[January]

Oh my gosh, Sabby! I'm so sorry you have to do all that to get your laundry done. There are portable hand washers and dryers that you can get for next to nothing, ( well relatively), from Amazon that you can do undies, socks, tops and jeans with. I used them before I moved here and got a washer and dryer. Talk to me about this.

I'm trying to be quiet today. I pushed through the last couple days and did work around here. I am taking advil for the anti-inflammatory effect. I hope it works.

Thank you for the good advice and thank you ever so much for caring. It helps so much.

[angelene]

The weather is ping-pong-ing all over the place. Need I say more?
((((((Gentle Hugs to Everyone))))))

[~Christina]

I also would like to thank this wicked weather a great big "Screw you" because its going to ramp my pain up to the point of thinking stupid thoughts..

I hope we all can stay warm and avoid a huge flare from ole man winter.

..|..

[avlady]

its below 0 here i have the heat on luckily the furnace is working now because it was broken during the last snowstorm

[Doll Steak]

Hello. I am new here, and looking for some information. I have been having pain for close to a year now. In the past couple of months it has been unbearable, especially in my lower back. I am unable to stand or walk for more than ten minutes at a time, when my back starts to weaken (feels like its going to snap in half) and I have to sit. The pain is very sharp and radiates across my lower back into my hips and buttocks. I find myself sitting on the floors in the grocery store, library, wherever...just for a few minutes until I can straighten again. It takes me 20 min. to do just a few dishes and glasses at home, because I have to keep stopping, leaning over the sink or sitting. While my back is the worst part, I also have pain in my joints. (especially my right index and middle finger, where they can't be touched, left index finger, left thigh, my right knee, my left ankle and left shin and my left elbow) I can't explain those pains, they are like lightning bolts or knife stabs and they feel like they are in my bone, and muscle, not just the joint. My doctor doesn't know what's wrong with me. I have had MRI's, X-rays, etc and they show arthritis, degenerative discs, spurs, etc. but she says it's nothing to worry about and tells me to do stretches. This past week has been very difficult. On top of all this, I have mental health issues. I have been taking medications for over 20 yrs for BP Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. I currently take Prozac, Trazadone, Tegretol, and Seroquel. On Friday I went to doctor and told her of the pains and they gave me a shot in my back (Toradol?) and a muscle relaxer called Flexeril. I had another x-ray done on my lower back. All the same, just more arthritis, mild scoliosis, spurs.... They are sending me for PT again. She doesn't believe in chiropractic's, and she doesn't believe in Fibromyalgia either. I was tested for RA last year and it was negative. I have no answers as to what all the other pain is from. My parents have arthritis and get along better than I do. I am only 46. I feel like I am losing my mind. I have a high pain tolerance and I am not a complainer in general but I find myself crying constantly due to the pain. Can anyone direct me as to how to approach my doctor with this, or what other kind of doctor I may need. Does anyone think that long term use of antipsychotics, depressives, or any of my meds could be to blame for this? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[January]

Hello and welcome to P.C. I'm sorry you are in such pain. Do you have a rheumatologist? I highly recommend you seek out one. Call and see if he/she treats fibro, so that you know you will be treated if that turns out to be the case. If she doesn't, seek a different referral.

I'm just learning about my fibro, so I'm sure other members will be much more informative, but I do care and I hope you get the help you so need very soon.

Does anyone else suffer from fibromyalgia?

I had it really bad probably a decade ago, and then it went largely into remission. I just started a couch-to-5k jogging program, and it has started up again. I'm really disappointed in this. I know there are some people who run who have fibromyalgia, and somehow I would like to be one of them.

The first few days of doing the 5k plan, it was something like run 1 minute/walk 2 minutes for 20 minutes, and I was able to do that without flaring. That was last week. Then Monday of this week a flare hit me. It was a mild one but a flare nonetheless. Then I made the bonehead move of jog/walking yesterday when I think the flare was not quite gone and the flare has worsened.

Will be struggling through the day to get things done.

