Newly diagnosed

[Miacaro45]

I am new to this group. I have Giant Cell Arteritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Hashimoto’s, IBS, Intestitial Cystitis and Reynaud’s. A year ago I had a heart attack. Last week I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Otherwise I am terrific (🤪). My doctor wants me to go on Effexor. I have many drug allergies and usually do not do well on medication. I try to exercise everyday, walk a mile each day when I can, not depressed and have no trouble going to sleep but do not sleep long, in pain throughout my body( especially shoulders, neck and arms and hips). Any advice would be most welcome. TY

[Longtimer]

Are you on steroids for Polymyalgia? this would help the pain.....there is a forum for that too......PMRgcauk.......

[Longtimer]

Sorry didn't read your profile expect you have already been on the PMR forum.....extremely helpful advice on there too.....

[Miacaro45 in reply to Longtimer]

I am on the PMR forum. I have been on Prednisone for almost 4 years ( starting at 80 mg and now down to 9 1/2).

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, you certainly have a lot too contend with then, I hope you find the forum helpful, I do use a rub in cream for my neck, lower back , shoulder blades (with help)currently on a hemp cream I ordered off the internet which is helping , I’ve just brought a mattress topper and finding that helps, differently a bath in the evenings too relax muscles . You sound very positive , walking. etc, I am sure you keep pacing yourself throughout the day as well. xx

[Miacaro45 in reply to Yassytina]

Some terrific ideas. Thanks

[FrostGyre]

Hi Miacaro..

What do you eat and drink in a typical week?

Lay it out for me. As detailed as you like.

Thanks. 🙂

[Miacaro45 in reply to FrostGyre]

Basically, a vegetarian but do eat small amounts of animal protein. I do not eat wheat, dairy, sugar and processed foods. I do not drink coffee, tea, soda. I try to drink a lot of water.

[Elaine200756]

Wow! Sorry Miacaro, I mean welcome 🤗. I'm sorry you have so much pain to cope with. I find hot water bottles and gentle stretching exercises helps with my pain. I recently bought a YuYu on Amazon. It's a long hot water bottle that you can use in several ways. You can drape it over your shoulders, tie it round your back or tummy.Basically, you put it on where you have pain and you can tie it on and wear it while you do what you want to do. You don't have to sit down to get relief.

I'm going to try a TENS machine which a friend of mine has offered me, so I'll let you know how that works. Baths with magnesium help and I have some high strength cbd cream for pain relief that really works well but doesn't last long and I paid £50 for a tub. So it's expensive.

I have a weighted blanket that I love. Once you get used to the weight, which happened very quickly with me, it's like being wrapped up in a warm hug, very relaxing and helpful for rest and sleep.

Swimming is good exercise for me but I haven't been well enough to go for a few months now. Really enjoy it when I go. I use some over the counter pain relief called Paramol. It has paracetamol and 8mg of codeine in it and it works well for me. I have read that it's the strongest pain relief you can buy over the counter. Because it contains codeine you are only supposed to take them for 3 days in a row.

My doctor prescribes Gabapentin and Duloxetine at high doses and these have been helpful in treating my fibromyalgia until my latest flare which has lasted 3 months so far.

I hope this is helpful for you. Take care, gentle hugs xx 🤗

[Tabby-Cat in reply to Elaine200756]

If you need something stronger than Paramol, Solpadeine Max has 12.8mg of codeine with paracetamol (the ordinary Solpadeine has 8mg of codeine).

[Elaine200756 in reply to Tabby-Cat]

Thank you for the tip Tabby-cat. That's kind of you xx 😻

[Miacaro45 in reply to Elaine200756]

Appreciate your recommendations. Thank you

[Elaine200756 in reply to Miacaro45]

You're so welcome. I'm sorry you don't have a more supportive doctor Miacaro. Maybe it's time for a change? xx 🤗