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Posted 10/20/2012 8:15 AM (GMT -8)
I deal with FMS daily, but have had an especially painful flare up for almost a week. My PCP nurse told me that flare-ups do no normally last that long and that I should just continue to take Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I was so mad!--I have since seen my Rheumatologist and have received an on-going Rx of pain medication.
My pain feels like flu body aches. I have very sensitive skin and it hurts worse in the cold weather. By night time, I am hunched over in pain and cannot stand up straight.

Also, has anyone used Lexapro to treat their FMS?

Post Edited (Carolinamoon) : 10/20/2012 10:19:11 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/20/2012 10:07 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Carolinamoon,

I really like your name.

Welcome to the fibromyalgia forum. I am so glad that you have joined us. Sorry for the reason though...

Please find your way to the first thread on this forum called "fibro 101". It is so full of all kinds of information that is so helpful...

I take pristiq. It is an antidepressant, and I take pain medications too. They help a lot.

It is hard to say how long a flare will last. So when the pcp nurse said that they don't generally last long, she was wrong. Everybody is different. I have heard of flares lasting for more than a month. When I first got fibromyalgia, I was in a long time flare. But I had just gotten it and wasn't on the proper meds yet. It took awhile to get it under control. And with the weather we have been having, that has proven to be difficult. But I keep plugging along with it.

A positive outlook really helps. Keep faith and hope that you are going to feel better. It can make the days better that way. I know it is hard right now. We all go through this. You have friends in your corner now though. We all understand.

Keep posting. Thanks for joining up with us. I think that you will like this forum...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/20/2012 1:42 PM (GMT -8)
Hi, Carolinamoon. Glad to "meet" you.

My hubby takes Lexapro, but not for Fibro. It was originally for depression, and it helps...I guess. It never occurs to the guy to think of quitting, or asking if he should quit...he'll be taking it forever if the doc doesn't bring it up.

I take Nortriptyline, another antidepressant, for pain and also for sleep. My doc says if there is any depression (and with Fibro, it's not unlikely) it couldn't hurt for that, also.

What pain meds are you taking?

Cold weather does a number on me, too. I hate it!

Debbie
Posted 10/20/2012 4:59 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you both for your kinds responses. It is nice to meet you both. :)

I was diagnosed about nine years ago and have most recently been able to keep things at bay with OTC medicines. I have used Dicolfenac(sp) Sodium in the past. For maintenance, I have been on Cymbalta and then Savella, but they made me really sick.
This week, I had been taking Vicodin, but started reacting to it, like itching and upset stomach even though I had eaten.
Yesterday, I was given an ongoing Rx of Tylenol Codeine in addition to the Lexapro.
Posted 10/20/2012 7:28 PM (GMT -8)
Welcome Carolina! I am glad you were able to get some relief. I get frustrated myself because I don't need heavy narcotics, but when I get real sick with pain I want someone to help me. We pay so much money and it's crazy how we have to hurt so bad sometimes. I finally got good control of my pain, but I really work at keeping it at bay. Long time ago, I felt like there was no end to the flare. I found this forum and it has made a world of difference for me. I treat mine mostly just natural ways. I really have no choice. I hope you find this helpful.
Posted 10/20/2012 9:34 PM (GMT -8)
I'm on Norco, which is tylenol and hydrocodone, for my abdominal pain for 2 years. It does nothing for my fibro pain. That makes me a little curious as to how come it helps some of you but not me. I'm glad it's working.

I too tried the 3 fibro drugs "cymbalta, lyrica and savella." I was unfortunate there and one made me think about death, one didn't help and one caused me to retain fluid and my feet looked like Fred Flintstone.

Recently I've been getting some fibro pain relief with gabapentin. I think others with fibro take it as well.

Good luck
Posted 10/20/2012 9:49 PM (GMT -8)
ALSO, I have been in a fibro flare for over 2 years. My ulcerative colitis got so bad I had to have major surgeries and they take a long time to recover. So on top of that my fibro has been worse. I don't think your nurse is right and might be saying what she's been told or studied about. But the disease is illusive and we always have something stressing our body.
Posted 10/22/2012 7:29 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Carolinamoon
I can relate completely. I'm also a new member. I have been getting by with ibuprofen liquid gels and excedrin migraine. I take one of each and it seems to help take away the worst of the pain. I've been coping for about 8 years now. It started out EBV (which I caught working at the dr office) and escalated from there. I've been on multiple pain meds and meds like lyrica and cymbalta...all of which work for a short time and then its almost like they exagerate the pain. Anyway...I can say I force myself to get up every morning, put my feet on the floor and take it one step at time. I have discovered that so much of this/these conditions are trying to control me and when I took control it made a huge difference. I still have days I simply cannot move/function, but they are fewer. I gradually stopped taking all the script meds and I haven't seen a dr in almost two years. I've been through the whole cleveland clinic thing and was tested for lupus about 4 years ago. They told me that my test was negative and they just didnt "think" I had it and to come back if I developed more symptoms....well, I've had more symptoms and I've not returned. I'm doing ok...better than I was on the meds anyway. The brain fogs not as bad now either...I still have the memory issues though. The cold weather is terrible, I even started getting welts from it...like an allergy. But I have adapted. I was bit by a snake this summer and didn't even know it until I saw the two holes and the blood...I contribute this to the lack of feeling in my feet. I beleive my mental changes have caused a reaction in the way my body receives external pain. Various parts of my body are almost "numb".
Regarding your flare up - They can last a long time....but they dont have to be as bad if you do everything possible to keep positive and push yourself. Originally the dr's kept telling me to exercise and I was like....it hurts worse to excercise....until I started pushing myself. I dont have any regular ruetine, thats just to hard when you dont know how your going to feel that day, but I do try to do as much as I can and if I need a nap I take one when I can. Best of luck and hang in there...it will pass.
Posted 10/22/2012 8:00 AM (GMT -8)
Thank you all for your words of support. I made it through the weekend because of your encouragment and shared experiences. I was in tears most of the weekend.Today is a better day. I was starting feel like my body was on fire, like a burning sensation. Luckily, that sensation has subsided.

