Ljm2014: Thanks for mentioning Soothanol x2 and Pain Erase. I hadn't heard of either, so looked them up and they sound helpful.
I sometimes resort to OTC creams. It's interesting. Some don't seem to do much at all, and some help almost instantly. It seems I'm forever comparing them, and some of the cheaper ones work just as well, but others are worthless! I'm always interested in hearing what others here have had success with as far as topicals.
SquaredSss: I also have what my neurologist believes is mild cerebral palsy, because of my 'floppy' reflexes and 'too good' muscle tone, especially in my legs. Surprisingly, I only found that out about
10 years ago, and he suspects I may have always had it! I do think it plays a big part as far as my muscle issues such as spasm, cramping, etc., and is quite similar to fibromyalgia.
Anyway, during these summer months, most of my pain disappears, or 'almost' disappears. But it comes back with a vengeance in the Fall! So I certainly hear what you're saying as far as managing the pain on an as-needed basis. For me, every Fall I seem to have to start fresh and review my methods of controlling pain, get new soft shoe inserts, 'up' my meds, etc..
One thing my doctor did which I really like was to give me a prescription for a lower dose of my meds. I can sometimes squeak by with, for example, 100 mg of Neurontin versus the 300 mg tablets I used to take. I like that I don't have all the drowsiness and general 'feel out of it' feeling on the lower dosage, though there are days I do have to go back to the 300 mgs.
Maybe this is something you could talk over with your doctor? Just an idea. I surely hear what you say about preferring not having to be on meds constantly. Then there's the issue of the dangers of tapering off meds too quickly (if you are taking anything at all). It's a balancing act, to be sure, and something to be in constant contact with your doc.
If you're not totally sure you have fibro, have you been checked over by a neurologist? Or a rheumy? Testing was very helpful for me.
Good luck and I hope you find some do-able solutions.