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dr appt in morn for cronic pain
I am really nervous. I see my NP tomorrow and my list of problems is dang near 2 pages long. I hope she doesn't think I am nuts. I am also afraid she may take me off of my fiorocet which is the only think that helps me get out of bed in the morning. Thats when the pain is the worst. My neck, head, base of skull, hips, shoulder, and face hurt. Sound and light drive me crazy and it even is uncomphortable when my 6 year old sits on my lap. I have these problems for years but just thought it was the way I was made. My periods are horrible and now I am having one every two weeks. The clotting is so bad I won't even take my kids to the pool for fear of an accident. I have trouble falling asleep and then wake up around and then again about every half hour until 8. I am always tired and stressed. I take Cymbalta, clonodin, fiorocet, and phenegren. After my scare last week(thought I was having a stroke) the attending physician put me on methcorbamal 500mg 3x a day for 10 days. It doesn't seem to be helping. I am going to lose my mind if something is not done fast.
Best Answer
I'm glad you got an answer! A lot of people go years before getting diagnosed. I've had it for about 10 or 11 years now and I was lucky I was diagnosed with my first flare-up (which was also my worst.) It can be a frustrating diagnosis, especially when you run into uneducated people (some medical people too ... doctors, nurses, etc.) that don't believe in it. People can have a hard time believing how bad you feel if you look good.
One of the things that helped me with the fibro was exercise, but it has to be a careful balancing act. Too much and you set yourself back. Swimming also worked great for me. The water really helped me feel better. I even put in a jacuzzi tub in my house at the time (too bad that house is gone; no jacuzzi tub here. Maybe some day.)
Mostly, for me, what I found out was learning as much as I could and then trying things that made sense to me. Everyone is different and we all react differently to things. (Mine was sort of a sudden onset about 10 months after I had my last baby. He was extremely colicky ... only slept about 20 minutes at a stretch for 6 months; then only about 2 hours at a stretch until well over a year.) My doctor at the time said there was a theory that one of the causes can be from a sleep disturbance. Made sense in my case. My sleep never got back to normal after my Sean. I still take Ambien from tme-to-time and melatonin to help me get good sleep. Sleep is really important when you have fibro.
You'll find what works for you. Just remember to try to not overdo it (not easy with a new baby) and when you do have flare-ups, rest and ask for help if you need it.
One of the things that helped me with the fibro was exercise, but it has to be a careful balancing act. Too much and you set yourself back. Swimming also worked great for me. The water really helped me feel better. I even put in a jacuzzi tub in my house at the time (too bad that house is gone; no jacuzzi tub here. Maybe some day.)
Mostly, for me, what I found out was learning as much as I could and then trying things that made sense to me. Everyone is different and we all react differently to things. (Mine was sort of a sudden onset about 10 months after I had my last baby. He was extremely colicky ... only slept about 20 minutes at a stretch for 6 months; then only about 2 hours at a stretch until well over a year.) My doctor at the time said there was a theory that one of the causes can be from a sleep disturbance. Made sense in my case. My sleep never got back to normal after my Sean. I still take Ambien from tme-to-time and melatonin to help me get good sleep. Sleep is really important when you have fibro.
You'll find what works for you. Just remember to try to not overdo it (not easy with a new baby) and when you do have flare-ups, rest and ask for help if you need it.
It is a little sad to know I have a chronic condition but is wonderful to have answer. I know there is treatment and help! I think I am going to have more good days and less bad. I will do the best I can on the days I can and rest when I have too. I am blessed that my husband has been so supportive. He is just happt there is a reason for all this pain.
It's wonderful that you have an answer to your pain issues. Now you can begin a course of treatment and be on the road to feeling better. I bet you are elated!!
It sounds like your appointment couldn't have gone better!
Congrats!!
It sounds like your appointment couldn't have gone better!
Congrats!!
I didn't get a chance to comment earlier. I'm so glad that you found a good doctor to take care of you! It's also great to have a diagnosis. I've heard that fibromyalgia can be very frustrating to get a diagnosis on.
Great to hear about another answered prayer and success in finding a doctor who will help you. It seems like that's getting hard to find these days.
Great to hear about another answered prayer and success in finding a doctor who will help you. It seems like that's getting hard to find these days.
I am glad you got an answer! I had a feeling it was fibro.
Atleast now you can get the treatment you need.
I am so glad:)
Atleast now you can get the treatment you need.
