Is this normal?

Hi Nemma, I'm really not much use to you, I was only diagnosed on Monday, and you seem in an even worse state than me . However a couple of things struck me, and perhaps they are not very usefeul but I thought I'd say, just in case.

Can I ask how long you have been on the Sertraline?  Is it relatively recently? I only ask because I only lasted 6 weeks on it and it was absolute hell. Made me feel 100 times worse! I'm now on Citalopram but apparently Fluoxetine and Paroxetine are better choices as they can also help with the pain, so I'm going to ask my GP about that the next time I'm there.

Also, I don't know what the other two are but I was on cocodamol but stopped as am wary of the side-effects, and I've heard the body can become immune to pain killers and they can actually make the pain worse in some cases (it was on a tv prog about pain). Perhaps it's worth reviewing your meds with your GP??

Sorry, that was probably absolutely no help! I'm so sorry you are going through this at such a young age.

Best wishes xxxx

Hi Nemma so sorry your so ill maybe you should go back to our Dr you can't carry on like this ,A lot of the medication I had made me much worse my Gp decided to start from scratch one symptom at a time this was after couple of DRs in same practice treated me like nutcase imagining things I now take morphing for pain and fluoxetine for depression naproxen for joint pain and omeprezole for stomach seems to be working for now I couldn't think straight with garbapentin but when you need rest don't try and fight it I know that's easy to say but it's how things are worry makes you worse don't be put off see all the GPs you can until you find one determined to help they are out there my thoughts are with you take care xxx

Hi Nemma sorry for pain but I can relate. I have been off work since Jun 2016. I was very active working, exercising the gym regularly, pick up kids from school etc. Then one day I pull a muscle my back and became and the high levels of pain became even worse. I went for walking very weak to walking with cane and now a walker regardless of the 20 sessions of aqua therapy. I can only sit up 2 hours and pain is so unbearable I have to lay down. Still trying to find the right med after 2 years to help with the pain. I tried cymbalta, gabapentin, Lyrica, amitriptyline, Norco, fentanyl patch, butrans patch, Aleve, Tylenol ES 3x/day. Butrans patch helps but very expensive as you increase the dose. My insurance will not cover unfortunately. I would recommend it. amitriptyline helped with my migraines some. I am currently taking Nortryplline ( only been taking for 3 days now. antidepressant that is suppose to help with migraines and neuropathic pain) and gabapentin again because the tingling and burning I am experiencing. I need an adjustment to the dose because it is not helping with the pain. I also take baclofen. Skelaxin is a good muscle relaxer but I had a allergic reaction to it. I have never taken sertaline. I am still seeking relief. I had an PCP, pain clinic, rheumatologist and a neurologist that are scratching their heads. I recently just went to neurologist at University of Michigan that prescribed that list a whole list of meds to try along with therapy. The problem is finding a balance because if you do to much you will pay for it. Stress to is a big factor. managing the stress in your life when you have so many responsibilities. They say exercise keep moving. For it seem like the more I move and try to push through the pain the more the more detoriate physically and pain increase. Praying that you find the right combination of meds and regain physical activity. This my prayer for my self as well. This hard to manage because doctors lack of understanding. Keep pressing your way. Hugsxoxo

Oh Nemma I share your pain literally. I've come home from work today, sat in traffic for nearly an hour and I felt like I was going to die from the pain, I know some people will think it's an exaggeration but it was bad. Do go back to your gp, I will be going back to my doctor, I'm sick of this. I hope you feel better soon

Thank you all for your replies.

I have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday. I'm just so sick of the doctor's, every time all they say to me is that there's nothing they can do.

Today I've spent the whole day on the sofa, I've done dinner and obviously got up for the toilet but that's all, haven't even got dressed 🙈

Surely it can't be right that I can't move?

What am I supposed to do about work & money, I've been living off my very small savings for the last couple of months. What do you all do?

Xx

Oh Nemma you poor sweetheart! So sorry to hear about all your symptoms and pain! Well my dear, you sound like so many FM sufferers and you seem to have been an over achiever as many of us were. What is it about some of us women who never seem to be satisfied with our accomplishments, that we seem to have to push ourselves beyond our limitations! That is like a disease in itself. You have been very hard on yourself sweetie. This world seems also to encourage women beyond our physical strength. We have to be amazing mothers, work outside the home, be everything to our husbands, be the best friend ever, and exercise! Well, that goes beyond what is normal! Gym membership, running, jogging, weight lifting, 'Power' walking, swimming, biking, hiking, raising our kids....looking like a celebrity in all those touched up magazine shoots! Oh my goodness! Would we ever expect so much from our daughters, nieces, grand kids, etc! We just never seem to be or do enough. And the pressures and expectations we put upon ourselves, is often ridiculous.And some of these can overload and overtax our nervous systems and the tension in our bodies and minds can overwhelm us and of course cause our systems to protest and or break down. I feel so much compassion for women today. The demands are often extreme and outrageous! I cannot give you any advice on meds sweetie because I only take an Ibuprofen at times when I get a bad migraine. The ladies are in a position to help in that regard. I cannot seem to take meds because of the side effects. I am super sensitive to chemicals. But I have discerned over the years that anxiety and unbalanced expectations of ourselves, have often contributed to the onset of Fibromyalgia and other Chronic conditions. We would not even make demands on our pets to perform or run or walk any more than they could. We cuddle them and let them nap and pamper them with attention. Why? Because we recognise their limitations and we don't want to be cruel in any way. And they are animals. Yet the demands and expectations we place on ourselves for 'perfection' and performance are often out of control and way over the top. We no doubtedly also watch our men to discern problems in their emotional and physical health and we worry about them. We want to make sure they are ok. But how do we often treat ourselves?! Fibromyalgia has been a very wise instructor to me. I have had to reevaluate my thinking and my own view of who I am. I have had to do some real soul searching to see why I had put so many unreasonable expectations on myself. I have learnt to be kinder and more balanced towards ME. I have had FMfor over 30 years now.  I think what you need the most at the moment Nemma is Rest and Relaxation and a Reboot. Your body is protesting. Treat it with tenderness and some compassion as you would any loved one. Stress only aggravates our symptoms. Give yourself a chance to recover somewhat so that you can think more clearly and make a better plan for taking care of yourself. Things will work themselves out in time sweetie. You are never alone in your struggles in researching and getting the best treatments that work for you. Never despair. People here care and can relate to your frustrations and worry. One day at a time Nemma. Warm hugs! Maggie xx

Nemma I am exactly like you , when my pain is so bad I can't get out house for weeks on end , I don't plan things these days if I feel ok I call my daughter to come and take me out even if it's only for an hour , I can't give you any hints it tips as I don't have any , but don't give up and keep trying to take your dog out gentle hugs your way , make the most of what you have xxxx

All of your kind words have meant so much to me! Sometimes it can get too much and its so lovely to know that I'm not alone.

I've got the drs on Wednesday so ill also try and get referred back to the rheumatologist as this is a million times worse than when i was first diagnosed.

I'm struggling with the lack of energy atm I find myself watching other people doing normal things and wishing I had the energy to get off my sofa.

I'm going to look into how I apply for disability benefits or any other kind of help. I'm wondering if I need a support worker to help me as it all seems so scary and daunting.

I am trying to be easier on myself thanks to all your support

Xx