Trying to figure it out

The cycle of chronic pain and depression is baffling. I try to make logical sense out of it, but I cannot.

I have had the worst headache today. I have a headache every day, but today was worse than usual. It was one of those that affected my vision. I stayed at work and even went to the gym as it was no so bad that I couldn't ignore it. My muscle pain was worse today as well. Even though physically I felt like crap I had a good day. All went well, until suddenly things changed at the gym. I was sitting on the bike working out, when I felt an anxiety attack coming on. I rarely have these anymore, which is scary in itself. I got up and left the gym feeling as if I could cry. The thing is, I am not sad. I am not sure why I felt this way. It was just so odd. I was able to view it all clinically, detached even. Perhaps it is the antidepressants. I am not sure.

I try and find logic in this, but I cannot. Its a vicious cycle for sure. Now that I am home I feel back to "normal" again, accept for the physical pain which frustrates me to no end. I have had xrays, cat scans, allergy testing and shots, seen neurologists, taken meds etc for over 20 years and they can find no cause for why I have chronic headaches and muscle pain. Most days I just accept this is the way it is. Then others I just want to scream. I expect science to find a cause and affect. A + B = C. It doesn't seem to work that way. Usually I can accept this is the way it is, but tonight, I am feeling frustrated, hence the post.

One good thing though, because I left the gym early I was able to observe these two cute little racoons running down the road and watch them scamper over a snow bank. An usual sight for sure.

Thanks all for listening.

Jennifer

Jennifer,

Good for you to keep working through that pain and going to the gym. I have daily migraine paid along with the trigeminal Neuralgia so I can empathize.

Ask you doc if Imitrex might be a medication you could try for these headaches. It works very well for me. It comes in nasal spray and tablet form.

I do not take it everyone day, it is my break the glass med. I push through mostly like you do. Watching your diet also helps with the pain levels, think back did you eat anything that could have brought on the migraine?

Stay strong.
Peace
Trina

Take a trip to the fibromyalgia forum... Look under the first thread called "fibro 101". Read the symptoms there. It really does sound like fibromyalgia. The muscle stiffness, the pain. Just read and see what you think... The tender point test isn't always accurate, it can all depend on how you are feeling that particular day. I hope you find what is wrong. If it is fibro, you are doing all the right things. Keep moving and do a lot of stretching. Drink a lot of water. That really helps.

Best wishes, sorry you have a mystery illness. Take care and have a good day...

Hugs, Karen

A lot of people go to a rhematologist. I don't. But my doctor does work with pain patients. It seems like a lot of people are getting it. Often people think it is just a catagory that they put you in when they don't know what is wrong with you. I have tenderpoints on my back and that is how I got diagnosed. Did your doctor check your back for tenderpoints? They basically push on different areas on your back. If you have one, it really hurts. Though some people don't have as many, they think that 11 out of 18 is enough for diagnose. She only pushed on one of mine and it took me off of the table. I had never heard of it before I got diagnosed.

I hope that you get a dx soon. That way you will know what you are up against. There are many things worse than having fibromyalgia, but there is no cure for it. Just treatment. And even with pain medications, it still hurts. But is tolerable. I hope you don't have it, but if you do, don't be surprised.

I hope that you feel better soon. Have a nice day...

Hugs, Karen

Mostly take medications for it Jennifer, but I have what is called a "bed buddy". I got it (two of them) at Walmarts in the pharmacy part. It is a fabric tube full of rice (you can make one out of a tube sock). I heat it in the microwave and then wrap it in a towel and put it around my neck. The warm moist heat helps a lot. I try to walk daily (which has been hard because of the weather). But moving around helps. And like you said, you get use to the pain. If you keep yourself busy, the pain kind of blends into the background. Stretching daily helps to. Gentle.

I use to get massage, but my insurance company wont pay for it as maintenance. Though my therapist does do gentle massage so I can get one from her. It is part of the psychological therapy. Massage really does help. I have tried accupuncture, but it didn't help. Many people do water therapy.

I really do hope that you get a dx of something so you know what you are dealing with. I am glad that the pain isn't too bad. I can get mine to down to a 3 or 4 with the help of medication. I have a high pain tolerance though and that helps. I can take quite a bit of pain.

Take care and keep posting.

Hugs, Karen

I think if you try the bed buddy, you will find that it can help with headaches too. I have a lot of pain in my neck and shoulders and my muscles are tight. I went off of the muscle relaxers and use the bed buddy instead.

Lavender and eucalyptus??? Do you put oil in them? I have some peppermint oil. I wonder what would happen if I put some on it... That sounds so cool that you make them. I had a lady give me one that she made, but it was really stiff. I think she put too much rice or beans in it. I guess they make them with barely too.

I hope you make yourself one Jennifer...

I think you will really like it.

Hugs, Karen

Thanks for sharing. I do think it would help with your headaches some. I get so tense in the back of the neck that it gives me a headache. Plus I guess we have sinuses back there. That is cool that you fill yous 3/4 full. That is what is advised when making them out of a tube sock.

I hope that you are feeling well today. Take care...

Hugs, Karen