Getting diagnosed

[Yellowbing24]

I’ve recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by gp. Got to see a specialist in a couple of weeks. They won’t give me any stronger pain killers than naproxen. But I can’t cope I’m in agony as soon as I wake up till I go to sleep, I have a 16 month old who I can barely pick up or even sit and play on floor. I’m 22, has anyone got any remedies? I’m also trying out a knee support and support tape on my hands. Anything to help me get to end of day😥

Someone help

Thankyou

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forums. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

GPs are reluctant to prescribe stronger pain medication for chronic pain, as the evidence is that they do not necessarily help and side effects can give you more problems

NICE guidelines only recommends anti depressants such as amitriptiline or duloxetine for fibromyalgia. Pregabalin or gabapentin have also been prescribed previously, but are not in the guidelines.

Non - medication pain management can include pacing, heat/cold, exercise /activity, holistic therapies, muscle rubs and creams, Epsom salt baths,

The Pain Toolkit is a good resource for pain management hints and tips

[Yellowbing24 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thankyou I’ll defiantly look into this🙂

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, it must be hard going with a little one , and it will be good too see the specialist, have you parents or close relative who can come in and give you a break during the day ? Warm Epsom baths I find helpful , and I use bio freeze or Ibuprofen rub in gel , (always check with pharmacist if that’s okay with your meds) if your little one has a sleep I would take that time out to pace and relax your body as best you can .xx

[Yellowbing24 in reply to Yassytina]

Hello; Thankyou for the suggestions will try them out. I have my partner who helps when he can due to working. My mum suffers with fibromyalgia aswell, she can help when she’s able. It’s tricky. When little one sleeps I always try to chill out, but some days I really struggle to do anything. Just makes me feel rubbish, first time mum. Just find it very hard. Thankyou for replying xx

[CM1EDSUK]

Hi, I agree with the above comments (other than Epsom salts, as there's no scientific evidence showing they could help; painscience.com/articles/ep... ) however if they do appear to help, nothing wrong with that either.

As you say, it's difficult with a little toddler, but trying to help you when he sleeps may help recharge your batteries a little.

Please remember you're doing amazingly; bring up any concerns with your specialist, & perhaps ask if you could be referred to a Pain Clinic.

[Fibro_fairy]

Hi Yellowbing24

I got diagnosed a few month bk and still struggling but amitriptiline works for a few hours on an eve, I use stick on heat pads when out and wheatbags when in the house help a bit .

I’ve found vitamin d spray 100mg good & lifts the mood a bit when low, I take magnesium citrate, as read a lot of people with fibromyalgia are low on that but research Re this , I bathe my feet in Epsom salts , if a soak in the bath is too much, wear comfy clothes, joined a fibromyalgia group although can’t go at the mo , still struggling as had some trauma so flare ups have been bad , started taking cbd , tried a float in a flotation tank which was amazing as I slept better after that , that night but can’t afford to do them regularly & am being referred for physio , I’m exhausted and isolated but just keeping going , I suppose we have to , I’ve a young son so have to too, it’s hard but I just keep trying & trying different things , it’s like process of elimination, sending you lots of love & healing & hope some of this helps / even to give you things to look into / at / try

[JayCeon in reply to Fibro_fairy]

bathe my feet in Epsom salts , if a soak in the bath is too much

Good idea considering some who believe it works say topical magnesium on the soles of your feet... Good you also supplement magnesium orally tho, in case it doesn't get absorbed after all, or it's the sulphate not the magnesium that helps. (The citrate form might be more laxative than the malate or glycinate form, in case you didn't know.)

Brilliant to hear you're trying so much already, despite kid: kudos and power for that.

(I ended up with 8 side effects from amitriptyline after 4 months, so do keep an eye on the balance between effects and side effects. Many other things helped me better with sleep.)