Posted 9/19/2014 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tumbleweed:
Welcome to the lupus forum, so sorry that you needed to join. I understand the muscle pain you're describing, I suffer with it all the time. I do not believe it's related to my lupus though. I was first DX'd with Fibro and with Fibro you muscles can feel as if they are on fire. My muscles at times feel like there a little person inside me with lighter burning my muscles.
It's painful to touch them and at times my muscles hurt so bad that I think death would be a better option. I also have RA and my lupus on top of the Fibro. I learned two years ago that I also have LGL leukemia, which is a leukemia that happens with RA and auto immune diseases.
For me to control my chronic pain I do take oral pain medication. I have both a long acting medication and a short acting or break through medication. I also, use lidoderm patches, TENS unit, heat, ice, massage, PT, stretching, meditation, and biofeedback to try to help control my pain. I also see a therapist who deals with pain patients.
I'm also on tons of medications to treat my various illnesses, I can say that I take 24 oral medications daily. Then I take break through pain medication as needed, as well as anti nausea medication. Plus I take 2 shots daily in my stomach and MTX shot weekly.
For me I'm never pain free and don't expect to be. I'm always tired and never feel well, but I forge ahead everyday and try to make it the best that I can. When my pain is sky high, I'm suicidal and want to die period, I work through that with a lot of help from friends and Doctors. I'd suggest that you talk with your Doctor and ask them to send you to a pain management doctor and see if they can help you out with something.
Now, not everyone agrees with taking pain medication. I can tell you my hubby isn't big on it, nor is his sister who IS a Doctor. They like to call me an addict, which I'm not, but that's a whole other issue. If you're against pain medication then possibly trying some of the other stuff I listed may help.
Lupus is the disease of 1,000 faces and we all react differently to it. Some are lucky and get sick bad once and go into remission and do great. Then there are folks like me who do not respond to treatment and we are sick as all get out. I've taken every medication to treat lupus except gold injections and my Doctor's feel that would be a waste. So, I've had to accept this is as good as it's gonna get and go on with my life. I know that I've been told I will get sicker until die. I'm just along for the ride right now, if I can offer you any advice or additional information let me know.
I hope that you get some pain relief soon, and that you're able to start feeling better really soon. As the the sex part. I've been married 29 years now going on 30, communication between you and your spouse is important. It's important that they understand it's not THEM, but your DISEASE that is keeping the fire from burning to hot. I know my spouse would never consider asking me to do something if it's going to cause me any pain. He's say that would take the fun out of it, him knowing that he's making me feel pain or worse.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing and if your pain gets better. This is a great place to come and vent and talk about how you feel. We've all at some point felt the same way. Take care of yourself and rest when you're tired.
Hugs,
Barbara