Aging warrior looks for comrades-in-arms...

[1vanIdea]

Hello all...Although I have not been given a definite diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, I have had worsening full body pain for the last several years which increases in severity when the body is at rest, i.e. sleeping. I would characterize it as burning and throbbing, punctuated with needle-like pinprick sensations and joint stiffness. I have been on and off antidepressants for several years, and have been off them now for about a year. I was recently prescribed amitryptilene "for pain", but I took it only for a week because of unwanted psychological effects. Combined with heart disease, the chronic pain makes life very difficult and I am frequently struggling. I guess I am looking for some comrades-in-arms to share experiences and knowledge. Thanks for reading.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, when you say you have not had a definite diagnosis of fibro are you still under the doctor at the moment in order to get some answers for a definite diagnosis? Yes indeed life can be difficult with other conditions as well, I seem to be experiencing more aches and pains at the moment, I do think my fibro body dosent like the cold weather much, I am not working but still I juggle housework/grandparent childcare, I differently think the pacing method is the best way I get through these type of days, stopping for mini breaks during the day , I don’t really take any meds for pain unless it gets to a stage where I’m struggling big time then it’s codiene, wouldn’t be without an Epsom salt bath early evening, warmth differently helps, roll on the Spring 🌞

[1vanIdea in reply to Yassytina]

Hi...Although I have discussed it with her, my doctor hasn't given a diagnosis of fibro. She has referred me to a rheumatologist whom I will be seeing in a couple of weeks. I agree about the hot epsom salt baths, which I take once or twice a week. The doc has recommended getting more exercise (walking), and I am looking at anti-inflammatory diets. Thanks for your reply!

[LoneEra in reply to 1vanIdea]

Good to know you will be seen by a rheumatologist soon. You could try some gentle stretches at home in addition to the walking: to help with pain: youtu.be/fONfo3OpoGI(Not working as expected?)

It’s also worth trying some mindfulness techniques to help you manage the pain.

Let us know how you get on and take care x

[Midori in reply to LoneEra]

Have a quick look at the skeleton!

😀

[Kitten-whiskers]

Welcome to the forum, you will find lots of helpful information and amazing support on here.

Amitriptyline does have terrible side effects, I have found that taking one tablet every week at the same time/day has been helpful for getting a better sleeping pattern.

I would recommend the book by Dr Leon Chaitow -book on fibro and muscle pain - he is someone that fully understands fibro, unlike your average GP.

I really would just like to say that I have made hugh improvements to my health, so when I GP says its just something you have to live with, I am proof that is not the case, In Dr Chaitows book ti does mention about recovery, there are lots of things we can do. I manage my fibro and do not take any pain medications, years ago I would have been able to life without them

Best wishes

Debs

[1vanIdea in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Thanks for the reply and for the book recommendation!

[releasethemagic]

The NHS website has a good section on Fibromyalgia and is worth reading. It will help you to understand how it is diagnosed and treated. Within the Support Group I go to, we have a library of books and the most popular by far, is Fibromyalgia for Dummies. It gets borrowed more than any other, so much so that we now have 3 copies. Amazon sell it at a reasonable cost. Support Groups are not meeting at present due to the pandemic and most have not met for a year, but as things return to normal, if there is a Group near you, it is worth going 3 or 4 times to decide if you find it useful. I think it takes that long to really know if it is for you or not. FMA UK can put you in touch if you contact them.

[1vanIdea in reply to releasethemagic]

Thank you.

[Fificat50]

Thank you for the info. Is there a link to help find this on the NHS website please ? Thanks again

[LoneEra in reply to Fificat50]

Here you are: nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyal...

Also worth checking out FMA UK’s website - since we are on that forum 🙂 fmauk.org/information-packs...

[1vanIdea in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you.

[releasethemagic in reply to Fificat50]

You will find it here nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyal...

[Mirka_Uma]

Thank you for sharing

[Midori]

I can agree with much of that. It can be difficult to get to sleep with Fibro. Stiffness is my biggest bugbear, too.

[Lifelessons]

Yes, me neither, but all your symptoms are the ones I have. Im finding it increasingly hard, as its getting worse. Thanks for the heads up in the ami drug, I wont bother asking for it.

Kind regards Lisa