fibromyalgia

[KEYGAN2010]

I have now seen the rheumatologist and have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia can any advise me as to what help I can get as some days these pains can be life limiting am finding it hard to even peel potatoes need advice thanks

[jemma116]

I don't know what type of pain clinic you are being referred to.  If it is the one I am thinking of, they are pretty good.

Unfortunately, they don't have a magic wand to stop all the pains, but they teach you relaxation, gentle exercise, diet, communication, and lots more.
The one I was referred to ran for a 12 weeks with weekly sessions.

If you are still at work, your hand problems may be due to repetition. There are lots of reasons why we get hand problems, and that is why should get your hands examined to find out if there is another cause.  It may be that you have osteoarthritis in the joints, nerve or tendon problems.

An xray would show up any bone problems, a nerve conduction test would show if there was any problem with that.  Carpal tunnel usually presents with pins and needles.

[KEYGAN2010]

Thanks for the info will write it down so I remember to ask gp about my hands I have an appointment with gp on the 29th of the month and rheumatologist has referrred me to somewhere called pain clinic. If you can think of anything else that may help then would much appreciate it thanks again.

[jemma116]

Make an appointment to see your doctor.  The rheumatologist is likely to have sent the report of his findings to your doctor (depending on how long ago you saw him).

Your doctor will be able to prescribe an antidepressant and a narcotic analgesic that are effective in relieving the pain in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are also advised in certain instances.

Make sure you get plenty of rest so that you do not get overtired.  Some moderate forms of exercise like aerobics will also help with regard to the stiffness. Acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy and magnetic therapy may also be useful.

Your doctor will be able to advise you and will refer you for counselling if he feels that you may benefit from this.

With regard to your hand pains when you peel potatoes, do talk with our doctor with regard to that.  This may not have anything to do with the fibromyalgia and may be due to carpal tunnel or tendon problems.  If you work and have a repetitive job, your hand and wrist problems may be because of that.  Your doctor will be able to check out your hands and determine whether nerve conduction tests would be appropriate to find out if there is any carpal tunnel problems.  Do wear support wrist straps to help to rest your hand and wrist and wear these when you go to bed to hep support the hand and wrist.

Make sure that you have a healthy and well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids, especially water so as not to get dehydrated.  About 2 litres a day is recommended.