Feeling Defeated

[DANDA15]

My pain over last 8 months has more than doubled. I'm constantly being told to stop whinging nothing wrong with you . I have had to have my hair cut short as I struggle to hold hairdryer. Pain almost cripples me when I try hug grandchildren but as each hug is precious I grit my teeth . I did not ask for this pain but getting no support

[Toby14]

I know how you feel. Strange but my pain has increased in the last 6 months but I have been totally ignored by doctors. Because I look well in my face they assume I feel how I look. My family dont get it and dont understand fibromyalgia and I'm expected to carry on as normal. Like you said just hugging someone is agony. I rely on opioids that bring there own complications. I just soldier on somehow. Good luck I feel for you.

[Chunkiedog]

I’m sorry your pain has doubled over the last few months. It’s really difficult for people to understand, pace yourself and take each day as it comes. Have you tried complementary therapies like reiki or aromatherapy? It’s finding what works for you best and trying different things, e heard swimming can be good too. Good luck

[Tinky13]

Please email your GPs practice manager & explain that you're in massive pain 24/7 but getting no help or support (as you don't mention meds I'm assuming you're taking something that's not working? Btw, quite a number of people find that Tramadol actually makes pain WORSE - also worth speaking to your pharmacist if you take several meds as some may be fighting against each other making things worse for you).

You may need referal to rheumy or pain management - it is a heck of a juggling act finding the right meds that will work for you, and it takes time. If one thing doesn't work, try something else.

Another thing, drink more water! I know it sounds daft but even mild dehydration can exacerbate pain tenfold! At least 2 litres a day for a 65kg person, and an extra litre per extra 30kgs weight is a general rule of thumb. This is a long term thing, not a quick fix (sorry).

As someone else said, complementary therapies can help massively too - reiki, massage, reflexology, accupuncture, hypnotherapy, CBD, meditation, chiropractic treatments, aromatherapy, floatation tanks, etc etc - it's a case of finding what works best for you through trial & error.

If family / friends are not helping, be blunt! Say NO.

Tell them it hurts, tell them you can't do things, tell them you need to rest, even tell them to SOD OFF if you need to!

Only do the absolute necessities & rethink your priorities until you get the pain under some kind of control, THEN you can start to add bits as you feel ready & capable again - your partner is capable of taking care of the housework, shopping, cooking etc, so let them!

Make YOU your number ONE priority, nothing else really matters! There is only ONE of you so treat YOURSELF the same way you would someone else suffering with what you're going through!

I hope you find some relief soon x

[MizzyH in reply to Tinky13]

The problem with complimentary therapies is the cost! As a UK basic state pensioner it's virtually impossible to have them, although there are occasions when my lower back is misbehaving and I see my lovely chiropractor for two sessions. People say swimming is good but I'll allergic to chlorine (and iodine!) so that's out. I'm on Duloxetine 30mg but it doesn't seem to be doing much!