Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 Jen, just a thought, but have you heard of Malic Acid for FMS pain and fatigue? http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/1423/T/Both/ Seems to me I read something about the lidocane patches, I'll have to look for that. Jen, I take Homeopathic Arnica 30C for FMS trigger pain. Mainly because I can't tolerate drugs. I have used this homeopathic stuff, and it works very well. I couldn't stand my job as a reporter. I don't think it would have helped for me to have a work station that was designed by a occupational therapist. My computer station was a disaster. Wrong chair, wrong desk. Gee, I was in so much pain all the time. Even worse, I had too much pain driving, tying to sleep. But, silly me, I was too allergic to be in the work place. Jen, I know what pain you are in, and how you suffer. I hope you can find a way to cope, sleep, and have less pain. > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 What I read suggests that a person ought to take the Malic Acid with Magnesium. > My Pain Management dr mentioned something about taking Malic > acid. They are also found in apples and also pears. > > A friend from another list sent me the link to the > immunesupport.com site and I was very impressed with what I saw. > > Kristy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 I have a friend searching for a product that is designed specifically for people with FM called Fibro Malic. I'm hoping something like that will work. But for the back pain, I don't know if it will help, as that's not Fibro induced. I have a bulging disc and SI joint dysfunction from an auto accident. I'm still holding out hope that my doctor will let me use the Lidoderm patches if I talk to him face to face. Thanks for your reply! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 Kristy, Thanks, I will check it out. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Jen, my brother has the FMS, and a bulging disk (USCG injury). I'll ask him what he is doing about that. He said he was taking a certain Malic acid combo. I'll have to ask him, and e-mail you off list, I guess. I got a prescription for a TENS unit. > I have a friend searching for a product that is designed > specifically for people with FM called Fibro Malic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Jen, Hey girl , sorry to hear of your terrible pain. I have had the Lidocaine shots in my hips legs and even in my groin area. My doc. was a pain specalist that gave me the shots. I used to go in practically begging for the shots. I don't see that Doc. anymore or I would still take them. Be good to your self. G. I can't take this! As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go through people's minds. I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI joint degeneration are getting worse. I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too functional to be considered disabled. I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever that may be. I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid injections. All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Jen, I have had Marcaine (another form of lidocaine since I am allergic to lidocaine)injections in the pyriformis area. I have had this 3 times. Only hurts a little (far less than the pain you are currently going through) and doesn't hurt for long since the medicine itself acts as a local anesthetic. a > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I too have had the lidocaine injections. They are especially helpful when there are really tight knots that just won't go away. It is not that painful, the needles are very small and a very quick pinch. > Jen, > > Hey girl , sorry to hear of your terrible pain. I have had the Lidocaine shots in my hips legs and even in my groin area. My doc. was a pain specalist that gave me the shots. I used to go in practically begging for the shots. I don't see that Doc. anymore or I would still take them. > Be good to your self. G. > I can't take this! > > > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I too have had the lidocaine injections. They are especially helpful when there are really tight knots that just won't go away. It is not that painful, the needles are very small and a very quick pinch. > Jen, > > Hey girl , sorry to hear of your terrible pain. I have had the Lidocaine shots in my hips legs and even in my groin area. My doc. was a pain specalist that gave me the shots. I used to go in practically begging for the shots. I don't see that Doc. anymore or I would still take them. > Be good to your self. G. > I can't take this! > > > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I have been getting trigger point injections in my neck since I was in a car accident in January, and they have helped considerably. The problem is that you can only get so many of them, and then have to take a break from them. I had three rounds in a 5 week span, and now have to wait until June to get them again. I am hoping that I don't need them again, but at least I know what I need to do to get them! I have a wonderful rheumy that will refer me to the pain clinic whenever I need it. