Fibro and Foot pain

Hi I have had had this problem with pain in my body since being knocked down by a horse 6 1/2 years ago, finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago.  I also started having extreme foot pain 2 years ago, cannot exercise like I have always done.  The pain in my hips in legs while trying to sleep at night has been horrible.  All I take is ibubrofren and a half of Percocet when I am desperate.  I don't want to get addicted to pain medication.  Is there a pain med. that helps but is a lot less non addictive?  

[FurballsMom]

I'm the wrong one to address the pain medication question, since I'm dealing with FMS/MCS and being unable to take pain meds.  You might want to address what sounds like Sciatica, which I have myself, with chiropractic and physical therapy.  Just be sure that your doctor refers you to a physical therapist who understands FMS.  If you can afford massage, that may help, too.  Although, I realize that most here don't have that option, including myself.  If you can find a place that has acupuncture available with a sliding fee schedule, I would recommend the acupuncture therapy.  If you have RLS, all of these things should help.  My friend told me that reducing her salt intake actually stopped her own RLS.  Since that is a common problem on this forum, I thought I would mention that one, as it might help someone else.  Hasn't done anything for mine, though.

[k118]

Just browsing this website to look for advice on another problem i have when i came accross your post. i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year ago after experiencing pain in my wrists and legs and was finding walking quite difficult on many occassions. i was quickly put on a medication called Naproxen which is similar to ibuprofen as it is an anti inflamitory medicine (i live in the UK and don't know if this medicine will be called this in other countries). i had previously tried ibuprofen itself but it didn't work. within a couple of weeks of being given naproxen my fibromyalgia pains had virtually gone. i also find it isn't at all addictive and have managed to come of it easily several times, although the pain then returns. however as i've been told fibromyalgia is a vague diagnosis the same medication may not work for someone else. as it a medication that is not too strong and so far i have had no side effects, it might be worth asking your doctor about it. hope this helps

[mellie83]

Thank you so much for responding to my post.  My husband is convinced that that the hip, leg and foot pain is related to Sciatica. We are struggling financially like so many right now, so massage would not be an option right now.  But, I have thought of going to a chiropractor to get help.  I went to a acupuncturist for a couple of visits, but could not afford that either, since they wanted to see me twice or three times a week to get started.  But, maybe I could get a deal with a chiropractor I used to see for my neck issues years ago.  Just got a card in the mail for a free adjustment!!  I have heard that reducing salt intake does reduce RLS, so will give that a try.  Your advice could be an answer to prayer, will keep you updated.  God bless you!!

[mellie83]

Thank you for letting me know about the Naproxen, I used to take that years ago for menstrual cramps.   Ibuprofen helps, but I have to take a lot of it, all these anti-inflamatories are hard on your stomach.  I am glad you have found something that works for you.  I will give the Naproxen a try.  Thanks so much and have a blessed day or evening (not sure what time it is there).  :o)

[FurballsMom]

Be really careful with all NSAIDS  Ibuprofen and Naproxen are both NSAIDS.  Mellie83 is right that they are hard on the stomach.  I thought I was being careful in my use of the Naproxen the neurologist wants me to use on my migraines.  I still ended up with gastritis.  And, I already have GERD.  You don't want to add gastritis to your list of problems when you're dealing with FMS already!  And, you don't want it to get any worse than mine is right now, because it can lead to stomach bleeding, which is far more serious.  Please only use it sparingly!

[mellie83]

Thank you for that good advice.  I was in the hospital the first part of August thinking I was having a heart attack, when it was actually gastritis, esophagitis, and GERD, along with a hiatal hernia.  I am on medication for all that, and I make sure my food has plenty of food in it before I take a NSAID.  Kinda between a rock and a hard place here.  Thank you for taking the time to respond.  Have a great evening.

[k118]

Hi

Thanks also for the comments you put on this page for mellie83. I had been told by many doctors that NSAID can cause stomach problems over 2 years ago as they were reluctant to put me on them as i also suffer from undiagnosed chronic abdominal pain. I was given and endoscopy at the time which came back all clear and i was put on them for a short period at the time for a chest inflammatory problem, although i was again warned that they could cause stomach problems.

I have only started using them permanently within the last year and a half, although i take them every day and my doctors have never mentioned any issues with them in that time. Unfortunately without them i was often struggling to walk down the stairs and leave the house and with my other chronic pains, it became too much to handle. I have tried stopping them for other medicines but all of the problems come back.

Thanks for your advice as, in the time that i have been on the medication permanently, i haven't thought about the problems they can cause in quite a while and it has never really been explained to me properly the seriousness of the problems they cause. At only 22 with no hope of the problem going away, for now i will have to stay on them. Thanks for reminding me and making me more aware of this problem. As i also still have the chronic abdominal pain, i just hope that i will notice any problems before they become to serious.
thanks again