Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, endometriosis, overian cysts, and fibroids

[karen717]

I am 43 and feel like I'm falling apart. I've had FMS for 9yrs and counting, back problems longer than that, and now all these female issues. Nothing works for the FMS. Back pain is somewhat under control and just flares now and then. The other issues I hope will soon be taken care of w/a D&C and endometrial abalation. I teach elementary school and that job doesn't mesh well with chronic pain conditions. Anyone have any thoughts on what to try for relief? I take for FMS cymbalta, flexiril, hydrocodone, skelaxin, nexium, and ziac (high blood pressure). I have had rounds of PT for FMS w/o much success.

[karen717]

Thank you so much for the advice! I recently got a pool and find that to help when doing stretches in it. The hot tub sounds wonderful though b/c of the heat. May need to look into one of those. I have the perfect octagon step down area on my deck for one. Hmm, wonder what hubbie will think of that? I will talk to PCP about a time released med. He is wonderful. He says I am his guinea pig for fibro, but he is so understanding, educated, and willing to learn about it. I take him info all the time and he researches fibro. I am lucky to have a doc like that. I have heard horror stories. I, too, think things could be worse. I go to drs. and see people in wose shape that I am and wonder how they live through it. God has a plan for each of us even if we don't see it. I should know today or Mon. about dates for D&C and ablation.

[feelingempty]

I've ALSO had endom. (they did a laproscopy) to remove it by LAZER. I also had a misplaced ovary from a few car accidents. I am LUCKY though as the endo did NOT come back.  Since 5 yrs. later they had to do ANOTHER laproscopy & i had bleeding cysts on my ovaries.  So, i HAVE 2 take B.control. Or as i call it my "ovary pills"! *LOL*

Ya know i tried EVERYTHING available to me for pain relief. I ALSO took loratab (hydrocodone) for a few yrs.  And dr found out on my Ameritox screen i DON"T absorb it. SO now i'm back on percodan (w/ OUT the tylenol) & MsContin time released. You should REALLY be on a TIME RELEASED pain meds as someone else said. Cause you'll have ups & downs w/ JUST break-thru pain meds.  PLUS u'll have slight w/ drawal constantly from only taking 3-4 a day.

I DO have a hot tub & it does WONDERS. I do my stretches in it also since it takes the impact off my joints.  I also have my FROZEN PEAS @ work & @ home. I couldn't live w/ out em'.  They work better than ice since they MOLD to the areas better. There is a MOIST heat pack called "thermophore" This is UNLIKE any other  heating pad. Since it works as a MOIST heating pad that plugs in. I have the full back one AND the neck one. I alternate w/ the peas & heating pad. It helps the inflammation when i have MAJOR flare-ups.

LIGHT yoga & MILD stretching & a POSITIVE attitude is the BEST drug i've found. BUT i also need my pharm. drugs to go w/ it.  I also tell myself, "i COULD be worse & have NO legs or arms OR be wheelchair bound." That's how i make it thru the SUPER tough days.

Hang in there honey & talk to us we're here 4 ya.
BLESS YOU

[plmrsm8]

That is a lot to handle for someone so young.  I know it sounds silly, but a long hot bath or in a whirlpool will workwonders ans so does massage therapy.
When the body is in pain it puts off radicals in the lumphatic system.  I therapist that can do lumphatic drainage will help so much.  I pray you can find someone.

[sandee1818]

Hi, I am sorry it has taken so long for you to get a reply.
I would suggest a long acting pain medication , the hydrocodone is short acting and you could do without the tylenol too. Ask your DR about a SA or er which is extended release formulas and I am sure the hydrocodone after nine years is not really working properly anymore. Fybromyagia is very painful and dealing with children too wow you really have a lot going on:)
There are special diets and other alternative things you can try too, I will get you a list of these. We are very glad to have you here and will help in any way we can. I will get you some more information.