Pain is worse than ever! Anyone weigh in on suggestions?

Hi igotaLemon: (cute name, btw!)

I don't know if I'll be much help, but just a few things I do regarding fibro pain.

This probably isn't the best time to talk about more heat, but when I get a flare, heat seems to be my best friend! Warm showers or baths, heated microwavable 'bed buddies,' a heating pad. I have used at least some of these even this (very hot) Summer--seems to melt the "knots" away. This is good accompanied by a good, relaxing book or movie or doing a craft I enjoy. Praying has been a tremendous help to me and calms both my mind and body down.

Tricky as it might be, I try to slow down as much as possible and shift to a low 'speed' on everything I do. It's just not the time to accomplish a whole lot, much as I'd like to. I had a bad flare in July which hung on. I slowed WAY down for a few weeks. It was a bit frustrating but paid off in the end.

Have you tried muscle rubs? I find sometimes the cheapest ones at Wal-Mart work just as well as the expensive ones. I've also experimented with using essential oils mixed with a carrier oil, used as a muscle rub. Scents like lavender can be soothing, too. There are now so many kinds of essential oils so you can choose your favorite(s).

Exploring anything relating to nature helps me, too. Sometimes I'll just do a search on bird songs or find relaxing songs on YouTube--takes me to a relaxing little mini vacation. Being outside is a diversion, too, as is working on crafts. My cat is a sweet little friend who can always put a smile on my face. Visiting with my grandchildren is so fun, too.

This might sound like a weird suggestion, but when my pain is nasty, if my stomach will tolerate it, I sometimes eat something just a little spicy, such as Doritos or barbecue-flavored potato chips or maybe salsa or anything with just a bit of 'zip.' But a warning----don't do this if your stomach isn't agreeable to that or if you have any digestive issues, of course. I find for me it seems to divert my pain, somehow.

Just a few ideas. My heart goes out to you and everyone near the fires. I can't imagine what you've been through. Sending gentle fibro hugs and prayers.

Good afternoon, Igotalemon, and welcome! Finally! I have tried numerous times to get in but it wouldn’t let me sign in. Anyway, I finally made it.

I use ibuprofen with food, vitamin D3, magnesium malate, calcium citrate (yes. It helps with pain!) and a muscle relaxer called Robaxin (methocarbamol). All this has helped so much with pain. I have fibro, Crohn’s, ankylosing spondylitis with sacroiliitis and all cause pain. I’m also diabetic. Last year I was put on a blood thinner so I don’t take the ibuprofen right now and, my pain is quite manageable and I give the credit to the muscle relaxer. Robaxin has been around for decades. I was first given this for back pain back in 1978-1979! So it’s been well tested. It’s worth a shot to see if these things help you. Unfortunately what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another with fibro. It’s a trial and error type thing. Let us know what helps you!

Be sure to read Fibro 101…the first thread on the forum. There is a lot of good info there and you can learn a lot.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. I do hope you see this post since it’s so late.

Sherrine