New to the group, looking for alternatives maybe to assist me.

[Reggie28]

Hi, I have arthritis and fybro, march 2020 I had pneumonia and covid 19, it triggered my fybro and effects my right side, my right arm particularly. Unfortunately I cannot tolerate main stream medication, so in pain 24/7. Also fatigue is a major factor to. I'm totally different now to how I was 12 months ago, and still coming to terms with changes in my life.

[LoneEra]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear things are not good for you right now.

Things that are not meds that I find help:

1. Gentle exercise - stretching, yoga, walking and (when not in lockdown) swimming.

2. Eating really healthily, drinking lots of water and reducing alcohol intake.

3. Using a TENS machine to distract me from the pain.

4. Hobbies and meditation to keep my mind away from negative thoughts about how much pain I’m in.

5. Epsom salts in a warm bath.

You could also ask your GP for a referral to a pain clinic. They do talk about meds, but they might give you other coping strategies as well.

Good luck!

[Reggie28 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you for your response

[moo196 in reply to Reggie28]

Good advice from loneera. I'd just add that the best thing I have ever done wrt pain is to give up diet coke and anything else with artificial sweeteners in. Trickier since the sugar tax as it has crept into everything from yoghurt and puddings to ketchup. Good luck!

[Reggie28 in reply to moo196]

Hi thank you for your advice.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

hi and a warm welcome to our community. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our main website fmauk.org

Our patient information booklets can be found at fmauk.org/publications and you may find it useful to have a read through.

[Reggie28 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Hi thank you I will certainly have a look

[Budgielady]

I was struggling with constant hip and shoulder pain but it has pretty much changed my life since using a product called pain slayer by M. C. C. (Motorbikers Cosmetic Company) All the ingredients are natural and its a balm that you rub in.I didn't think it would work but decided to give it a go as the pain was awful and was over the moon when it did.

I've suffered with fibro for years and had shoulder pain but it has been constant for the last 4 years, like walking about with clenched teeth but in your shoulders.

[moo196 in reply to Budgielady]

Sounds like tiger balm.

[JayCeon]

Meds harm me too. Physical therapy, like osteopathy, cryotherapy & acupressure help me most, certain stretches, as well as pinpointing symptoms and pacing.

[DishaSdS]

Hi Reggie28. I hope this message finds you as well as you can be. Coming to terms with how life has changed or will change takes time. You will grieve and it's ok. Take your time. It's a process. Seek mental health support if you need to. It's ok not to be ok.

[Reggie28]

Hi thank you, it is like grief letting go of how life was, accepting to how my life is now, I try to stay positive day by day I take it and having survived pneumonia and covid I no how lucky I am.