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I have been getting trigger point injections in my neck since I was in a car accident in January, and they have helped considerably. The problem is that you can only get so many of them, and then have to take a break from them. I had three rounds in a 5 week span, and now have to wait until June to get them again. I am hoping that I don't need them again, but at least I know what I need to do to get them! I have a wonderful rheumy that will refer me to the pain clinic whenever I need it. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 ---You pain sounds exactly like mine. Lifting anything fairly heavy always causes me a flare up. I have finally learned that I just can't lift anything. Do you use any of the muscle rubs when you get home from work? They really help me. carolyn In Fibromyalgia_Support_Group , " Jen " <nettazig@y...> wrote: > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 ---You pain sounds exactly like mine. Lifting anything fairly heavy always causes me a flare up. I have finally learned that I just can't lift anything. Do you use any of the muscle rubs when you get home from work? They really help me. carolyn In Fibromyalgia_Support_Group , " Jen " <nettazig@y...> wrote: > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 --- I took trigger point infections for several months, lidocaine, but unfortunately they didn't help me. They may help some though, since everyone is different. I would try them. In fact, I'm always willing to try anything new. cb In Fibromyalgia_Support_Group , " Jen " <nettazig@y...> wrote: > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 ---Unfortunately, the homeopathic injections didn't help either. Glad they help you, though! carolyn In Fibromyalgia_Support_Group , " infonewsbabe " <infonewsbabe@y...> wrote: > Jen, just a thought, but have you heard of Malic Acid for FMS pain > and fatigue? > > http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/1423/T/Both/ > > Seems to me I read something about the lidocane patches, I'll have to > look for that. > > Jen, I take Homeopathic Arnica 30C for FMS trigger pain. Mainly > because I can't tolerate drugs. I have used this homeopathic stuff, > and it works very well. > > I couldn't stand my job as a reporter. I don't think it would have > helped for me to have a work station that was designed by a > occupational therapist. My computer station was a disaster. Wrong > chair, wrong desk. Gee, I was in so much pain all the time. Even > worse, I had too much pain driving, tying to sleep. But, silly me, I > was too allergic to be in the work place. > > Jen, I know what pain you are in, and how you suffer. I hope you can > find a way to cope, sleep, and have less pain. > > > > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with > so > > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > > think about suicide " . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 ---Jen, go to this site and see if there is anything here that can help you. www.backpaincure.com carolyn b In Fibromyalgia_Support_Group , " Jen " <nettazig@y...> wrote: > I have a friend searching for a product that is designed > specifically for people with FM called Fibro Malic. I'm hoping > something like that will work. But for the back pain, I don't know > if it will help, as that's not Fibro induced. I have a bulging disc > and SI joint dysfunction from an auto accident. I'm still holding > out hope that my doctor will let me use the Lidoderm patches if I > talk to him face to face. Thanks for your reply! > > Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Kristy, Thanks for that info. I will check out GNC myself tomorrow after work. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 It is not too much to ask, Jen. You deserve it. (hug) > I can't take this! > > > As I was struggling to make it through my day at work today, with so > much pain that there were times I wanted to cry, I at one point > thought " I can understand why people in constant, unrelenting pain > think about suicide " . I'm not saying that I'm suicidal, not at all, > but I got a better understanding of what makes those thoughts go > through people's minds. > > I was in so much pain today, that all I could think about was making > it stop. I couldn't think about anything else. I wanted to cry, > scream, lay on the floor curled up in a fetal position, whatever it > took to just make it go away. Even after taking relief meds, 10mg > of Oxycontin and a Soma, which normally work really well for me, it > only took the worst edge off the pain....there was no relief today. > I have huge, golfball sized knots in my shoulders and my lower back, > and non-stop spasms. I need to have another MRI done on my lower > back, because I think the bulging disc in my lumbar area and the SI > joint degeneration are getting worse. > > I know my job doesn't help it any, and more than likely makes it > worse. Over the last few days, I had to work on some bearings, 21 > of them, that weighed 65 pounds each, which was what sent me into > this tailspin. Most people would tell me to quit working and go on > disability, but I was VERY lucky to even get approved for > intermittent FMLA. When I'm not in a flare, I'm still way too > functional to be considered disabled. > > I just don't know how much more of these excruciating pain days I > can take. I'm relying more heavily on the meds than I ever have, > and my backand Fibro are getting worse by the day. The fatigue from > the pain continually drags me down, and by the time I get home from > work, all I can do is come home to collapse on my heating pad. I > used to be afraid of overmedicating.....now I think I'm not taking > enough. But still I'm afraid to move to the next level, whatever > that may be. > > I'm not even sure what my next treatment options are. I had thought > about trying Lidoderm patches, but my doctor said on the phone that > my pain wasn't localized enough. I'm not sure if he realized that I > was referring to very specific areas in my lower lumbar area, and my > SI joint area. I think it's time to make an appt. to go back in and > see the old doc. I haven't seen him since February, when he put me > on the Oxy, so I'd say it's just about the right time. If he still > refuses me, it might push me in the direction of the pain specialist > that my psychiatrist suggested, who he says is very good. I think > my doc wanted to send me to him as well, but he wasn't in my network > at the time. Since one of the prominent pain doctors just retired, > the one I saw and really disliked, I'm hoping that now he might be. > I've balked at injections up to this point, but I might be willing > to consider lidocaine injections if they'd help! I'd appreciate > input from anyone who's ever had lidocaine injections done. I think > the only thing I'd still refuse at this point is steroid > injections. > > All I know is that I feel like I'm on the verge of losing my mind. > I can't take this relentless pain every day. I used to have a lot > good times, that were occasionally marked with flares every 2-3 > months. Now it seems that pattern is reversed. My pain is marked > by a few good days here and there. I just feel like my body is > taking a beating every day by and invisible attacker. I haven't had > a " break " in I don't know how long, and I'm so desperate for one! > Even if it's just for one blissful day. Just one beautiful day of > absolutely no pain. Is that too much to ask? > > Jen > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 Dear Jen, Although you said in your message that you would not qualify for SSD, it sounds as though, from the rest of your message, that you would indeed qualify, especially if you have to have your Oxy increased. I personally take 40 mg. Oxy twice a day and Lortab 7.5 mg. as needed (usually every 4 to 5 hours) for pain. This does not leave me pain free, but does drop the level from a constant 9 (used to say 10 until my recent kidney surgery when I found out there really is a higher level that I have been experiencing). During my two day hospitalization for this surgery, I was on a Dilaudid pump which delivered a measured dose every time I pushed the button, but no more often than every 15 minutes. This did nothing for my fibro pain, and I still had to supplement it with my pain meds from home. Did help with the surgery pain, however. But it does sound like you need to be on disability. It would be up to the SSD examiner as to whether you met the guidelines or not. Other than furnishing a job description to SSD, your employer would have no say in whether you are or are not disabled. If you are having this many flares, it sounds like you are definitely disabled!! When I was first diagnosed in 1995, I was having maybe 2 or 3 flares a month, and I could live with that and work through it. But by Dec. 97 when I finally had to go on disability, I was to the point that I was only having two or maybe three days a week that I *COULD* work, and not very well even on the good days. I had already received a probationary letter about my frequent absences, and one more absence without sick leave and a doctors note to cover it would have cost me my job. So I took the only way out that I could find....an unpaid 13 week FMLA (which the doctor who had given me the probationary letter tried to keep me from getting... finally had to get Personnel to sign off on it), during which time, I applied for SSD. The original SSD application was denied, but I won it on the first appeal. Here is hoping that things work out for you. You might want to ask your doc to up the dose on the Oxy....when I first started taking it, I was rxd the 10 mg. strength and I could not even tell that I was taking anything.... see if he wont rx at least a 20 mg. dose for you, and take them twice a