Waiting for a diagnosis - Fibromyalgia Message Board

JacquelineH · 02-10-2009, 08:01 PM

I have been suffering from aches and pains for 4 years now. A lot of it started after I fell and broke my tailbone. I have most of all the symptoms. I hurt so bad, it jumps from one place to the next. I am always tired, I do my dishes and that is about a days work. I have all 18 tender points, hurt, tired, headaches from smells, and light and noise. I can't concentrate, my memory is shot. I have been on different drugs. Lyrica seemed to help but I had to many side effects. I take T4s, motrin, sleeping pills. The motrin is bothering my stomach now so I had to cut back. I also take gabapentin, it doesn't help much. I have had surgery on my shoulder and my other one is shot now. I have cervical and lumbar arthritis. I have sciatica and herniated and torn discs. I am waiting to see a rhumatoligist for months. I am seeing orthopedic surgeon for the other things. I am have difficulty urinating. My symptoms are worse as the weather changes. I can not get a diagnosis yet for fibromyalgia. My doctor has given me forms for CPP, but does not mention this problem. Any advice in getting a diagnosis. Thanks

DeBeachSiren · 02-10-2009, 11:40 PM

Welcome. You are sure going through a lot. I've had this for a very long time. Sometimes you just have to change doctors. I did that with my first doctor, it wasn't that he wasn't kind or a good doctor, I just felt like I need a new person to check me out. Glad I did my primary doc of over 17 years is great. Also I have seen the same pain management doc for that length of time too. There are all sorts of medications and procedures that can be done to help you live a life with more quality. I'm 53 and also have the same stuff that we all get as we get older with a few other things thrown in to the mix. I take Soma, it is an anti-inflamatory as well as a muscle relaxer. No it does not make me goofy. I take Elavil at bedtime and also Ambien. I do have morphine, but rarely use it opiates make me sick to my stomach unless I am lying down, so that doesn't happen often. No, they don't make me goofy either, they just take the pain away. I prefer procedures such as nerve blocks and ablations. I also have an implanted stimulator which gave me a whole, whole lot better quality of life. When I was working, I'm on disability now, I used to get deep tissue massage. Sure it hurt, but it broke up the knots and was worth it. Now that's a luxury that I can no longer afford. Sure, I have flares like everyone else on here, but my doctors and the support on here get me through.

I hope that I gave you a few options to think about. Hugs to you.

DeBeachSiren

k2626 · 02-11-2009, 12:15 AM

What do your pains feel like? Are they quick pains that jump around like a quick pulsate or stab and then move to another area?

I am in a similiar boat and have no dx...

chilyrabit · 02-11-2009, 05:47 PM

I'm new to this site also. I certainly can't say that I know how you feel, however I do understand where you are coming from based on my own experiences.

Have you considered seeing a pain management doctor? I know that it is hard sometimes to add yet another doc in the mix. In my case, it was well worth it. There are so many options available today to help control pain long term.

I noticed that someone else mentioned to you about changing doctors. I agree. I believe that doctors can be nice and have good bed-side-manner BUT they tend to believe what they believe. Maybe your doctor doesn't belive in FM. Always remember, you know you and you have to be your own advocate. It has also been my experience that if it wasn't the doctor's idea, then it's impossible.

I sincerely hope that things get better for you soon. Kim

JacquelineH · 02-11-2009, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the replies. I do think I need to see another doctor. I just keep going back to this one every month and he refills my script. I like him a lot but not to much help. My pains are stabbing and then ache for sometime. They suddenly stop and go to another place. This goes on continulosly. It is choronic pain.
I saw my orthopedic doctor today and he says I have arthritis in my hip, shoulders, neck and back, and my other shoulder needs surgery. He also tells me that if I have surgery it can do more harm then good on my back. I had a choice weather to get cortisone injections in my neck or my back (not both) I took the lower back. He gave me 4 shots. Must say I am a little sore tonight.
I have used morphine for my shoulder and I uses it occasionally when the other meds do not work. I have no side effects from it. I think I like the idea of muscle relaxants. I also read some where on this site that the pain I am getting in my hips bum and thighs are common with this also. The doctor tells me it from my lower two disks.
The weather is getting cold here again and I just want to go to bed with a heating pad and my dog. I guess my husband can come too. Can wait till it warms up.

Thanks again for the reply and I will have another talk with my family Dr. next week.