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Posted 7/14/2010 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
I am in so much pain. I was dX WITH fM a year ago. Since them I am so much worse. The last 7 months my hands have gotten so stiff, along with my fingers..all day long. My fingers get stuck in positions that are so painfull. My feet do the same but not as worse, along the balls of my feet. My elbows throbb from the joints with sharp pains that shoot down my arms towards my hands. My knees wont move like they did, they are stiff and painfull. I keep gettin painfull headaches that wake me in the middle of the night. Theres more but I will finally ask..what helps any of you. This is unbearable. I take cymbalta and tramadol..along with anti-inflamitory. Please, why is this acting up more now..what can I do?
Posted 7/14/2010 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Mama6,

Welcome! I'm sorry that you need to be here, but if you have fibro, you've come to the right forum! Please read the 2nd thread - it has lots of good hints. We all have different things that help us, but these are some basics. I'm sure some of the moderators will be along soon to talk to you, too.

First off, do you have a good doctor you can believe in and count on? That's so important.

Achey
Posted 7/14/2010 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Achy is right, you need a good doctor to count on. Also, I do pool therapy in a nice heated 90degree pool. You might want to see. Your body is lighter in water, so it is easier to move. The longer we move, the longer we have that function to move.
Posted 7/14/2010 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Mama,
If your fingers are stiff it may be arthritis... You will have to ask the doc about this. I know it hurts to move but it will hurt if you don't move, too, so you better get moving. If you don't walk, climb a few stairs, push a grocery cart... pretty soon you won't be able to. When the pain gets bad I rest a minute and then keep on keepin' on. For me that's the only way. Gotta keep going...
Posted 7/14/2010 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mama and welcome to our Fibro Family!

Like others have said, this IS a wonderful place for support! We're obviously not medical professionals but we all have tons of experience we'll be happy to share.

I have no doubt that fibro is causing your pain, but like Jeannie and others have said...you best get back to a good doctor. Sure sounds like something more is going on. It may not be but it would pay to have someone check. Try getting a referral to a rheumatologist who treats fibro...that last part is very important.

If it is fibro and nothing else there are things that can explain your increased pain. Stress will wipe us out in a heartbeat! Also, changes in weather/barometric pressure, change in your schedule, any other illness, doing more than you normally do or not doing enough. OK, that almost doesn't make sense but I think if you reflect on it a bit you'll totally understand what I'm referring to.

So many things and changes in our life can make the fibro go wild. Then we worry and it gets worse. Get an appointment with a rheumatologist and/or your regular doc to not only see what else might be going on but to see if one of them will get your something more serious for pain relief. You do NOT have to live with that much pain. A good doctor will address pain control right away!

One thing that would really help you now and over time is to keep a pain journal. Below is a link to a journal page that you can copy for free. Print off one page for each day and keep it filled in the best you can. Put them in a notebook, binder, folder or whatever but keep them all. Then every trip to any doctor you take that journal with you and ask them to review it while you wait. It will show them the intensity of your pain, when and what affects it, etc. You may begin to see patterns and what is making your pain worse, but more important the doctors will get a clear picture of your pain and will better be able to treat it.

I do hope things get better and keep in touch.
Chutz

http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/publications/files/targetdailylog.pdf
Posted 7/14/2010 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
thanks you all for your replies, I will try to get into the Dr. My Rhuemy doesn't want to check anything else. He said my pr dr diagnosed me with FM so thats what I have. I see him and my Pr in August, but that seems like such a long time. My second oldest teenager was trying to sneak out last night(all I need, right? and so I was up half the night on patrol, then Had to be in to work at 6. I am dead tired today and today I can feel the all over muscle aches and tension headache, but my joints are throbbing, and it took forever to be able to get out of bed this morning. I will bring it up to the DR. Should I wait for my app. or call to try to get in earlier? Thank you, Heather
Posted 7/14/2010 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Heather, welcome to the fibro family! I am so sorry you are hurting. Fibro can be so
unpredictable sometimes. There are days when a flare can seem to come out of
nowhere. Pain levels seem all over the place. You should call and see if you can get
in earlier. Ask to be put on the cancellation list.

In the mean time, do all you can to keep your stress levels down. Soak in a hot bath
and do deep breathing exercises. Take a walk...exercise is important even when you
are flaring...just don't push it. Heat is a fibromites friend and I own several bedbuddies,
microwave rice heating pads.

Hoping you will be able to see the doc soon and find some relief! Gald you joined us!!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 7/14/2010 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have started a new course of meds that include Savella, Klonopin, Lyrica and Zoltaren.

This is the best I've felt in a long time...

I hope this helps.

 

Posted 7/14/2010 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi heather just wanted to welcome you to the boards. Im sorry you are in so much pain. Hopefully you will get in to see your doc soon. I think you might want to ask him about tests to rule out arthritis. I have both fibro and osteoarthritis if part of it is arthritis then an anti-inflamatory would probably help some.

Once again welcome to the family and sorry you have to be here.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 7/14/2010 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome to the forum, Heather!  I've had the pain in the fingers and feet.  My fingers would lock in a position and I would have to pry them straight again and it really hurt.  I was having problems holding a pen and writing, too.  So, this very well could be fibro.

