Post stroke syndrome and fibromyalgia

[Danly]

I m dignosed with post stroke syndrome/central pain syndrome recently. Suffering both post stroke pain and chronic fibromyalgia at the same time that has made my life miserable. I get daily migraine tension type headaches, burning pricking numbness pain, stiffness and bad muscle spasms. Amitriptyline,  cymbalta, baclofen gave me bad side effects. I m hoping someone can share their success with other drugs. I m willing to give it a try.

Thks in advance!

[Danly]

Sure Sara. I will keep you posted if I manage to get help or treatment for the pain from new neurologist.

[sara12345]

Get rid of that neurologist!  That's outrageous and yes you do hear about doctors like your neurologist.  Definitely get an appointment with another neurologist ASAP.  In the meantime, perhaps you can get some relief from a regular doctor.  If the next neurologist is also a jerk, get another one.  Just be very clear about how bad your pain is.  Don't mince your words in describing it.  Let me know if you get more help.

[Danly]

Hi teensy,

Hope your friend is doing well. Recovery needs lot of rest and support from family members or friends. He has to stay calm and keep stress level at minimum to none. All the best to him.

[Danly]

Hi sara,

Unfortunately my neurologist still wants me to increase my lyrica dose and doesn't believes I m not getting any relief. Besides, I was advised to learn to cope with the pain and that's it. So, I m planning to see another neurologist and see I have any luck with the new one to treat me.

[sara12345]

Is your neurologist aware of your whole body stiffness and numbness?  Make sure your doctor knows about this in case the doctor decides to do further testing on you.  

The Lyrica is not working well. You deserve much better relief.  Can you be tried on another daily preventative migraine medication?  The most common one is Topomax.   But if your neurologist thinks that there are no more daily migraine meds to be tried, then you should ask for Botox injections.  They usually give tremendous relief to those who are NOT helped by the daily meds.  Most people are helped for at least 3 months with the injections.  I have an especially difficult migraine situation and need them every 10 weeks.  Make sure you let me know if you are going to get the botox and I will give you more advice.

So, decide whether the fibromyalgia or the migraines are bothering you the most for whether you want to try the Trazodone first or another daily migraine medication.  It's best to only try one new medication at a time so that you can figure out which one may be giving you intolerable side effects.

And definitely ask for the nerve block and trigger point injections.  Not all neurologists know how to give them.  And some of them only know how to do a couple to the back of the head. If you can only get the couple to the back of your head at the time of your appointment, get them.  I get the full set of about 15 injections which are given to the forehead, sides and back of the head, the neck, shoulders and your back.  Then ask for another doctor who can give you the full set if they don't work.

If your neurologist is not offering you much more, then find another one.  There are varying qualities with these doctors.  Migraines and pain are very difficult to live with. I know.  Hope this additional info may help you.

[teensy36]

no the friend just collasped and rushed to a+e in which a burst clot was found......operation went well... transferes to the stroke unit.. but 4 days later started to not be so alert... in which they sent him for a further scan which showed a clot near the brain stem... this discussin wot to do now....mon its now wednesday and no agreement yet.... wen spoken too he do wake as he is awear of his surroundings,,, can u give a little help in his recovery?? if operatated??xxx