[sabby]

Originally Posted by Doll Steak

Hello. I am new here, and looking for some information. I have been having pain for close to a year now. In the past couple of months it has been unbearable, especially in my lower back. I am unable to stand or walk for more than ten minutes at a time, when my back starts to weaken (feels like its going to snap in half) and I have to sit. The pain is very sharp and radiates across my lower back into my hips and buttocks. I find myself sitting on the floors in the grocery store, library, wherever...just for a few minutes until I can straighten again. It takes me 20 min. to do just a few dishes and glasses at home, because I have to keep stopping, leaning over the sink or sitting. While my back is the worst part, I also have pain in my joints. (especially my right index and middle finger, where they can't be touched, left index finger, left thigh, my right knee, my left ankle and left shin and my left elbow) I can't explain those pains, they are like lightning bolts or knife stabs and they feel like they are in my bone, and muscle, not just the joint. My doctor doesn't know what's wrong with me. I have had MRI's, X-rays, etc and they show arthritis, degenerative discs, spurs, etc. but she says it's nothing to worry about and tells me to do stretches. This past week has been very difficult. On top of all this, I have mental health issues. I have been taking medications for over 20 yrs for BP Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. I currently take Prozac, Trazadone, Tegretol, and Seroquel. On Friday I went to doctor and told her of the pains and they gave me a shot in my back (Toradol?) and a muscle relaxer called Flexeril. I had another x-ray done on my lower back. All the same, just more arthritis, mild scoliosis, spurs.... They are sending me for PT again. She doesn't believe in chiropractic's, and she doesn't believe in Fibromyalgia either. I was tested for RA last year and it was negative. I have no answers as to what all the other pain is from. My parents have arthritis and get along better than I do. I am only 46. I feel like I am losing my mind. I have a high pain tolerance and I am not a complainer in general but I find myself crying constantly due to the pain. Can anyone direct me as to how to approach my doctor with this, or what other kind of doctor I may need. Does anyone think that long term use of antipsychotics, depressives, or any of my meds could be to blame for this? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Hi Doll Steak,

I'm sorry to hear of all the pain you are in. I'm also sorry to hear that your doctor seems to be less than validating and supportive of you with the pain you are in. Is it possible for you to get a 2nd opinion? It may be time to change doctors at this point.

It's hard to say if any of the pain you are feeling can be attributed to Fibromyalgia from what you posted. And of course, we are not doctors and can't diagnose anyone. I think that January was quite right in telling you about seeing a Rheumatologist. They can do more testing for you as well.

I also suggest seeing an Orthopaedic about your back pain and the spurs. There may be more this kind of doc can do for that pain.

I wish you well!

Wow. I had no idea this check-in existed! I had fibromyalgia pretty bad maybe a decade ago, and then it went into remission for the most part. Well, recently I started a couch-to-5k training program, which is, at this point, one minute and 1/2 of jogging and 2 minutes of walking or something like that for 20 minutes, 3 days per week. I've been doing it outside in the literally freezing temps of Wisconsin.

The first week was fine then BAM! Monday I was hit with a mild flare. Yesterday was the tail end of the flare and I made the foolish decision to go out and do it again. Right after I exercised my legs started getting really sore and then the fatigue/brain fog set in. Today I'm still pretty sore - - just legs and biceps though - - and not too bad of fatigue or brain fog.

I know there are women with fibromyalgia who jog and I want to be one of them. As soon as this flare is over, I'm going to try again. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment but I really enjoy jogging, the way it makes me feel physically and emotionally.

Wishing everyone a pain free day!

[January]

I'm so glad you found the fibro thread. Everyone is so supportive there. They are teaching me so much. I wish you much luck and many pain free days.

Cheers!

Jan

[foxwillow]

I can't take Lyrica either...it makes me feel "wacky" too. I am on a muscle relaxer, but it doesn't do much good.

I HAVE FOUND THE PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION AND MEDITATION/VISUALIZATION HELPS THE MOST sorry I hit the caps lock.

I also take a lot of sleep meds and the get me about 6 hours which is good for me...without it is 2-3.

Sorry I was gone for a minute and had to throw up (I'm Bulimic,too)

As for the foam cushion i had one of those waffle ones they give you in the hospital and brought it home. It really didn't make a difference for me and kept making my sheets slip off at the corners. I am thinking of one of those expensive therapedic one, but really don't have the money...

Hope you feel better today and have a good night's sleep

Foxy

[sabby]

Hi foxy,

Have you tried Cymbalta at all? It worked really well for me for a couple of years, then things got worse and the doc added the lyrica which has helped too. I do think I need in an increase in the Lyrica now though as I'm in pain every single day and not every other or every couple of days like I was before. It really stinks having to push yourself through it though. Some days, I just can't seem to push anymore and it's really doing a number on me mentally.