 

Did the doctor that originally diagnose you run a lot of tests to rule out other illnesses?  You see, there are other things that can cause these same symptoms and you need to rule these out before the diagnosis is given.  Check out Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There is a link called What Else Could It Be.  There are a lot of good links there to help you.

 

You do need to keep moving.  If you don't, you will be stiff as a board.  Have daily gentle exercises to do.  I walk and swim for my exercises.  When I started, I couldn't walk very far but now I do great.  There are some gentle stretching exercises in Fibro 101, too, that do work.

 

I have found that malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements have helped me a lot with pain and fatigue. Again, there are links about these in Fibro 101.  I also use ibuprofen and extra strength Tylenol to help me. 

 

All of the above is what has helped me be in control of the pain.  I always have pain but I'm able to live a full and enjoyable life with it. 

 

I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 7/14/2010 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Mama
Tramadol and Cymbalta are a mix to be watched carefully, since they interract. For that matter, tramadol is a problem with just about anything! I've had the muscle spasms signalling serotonin syndrome with tramadol and several meds that I've tried.

Recently I had to stop gabapentin because I had muscle spasms that stopped my breathing (briefly, thank goodness). My pain doc that only occurs when there is an overdose. Well that sounds just like old sensitive me! I usually start with a half or a quarter of anything because I can pretty much count on getting whatever side effects are possible.

But do see a doctor, preferably a rheumatologist!
Posted 7/14/2010 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
you need to get some blood work done to see where your potassium and magneisum levels are at i dont no where you live but i live in pratt kansas and the heat now is 104 degres and that will zap these pot and maga out of you body and if you are on any meds you will loss them through you urine so please have the blood work do soon   sonny nono
Posted 7/15/2010 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I live in Indianapolis. It is hot here as well. I didn't realize that Cymbalta and Tramadol don't do well together. I will try to get on the Dr.'s cancellation list..I really feel too that I need to get in sooner. Today I didn't take any Tramadol, advil, anti-inflammatory..and My muscle are sore and shooting everywhere. It is all i can do to type this, my hands, fingersm knees and feet are throbbing..but I just wanted to get a feel if any of the crap was actually helping me. Of course couldn't do that with Cymbalta and it's nasty effects.
I was on immitrex for the headaces before but it didn't help. I took Lyrica but had severe rash and total mood depression and change. When I took predisone for 3 herniated disk this last year I had relief from the pain and stiffness, but boy as they weened me off omg did it come back with a vengence. Thanks for all your help and advice and being so welcoming!! You all have been so helpfull. I will try to post often and help any way I can. gratefull, Heather
Posted 7/15/2010 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't realize what an interaction that the two meds could have. I don't understand why my Rhumie would prescribe these two together. It does explain my migraines and the nausea, wow. I would't have put the two together. Thanks for the info. Today so far is a 21 on the 1-10 pain scale, but I know it is because I didn't take anything yesterday, or last night. Hopefully it will get better as the day goes on. Here is hoping you all have a pain free day!!
Posted 7/15/2010 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Mama...you really have to do your own research when given prescriptions these days as I swear, some doctors have no clue. My rhuemy gave me Lexapro knowing I take large doses of Advil and the first warning on the label is 'taking NSAIDS with this drug may cause increased intestinal/stomach bleeding'.(which it did) He also knew I have RLS and the drug is notorious for making that worse also. Thank goodness for pharamcists, and that's who I ask for drug interactions now. I am sure your rhuemy will say the risk is very slim, which may be true but it's good to know the information anyway so you can recognize the symptoms if they pop up.

Hope you get the help and relief you need.

huggies

Donna
Posted 7/15/2010 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not saying don't take tramadol. Just beware of the side efects when you take it with other medications. Do your homework and learn the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. This can occur with mixing other medications also.

My first serotonin syndrome symptoms are always muscle spasms in my left thigh. Then I get abdominal muscle spasms. From that I know I've got a bad mix and either stop one of the meds or back off on the dosage.

When I reported to my pain doc that I had a spasm in my diaphragm, he said that only occurs in an overdose. But stopping the Neurontin (cold turkey with awful withdrawal pain) the spasms went away immediately. I already know I'm overly sensitive (from the fibro) to meds, generaly have to take half the prescribed dose, have a whole typed page of meds and my bad reactions.

My doc gave me time-release tramadol (generic and cheap). So far it's giving me a little dizziness (first morning pill), but I think that will go away because the pill I took last night caused the same thing. I also started Flexeril (which can react with the tramadol) a few days ago, just at night, an it's helping a lot with the night muscle tightening, allowing me to sleep. I hope not to have any serious problems, but at least I know what symptoms to watch for.
Posted 7/15/2010 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
I know better than just taking whatever too. I think, he just throws whatever is the least to shut me up. That's why i need a new Rhuemy. In the meantime, this sucks. I don't wish this on anyone. I know everyone feels this way...but you know how it is when you are going threw it..you feel like why is this happening to me, how am i going to make it. i called the Dr.'s office and they said they haven't had any cancellation but if they do they would contact me..so it's still a waiting game. I printed off the journal pain pages and have began using them so I have a login everyday of what is going on. Thanks again. Heather
Posted 7/16/2010 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
One question - is it your joints that hurt or the tendons and ligaments that attach muscle to bone and muscle to muscle? An anti-inflammatory should help relieve the pain if the problem within the joints themselves. If the joint pain is actually in the soft tissues around the joints then the anti-inflammatories may not help. Fibro is primarily a soft tissue disease.

