Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia

[Marymoo11]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which I have had for last 5 years. I currently am on injections for. Last year I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia which I'm struggling with the constant pain.

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Do go to docs for To try get this under control if you can

It can take years for right meds and a cocktail of meds maybe needed and sleep meds etc and referals as well for tools and cbt to try get under control

The fibromyalgia will have a greater impact on daily life and and more difficulties adjusting etc do go to docs asap for imput and appropriate treatment

[hazelcats]

Hi I also had fibromyalgia diagnosed in Dec 23 then seronegative inflammatory arthritis in April. Unfortunately I know how hard it is to live with constant pain. I also diagnosed with osteoarthritis and was in perimenopause at the same time.What helped me is to try to break things down into more manageable chunks, so what symptom or problem was worse, and tackled things one at a time, because it can feel very overwhelming I know that.

It took a lot of months for me. Sorted hrt until I was stable, then the inflammatory arthritis,and then thought about how I could help with my nerve pain from the fibro. Do find a good GP to discuss meds if you want to go that way. Its a bit of trial and error but may help.

Ensure rheumatologist has your RA drugs right for you.

Also,ask if you can be referred to a chronic pain clinic.

A good sleep pattern helos enormously.

Any small improvement we make can add up to benefit our overall health, both physically and mentally \emotionally.

I have an amazing support and advice on a fibro forum, you may benefit from that. Someone once said fibromyalgia likes a dance partner. Many have additional health conditions alongside fibro. Its a hard condition to try to explain to others

And the hardest thing, but so vital to me was to learn to accept these debilitating health conditions. I dont like them but cant waste precious energy on fighting against them.

Try FMAUK site for leaflets and information. They were so good for me, especially as I was newly diagnosed.

Above all, be kind to yourself.

[MistyDay]

I suffered from both RA and fibromyalgia from my late 20s to mid 50s then the fibromyalgia stopped. Living with constant pain from fibromyalgia was tough and debilitating. Doctors were more concerned about the RA, and likened fibro to rheumatism. I found naproxen and heat helped most, and not being still for too long . I kept trying to move stiff and painful joints even getting up in the middle of the night to move my very stiff painful aching joints. I still have the RA, but it was wonderful when the fibro stopped. It stopped for me at the same time as the menopause. I wish I could offer you a suggestion for something that cured it , but sadly I cannot. I hope it will go sooner than mine did. I send my deepest sympathy.

[Chester1975]

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have both too. I have to pace myself. I’m gluten, lactose and wheat free and try and reduce all stress which helps. I eat a lot of wild salmon and sardines. I rarely eat red meat and only grass fed mince and joints of lamb (lamb is grass fed) from Lidl when I do. Or organic from Rhug Farm. I have a special neck pillow to sleep on and try to take regular baths to relax with a few drops of lavender oil. Once every few weeks I will bathe in Epsom salts. I found gentle walking every day also helped. Xx

[Fra22-57]

I have fibromyalgia and RA amongst other diseases too.ugh it’s horrible to say that but it seems once you have one auto immune disease others join the party.I acquired the fibromyalgia first so was put on drugs for that.I wasn’t offered the pain clinic.Then I was hospitalised and given news of the RA.It is horrible and we are all different so fibromyalgia etc is never straightforward.Some people are worse than others.Don’t suffer in silence but ask for meds to help with the pain.

[Gjbrose]

Hi I also have both diseases and find it difficult to establish which pains are RA and which are fibromyalgia, I mainly have problems with the pain in my thighs and although moving around is helpful it’s a real challenge.

I am currently taking Gabapentin which I was prescribed from the beginning this has been increased to 300mg three times a day.

My pain relief is Tramadol and Naproxen I would push to get Naproxen prescribed, wishing you well and sending gentle hugs 🤗 x