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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 2/6/2013 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi yall

I am new to forum and talking this.    Diagnosed in 1992 due to neck problems, car wreck earlier maybe reason  for neck pain.     I was am a physical therapist assistant.      Hurt neck lifting patient had surgery on neck with plare and screws put in.     Have had more trouble with my fibro since and developing other symptoms.    Has anyone ever been able to get off meds?       Since this have gained weight has anyone else had any weight problems?     Have been where I am now bout 2  3  years not gaining or loosing.       I am taking cymbalta,lyrica,xanaflex,singulair,botox injections, allergy injections. Others to.       Blame it on the meds but just don't know anymore.    Please give any insite.       Haven't worled in some time and missing it badley but just knowing I can't is a killer.    Feel ashamed and don't tell.    Constant worry husband will loose job and that he has to carry the "burden"  of supporting us all alone.       He is wonderful, just has some handling difficulties.    Two wonderful children youngest juvenile diabetic and possible asberger.      Constant stress.    Fibro fog has no place with my taking care of my son, husband on swing shift.       

Posted 2/6/2013 7:55 AM (GMT 0)
Number one: stress is so bad for fibro. I think I'd look into some therapy for depression or meditation techniques to help. Once you get the depressive side of it controlled it makes it easier to take a deep breath and not feel so panicky.
I wouldn't feel bad about not working. It sounds like you have a child with special needs and its great that you have the opportunity to personally care for that child. Being mom comes first.
Fibromyalgia hits us all differently with its grab bag of symptoms. Personally, I'm on medication and I do lots of stretching and walking. Staying active helps the pain. I know lots of others control their fibro through diet and supplements so it comes down to what works and what you are comfortable with. The fibro 101 thread at the too has wonderful information on treatment options so that would be a great place to start. Plus, there are wonderfully helpful people here.
Posted 2/6/2013 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Too bad you couldn't help with physical therapy part time if you didn't have to do any lifting, just to be around what you enjoy. It is hard to accept when you can't work anymore. Have you thought about applying for disability or ssi? It might be something that could help you. I would look into it. How long have you been out of work? I think it has to be 12 months, but I am not sure. Depending on which you apply for.

Have you thought about physical therapy? That might help you too. I have gained weight from having fibromyalgia, I don't move around as much as I use to. I need to though. It has been really cold out lately here and it is hard to go out in it.

Do check out the thread called "fibro 101". It is the first thread on the forum. There is a lot of helpful information there. I think you would get a lot out of it.

Keep posting, it helps to know that you aren't alone.

Take care and have a good day. Try not to be hard on yourself. And try to see the positives in your life. Like A_V said, you have the oppertunity to be with your child now, and that is truly a blessing.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/6/2013 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds as if you would benefit from some counseling on loss and handling stress. It is hard to manage the sadness and fear that results from being physically compromised with this condition. It is normal to grieve. And it is harder when you have real-life worries about family to boot. Talking to a counselor can help relieve pressure and give you some emotional framework to cope better.

Sounds also as if you need to go to a doctor, and spend some time sorting through some of the concerns you have with prescription interactions. These are valid concerns, especially when there are multiple medications. Figuring all this out can take a long time.

Have a pain-low day!
Posted 2/7/2013 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Quirkytngal, and welcome!  You know, many people gain weight on Lyrica so that could be what is happening to you.  Some have gained over 40 pounds.  It is a  possible side effect of the drug.  It doesn't sound like it's helping you that much.  There are other medications out there that might help you more.  It's worth a shot.

 

I use malic acid/magnesium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements, ibuprofen and Tylenol.  I also take a muscle relaxer that has helped me significantly.  This has helped me be in control of my pain.

 

I also walk daily as a gentle form of exercise and I pace myself.  I wouldn't attempt lifting a patient.  Do you work in a hospital-type setting?  Aren't there orderlies who do lifting all of the time?  With your chronic pain and neck pain, you shouldn't do that.  That can just make things worse.  I'm sure there are plenty of other duties your job calls for that doesn't require straining your muscles.  (Oops!  I just realized you aren't working right now.  Perhaps you could if you didn't have to lift people.) 