Take care...
Posted 7/16/2010 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you are hurting so bad. I don't understand this illness at all. I hope that you feel better soon.
Posted 7/16/2010 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
It is my joints that hurt. I believe though that my tendons and muscles ar what is causing the pain that runs from my elbow joints(primarily left..but both sometimes) down my arm towards my hand. After cleaning this school yesterday, when I was trying to sleep, my small joints in my fingers, hands, and knees were just throbbing..it was so hard to go to sleep. Even though i was exhausted . I layed for hours. Anyways, this morning even though my joints were really hurting, my muscles were so sore and stinging. I continue to listen and take your advice. You guys are the best. I cannot believe what support and help i received from you guys . You all are great. If it doesn't hurt so bad give yourselves a pat on the back.
Posted 7/16/2010 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Heather, I can't remember if you mentioned having bloodwork done to eliminate
the connective tissue diseases. If you haven't get in done and I agree about looking
for a new rheumy.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 7/17/2010 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
mama6 - You have been given some very good advice by other members here and really have to follow up with doctors and tests to verify exactly what is causing all the joint pain.

I just have one thing to mention. I went through a long period with severe pain in my elbows, shoulders and ankles. Arms were so bad I couldn't lift just a few pounds. I started researching natural anti-inflammatories and came across curcumin, an extract of turmeric the spice used in curries, that's known to prevent inflammation in soft tissue. It's readily available at herbal shops, etc. so I picked up a bottle of 500mg gel caps and started taking 2 once a day in the morning.

I couldn't believe it - after 3 days all my tendon/ligament pain was 90% gone.

Curcumin is also great for many other things. You may wish to read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin.

In Canada a month's supply is about $20. For the price it might be worth giving it a try as it may be quite a while before you get diagnosed through the health care system. You should look for a brand that says it has 98% curcuminoids.

There are really no side effects to curcumin even in much higher doses. I've been taking it every day for two years now. It is a little bit of a blood thinner so you'd have to check with your doctor if you are on any prescription thinners.

Also, it's not very water soluble so it's best taken with an oil. I take my 2 capsules a day with 2 capsules of wild salmon oil - something else everyone should be taking as far as I'm concerned smile

If you do decide to try the curcumin please report back. I have a ton of information on it so if you want more just contact me directly.

Russ
Posted 7/17/2010 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you're hurting so much. :(

I wasn't able to read all the replies, so I apologize in advance if I am duplicating info here.

Someone did mention stress - oh yes, big trigger. I agree.

For me, I find that if I skip my supplements, I go backwards and get worse again. You might be different but for me I have to have my multi-vitamin (I use gummy vites that kids take), a chewable vitamin C, a bunch of tart/sour dried cherries, and a brazil nut every day with breakfast. My docs have always given me the nod of approval for these. Tart/Sour/Pie-type cherries and their juice or extract are sometimes used for arthritis patients to reduce inflammation and pain - for some reason it helps me even though I'm not dx'd with arthritis - so I keep using it. The brazil nut has high selenium from a natural source so I can't o.d. on it, and it supports thyroid health - something I have to watch carefully.

Maybe you can find your own group of supplements. These make a HUGE difference even though they're pretty insignificant sounding. It is little things that sometimes can make a difference.

Also - I skimmed the posts and saw that you didn't sleep well - that's HUGE. You must work hard to get good sleep. If you don't you can not feel better. I know it is hard - but you're worth it - keep trying for better.

Hope you can get a doctor to re-evaluate what is going on. Your symptoms do sound like they warrant another look.

*hugs*
Posted 7/21/2010 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the advice. It's been a rough week so i haven't been on to post. My daughter had all star tourney for softball about an hour and a half aouth of us. We were there for over 10 hours. The back and fourth on the fields, and dealing with the kids..Sunday was not pleasant. I stayed in bed mainly. My poor kids. Thank God my husband actually had the day off. He helped and made dinner, baths, and even cleaned up..I count my blessings..not always, I should a whole lot more. Monday's work week started out bad. I think Sunday's exhaustion and day in bed did more harm than good in the long run. Not even the heating pad, ice, or soak in the bath could help all the throbbing. Ok, now I'm just whinning, so anyways hope all of you had a better weekend!!
Posted 7/24/2010 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Just an update..with the humidity and heat here my joints and muscles are screaming. Wishing I had more answers or a better Dr. and maybe that much closer to a pain free hour. Not even a day just an hour..or 20 minutes. Wouldn't that be nice? Oh well..it is what it is..continue to wait for a cancellation and wait for Aug.23 (whatever comes first)in hopes that the Dr. will figure this all out. Thanks for letting me vent, Heather
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