Hello just wanted to introduce myself being new to the forum.
I’ve developed fibromyalgia about 2 years ago after an ongoing stressful work situation.
The main issues I’m struggling with are:-
Fatigue (B12 seems to help with this)
Daily migraines
* Paraesthesia (mostly in my face, ears and cheeks)
* Electric shocks on my back and right side, but can be anywhere
Pain in my left armpit and elbo
I’m currently on antidepressants (Duloxetine 60mg) if I try and cut down on the meds the electric shocks are worse, which is a shame because I’ve read here it can be the reason for the migraines.
Any advice especially for the issues marked with * would be appreciated. The GP has more or less left me to it. I cant really exercise due to a slight walking disability and have noticed my balance has become worse since the fibromyalgia appeared.
Hi can you swim? Very good form if exercise for fibro people. Also I've had chronic migraines for over 30 years never heard of any association with electric shocks and migraine, have you investigated them with a neurologist?
Unfortunately because of covid it’s been really difficult to see anyone, hopefully this will change soon. I might try and push to see someone as things get back to normal here in Scotland.
Hello and welcome, I take one tablet of 60mg of duloxtene and was put on it for anxiety which I am sure could have been the result of fibro/cfs, it has been my saving grace, I do get headaches which most days seem to disappear as the morning goes on. You could have another word with the GP , I have read electric shocks can be a result of when people are weaning of the tablet, Yes a good idea from Cat00 about trying some gentle swimming, or even aqua classes in the water that are suitable even if you did alittle , it is trial and error and I take each day personally , some can be fairly good and differently days when you have to be more gentle with your body. I hope the forum helps, reading posts, information and friendly advice. Take care.
I would ask for a referral to a neurologist to check on the electric shocks and migraines. I found the neurologist very helpful with the more strange symptoms of fibromyalgia
Hi Derek 👋, welcome to the forum that nobody wants to be a part of. I get the electric shock stuff, it's like a needle and then I jolt, not sure if it's the same thing as you?
I also have the paresthesia, scalp, face, ears, arms and legs. I get a lot of muscle twitching too. My b12 was slightly below range last year so the GP put me on b12 cyanocobalamin. It doesn't seem to help much but if it helps balance my levels then I don't mind taking it. I also take magnesium supplements to help with the twitching and paraesthesia, again it helps to a degree but is by no means a cure. I'm also on 50mg of Sertraline, which is a low dose of anti depressant. I would recommend this to anyone with health anxiety or anxiety in general and low mood. It has helped me enormously.
I appreciate how difficult it can be to exercise when in pain and you state you have a mild disability. In my own personal experience with Fibromyalgia, I simply have to exercise and keep moving. The moment I stop, I stiffen up and that just exacerbates the pain. There are so many things you can do, even in your armchair. Stretching, light weights for your arms, a tension band for legs and arms. Pop on to YouTube for some free videos.
I walk every day for at least 60 minutes, come rain or shine. Its not only good for me physically, but mentally too.
Hi Michelle, you may have seen me say so somewhere before but if you want to improve the effect of B12 you could try the other 3 better (... a bit more expensive...) types of B12, plus getting them injected (s.c.) - makes for quick big boosts...
Thanks very much for such a detailed reply, I spoke to the GP after continuous jaw and neck pain, which seems to be a little better. I haven’t seen anyone specifically due to covid, it’s difficult enough to see the GP.
The GP just said I think you have “Fabro” to be fair all the symptoms seem to point to that. Occasional jaw clicks, neck stiffness, burning sensations, fatigue, sleep problems, migraines, random pains, pins and needles and shocks.
There are chair based exercises that you can do sitting down. Also stretches that help with the tingling. If you take a look at our local fibro website for the Swansea Bay Support Group, you will find some examples here swanseabayfibro.wordpress.c...
Hi Derek, B12 you could make more effective as I wrote to Michelle (LoobyM). And like her I'd recommend trying good magnesiums like malate and/or glycinate.
Also vitamin D3 in high dose together with vitamin K2...
B12 and D are worth getting checked every 3-6 months as seems applicable.
As releasethemagic and Nothing_but-pain have given examples - there is a lot anyone can do, whatever the disability. It may even be easier to find, that given, than someone who has just severe fibro, who has to find strict limits: Keeping things very short, but very regular, seconds, minutes, but several times a day or even hour.
Taking 20.000 I.E. D3 once a week like my GP recommends doesn't seem enough, so I got a product containing K2, according to my bloods. I'll also be increasing to maybe 2x a week if it still stays low, or just to see what happens.
Thanks for taking the time to reply, I’m actually really surprised at the positive effect B12 has had, my debilitating migraines have more or less disappeared, along with daily hangover, it’s the only way I can describe how I generally feel in the morning.
I struggle with paresthesia in my arms and legs, for which I use Epsom salts, but I don’t suppose that is as useful for the head - unless you are able to lie back in the bath?
I do however, find that peppermint oil really helps ease the effects of a migraine - if you are able to wear an aromatherapy bracelet, or just have peppermint oil on your skin, the smell can really ease symptoms. Aside from that, I just take sumatriptan. I’m on gabapentin and propranolol, which are supposed to prevent migraines, but they still hit me hard!
D-Ribose has been recommended for fatigue and may be worth a try as long as it works with your medications. I have been using it for a week or two and I think I’ve noticed a slight improvement, but I’m still on the fence. Some people swear by it, though.
With regard to the duloxetine, are you able to change to a different antidepressant? I think it is one that you would need to wean off before starting a new medication, but it may be that there is something else that could work for you? I didn’t get on with duloxetine, but different things work for different people.
I hope you manage to find some relief - this forum really is a goldmine of information, support, and just somewhere to be understood ☺️💙
I’m beginning to understand how useful the information is on here and appreciate everyone taking time out to reply. Thanks a lot. It really does help having someone else to share my daily struggles.
The duloxetine seems to help ease the “stabbing electric shocks” but there may be other options available, due to covid my go surgery aren’t seeing too many people at the moment, I would like to speak to an neurologist at some point though, I think it would help.
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but if you want to improve the effect of B12 you could try the other 3 better (... a bit more expensive...) types of B12, plus getting them injected (s.c.) - makes for quick big boosts...
Am I on the right forum
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