day, whether you feel the need or not. Pain is much easier to KEEP under control than it is to GET under control. hugs and prayers, Sharon - Memphis, TN Phone " ..and with his stripes, we ARE healed! " Isaiah 53:5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 What is in the injections? dash Re: Re: I can't take this! I have been getting trigger point injections in my neck since I was in a car accident in January, and they have helped considerably. The problem is that you can only get so many of them, and then have to take a break from them. I had three rounds in a 5 week span, and now have to wait until June to get them again. I am hoping that I don't need them again, but at least I know what I need to do to get them! I have a wonderful rheumy that will refer me to the pain clinic whenever I need it. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 Dear Jen, I find my doctor to be much more accommodating when I sit down with him face to face to discuss meds. Otherwise, my call is answered by a machine, and you have to leave a message for the phone nurse. She, in turn, pulls your chart and gives it to Dr. Finn with HER interpretation of what you need. So Dr. Finn thinks this through and gives his reply to the phone nurse, who, instead of calling me, with Dr. Finns reply, calls the pharmacy with the answer Dr. Finn gave. This is translated by the pharmacist, and so by the time I *FINALLY* get the message, cause the office closes at 4 p.m., it is after 5 and I have to wait until the next day and try to go through the whole thing again. It is much less frazzling on the nerves just to make a doctors appt. to discuss the meds. That way, if he does not agree, he will have to tll me face to face, and this also gives him a chance to observe first hand, the pain that I am in. Of course, I have Medicare and a secondary policy that pays 100% of my doctor visits in full, so money is not an issue here. If I was having to pay for the visit or even a copay, I might react differently. hugs and prayers, Sharon - Memphis, TN Phone " ..and with his stripes, we ARE healed! " Isaiah 53:5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 Sharon, I honestly don't think I'd qualify for SSD, because my pain is still intermittent. What I went through over the weekend was an extreme scenario, not the norm. It was pretty much triggered by doing some things at work that were outside of my FMLA restrictions (heavy lifting), which I dealt with this morning. I also have intermittent FMLA, which I can use when I have Fibro flares, or when the pain in my back gets really bad. I've actually only had 6 flares since I was approved in August, with the bulk of them being over the winter. One of them I was able to work through, since it hit me in the afternoon, and it was on the last day of the week, so I've only used FMLA 5 times. I don't take the Oxy on a schedule right now, just as needed. It would probably be a good idea for me to do that, but I would have to clear it with my doc first. I don't take a BT med either. My psych and I are discussing upping my Topamax level, which helps to reduce my overall body pain, and I'm going to talk to my doctor about switching to a different muscle relaxer, because I think the Soma is quitting on me. All it does is numb my brain! The 10mg of Oxy normally works for me, except for those rare times like this past weekend. My job was threatened one time back in June of last year, but they have left me alone since I was approved for FMLA, except now, with the big debate over how many occasions I'm allowed to have. My doctor wanted to increase it, but it conflicted with what the 2nd opinion doctor said, so now I have to see a 3rd doctor, as sort of a " tie-breaker " . My psych is also after me to see a pain doctor, and I'm giving it serious thought. I saw one before, last year sometime, and it was absolutely horrible, so it's left me a little gun-shy about the whole thing. Trying to get my nerve up to do it again. Thanks for everything, I really appreciate it. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 Dear Carolyn, Like you, I cannot lift anything much heavier than 5 lbs, even before my kidney surgery last week, so that was one warning that I did not need, although I think it may have helped to have it spelled out for Elwyn. And believe me, I am playing this one for everything it is worth. I go back to the surgeon tomorrow to hopefully get my staples out, and I will word my request something like I bet you do not want me to lift anything yet, and hopes that the surgeon takes the hint. I have tried to wash the dishes, but even sitting down, I can feel the pull on my incision. Not glad that I needed the surgery or the final diagnosis of kidney cancer, but it has at least, brought me a few days of respite from normal household duties. hugs and prayers, Sharon - Memphis, TN Phone " ..and with his stripes, we ARE healed! " Isaiah 53:5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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