New joint pains

[RNRita]

HI all.  I've had fibro for 24 years, so I've been told.  I cannot take any antidepressants, nor any other drug that they use to treat this.  I have always worked and dealt with pain as it comes.  I have a myriad of other symptoms, as well.  My pain was almost always in my muscles.  The last few  months, my joints are being affected.  I woke up two weeks ago and my right wrist (never a problem before, and no injury that I remember) was hurting so bad that I couldn't bend it.  I had it Xrayed...negative.  Doctors say doesn't look like tendonitis, carpal tunnel,....nothing.  No swelling, or sign of inflammation. Splinting makes it hurt MUCH worse when I take the splint off.  I'm a nurse and since I just started my new job 4 months ago, I am no eligible for benefits yet.  I also cannot splint at work anyway.

I have been going to work with pain that is awful and unrelieved by 800mg of ibuprofen nor 440 mg of naproxyn.  It hurts all day unless I am just resting it, even when I'm walking and it's hanging.  My doc told me that people with fibro have exacerbated pain.  I have always thought I had a high pain tolerance.

I am wondering if this horrible pain can really be from fibro.  It is making me nauseous and I cannot afford to lose my job.  I'm at wit's end.  Any advise would be appreciated.  Also, other joints are started to hurt, too.  ugh

[RNRita]

I went to get an appt with rheumatologist.  They had a June 7 appt open.  She said she was going to talk to someone else because she thought she might be able to work a miracle.  They called me back later to tell me June 14 was the closest now.  What the....?  We'll see what happens.  Wrist has been about 75% better, but still week and painful when I try to grasp and pick up even light things.  At least I'm not in total pain 24/7.  

Having tons of problems at work, too.  ugh....oh well....PRAYER!!!!

[TrudieC]

Many of the drugs make you dopey initially.  Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing helps.  And, the dopey feeling does go away once your body gets used to them.  You may want to give drugs like Lyrica, Savella, Cymbalta, gabapentin, etc. again.

[jellylegs]

There is treatment, dmards, nsaids and steroids. Found short courses of steroids the most effective but they are only temporary solutions. Nsaids help a lot but I am hoping to get on a biological therapy for inflammatory arthritis soon, having a lot of side effects with older dmards and some painkillers so it's been a nightmare but better than not knowing what was wrong. Am also being plagued with chest and lung infections(never smoked or had lung problems before all this started) so that is holding up some treatments also. From my expierience you will have to do the research and ground work yourself because in the absense of positive tests doctors are just hopeless at listening and figuring out anything that isnt black and white, just hope you have the finances to cope with it all. Jellylegs.

[RNRita]

I am going to a rheumatologist for kicks and giggles.  I never really carry much hope, but the things you said I will talk to them about.  Were you able to be helped???

[jellylegs]

Check out symptoms of the different types of seronegative arthritis, normal blood tests and lack of major swelling are common. I was being told I had chronic fatigue/FMS too but I didnt believe in that and kept pushing for a proper diagnosis and got it eventually after much personal expense, psoriatic arthritis was the cause of all my pain and misery. I didnt realize that I had psoriasis because it was mild and docs dont bother to look for any thing that is'nt obvious. I had exactly the type of pain in my left wrist that you describe followed by weakness for a few days and even though I am right handed they tried to tell me it was overuse and to rest it(such nonsense, I could'nt use it anyway) but I had several episodes before being diagnosed. By the way you dont have to have psoriasis to be affected but it may run in families and it's a genetic thing that can make you more susceptable to it.

[RNRita]

Thanks for your answers.  I have had a multitude of blood tests....all WNL. I have so many other fun things along with the fibro that the docs think I am crazy by now.  I stopped eating most sugar, cut carbs, lost weight.  Doctor thought I lost too much so I gained a few back.  Tried lots of meds....I sleep like I'm doped and, of course, that doesn't work for me with my job.

Luckily my wrist pain has let up for the first time in about 9 days.  I really can't figure out why, but I'm glad.  It is still there, but about 90% gone.  I would like to remember what it felt like to not have pain.  Or stupid heart palpitations.  Or anxiety and depression.  But, alas, it has been too long.  

I also cannot tolerate alcohol at all (boy, I sure miss having a drink once in a while), don't smoke...I mean, what is left?  lol  Ya really gotta laugh.  Thanks again.  I'll be watching, reading, and trying different things.

[k9helper]

Hi,

You are not alone, I have severe joint pain as well with fibromyalgia. I use a combination of things to help. IMS (intramuscular stimulation-done by a speciafically trained physiotherapist, massage, Osteopath-very helpful, and I'm going to be starting on Tramadol ( it's off label for fibro but I hear good things)I also use a hot tub when it gets really bad. I swell more but the apin is decreased.  Have you tried Cymbalta and Cipralex and Lyrica. You said you can't take fibro meds but there are so many I'm hoping you will find something you maybe haven't tried and can take.

I would also think about an ANA test and a thyroid test if you haven't already done them. I'm sure you know as a nurse that thyroid issues and Lupus  can also cause pain etc.

I also discovered that I have a lot of food sensitivities( not true allergies) that were causing swelling,nausea,more pain. I still have a few to figure out I think but I do feel better since I stopped eating certain things. Gluten,grapes,bananas,sugar and nuts are the biggies.

Good luck and please do keep us posted on your progress.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi RNRita!

It's a tough life, specially with all your pains and doing this kind of work.

Check for mg and glutathione GSH deficiencies.
Both very difficult to detect.  Mg testing is totally inefficient, as normally a blood test is prescribed. Only 1% of the body's mg is in the blood.
Glutathione is an antioxidant tripeptide that is made in the body from three amino acids, cysteine, glycine, and glutamate..
Glutathione testing is very new and costly and actually the lymphocytes have to be tested.
Please post at the Alternative Therapies here or message me directly for more info and
advice. Include a synoptical overview of your health history, including meds, habits,nutrition
and any significant events (physical and emotional). Any ANA tests?
I'm away for training, but I'll get back to you upon my return in 12 days.
Blessings.
Nikodicreta