I'm 27 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia almost 2 years ago (after a couple years of seeing the doctor for pain). I have had serious side effects to savella, Lyrica, cymbalta, and neurontin/gabapentin caused seizures. I am starting to feel crazy at the thought that my whole life is going to be pain. I used to have long stretches between flare ups (month or several months) but now it is a couple times a month at minimum for several days each time. I work with Dutch Shepherds and have a 5 yr old daughter, I used to be a competitive athlete....now I have to be careful about how often I empty the dishwasher and half the time can't go up the stairs in my home. I have a high pain tolerance but this pain is so extreme, I have to find something that helps, or at least try something. I'm so tired of feeling trapped in my own body! I don't know anyone who has fibromyalgia and its hard for those around me to understand even though they are extremely supportive and helpful. I just feel at the end of my rope right now!
Anyone have anything they've found works for the pain? Or helps keep it away?
Hi
Sorry to hear about your pain and feelings of sadness.
Unfortunately I am in the same boat as you, I've only recently been told that I have this.
I too am going through the different meds and getting different side effects, but not as extreme as you.
Nothing they have given me has helped so far. At the moment I'm coming off of Pregabalin slowly.
Again like you it's hard to get on with every day life with the lack of sleep and continious pain, only another sufferer can understand that it feels like your whole body has been run over by a truck every day! People can only see what looks like a healthy person in front if them. It's very frustrating!
I have found that swimming helps with my stiffness and although I have to work through the pain and the lack of energy, it helps me feel like I'm trying, even if it takes me an age to do a couple of lengths. I then go into the jacuzzi and relax with the jets on my aches. I've been told that relaxation is important and I find that the warm water etc helps me to relax through the pain. I admit it makes me very tired for the rest of the day, but I feel I'm helping myself to keep fit and if I need to take a nap after it I deserve it!
The important thing is to remember your important and like me we have to learn to try to cope the best we can and as long as we don't over do it and try to do too much we get through another day!
As my daughter said, 'you can't give up mum because one day they will find a cure', and for our children we've got to keep going on waiting for that day!
My doctor has told me that they are trying very hard to find a cure, so fingers crossed!
Like most illnesses it's unkind, but knowing others are online and going through the same things and that your not alone is helpful.
I'm going through a very low emotional period myself at the moment and I know how hard it is to try to stay positive, but the best advise the doctors have given me is just to try to adjust by not overdoing things and take small regular breaks to relax.
Take care and hope this helps.