibromyalgia pain may not cause your body any physical damage, however pushing yourself through pain is likely to just result in you being in a cycle of crash and burn, where you do to much, flare up then continue same cycle

There's plenty of non-medication ways you can manage your pain and other symptoms. The Pain Toolkit (thepaintoolkit.org) is an excellent resource for tips and techniques that can help.

I personally use heat, gentle activity, relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, therapies such as massage, distraction techniques etc.

[Eunis in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I agree with Hazel.Ive had it for over 20 ye

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Please! I was extremely underweight when I was diagnosed with diabetes 6 years ago my doctor at the time gave me the results of the blood test said to me:"I'm surprised, people with diabetes are normally very fat" those were her exact words it's one of the generalisations that will always stick in my mind 😂

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There will be a doctor somewhere in your area who doesn't have such a blinkered veiw. You're very young and deserve to be treated better than this! With your whole life in front of you it's reassurance that you need, not rudeness take care xx