I've been tired all the time but I can't sleep well at night because I'm so uncomfortable. I had surgery 5 months ago and began feeling what I describe as a burning pain or extremely sensitive skin. I can't stand to be touched and some days the fabric of my clothes on my skin bothers me. I thought it would go away but it's only gotten worse. That's on my lower and upper legs my lower back my lower and upper arms and my neck. My muscles feel like I'm getting the flu if anyone knows what that feels like. I went to the doctor and he tested me for an autoimmune disease test came back negative and I'm being sent to the neurologist. And in the meantime I just can't wait to try to figure out what this is it's driving me crazy. I've been shuffling around my house like an old lady. My primary prescribed me lyrica and a musculoskeletal muscle relaxant I guess which I take at night. I've been taking it for 5 days and haven't found any relief. Have a bunch of other weird symptoms but I won't list them all here those are the main complaints. Any ideas? I appreciate any input. Thank you
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- Thread starter aliasbrat
- Start date
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Hi there, @aliasbrat and welcome to the forum.
I gather from your post that you have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but you are suspecting that is what you may have. While you are getting tested, I recommend that you not draw any conclusions on your own as to what is causing your symptoms, and remain open to the possibilities. It might turn out that you have something entirely different going on and it may be far more easily treated than fibro is.
Lyrica is one of those medications that won't make a difference right away, so do not worry that after only 5 days it is not doing much for you. You have to give it time....usually a month...taking it daily as prescribed, before you will know whether or not it is helping you. So have patience.
(Unless it is causing serious side effects for you, in which case tell your doctor ASAP)
I assume you have told your doctor all of your symptoms. Ask to be tested for all of the various things that might be causing them.
Just FYI.....Fibromyalgia is usually only diagnosed when there is widespread serious pain on both sides of the body, both upper and lower body, and it has continued without relief for at least 6 months, along (usually) with other symptoms such as lack of ability to sleep, brain fog, 5and so on.
I gather from your post that you have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but you are suspecting that is what you may have. While you are getting tested, I recommend that you not draw any conclusions on your own as to what is causing your symptoms, and remain open to the possibilities. It might turn out that you have something entirely different going on and it may be far more easily treated than fibro is.
Lyrica is one of those medications that won't make a difference right away, so do not worry that after only 5 days it is not doing much for you. You have to give it time....usually a month...taking it daily as prescribed, before you will know whether or not it is helping you. So have patience.
(Unless it is causing serious side effects for you, in which case tell your doctor ASAP)
I assume you have told your doctor all of your symptoms. Ask to be tested for all of the various things that might be causing them.
Just FYI.....Fibromyalgia is usually only diagnosed when there is widespread serious pain on both sides of the body, both upper and lower body, and it has continued without relief for at least 6 months, along (usually) with other symptoms such as lack of ability to sleep, brain fog, 5and so on.
JamieMarc
Very helpful member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2021
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- 526
- Reason
- DX FIBRO
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- 10/2021
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- FL
Hi @aliasbrat
Welcome to our forums. So glad you're here.
My recommendation is don't give up. Continue to see any pertinent specialists according to your symptoms. For many, like me, this journey requires patience, diligence and vigilance.
If a neurologist says they can't help you, try another one or go to another specialist. If an orthopedist can't help you try another one or go to another specialist. Et cetera. Many times one specialist who cannot figure out a diagnosis will refer you to a different type of specialist. I'm afraid this is just the way it is with fibromyalgia and other conditions.
I went through my primary and at least six outside specialists, physical therapy, injections, countless labs and imaging tests before landing in a pain management practice, which is where I received my diagnosis.
So again, I advise you please don't give up. Please continue exploring, asking questions, seeking answers. Have faith that through your efforts you will ultimately be rewarded with a diagnosis and some form of effective treatment.
In the meantime, explore these forums using the search feature to find others with symptoms similar to yours. You will find a wealth of information. I have learned more about my condition and treatments here than from all other resources and practitioners combined.
Best of luck. Stick around. And hugs to you.
Welcome to our forums. So glad you're here.
My recommendation is don't give up. Continue to see any pertinent specialists according to your symptoms. For many, like me, this journey requires patience, diligence and vigilance.
If a neurologist says they can't help you, try another one or go to another specialist. If an orthopedist can't help you try another one or go to another specialist. Et cetera. Many times one specialist who cannot figure out a diagnosis will refer you to a different type of specialist. I'm afraid this is just the way it is with fibromyalgia and other conditions.
I went through my primary and at least six outside specialists, physical therapy, injections, countless labs and imaging tests before landing in a pain management practice, which is where I received my diagnosis.
So again, I advise you please don't give up. Please continue exploring, asking questions, seeking answers. Have faith that through your efforts you will ultimately be rewarded with a diagnosis and some form of effective treatment.
In the meantime, explore these forums using the search feature to find others with symptoms similar to yours. You will find a wealth of information. I have learned more about my condition and treatments here than from all other resources and practitioners combined.
Best of luck. Stick around. And hugs to you.
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you for your response. Some days are definitely better than other days, and yesterday was a bad one. I just want to live my life like I used to. Hearing about your experience has helped me feel like I'm not alone. Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Thank you for your reply. I'm in the middle of all the testing now. I'm sure you understand all the testing they're putting me through. Two visits to the neurologist this week, four MRIs next week then back to the neurologist and the pain doctor. In the meantime I'm just trying to get through a day without getting discouraged. My body just hurts so much that I don't want to do the things that I used to enjoy. I'm so tired but I can't sleep well because I have a hard time getting comfortable. I really appreciate hearing from you. I really need it while I navigate this body I don't recognize.
JamieMarc
Very helpful member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2021
- Messages
- 526
- Reason
- DX FIBRO
- Diagnosis
- 10/2021
- Country
- US
- State
- FL
Always, @aliasbrat 
You are most definitely not alone. We even have a forum if you just want to vent or moan or complain. Sometimes I find that it helps a great deal just to sit down and write something about how I'm feeling whether it's to a friend or in the forums. It does remind us that there are fellow sufferers out there listening and who we know will definitely be there for us and have our back.
Keep the faith!
You are most definitely not alone. We even have a forum if you just want to vent or moan or complain. Sometimes I find that it helps a great deal just to sit down and write something about how I'm feeling whether it's to a friend or in the forums. It does remind us that there are fellow sufferers out there listening and who we know will definitely be there for us and have our back.
Keep the faith!