[sabby]

((((((((( newgal )))))))))

Glad you found us here! I like your spunk and determination! I have no doubt that you will manage to do your jogging. You are an inspiration to me!

Thanks you guys. Well, I just found out I'm approved to volunteer Tues and Thurs mornings at a museum, so I can't afford to be flaring if I want to get that and other responsibilities done. Now it's not a problem because I'm not working or volunteering and can get stuff done.

Because I can't afford to be flaring, I told myself I am NOT going to try the jog/walking until this flare is completely over. I'm guessing that won't be until Sunday a.m. And then I will do Day 1 of Week 1 again. If I flare again, I think I will throw in the towel for jogging. I just won't be able to afford the flare downtime. Really bummed out about this, but it is what it is.

Today I'm still slightly sore but not too bad. Minimal fatigue and no brain fog.

[sabby]

I hope you don't have to give up the jogging newgal2. But, I can understand if you may have to do that. Our bodies just don't work right and the amount of downtime we end up having from overdoing things has to be considered.

I have to thank you though, I think you made me see that I'm in a flare myself right now. I had a lot going on over the Christmas holiday time and I did more than I normally should do, not that I'm complaining about doing it, but I do believe it caught up with me.

One step at a time newgal, one step at a time.

Originally Posted by sabby

I hope you don't have to give up the jogging newgal2. But, I can understand if you may have to do that. Our bodies just don't work right and the amount of downtime we end up having from overdoing things has to be considered.

I have to thank you though, I think you made me see that I'm in a flare myself right now. I had a lot going on over the Christmas holiday time and I did more than I normally should do, not that I'm complaining about doing it, but I do believe it caught up with me.

One step at a time newgal, one step at a time.

Yes, unfortunately we can be in the middle of overdoing it but don't realize it until days (or weeks in your case?) after when a flare hits. One step at a time is an excellent approach.

I think my flare is over a day earlier than I expected. Just a little leg soreness, but I think that could be from my jogging in general. As planned, I'm going to try Day 1 of Week 1 of the couch-to-5k program this morning. Should be pleasant because it was 33 degrees already at 4 in the a.m. - - with a high of 37 expected! Yippee! Just hope it doesn't bite me in the butt by causing another flare. Hoping for the best here . . .

Wishing everyone a pain free day!

Updating 3 hours after my jog/walking to say I'm starting to feel lightheaded and kinda tired. Not real sore though, just the typical non-fibro soreness after jog/walking. Not sure if this is a flare starting or what . . . I sure hope not. Fibro sucks. People who don't have it will never really understand. Just like depression.

Do other people with fibro get extreme lightheadedness as a symptom along with their pain? I will not be beat by this. Next time, instead of doing 1 minute of jogging 6 times I will try 1 minute of jogging 3 times and walk the rest.

Checking in about 7 hours after previous post to say flare is in full swing now. Oddly enough, pain isn't too bad. Worst symptoms are extreme fatigue and lightheadedness. Clearly exercise intolerance.

[NoSpecialHurry]

Getting a second opinion might help. Or finding a doctor that beleives in fibro...check out Healthgrades. Good luck.

[NoSpecialHurry]

