I'm always sad because i'm in too much pain
Rachel209 - Nov 12th, 2009 4:24 PM
[ Original Post ]

Hi, I have FM and have had this for the last 8 years. I'm 40 now. People say life begins as 40 but i'm just too exusted from the pain. I'm fed up with the painkillers and they are the only thing that stops the pain temporary. They take around an hour to work in the morning, last 12 hours, cant take them before bed because i wont be able to sleep, go to bed in pain, in agony first thing in the morning. I just wish this pain would go away. I feel trapped in my body. My doctors dont seem to recognise it so i'm frustrated. The last time i saw my doctor i cried expressing that the painkillers are not working as much, she sent me away with a prescription to get some gel rub for my back, I just gave up there and then and didnt bother with the gel rub, i knew that was not going to work, after all i even told her that i tried this before and it never worked. I live with this disabling pain daily, i dont get a rest from it and i'm having trouble coping with living with this. I'm desparate, i came across desparate to my doctor and the best she could do was give me gel back rub. Please someone give me some hope. :-(

Comment


 

kivlanmaron - Nov 12th, 2009 7:26 PM

Hi Rachel, ugh, your post is so sad. I can just hear it in your 'voice.' There IS hope! And there is nothing worse than a doctor who doesn't understand or tries to minimize what you're going through. I'm a member of another great forum where I've met a lot of brave, hopeful people and that has been really great. The work I'm doing has a lot to do with natural healing and Eastern remedies. I think a lot of people get so fed up with Western medication because most of the time it just doesn't work! Or, it's healing symptoms but never getting to the root of the problem. I heard about Dr. Howard G. Groshell from a friend in Florida and am doing some research on him now. The forum I like is on his site and it is fibrofreelife.com. Lots of updated fibro news and lots of activity on the forum there. If you're interested in alternative health topics, please join us. and don't give up hope, you are NOT ALONE!


Fantod - Nov 12th, 2009 8:01 PM

Hello Rachel209 and welcome to the forun.

A rheumotologist is the doctor best suited to treat Fibromyalgia (FMS). But, not all rheumotologists are created equal. There are still a lot of doctors and rheumotologists out there who do not believe that FMS exists. Or they do, but don't treat it properly. You should go to the National Fibromyalgia Association website and register. Then you will be able to see a list of fibro-friendly doctors in your area. The other option is to call your local hospital physician referral service and ask them for a rheumy and/or a pain specialist (I have both) with an interest in FMS. You need a new doctor ASAP.

FMS is a disorder of the central nervous system which causes widespread chronic pain. The mechanism that causes FMS is not understood. There is no cure but it can be managed with prescribed medication. It is recognised by the National Arthitis Foundation as well as the Center for Disease Control.

FMS does not respond to OTC remedies like Tylenol and Motrin. Only certain classes of prescribed medication are effective. There are now three primary medications used to treat FMS. Lyrica is advertised on TV all of the time. The most common complaints seems to be rapids weight gain. Cymbalata is an antidepressant that addresses both the pain and depression that usually accompanies FMS. The newest drug is Savella which has been used in Europe for decades. It was cleared by the FDA for use in the US this year. Most rheumotologists seem to have trial packs of Savella available for patients to try prior to filling a script. If all you are taking is Tramadol, there is a lot more that can be done. And shame on your current doctor for not listening to you.

One of the reasons you are chronically tired and sore is the lack of deep sleep. FMS interrupts the deep sleep cycle with short bursts of high intensity brain waves. Your muscles need deep sleep in order to repair themselves from the days activities. No deep sleep means higher levels of pain whcih rapidly becomes a vicious circle. Amitriptyline is usually prescribed for the sleep issues associated with FMS. Obviously, your level of pain is preventing you from getting restorative sleep. All the more reason to see someone else.

You should also be tested for a vitamin D deficiency. People with Fibromyalgia (FMS) seem to have very low levels of D. Additionally, you should be tested for gluten sensitivity. The most accurate result is obtained using a stool sample not bloodwork. It is possible to be sensitive to gluten but not have full bown celiac disease. Vitamin D and gluten problems can cause widespread pain.

With regards to diet, you should not ingest deep fried foods, lunchmeat (nitrates) or artifical sweetners (including Splenda). These items will probably increase your pain level. If you need asweetner, use Truvia or Sun Crystals which are made from the nontoxic Steva plant. You can find them in the grocery store right alongside the other sweetners.

I think that if you are willing to try seeing someone else for treatment your quality of life should improve. It is going to take some time to find the right medication and doseage you need to
be comfortable. I'd like to also gently suggest that you consider seeing a counselor. I think that you would be best served to find someone who deals with chronic illness/pain. Many people on this board have a counselor. Take it from me when I tell you the extra support and nonbiased advice and coping skills are worth the expense.

Rachel - things will get better. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Take care and God Bless.