Any help with sleep?

[Tiacoyle99]

I feel like the last week has been so bad with anxiety pain and my ibs when one thing goes it all goes I’ve barely slept all week when I do sleep it’s nightmares I’m so drained I have fibromyalgia and on gabapentin for it I’ve tried duloxtine and verafaxine both didn’t agree with me and I just feel like the doctors are useless referring me to councillors I’m only 21 with a 2 year old and I’m trying to process having fibromyalgia constantly sore and tired it’s causing me anxiety and one doctor told me he’s sorry I’ve no quality of life nothing will ever help me and I know doctors need to be honest but my anxiety is so bad just now I don’t understand why one doctors saying there is things to help maintain it and the others saying basically tough get on with it

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello , well alittle more empathy is needed from some docs as trial and error with meds can be helpful to manage our pain at least, I am on duloxtene (4years) it has took away my anxiety 1 tablet a day 60mg , but not sure this dose does anything for pain. I know what you mean some medicines can upset our stomachs etc. Differently stick with a doctor that is willing to help your cause, I did find a good one at our surgery but was not always the case my regular doctor was not interested and when he retired was a blessing as this doctor is brilliant . At 21 and many years ahead positivity and understanding is just what you need, have you anybody that can help with your little one in the family? Xx

[Tiacoyle99 in reply to Yassytina]

Thank you, my doctors is call on the day and whatever doctor is on you get I can’t stick to the one it’s frustrating, yeah my family are good with my little one and I get on with things anyways I get up and do everything I need to do I push myself because I know I need to. I was sick with the duloxetine so the doctor told me to stop it but I’m not sure if I’m able to maybe try it again, thank you so much for your reply ❤️

[Tiacoyle99]

Thank you so much! Some days are harder than others but we’ve got to keep fighting ❤️ X

[LoneEra]

Oh this sounds miserable 😭 What dose Gabapentin are you on? It’s possible it could be increased. There are other meds that could also be tried, like amitriptylene. Or painkillers could be added into the mix, like Tramadol (some people hate it, but I find it helpful).

Physiotherapy could also be useful in the longer term, as could a referral to a pain management clinic. You could also ask to see a rheumatologist if you haven’t already.

Unfortunately doctors often don’t take us very seriously. My best advice is to write to them (email), not call them, and say how much it is impacting your mental health. Basically, a written record of this makes them pay more attention. Or, consider swapping surgeries. A new one might be more attentive.

As for self help:

- Pacing

- Epsom salt baths

- Magnesium spray

- Massage

- TENS machine

- Acupressure mat

- Gentle exercise and stretching

- CBD oil

- Weighted blanket to help sleep better

- Mindfulness

Sending you a hug xx

[Tiacoyle99 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you so much I’m on 400mg gabapentin 3 times per day I have pain patches too, I’ve tried amitriptyline aswell they made me feel quite down that was on of the first ones I tried, I just feel like the doctors are sick of listening to me they don’t do anything just say we are sorry your suffering so much I am going to try emailing them to see if it makes any difference. Thank you for your reply and your suggestions I’ll give these a try 💕

[softblanket]

Hi I have so much empathy for you because everything sounds so familiar. I suffered so many ailments for years before fms was diagnosed and recent nerve conduct and mri beginning of Feb has now proved my tingling/numbness and involuntary hand/arm spasms as mechanical nerve damage - which was ignored by my gp for 3 years (kept blaming the fibro) anyways Gabepentin and Amtriptyline as well as melatonin are the meds I take but currently reviewing them - because of nasty side affects. You may need yours rejigging also especially because of the ibs which can often flare up by certain medication. I agree with all the suggestions by LoneEra, l could never do without my weighted blanket. But one thing I want to put to you if you don't mind - you say you have a 2 year old - my son was 21 months old before my gp and other services realised my symptons at that time where actually post natal depression - it just had not been picked up. I believe that delay in diagnosis caused me further problems. Im not trying to diagnose you in any way or say this may be the case its just you say your anxiety is really acute, and I would leave no stone unturned. Just get them to rule it out if this is not the case so that if they signpost you to pain management at the best they can concentrate on any other underlying issues. Mine was a very long time ago and I know diagnosis have come a long way since then. But I agree that writing everything down- especially a day to day journal of pain etc.. you are going through. At the end of the day its you that is going through this - not your doctor and you should not be ignored - be persistent and if your still not happy - tell them you want to know how you make a complaint- that will definitely grab their attention. I know we are currently at an almost standstill with the current c-19 situation but tell them you are at your wits end and you mental health is being impacted. Sending you hugs and blessings 🙌🏽🌈🤗. I hope you get this sorted as soon as possible - let us know how you get on xx

[Tiacoyle99 in reply to softblanket]

Honestly thank you so much!! I’ve had anxiety for years on and off it’s just been the past week or so I’ve had it tough with anxiety, I ended up at hospital last night with chest pain probably down to the fibromyalgia aswell as the anxiety it’s frustrating the ambulance guy last night was like your father to young to have fibromyalgia as if I was lying. Check my records! I feel like because there’s no proof they just don't care or believe you. I feel like a burden everytime I phone the doctors I phone that often and it’s just keep taking your medication and the other doctor was like sorry you’ve no quality of life get on with it basically. Hoping I get the help and support that’s needed from them. Thank you for your reply 💕 xx

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Ask your doctor for. Trazadone helps me sleep and that helps