Originally Posted by Doll Steak

Hello. I am new here, and looking for some information. I have been having pain for close to a year now. In the past couple of months it has been unbearable, especially in my lower back. I am unable to stand or walk for more than ten minutes at a time, when my back starts to weaken (feels like its going to snap in half) and I have to sit. The pain is very sharp and radiates across my lower back into my hips and buttocks. I find myself sitting on the floors in the grocery store, library, wherever...just for a few minutes until I can straighten again. It takes me 20 min. to do just a few dishes and glasses at home, because I have to keep stopping, leaning over the sink or sitting. While my back is the worst part, I also have pain in my joints. (especially my right index and middle finger, where they can't be touched, left index finger, left thigh, my right knee, my left ankle and left shin and my left elbow) I can't explain those pains, they are like lightning bolts or knife stabs and they feel like they are in my bone, and muscle, not just the joint. My doctor doesn't know what's wrong with me. I have had MRI's, X-rays, etc and they show arthritis, degenerative discs, spurs, etc. but she says it's nothing to worry about and tells me to do stretches. This past week has been very difficult. On top of all this, I have mental health issues. I have been taking medications for over 20 yrs for BP Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. I currently take Prozac, Trazadone, Tegretol, and Seroquel. On Friday I went to doctor and told her of the pains and they gave me a shot in my back (Toradol?) and a muscle relaxer called Flexeril. I had another x-ray done on my lower back. All the same, just more arthritis, mild scoliosis, spurs.... They are sending me for PT again. She doesn't believe in chiropractic's, and she doesn't believe in Fibromyalgia either. I was tested for RA last year and it was negative. I have no answers as to what all the other pain is from. My parents have arthritis and get along better than I do. I am only 46. I feel like I am losing my mind. I have a high pain tolerance and I am not a complainer in general but I find myself crying constantly due to the pain. Can anyone direct me as to how to approach my doctor with this, or what other kind of doctor I may need. Does anyone think that long term use of antipsychotics, depressives, or any of my meds could be to blame for this? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Many of the meds you are on interact. Three have serious interactions and two have SEVERE interactions. Check out rxlist.com or one of the other interaction checkers, talking to you pharmacist is a good way to go as well. Have you been tested for MS or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome? Both have similar symptoms. Healthgrades is a great way to locate a good doctor. Best wishes to you Doll Steak.

[Onesmallstep]

Originally Posted by freewill

This thread is really good...

How do you get a doctor to give you any pain relief? They... the physicans that I have seem... a family, an internist.. and a reumothologist - all agree on the diagnosis...

The reumothologist sent me back to my family MD.. and she told me to "tough" it out.. and nothing that can be done... except some physical therapy.. which I did.. didn't help.. racked up a big co-pay bill..

Internist tried Lycria - but with my psych. meds it really did not mix well... was well "wacky".. so...she had said.. do not come back for 3 months...even when I called and said it wasn't working...

I went in to see.. her a few months ago to get help.. got stung by a bee in her waiting room... swelled.. had a reaction..

she said... "it is best to not come back - except for regular physicals - because I was 'one of those people'" one with a mental illness - therefore.. perhaps more "prone" to feeling physical aliments - more aware of my pain than others... even though.. she does acknodlwedge the fibrom.. DX..

For that visit - she marked "migrane headache"... as DX.. and I do not have headaches..

I am allergic to all asprin products.. very severe...

My family MD did say to take tyleonal.... but... other than that be "tough"..

My Therapist... glosses over my pain... though it is hard to sometimes sit that long...in session...

so.. how go you guys get... any help??????

I live in a very conservative area...

Wow! I can relate to this. I have severe back and neck pain, diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis and spina biffida occulta along with degenerative disk disease. My arms and legs hurt all of the time and my fingers and toes are either burning or numb most of the time. I don't know where to go to get relief. Often I cry when I go to bed because I hurt so badly and get up a few hours later because of the pain. Having a mental illness seems to mean that a person is just making up the pain. No pain relief for you, no anxiety meds for you-such a stigma exists. Then if you're poor you can't get certain meds due to stigma. I have never abused a drug in my life-just seeking a bit of relief.

Still in bad flare. Pain all over, extreme fatigue, very lightheaded/spacey. Haven't been this bad in a long time. My husband wanted to go out to breakfast today and then grocery shopping, but I just don't think I have it in me.

All I did was jog one minute, very slowly, six times. I feel so incapable (though I wouldn't classify any of you as that). How could that cause such a severe reaction (rhetorical question)? Dare I try jogging 3 times before I completely give in the jogging towel (again, rhetorical question)? Otherwise I guess I'll do brisk walking or maybe stationary bike.

[sabby]

newgal, could the weather also be playing into your flare right now? I don't know what your weather is, but if it's not good, then I would think it could exacerbate it pretty badly.

Don't forget to breathe slowly, do your best to relax your mind and body. Sometimes it helps, other times it doesn't.

Originally Posted by sabby

newgal, could the weather also be playing into your flare right now? I don't know what your weather is, but if it's not good, then I would think it could exacerbate it pretty badly.

Don't forget to breathe slowly, do your best to relax your mind and body. Sometimes it helps, other times it doesn't.

Good thinking. I was wondering the same thing. The week before I got the first flare, I was walk/jogging in subzero temps. This last time it was in the 30s though. Still cold! But I was thinking maybe I'd have better luck with this walk/jogging in the spring.