Any help?

[CJ460]

Good morning

Can anyone help?

I am really struggling after a car accident in 2019 . I have had radiofrequency ablation and spinal injections but the surgeon said he cannot rule out Fibromyalgia-I'd never heard of this previously, yet I now sympathise with everyone on here.

I haven't (as yet) been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia because I'm going through tests (Anti-CCP) to understand what is happening from a neurological perspective.

I get night sweats, just before I fall into sleep my body jolts, I'm overcome with tiredness (even after sleeping) and generally feel tired, difficulty walking because my back muscles hurt when I do and my back muscles are painful to touch. On top of this my vision has gone from -3.5 to -6.25 in a short space of time.

Acupuncture really helps but it is expensive and so does hot showers, along with the TENS machine, massage and stretching but I fluctuate dramatically.

I currently take Tramadol, Gabapentin & Naproxen for pain relief but this is just a sedative and wipes me out for about 3-4 hours after taking it.

Does this sound similar because I am at my wits end or does anyone else have similar experiences to share (reading the post it looks similar to the suffering by others).

C x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome. Nobody here is medical trained but from what you've written, yes fibromyalgia could be a potential diagnosis.

You can find general information about fibromyalgia on our website fmauk.org and you can find our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

[WeeNanny]

Hi Please please do not take Tramadol or Gabapenton, the side effects are horendous and they do wipe you out, but again that is my experience of these drugs, I don't take them now

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to WeeNanny]

"Hi Please please do not take Tramadol or Gabapenton, the side effects are horendous and they do wipe you out, but again that is my experience of these drugs, I don't take them now"

We would jump on a post that said "do not take the life saving medication that your qualified doctor has said to take to make yourself better." I know this is not what you meant but these meds in maybe 30% of people make a significant difference and allow people to actually live rather than exist and not have the same experience that you as an individual had.

Just as not all people will fit into the general fibro research picture and be exactly like the next book..... it is also true that no one persons experience or their view through the prism of their own experience of their condition will not reflect that of everyone else.

[Anth14]

Fibromyalgia is very painful. I have never heard of what you are being tested for. Have you a solicitor? They can offer you treatment? Also are you under pain management at the hospital?They can offer acupuncture. In Guildford they have a a charity that offers discounted acupuncture.. Maybe they have some for you in your area?

I do stretching, walking, change of diet high in protein, i also have cbd baths, hemp injury cream and stretching with a foam roller, yin yoga and tai chi.

Trying to build up but it takes time.

Good luck..

[Anth14]

Also I wanted to say, sometimes emotions cause pain to increase. I noticed this myself and got Cbt online to help how I was dealing with the past that gets in the way of the present. I found that my emotional pain was connected as well as that.. I wish you all the best in getting better. X

[PagingDrbumbrain]

Hi, I’ve been on tramadol and gaba and nap for ten years and it actually works well for my pain.A big part of my fibromyalgia experience is accepting that I just can’t do what I used to, and frequently napping is actually very enjoyable for me anyway, it does tend to aggravate my teenage son though.

I use magnesium for a lot of my joint pain too.

[CJ460]

Thank you for all of your advice. I have had the Gabapentin changed to Amitriptyline which seems to be working better with the Tramadol.

I'm currently having acupuncture twice weekly, which helps along with the stretching exercises, massage hot showers, TENS, etc.

It is so true that nobody who suffers from these problems even understands how difficult it is to live with.

One thing I have noticed is that fatigue is a factor that I have always tried to ignore, but with counselling, I now understand the importance of listening to your body.

My sympathy goes to everyone living in pain.