We've been told, and by some of your experiences, that fibro isn't progressive.
But this is the worst winter I've ever had. I can't properly call this a flare anymore, my pain isn't spiking. But the steady background pain is higher than it used to be. And it is most of the day, every day. It never used to be like that, even in previous winters. I used to have lots of good days where I hardly had any pain.
I've tried the blue light for energy and it isn't really working, although I think my blues are 'slightly' better.
I am exercising to help with energy and pain, and I only have more pain. This never used to happen either! I used to feel good when I exercised, except for the occasional bad day.
I had to get off work early again yesterday, my arms couldn't carry one more plate.
So is this my new normal? Am I still flaring? I just don't get it, I feel like a newbie all over again!
I'm also really confused on medications to take and pain. When is a muscle relaxer effective? I also have a hard time taking medication when I am aching. I just can't seem to justify it as pain, it's hard to explain. If I stop and try to evaluate how much it hurts, it really feels quite low, so I don't take anything. But b/c it last all day and is accompanied by that heavy feeling, it actually disrupts my life more than the sharp pains that can make me cry out. These do hurt, but they are fleeting so don't bother me. Even when the aching feels bad enough that I can't ignore it with activity or redirection, I can't call it pain. My doctor told me to take athritis Tylenol, and use it before the pain gets bad. But it doesn't work, and I don't need meds until the aching gets bad enough that I can't ignore it anymore. Tramacets make me loopy so I can't take them unless I'm prepared to do nothing but stay on the couch. And if I have to do that, I may as well not take anything and try to push through or stay on the couch anyway. Argh!! I'm not even making sense to myself, how can I expect an answer to my non-questions?
I'm going to call the doctor again next week. My fatigue isn't improving after me trying to help myself and after the pace of the holidays. I also want her to evaluate my elbows. I think it's fibro b/c it's on both sides, but on the other hand it could be tendonitis b/c the nature of the pain is different. But then again, it also hurts even without movement. On the other hand, I won't take medications or they won't work, so what is the point?
I feel like a little kid again, I need my Mommy! I can't make up my mind when to take my Tramacet, when it feels bad enough to be justified. I need someone to say, here, take this and you will feel better. I know this doesn't happen with fibro pain. I told you I feel like a complete newbie at this again. Thank you is you made it through this very muddled post, and double thank you if you can help me make any sense out of my feelings.
gentle hugs