clothes too painful

[moonstyles]

Hi, just wondering whether anyone has the issue of finding certain clothes painful to wear? at the moment, just anything that touches me causes pain, so i’m wondering what you find is the best?

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Yes - this is common in fibromyalgia (allodynia - something that is felt as pain that should not be painful such as clothes touching skin, breeze blowing in window etc)

[Deeb1764]

yes you n bad days everything makes me itch so I normally have to up My anti histamine as I feel like ants crawling over my skin. I cut. Labels out and wear loose as possible

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Deeb1764]

I feel silly that I never thought of antihistamines. Thank you!

[DanielaJames1 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I have prescription for antihistamines Fexofenadine 120mg per day which are the strongest antihistamines and they are not helping as it's not an allergy but from the nervous system. I've had this for many years (the itching) ,I have asthma as well and Hay-fever and use inhalers and antihistamines, and sometimes I top up with a nasal spray when Hay-fever is bad. I've found rosemary oil and oregano oil very helpful for my itching back. Please read about it before you decide to try them, they have many useful properties. I also take Magnesium for my restless legs, which works wonders. Fibromyalgia is absolutely awful and I'm on very strong pain killers (morphine tablets and oramorph solution) so I try to use more natural options if I can for things like itchiness. Hope that helps xx

[Nothing_but_books in reply to DanielaJames1]

Thanks for the information.

I don't think I'll even try to read about the herb oils unfortunately. I share my home with a parrot, and strong fragrances are a no-no.

I used magnesium for a while, but I wasn't sure it was doing me any good.

[DanielaJames1]

My back is itchy like I have a hair on my skin that is tickling andi end up scratching my back to the point i start bleeding ,my skin feels like I have been burnt. I usually have a lukewarm shower with the shower head touching my skin so the water drops (the pressure from the shower) won't hurt as much. For me that's a sign I'm going into a flare-up. I've got 2 prolapsed discs L1L2 and L3L4 and sciatica in both legs down to my toes. My lower back usually spasms and it's hard as wood,it lasts for days sometimes and from there the shoulders and neck goes into spasms. The pain is debilitating, sometimes I'm able to wear spots bras and sometimes none depending on the pain level (the burnt, the itchy sensation and spasms) , and I use cotton brushed pj's.

[Aches_n_Pains_All_Over in reply to DanielaJames1]

Hi, I have just read your comment and I was wondering if you had considered acupuncture for your shoulder pain. I was in agony for months and I just happened to see a different GP and she asked if I would consider it, I said yes. The 1st 72 hours were agony but pain was manageable then a 2nd session which was much better and I got the muscle at the top of my arm done too. I’m going for a 3rd session on Friday and can’t wait to see if there is any more improvement, so far I’m happy with it. Going to ask for lower back to be done (if she has no objections to it). I’m fortunate I have a GP that can do it. You can only try. Wishing you all the best. 🤗🤗🤗

[gemimafibro]

Hi Moon. Yes, I suffer with this too. I can not deal with the pain and overstimulation that comes with waistbands anymore, so I have had to give up wearing bottoms of any kind. I wear all in ones now, jumpsuits and the like, both for everyday wear and pyjamas. You can get some really soft loose ones that don't cling to you. However, I am yet to find any truly warm ones that don't look like a dinosaur or a chicken 😂 so I have to layer with a soft loose sweatshirt over the top. I've also had to forgo bra's too (if you're a gentleman I apologise and it is not applicable, I'm not sure on your gender so I thought I'd mention that too)

It's definitely not for everyone, the whole having to strip yourself to go to the toilet or something can be a pain. Sitting on the loo all bare chested took a little getting used to. But I don't feel as overwhelmed by my clothing as much these days.

I really really hope you find a solution and if you do, please share it with the class, so to speak. Your personal solution may be helpful to others. Thank you and good luck.

Gemima ❤️

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer]

I like 100% cotton clothing with stretchy waist band and sports bra. No wired bra unless it is absolutely necessary.

[Gulfstream_Maggie in reply to LisaSnow]

I agree with the bra situation. I resigned wires to the deep drawer recess years ago.

My go to for my “over the shoulder boulder holder” these days are the cropped top or sports style and have been for several years!

[cathy64]

Hi Moon

I have had this, also I couldn’t shower it felt like needles, I wore very soft tea shirts for my tops, even sometimes a long sleeved one, I wore chino type trousers or joggers at home, nothing to tight and always loose, I even had to buy new bedding, it’s a nasty condition, as you never know what’s coming next, just keep on top of you painkillers sweetie x

[Mitchell198989]

I’ve suffered this for 8 years… it’s how the fibro started. I struggle to find clothes that don’t hurt if not in seconds or some after wearing for a couple hours. I spend 90% of my time in a dressing gown. I was at a friends how before a night out and practically had to strip off and borrow a massive top to stop the pain before I went out!! In the beginning I was worse… I could wear clothes at all. My one dre was to wear boxers lol. And I now can… if you are male I find the Nike boxers are fantastic the move with the body and don’t restrict and they don’t apply too much pressure to the waist!! Hope you find something that helps you!! FYI memory foam mattresses are the best for sleeping with fibro I find!!

