While I was studying Fibro in class, a few questions came to mind. If you don't mind answering them for me I would really appriciate your input. :)
1. Do you feel others (medical professionals or otherwise) do not take you seriously when it comes to your pain?
2. What ways do you use to relieve the pain other than pain medications?
I know I have more but they are escaping me at the moment haha.
Thanks in advance!
Momma202
1Hi Momma
It's very hard to find a caring doctor. I had one who took me serious, he left,since then I,ve had three primary care doctors.. And then you have to start at the beginning again, they all want to run the test, more $! I wouldn't mind if they found something.
I used to run daily and do triathalons, one gastrologist could not understand WHY I can't exercise? When I explained between the fatigue and the pain some days I can't get off the couch , he said that not my area of speciality. Very frustrating.
2. I ve recently started using a relaxation tape, my chiropracter helps, but that is not covered by my insurance. Sometime a few glasses of wine help:
Let me know if you have anymore.
I have had fibrro for 20+ yrs so I only see medical professionals who do take me seriously, you pay good money to see these people, you go there for help and to learn something to benefit you in some way if they have a bad attitude towards me or one of those medical professional who just doesn't believe in the diagnosis I won't waste my time or money on them again. But I see a wide range of doctors I see my reqular G.P. a Rhuematologist, Psychiatrist and a Pain Specialist I look at them as tools in a tool box I am on a pension and if you have specialist reports they leave you alone a letter from a G.P. is not going to help much if your trying to claim disability, a mistake a lot of fibro sufferers make you must have evidence from specialists. I am om oxy-contin 60mg twice a day plus tramadol 200mg for break through pain, I take Mogodon and Endep for sleep and for sor muscles and stress I take serapax. I also suffer chronic migraines for these I am on a preventative Topamax, cafergot, annamorh then if all of that doesn't work I have an injection of Morphine, Largactil, and stemetil it is a lot of medication but fibro has so many different components that is why it is so hard to treat but it starts with a good team of doctors and that takes a long time to assemble Iv'e finally feel like I have some control over my own body but for years I felt like I was at the mercy of everybody. I never want to feel like that again You can look on the internet type in MEDICATIONS USED TO TREAT FIBROMYALGIA and they will all come up with all the information about them a worthwhile read especially before a doctors visit educating yourself helps you get back some control over your own life good luck
Once I learned to speak the lingo - what level of pain on a 1-10 scale and type of pain (sharp, dull, burning) - I received more credibility and respect. Showing trigger points that made me move involuntarily was a great demonstration for those who doubted me. At first I was taken seriously, but not given much help. Here's a pill, have a nice life. When that was insufficient, they added another pill. It wasn't until I saw a rheumatologist who had recently started his practice that I got treated seriously. Older doctors must see it differently.
I use relaxation meditation involving visualizing relaxation moving from head to toe. I play soft music for best results while doing this. A very warm shower helps loosen muscles which are tight, too, but the meditation I can do anytime as long as I can lie flat on my bed.
Hope this helps!
Yes that is the most common issue with Fibro. I am reading a book which is great. It was written by a doctor who was suffering from this condition, Many people unfortunately feel this is not a real condition....Because you go through so many different symptoms people confuse it with depression.
Warm baths, massages and distraction tend to make you feel better
1, Unfortunately yes, I have encountered Idiots, er I mean Doctors who thot I was an insignificant human being & was faking it.
However my current Primary is Godsent!!! My Primary had me do a pain log for 60 days. He called me & said if he hadn't already tested me for RA he could have sworn I had it!
2, In the winter time I have a heating blanket (which is very close to having a heated waterbed).
I make myself decaf green tea w/slices of fresh ginger. Green tea is good for you & ginger is warming & soothing for colds & coughs, it is good for fever, headaches & aching muscles & tummyaches. M
Thank you for all of the replies :) I want to use this information when I get into practice as a nurse to make sure I am taking the patient seriously and that I am doing the best I can to not judge them. I know not being believed that the pain is real or that it is as bad as you say can be a very challenging and difficult thing for everyone. I have had that issue myself with doctors and nurses.
Another question that came to mind is do you think asking questions like "how would you rate your pain on a 1-10 scale" and "describe your pain" are accurate questions to ask? Currently, the hospital I am doing my clinical at are trying a new approach, asking whether the pain is being controlled well enough to be "comfortable" instead of these other "standard" questions.
The reason I asked about how you relieve the pain besides pain medications is because we also are trying to find different ways to control pain. Sometimes the pain medication does not work as well as the other, more homeopathic ways do.
I really appreciate all of the input! It is helpful for me as a learning nurse to find ways to help people with chronic pain to manage it.
I get so frustrated with my Dr and PT because I can’t always explain the pain and one day is different then the next! I try heating pads, baths, massage and sometimes it helps but mostly. it does nothing. I’m at the end of my rope! what kind of life am I living if I am constantly miserable? I want to rip out of my skin at times!!!
Hi Lisa I can understand your frustration because you feel people are not listening to you, and acknowledging your pain. And being a fibro sufferer for 20+ yrs you can have all the epsom salts baths, and massages they can be relaxing and they have a place but they won't help chronic, unrelenting pain and I think if you are willing and afoe fibroware of the pro's and cons of pain medication with a condition like fibro you have every right to get some pain relief. Tramadol is a mild opiod, and it is commonly used for fibro it comes in 50 100 200mg they will always srart you on a low dose so be patient till you get up to rhe right dosage. You need a fibro freindky doctor thats one who believes in the diagnosis and will do nothing to help you don't waste your time just find another doctor. But fibro is a medical condition and your pain es verry real and if you need pain relief ask for it. Besr of kuci Jeannie
Hi Momma,
I've been lucky in that most of my doctors have believed me once the diagnosis was made. The problem for me was I'd be passed from one back specialist to the next and they'd always say, "No, your narrowed spinal passage isn't adversely affected by your bulging disc." Then they'd send me on my way without the foggiest idea of what to do next or who to see for medical care. Fortunately for me, I moved closer to Boston where there were better doctors. My new doctor pegged it right almost immediately.
I use an ice pack to reduce the Pain in my lower back/hip area.
Hugs,
Petunia