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!

[sara12345]

I meant to say above, "There are many other pain medications that you COULD take."

[sara12345]

You should tell your doctor about your symptoms, so that they can determine what the cause is.  I never did understand why the doctor is having you withdraw from all your medications when you obviously need medication for your pain.  If you don't know why, you should see another doctor.  There are many other pain medications that you take.  Try to see a pain management doctor if possible.  Wish you better days.

[Danly]

Hi sara,

I was told by my neurologist that my condition is not that serious yet to receive botox injections. So, I was given zoloft to help me in withdrawing from all my current medications. I m still in very bad pins and needles numbness pain spreading to my entire body causing me to feel cold all the time and weak. I m very lost now of whether the pins and needles numbness pain is coming from my stroke or from all these medications as they somehow got to do with the brain. So, I m looking forward for the 2nd time to withdraw from my medicatoons and hope I will have an answer by then but meanwhile I m still sourcing for help to reduce my pain. Take care.

[sara12345]

The neck weakness should only last for a few days according to my Botox doctor. I have never had that problem over 3 years getting them every 9 to 10 weeks.  But I think that most people only need them every 3 months. The Botox has given me so much relief.  Mine are just very difficult to treat having been caused by my stroke.

You mentioned a while back that your headaches had gotten chronic.  I hope that you know if you take any pain reliever more than two or three times a week, you risk getting rebound migraines, which are a vicious cycle.  

I myself can't believe that any therapy can help severe pain, but you correct me if I'm wrong.  You said that you were trying CBT.

I really hope that your pain will get better. I know how terrible severe pain can be.  I've had a lot of it in my life.  Many ER trips.  You definitely need more help with your pain.  Wish you the very best.
Sara

[Danly]

Hi sara,

Yes it helps a bit when I m back to my med but the pain is still unbearable at times. I have been loosing weight lately. I m still considering having botox injections offered on just my head and neck with a risk of neck muscle weakness. U take care too !

[sara12345]

So sorry to hear that the withdrawal didn't work.  Could you try to withdraw much more slowly?  To get off a benzodiazepine which is what Lorazepam is, can be a brutal med to withdraw from.  Won't your muscle spasms and nerve pain get better after you go back on the medication?  Why don't you ask about the Botox injections which I know can at least help with your leg pain and maybe elsewhere as well.  Botox has greatly helped my severe migraines which were caused by my stroke.  I still have leg pain and can barely use my hand, plus my arm doesn't work that well.  But nothing like the pain that you are suffering from.  And what about the Butrans patches?  Can you try the Botox or Butrans patches?  You take care.