New to this forum, but not FMS

Hello.  I am a "newbie" here, first post.  I have had FMS since 2005, disk degenerative disease since 1999, Bi-polar II disorder, and colon problems since childhood, but really bad since I had colon surgery in 2004.  I wanted to get opinions from you all if possible.  I go to see a pain management specialist every month to help control my pain.  I have noticed that I have gotten much worse since this all began, and I've been told by one doctor that FMS is NOT a progressive disorder, and then by another that it is.  I dont know who is right anymore--so maybe someone here knows the correct answer to that.  My pain management specialist has had me on Vicoprophen and Lyrica for over 2 years now.  I do not get enough pain relief from these meds, and my doc wont seem to budge to try anything different.  In the past, I had tried many different meds.  But, with the constant feeling that the medical system is going to label me a drug-seeker, I am afraid to ask them many questions. I feel that I have a right to achieve pain-relief, but I am afraid to ask them.  I have never had a "high" feeling, or any other feelings besides short-term relief.  I actually dont understand the whole "addiction" process.  All I do understand is that 1/2 of the doc's I have seen are very anti drug minded.  I am going to see a new doctor next week and would love to hear any input of what I should ask him.....all/any advice would be great!

thanks and have a blessed day,

Suanne  

Hi Suanne and welcome. You will find a lot of diversity when it comes to treatments on this forum. I for one do believe fibro is progressive but there are a lot of factors involved age, other medical problems and activity level to name a few. I am not on any narcotics but I do have a bottle of vicoden in the cabinet if I ever feel I can't take the pain any longer. I do believe the amitriptyline I take helps the pain, I tried cutting back on it last spring and went into a two week flare from hades. I had not felt that kind of pain before or since. I take 4000 mg of tylenol a day, I get liver checked every six months. I use moist heat of any kind bath, shower, heating pad or bed buddy you put in the microwave. You can make your own by filling a long tube sock with uncooked rice and tying the end. I do use a TENS unit to interrupt the pain to the brain if it gets bad. Compared to many my pain is not as bad as the fatigue. I have more pain from the arthritis and fibro in my hands than anything else. I do flare during weather changes and under stress. Right now that would be both.

 

Please read the fibro 101 thread, second on first page, it contains lots of great info. It has stretching exercises too that many of us use. I'm sure your going to get many different suggestions on here and we have to learn by trial and error what works for us. Ask questions and read all you can and we will be here for you.

 

We are having a virtual party at Sherrine's in Florida this weekend and would love for you to join us. Yeah, it gets pretty crazy on here sometimes but we have to keep laughing to survive this winter weather.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Hi Suanne & welcome.  Even when I am sick or hurting I come here to get my mind off myself & see what others are doing.  They are a kind & helpful group of people & you will find all the help & support you need. 

I feel that Fibro is progressive.  My pain has gotten worse over time & my fatigue can disable me. But who knows, maybe it will level out. 

I am a strong believer in the idea that if you can't talk to your Dr, if he/she is not safe for you to tell all your concerns too, you need a different Dr.  Don't feel like an addict, you have pain & need the help that these pain relievers were made for.  If your Physician says you are acting like a drug addict, move on.  I hope this pain specialist will have some answers for you.  I take 600 mg of Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours & this seems to keep my pain at bay.  I am looking into the malic acid & I take a B Complex for help with pain.  I use my bed buddy alot for those spots that just want to keep hurting. 

Good sleep will help to lower your level of pain.  I have a pretty thick mattress topper & a heated mattress pad cover that I can use for all over pain relief.  I take a muscle relaxant at night to help me sleep & I use Melatonin 5mg, sublingual to sleep. 

I hope you come back often & read, read, read.  Knowledge is Power.  Many hugs, Denise

Hi Suane and Welcome-

Pain management is a huge part in treating fibro and if you have a Dr. that does not believe in that, I would move on also. If only they could feel this pain for a day! Things would sure be looked at differently from the medical profession.

Lots of good advice given and it was nice to meet you-

GamJill