New to the Forum... Frustrated

I just joined the forum and have a relatively new fibro dx, although my symptoms date back 20 years. Right now I'm on Lyrica (had adverse effects from Savella and had to quit even though it helped relieve the pain). I'm having the breakthrough pain on Lyrica, so I'm frustrated and feel like venting. (Well, it's that or crying and I'm already expended enough tears tonight, so I'm on to Plan B. Besides, the tears didn't help; I still hurt... lol)

I was holding and rocking my granddaughter a few days ago and she weighs less than 10 pounds. The residual pain I am experiencing in my arms is so frustrating. Something like holding your grandchild should bring great joy -- not great pain. My upper arms feel like I have been lifting 100-pound weights as part of a grueling workout.

And I've dealt with several stressful situations in the past couple months (infant death in the family, my home/business suffered weather-related damage and we were declared a national disaster area, other emotional upheavals, etc.) I just can't seem to get over the current flare-up. As soon as I take one step forward, it feels like I get hammered and go two steps backward. Sigh...

I had a really bad bout of sensory overload in the midst of it, and although that has improved and I'm not going crazy over every sliver of light, sound, smell, etc., I just can't overcome the headaches, muscle aches, bruxism/jaw pain, and so forth. I know you fellow fibro peeps can't fix things, but you can relate, which is something my family can't do.

I think some of them think it's all in my head or they're tired of hearing about my aches and pains. Well, guess what. I'm tired of it, too!!!!

There, I got that off my chest.

Welcome to the family Crush! You will find lots of caring and understanding
people here. I'm sorry you are hurting. Fibro can be painful no doubt.

Ivey gave you some good info. I have found that the combination of heat,
exercise, relaxation therapy, keeping busy to distract pain and having a good
attitude has helped me more than anything. My pain levels have gone down and
I attribute that to not focussing on my pain...something I did all the time.

Each day, I take the time to do relaxation therapy, deep breathing and meditation.

Stress is the worst thing for us...it puts cortisol into our bloodstream and causes

tight muscles and we hurt all the more. Exercise is a wonderful way of ridding 

stress. I'm a walker and it has helped so much. I find when I do what I can

to help myself, it pays off big. I'm not pain-free or cured, but I sure feel  alot

better. Being pro active is important. I think we are worth it :)

Checkout Fibro 101, 1st thread on top of page one, Sherrine has compiled lots
of good info for us.

I'm so glad you have joined us! Hoping you feel better soon:)

Hugs, Robin

Hi, Crush, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  Yep, we can relate.  I wish I had the answers for you but it will get better because fibro waxes and wanes.  That's the good news. 

 

Have you tried vitamin D3 and malic acid/magnesium supplements?  Many with fibro are deficient in these vitamins and nutrients and that can cause pain and fatigue.  I use these and they have helped me.  Actually they have help many members but, as you probably know, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another with fibro.  But, this is inexpensive and worth a shot.  You will find links about these in Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum....and the links will show you how they work in the body.

 

I'm sorry you developed pain after rocking your grandchild.  That's just not fair!  But, before you know it, they will be walking and you can give them lots of hugs and kisses.  I have't heard of that causing pain! 

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Hi Crush,

Welcome!  I'm fairly new to fibro too and have been taking lyrica for about 3 weeks now.  I'm having a really bad day today...I thought maybe my dr was right, that this illness is just in my head...I had a great weekend, hardly any pain at all and we were really busy all weekend so I stopped taking my lyrica yesterday and within 24 hrs I realized that I made a big mistake!  I guess the lyrica had finally kicked in and now I've just buggered it all up again!  So I'm back to my pills, which is a bit depressing...hate being dependant on drugs!

Anyways, I just wanted to welcome you and now I'm off to my hottub!

Hugs,

Krista

Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to meet you under these circumstances. But you are right. We can relate. I know how you feel. I have a three year-old son. He only weighs about 30lbs (because he doesn't like to eat), and it is hard to lift him. Technically, I am not supposed to lift anything over 10lbs because of my back, but when you have a child, that is the exception. I know it must be really frustrating to have a grandchild and not be able to hold her without pain. I am sorry Savella didn't work out for you since it helped your pain levels. I am on Lyrica as well. I think you should talk to your doctor about maybe trying Ultram. It didn't help me, but that is because I have a high tolerance for a lot of different meds. You should at least try it. And muscle relaxers help as well. Also, think about getting a bed buddy. They are awesome. Hang in there, and know that you can come here and vent any time you need to. I know this is all very frustrating for you. That will come and go. I am not going to say that it gets easier with time, because I don't think it does all that much. But, eventually, you learn to live with the card you have been dealt. Good luck to you and keep us posted on how you are doing. We love to hear happy reports.