[Loobielu]

Hi, yes me too! Hate tight clothing and have to wear a loose non wired bra (fortunately Ive not much to support!) and bigger knickers (gone are the g string days of my youth!) and bizarrely my lose clothes that I put on in the morning, feel so blooming tight and uncomfortable by the end of the day it's a relief to get out of them. I'm now counting my lucky stars though that I don't get the itchy crawly skin mentioned in the other comments. 18 is so young to be diagnosed you poor thing I have two daughters 19 and 22 who are showing fibro signs, it makes me sad. Anyway sweet, wear whatever makes you comfy and don't worry what anyone thinks! Best of luck x

[Lizzyear]

I also suffer with this. I find I wear clothing described as jersey fabric. I find I can cope with these. I agree it a horrible condition. I also suffer with RA to name two of many conditions. They all flare into one which is horrendous. Good luck on find something comfortable to wear, you will it just takes time. I also wear 100% cotton nighters and sleep in 100% cotton bedding. Hope that helps. Take care. Lizzy x

[Maud-ie]

All of the above replies! Itchy skin drives me nuts, itching, burning etc. Also on morphine patches so can't really use antihistamines - sometimes a cold compress helps. Definitely no elastane/lycra which seems to be in most clothing. Impossible to find underwear or socks with NO elastane. No wool. Cut every label out at the seam - often leaves a hole!!! Organic cotton comes at a price but worth it if you can find it. Wash everything before you wear it - new clothes/bedding/towels are drenched in chemicals. Do all of the above and it will lessen the itching/pain but not take it away completely. Good luck x

[PurpleTranmere]

Yes I have problems with what clothes I wear. Labels removed, no wool or itchy fabrics. For me I really struggle with the weight of the fabric. No heavy coats, baggy lightweight sweatshirts or T-shirts and lightweight joggers or summer weight trousers. It’s so hard as all you want to do is wear a pair if jeans like you used to. I find if I wear a pair of trousers that have any weight in the material it’s enough to cause a flare up and within 10 minutes I have widespread pain and heaviness all over my body. It’s so hard finding out what works for you.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

The least the better layers indoors for me, lose sleeveless tshirts my favourite. Shorter skirts and nothing clingy on my legs , wool makes me itch so I only wear jumpers etc when I have too go out in the cold,xx

[stollerydd]

I began typing a few minutes ago and everything disappeared. So if a brief response shows up incomplete, that's what happened. Anyway, I'm male, and live in Northwest Florida where it gets quite cold, on occasion. Just the other morning it was 28 degrees, which is cold for we sun birds. That said I haven't worn long pants in over 10 years, the reason being the fabric rubbing against my skin is too painful. So when I actually have to opt out of wearing shorts I wear loose fitting sweats; going so far as to wear my underwear inside out to prevent the seams from rubbing against my skin, which is painful. I've been dealing with this level of pain for approx 15 years. For me, there have been 3 very obvious changes (increase) in the level of pain and general irritation encompassing over 40 years of misery. Like a lady on this forum explained a number of years ago, she told her friends that having Fibro is like having the FLU 24/7. IT NEVER GOES AWAY. Since I'm now at level 3, being the worse, the way I explain it to my doctor, it's like when he prescribed medicinal marijuana in an attempt to lessen the pain. The type of marijuana was of the type prescribed for people dealing with the pain and nausea associated with cancer. For most of those poor souls a dose of the number 3 works for the majority of them. I had to quit when I was prescribed a dose of nearly 9 and it didn't touch what I'm dealing with. The only thing that seems to help a little is a med called Buprenorphine (sp?). Takes the edge off the pain along with helping with the awful itching. The people on this site might be more helpful than any drug.

[giraffe8 in reply to stollerydd]

I agree people on this site more helpful than any drug and when in so much pain it is comforting to know one is not alone I wear things inside out too . Been coping with fibro , ibs blepharitis etc etc for over 30 years now Sorry you are suffering too.

[ExhaustedAngel]

I have not been able to wear a bra for over 20 years now , too painful ! I wear elasticated trousers , loose fitting jumpers & dresses & outdoor soles slippers for comfort xx That's when I'm well enough to go outside at the moment I just wear knickers & a loose cotton nightdress as I'm in a particularly nasty " flare - up " when I'm Bed-ridden most of the time . Find loose fitting comfortable clothes & never worry about what other people may think ! Comfort is #1 when coping with Fibromyalgia XX

[2hot]

I was given hydromol to wash with. It has helped with a lot of the itchiness. For the painful clothes, as baggy as possible as others have suggested. Good luck with finding something that helps.

[Alice2004]

I have problems with clothes, I feel them heavy and I cannot wear the bra it feels like I am breathless and I get bruised very easily from wearing it.😞

[giraffe8]

I wear most things inside out to avoid painful seams I also have to wear very old soft worn out baggy garments . Unable to wear what I would like or look better in. In so much pain from ibs including all other fibro related issues can hardly bear anything on. It is hard to cope sorry you are suffering too

[sunnysanie]

Hi,a soft sports bra can feel ten times better than any other,I wear leggings for comfort and swear by skechers shoes and boots for my feet👍 but I do get the days when a pair of even fluffy socks feel like they are trapping me!😮on those days indoors a t-shirt dress only is the best 👍