I am so glad:)
I have an MRI Monday just to be safe and blood work after that. It is Fibromyalgia. The skin problem is associated with that too. She uped my Cymbalta and the muscle relaxers. If my MRI comes back clear, she is starting me on Nurotin(spelling??). I now have a answer. She said that is also why my migraines have gotten so bad. Thank the Lord I have an answer. She also said to p*ss on any one who thinks I am after a 'high' during my pain.(even drs) She promised she going to get me on the right track to feeling better and functioning better. I am going to rest now and leave the rest in the dr and the Lords hands.
When you go in to see your Doctor you may want to show him your hip and see what he thinks. It may be something he can treat and you will not have that pain to deal with too. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Let us know how it goes:)
Let us know how it goes:)
Thanks for clarifying the success of the fioricet. I am glad that it is working so well for you. It's always a happy occurrence when a drug does double duty.
I'll look forward to hearing how tomorrow goes for you. Try to get some sleep and relax. Often the things we worry the most about turn out just fine...and than we wonder why we were ever so concerned.
~Tuck
I'll look forward to hearing how tomorrow goes for you. Try to get some sleep and relax. Often the things we worry the most about turn out just fine...and than we wonder why we were ever so concerned.
~Tuck
Very true. I am unable to take Vicodin because of that. I went off of fioricet for two and half months and my headaches didn't improve. I have also tried every triptan in the book with very little luck. I think there is an underlying issue that needs to be resolved,its just figuring out what it is. Thanks for you time and input!
Hi~ I just want to say that Fioricet in and of itself can cause horrible headaches which force us to continue needing it. I took it for a very long time and finally tapered off of it.
I rarely have a headache now and when I do I have triptans that work very well.
Good luck tomorrow~
V.
I rarely have a headache now and when I do I have triptans that work very well.
Good luck tomorrow~
V.
I understand exactly what you are saying. And when I say 2 pages that is a bit of an exaggeration. Mostly I am tired and I hurt. I had a really bad migraine last week and it seems like my body hasn't recovered. I have strange marks on my hip that burn and itch. They are sometimes so painful I can't let fabric touch them.They have come and gone for years now. I wondered if there is a link in all of this. At times I wonder if my depression is causing the pain, but don't really feel depressed, more anxious than anything. I have a new husband and a new baby and want to be the best for them I can be. I have delt with these issue for a long time but always had periods of 'peace'. The last three months it has become almost unbarable and on going. I have never had a MRI or CT because most drs attributed my migraines to family.(mom, aunts, grandmas suffering from them) So, I really may be crazy but if thats what the deal is I want to know so I can learn to deal with it. Thanks for you support and advice.
The fioricet is for my migraines but it helps ease the pain in my shoulders and neck also. I wonder if I am just so stressed out that my body is tired and sore. Thanks for the support.
I just want to be very clear...
I was not calling bcillers a hypochondriac or of being overly sensitive.
I hope this is clear.
My only point was that I did not want you to overwhelm the Docotr with two pages of concerns and not have your pain management needs addressed as they may get lost in the mix.
My Aunt takes fioricet for pain and does well on it too. it is mainly used for headaches and migraines but that doesn't matter as long as it addresses your pain needs.
I hope all goes well:)
I was not calling bcillers a hypochondriac or of being overly sensitive.
I hope this is clear.
My only point was that I did not want you to overwhelm the Docotr with two pages of concerns and not have your pain management needs addressed as they may get lost in the mix.
My Aunt takes fioricet for pain and does well on it too. it is mainly used for headaches and migraines but that doesn't matter as long as it addresses your pain needs.
I hope all goes well:)
Hi Again Bcilliers
I understand you concern and my heart goes out to you.
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I am not real familiar with fiorocet but I am happy that it is effective for you. It's generic name is Butalbital and it is a barbiturate. I've heard it more often prescribed for migraines. My reading proved that to be true. Hopefully the NP will leave on it or attempt to find something that works as well or better.
I agree with Sandee. Taking in a two page list of your problems may very well overwhelm the NP. She may be distracted by number 20 on your list and not address number one and two. From my experience and from everything that I have read it is better to prioritize your main concerns and begin there. By no means am I telling you to not be forthcoming with the NP. They need to know everything but staring with your most urgent and pressing concerns may be the best approach.
I don't think you are being over sensitive or acting like a hypercondriac. Don't be afraid to tell the NP that you are nervous and concerned. You can tell the NP that one of your concerns is that you will not be able to effectively communicate your symptoms and pain....or how ever you would like to word it.
Share with the NP what seems to work and what doesn't appear to be as effective. Asking for their advice and help can be a good starting place.
Please share with us the results of your appointment. I'll be thinking of you and anxious to learn the results of your consult.
Best of Luck and Take Care,
~Tuck
I understand you concern and my heart goes out to you.