 

You said you feel ashamed.  Why?  Is it your weight gain that makes you feel that way?  Is it because you aren't working right now?  I think you just need to find what will help you control your pain.  It's apparent that what you are doing now doesn't seem to be working that well.  If it's the weight that is bothering you, I might be able to help.  I lost 85 pounds counting carbs and have kept it off.  It's really not a diet...it's choosing the right foods to eat and using portion control.  It's a way of life for me now and I've kept the weight off for quite a few years.  If you are interested in what I did/do, just email me.  Look under my name at the left of the post and you will see a little envelope.  Click on that and it sets you up to email me.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 2/7/2013 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome quirky! Just reading your post sounds a little similiar to mine. I had a neck injury with bolts and screws and I was working as a nurse. I know how exactly how you feel. I think my fibro kicked in Full force right after my injury. It caused me to get on lots of narcotics. I went back to work on my old floor of orthopedics. As you know, it's all about rehab and lifting patients. It was in no time I realized I couldn't keep up with the pain. I also found out I shoudn't lift more then 5 pounds the rest of my life. So I change jobs, but contined to have pain and fatigue. I finally had to stop work all together.

I wanted to tell you this story because now I am doing great. I got off all my heavy narcotics and my pain is well controlled. The biggest thing is that you might have to look into something that doesn't require you to lift. I know it's hard to find a job like that. This is the reason I took disability. It has given my life back to me.

I just started a weight loss plan this week. I have gained so much weight because of my meds and not moving around as much. I would try to get your pain under controlled first and start feeling better first.

You found the best forum to be at. I came here in horrible shape and so depressed. I just started reading post daily and getting ideas on how to manage my fibro. It was in no time I started seeing some results. Just having the support here will be a big part of you feeling better.

Many of us have different treatments plans, but similiar. We all react different to meds. Many of us have numerious health problems with fibro, so you will see a difference in treatments.

I just wanted to give you some hope. You can start feeling better. It just takes some education on learning how to manage your fibro. If you haven't read a good book on fibro, buy one . It made so much sense after reading it. If your neck is like mine, the best cure is going to be no lifting more then 5 pounds. If I lift more, It will cause more pain. Then I just get in a viscious cycle with pain meds. So when I finally accepted my limitations it really made the world of difference. I just had to wait for husband many of times to move something for me. I have children with disabilities and it does put an extra strain on you. I hope you stay around and get the support you need here. I give this site so much credit for helping me turn my life around.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 2/7/2013 2:01:49 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/15/2013 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello I really enjoyed reading your replies.... I am on disability but working in physical theraqpy i know how people look at you when no outward signs are evident and to I understand now that they don't know the way you feel. Diagnosed with fibro forfourteen years before hurt my neck but always had trouble with my neck husband had to lift out of bed when neck was flared up. It is some better but take injections every 3 months now she is closing her practice. I really hate starting with a new doctor. Hate to take so much meds but I am awful without it. Notice that things woeey me more now than ever and I don't handle things as well as I used to, is this part of fibro. 6 years since neck surgery and have been off work since. Try togive back(helpfamily and friends when I can tolerate) and keepmy mind busy. Just found this site and have been reading up to understand about all the things that are caused or affiliated to fibro.




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Fibro Asthma IBS ICC Torticollis Allergies Tendonitis left elbow and right wrist Migraines
Posted 2/15/2013 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I stay hot most of time can anyone tell me if the fibro causes this or med related. Palms of hand stay hot. Has anyone tried the HCG for weight loss? Thank you Ak Angel good luck with with what you have going and it helped to read your post. I have pretty much stuckmy head in the sand about thinking like always I can handle or it will go away. Now accepting and learning about it more and more about new treatments from people with same thing.
when initial post made had some other issues flaring and going on gwtting tx now. It's just not as fast getting better as appearing. Thank you all for you advice and support.


Wishing everyone a good day in all ways.
Posted 2/16/2013 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
My hands are hot all of the time. They used to be freezing a lot now it's the opposite.
However I don't think it's fibro related. I think it's related to my Lupus.
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