1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Self help for Fibromyalgia

Posted , 11 users are following.

denise56617
denise56617

I have found some really useful information for anyone wanting to try to manage their symptoms by self help.  If you try searching under  - CFIDS Fibromyalgia self help - there are lots of useful articles, tips and success stories. Hope its of use to some of you out there. x

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

Prev
  • haytophill
    haytophill denise56617

    Posted

    Hi Denise, as I said towards the end of my reply to Alexis, get your GP to actively manage you, trial various types of medication, I have mentioned a few that may be worth trying.  I have also found drinking slim line tonic water is good for cramps and background muscle ache, the best cost/effect is from 'T's.

    Rhus Tox cream can be a help, Rescue Remedy drops for help with colds, charcoal for indigestion.  When you start trialing something, keep a diary from day to day, then you have evidence as to its benefit or side effects.

    The most important is to be positive and keep going, don't give in no matter how painful.

     

    • denise56617
      denise56617 haytophill

      Posted

      Hi, thanks very much for your reply. I think you do really well to work the hours you do.

      I can’t take much in the way of medication as even low dose Amitryptyline makes me drowsy. If I was taking a lot of medication I would not be able to function at all. I have decided to go down the route of pacing, gentle exercise, rest when my body needs it, meditation and spending quality time with my family. Only time will tell if this works for me but my rheumatologist was very encouraging.

      I will have a look at the cream you suggest as I have not heard of it before. (I also suffer from OA and have done since my 20’s) I have just been given wrist and thumb supports so I hope these will help me.

      Chronic fatigue is my biggest problem but I am better than 6 – 12 months ago.  I  will do my best to remain positive as I know I am slowly improving.Thanks again.

  • haytophill
    haytophill denise56617

    Posted

    Hi Denise,

    Since April this year, when my GP looked for an alternative to using Lidocaine 5% gel, he prescribed Lidocaine 5% patches (packs of 5).  These you can cut to any size/shape, as there is no border because the whole patch is adhesive.

    Initially, I kept putting strips where the pain is, and it did reduce pain levels at that point, but not completely.

    I have found that by identifying the pain line, the route that the pain message follows, putting a small patch over this line is more effective.  Basically, put the nerve carrying the message to sleep for 12 hours, and you have a breathing space to relax and be pain free. 

    I put a small 2inch x 1inch strip across the back of my leg about 2inches above the ankle bone, and this stops the painful cramps in the calf muscles from reaching the brain, when out walking the Cornish Coastal path.

    I have constant pain from the bottom of the right knee cap, which makes the nerve running up the inner side of my thigh very sensitive.  A 3inch x 1inch strip across this sore line just above the knee, cuts of the message to the brain.  This is more effective than numbing the actual pain point.

    Worth a try if your GP is working with you.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.