.
I am not real familiar with fiorocet but I am happy that it is effective for you. It's generic name is Butalbital and it is a barbiturate. I've heard it more often prescribed for migraines. My reading proved that to be true. Hopefully the NP will leave on it or attempt to find something that works as well or better.
I agree with Sandee. Taking in a two page list of your problems may very well overwhelm the NP. She may be distracted by number 20 on your list and not address number one and two. From my experience and from everything that I have read it is better to prioritize your main concerns and begin there. By no means am I telling you to not be forthcoming with the NP. They need to know everything but staring with your most urgent and pressing concerns may be the best approach.
I don't think you are being over sensitive or acting like a hypercondriac. Don't be afraid to tell the NP that you are nervous and concerned. You can tell the NP that one of your concerns is that you will not be able to effectively communicate your symptoms and pain....or how ever you would like to word it.
Share with the NP what seems to work and what doesn't appear to be as effective. Asking for their advice and help can be a good starting place.
Please share with us the results of your appointment. I'll be thinking of you and anxious to learn the results of your consult.
Best of Luck and Take Care,
~Tuck
I'm so sorry that you feel so terrible. I hope that your doctor can find out what is going on with your health. Do they have any ideas as to why you are going through all of this and have been dealing with this for so long? Have you had tests, etc.?
Flower
Flower
I hope your appointment goes well.
When you speak to the Doctor be very careful not to overwhelm them with information about all medical issues you may have. You definitely want to report the pain your experiencing but if you take a list two pages long in to discuss then they may write you off as being overly sensitive or of being a hypochondriac. Do not misunderstand me. Your certainly not being overly sensitive or a hypercondriac but you just need to be careful about how much you address in this one appointment.
Try and keep it short and to the point.
I know I have seen patients who go in with long list of issue to discuss and the Doctor gets overwhelmed. When you bring up all the issues then each one has to be addressed therefore your main issue of pain control may get lost in the mix. If you have other issues besides pain management that need to be addressed then wait until you have discussed PM and the treatment you will be prescribed and then you can bring up the other issues or ask the Docotr if they would rather you make another appointment to address the other issues you may have.
I only want you to get the treatment you need and not get lost in all the issues you may have and have the pain over looked as not really important.
Let us know how it goes, I hope it goes well:)
When you speak to the Doctor be very careful not to overwhelm them with information about all medical issues you may have. You definitely want to report the pain your experiencing but if you take a list two pages long in to discuss then they may write you off as being overly sensitive or of being a hypochondriac. Do not misunderstand me. Your certainly not being overly sensitive or a hypercondriac but you just need to be careful about how much you address in this one appointment.
Try and keep it short and to the point.
I know I have seen patients who go in with long list of issue to discuss and the Doctor gets overwhelmed. When you bring up all the issues then each one has to be addressed therefore your main issue of pain control may get lost in the mix. If you have other issues besides pain management that need to be addressed then wait until you have discussed PM and the treatment you will be prescribed and then you can bring up the other issues or ask the Docotr if they would rather you make another appointment to address the other issues you may have.
I only want you to get the treatment you need and not get lost in all the issues you may have and have the pain over looked as not really important.
Let us know how it goes, I hope it goes well:)
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Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.
Widespread pain and tender points
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by additional pain when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of your body, called tender points. Tender point locations include:
* Back of the head
* Between shoulder blades
* Top of shoulders
* Front sides of neck
* Upper chest
* Outer elbows
* Upper hips
* Sides of hips
* Inner knees
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. Experts believe that these people rarely reach the deep restorative stage of sleep. Sleep disorders that have been linked to fibromyalgia include restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
RSD can cause sensitive skin.Also "sore skin" maybe some kind of neuralgia.
I was thinking also it could be Peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathy may be associated with varying combinations of weakness, autonomic changes, and sensory changes. Loss of muscle bulk or fasciculations, a particular fine twitching of muscle, may be seen. Sensory symptoms encompass loss of sensation and "positive" phenomena including pain. Symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected (motor, sensory, or autonomic) and where the nerves are located in the body. One or more types of nerves may be affected. Common symptoms associated with damage to the motor nerve are muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms. Loss of balance and coordination may also occur. Damage to the sensory nerve can produce tingling, numbness, and pain. Pain associated with this nerve is described in various ways such as the following: sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock", burning, freezing, or electric-like, extreme sensitivity to touch. The autonomic nerve damage causes problems with involuntary functions leading to symptoms such as abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, reduced ability to perspire, constipation, bladder dysfunction (e.g., incontinence).