I feel validated knowing that everyone's flare ups have ranged in length. I am not going crazy.

Thanks again,

CarolinaMoon

Posted 10/22/2012 8:19 AM (GMT -8)
Im so glad you are feeling better today :)
Posted 10/22/2012 9:32 AM (GMT -8)
A wise lady told me once to go to sleep and things would be better in the morning.....While it's not always the case with FM I feel better the more sleep I get. Sometimes it's hard to sleep when in pain. I can't take NSAIDS, aspirin, ibruprofen etc., because of my UC. I am glad that you are feeling better CarolinaMoon.

e.mary I admire you for dealing without the medical community. I have been dealing with foot pain for at least 7 years and it's progressivly gotten worse. The Rheumy said it wasn't caused by fibro and the podiatrist said it's due to fibro. He diagnosed my feet with morton's neuroma and the treatment didn't help. After further testing, including an MRI and testing for neuropathy, using electricity, he said it was due to the fibro.

I still have pains but now they are numb and cold all the time. I get in the hot tub and they feel cold in 105 degree water. Massages and acupuncture might help a bit but not for long. I can not feel the pedals when driving the car very well therefore I don't drive anywhere other than around a 10 mile radius. I have to use the hand rails going down the stairs as I can't feel the steps and have had several bad near misses. Going upstairs I have to lean way forward or it feels like I'm going to fall backwards.

The reason I'm telling you this is because if your pain progresses like mine did I want to save you from all I've had to go through. It's been had to even wear shoes. I've found Easy Spirits are the best and order them from them directly. I've got inserts, etc. I have to wear 2 pairs of socks to go around the house in hot weather too.

I was taking a low dose of Gabepentin when I finally had an appointment with a neurologist a little over a week ago. The appointment was an hour long and I flunked the drunk drivers test where the police officer has you walk putting one foot directly in front of the other, and I wasn't drunk. I failed a lot of simple tests, like closing my eyes while he slightly poked my feet and legs with the sharp end or dull end of a safety pin, and other walking, reflex etc. tests.

He doubled the Gabapentin dose and said to call his office in 2 weeks to see if I have any improvement. He's also going to get a hold of the neuropathy testing performed at the podiatrists office and might need to redo the test himself plus do some kind of skin biopsy test.

It will be 2 weeks in a few days and while my feet are still numb they have more feeling than I can remember for years. I will be able to do yoga and take walks for exercising again if I can feel my feet again. While I hate to take one more medication I'm going to take this one and hope he increases the dosage. I'm leery as too many doctors thought they knew the answer and I think a few didn't believe me.

I was at the Mayo Clinic in May for my GI problems and tried to get in to have my fibro checked out but they have a backlog and even my Mayo GI could not get me in. My local Internist said her referrals there take a year. She referred me to this new doctor as she believes me. My toes and the ball of my feet turn purple and she's seen it. The new doc saw it too.

I rambled again, your feet sound like mine were a few years ago.

Have a good day everyone. I'm getting my biweekly massage where she rubs out my fibro knots. Sometimes it hurts a bit but it is worth it. If I miss an appointment or a few I just get worse and worse.
Posted 10/22/2012 12:50 PM (GMT -8)
I had a flare that lasted 10 weeks before. I couldn't even get out of bed on many of those days. Just don't give up. Keep trying to improve your health. Best wishes.
Posted 10/23/2012 12:40 AM (GMT -8)
Dear Deepwell,

What kind of medicine is delivered through your patch? I've never heard of the voltaren topical before and I sure would like to try it out too. I have had major intestinal surgery and lost 5 feet of my digestive system. Because of that I have a fast transit time between when I eat and it goes through my system. All of my extended release medication was switched to pill form and I take them 3 times a day versus once. Therefore your patch and your topical medication sound like could help!

I woke up in pain and took my pain medication 3 hours ago and have to wait another hour before I can take anymore. It is for my abdominal pain. My body hurts all over from my scalp to the tips of my toes. I had a massage today and she had to really apply a lot of pressure to get rid of my fibro knots. I should feel better tomorrow but just took some ibuprofen.

Take care everyone!
Posted 10/23/2012 12:40 AM (GMT -8)
Dear Deepwell,

What kind of medicine is delivered through your patch? I've never heard of the voltaren topical before and I sure would like to try it out too. I have had major intestinal surgery and lost 5 feet of my digestive system. Because of that I have a fast transit time between when I eat and it goes through my system. All of my extended release medication was switched to pill form and I take them 3 times a day versus once. Therefore your patch and your topical medication sound like could help!

I woke up in pain and took my pain medication 3 hours ago and have to wait another hour before I can take anymore. It is for my abdominal pain. My body hurts all over from my scalp to the tips of my toes. I had a massage today and she had to really apply a lot of pressure to get rid of my fibro knots. I should feel better tomorrow but just took some ibuprofen.

Take care everyone!
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