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knancyknep Posts: 27
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Hello everyone, My name is Nancy and I've had OA for a long time, but over Christmas I went to Indiana (I'm from FLorida) for Christmas and it was SO COLD!! It started a seige that has been going ever since of pain in new joints and muscles, stabbing pains, extreme fatigue and immobility. For the last couple weeks I've been in bed or on the couch almost every day, except one terrible trip to the doctor. He is saying I have fibromyalgia too, thus my joining this group today. (I also just joined the fibromyalgia group today.) The doctor made me go off my anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer and anti-depressant. It's been a hard week without them. Today I started Cymbalta, and I see from some posts that it's going to take several weeks to kick in.  My questions are - do you every get rid of this fatigue that makes you go stir crazy? (I'm just starting a new business making dog clothes, and I haven't been able to "make myself" get up and sew, even though I want to very much.) Should I just push myself to get up and do things, even when I don't think I can? I'm single and don't really have close neighbors and my best friend has RA and can't always help me. Any suggestions on how I get help when I need it? Any other advice you can give me to start getting used to this situation? I've always been a "get up and go" kind of person, and this is REALLY hard for me. Thanks for any help/encouragement you can give me. |
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hatbox121 Posts: 10493
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Why did your dr take you off all those meds? I'm on cymbalta and still able to take muscle relaxers and pain meds. There are meds to help you with the fatigue as well. Do what you can. Do stay active but don't overdo it. Overdoing it will only increase the pain and fatigue. Look around your area for communty service programs. Also if there are any kids around the neighborhood(if you live in one!), you could hire them sometimes to do small odd jobs, like mowing or cleaning up, little stuff like that. Talk with their parents first of course. It'll take some time and some going through a grieving process but you'll eventually accept it. You'll learn your new "limits" and stay within them. Welcome to the group. We also have a forum specific for arthritis if you want to jump over there too. Amy~ “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Current dxes-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mitral Valve Prolapse w/regurg, 2 other heart valves with regurg, POTS, DDD, scoliosis, various OA, polyneuropathy of unknown origin, SI joint dysfunction/fusion/collapse, chronic rotar cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome of the shoulder, chronic bursitis in various locations, degeneration of the sternum, vertigo, GERD, FM, CFS, CPS, various bone marrow lesions, brain lesions of unknown cause, migraines, TMJ, vertically bulging discs, Raynaud's, anemia, tinnitus, high copper levels, borderline glaucoma, colon polyps, intermittent RLS, Vit D deficiency, depression, Eye accomodation disorder, Essential tremor, recurrent kidney stones, sacral spine disorder, inflammed tendons, and inflammation of spinal nerves(no specific dx).
I'm am not a dr. I am not a substitute for a dr. All advice I give is based on research and my personal experiences. |
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knancyknep Posts: 27
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Hi Hatbox, Thanks for your advice. I think the dr. took me off the meds because he felt they were contraindicated with Cymbalta. I can still take pain meds - thank heaven - but the anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxer I really miss... Yesterday I got out of the house for 1/2 day and it was good. I probably did too much because I was really tired and hurt like blazes when I got home, but I am glad I did it. I felt pretty good today, considering, with minor pain, but tired. I am hoping to go to church tomorrow too. They are like my family. They're just 20 miles or more away. Thanks for your help. Nancy |
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hatbox121 Posts: 10493
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I know so many people on cymbalta and muscle relaxers. I don't do NSAIDs myself. Supposed to but I don't need any more blood thinners. I've gone off the cymbalta since it wasn't working for me. I'm at optimum dosage but when I unexpectdly had to do without for a month, I had no withdrawls and no difference so it's useless. Why take something that's not doing anything whatsoever? I'm glad you got to get out. Makes a big difference huh? Next time you need a lil break or something go to walmart and ride around the store in a cart. Don't have to buy anything but just ride! I hope you get to go to church too. Amy~ “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Current dxes-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mitral Valve Prolapse w/regurg, 2 other heart valves with regurg, POTS, DDD, scoliosis, various OA, polyneuropathy of unknown origin, SI joint dysfunction/fusion/collapse, chronic rotar cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome of the shoulder, chronic bursitis in various locations, degeneration of the sternum, vertigo, GERD, FM, CFS, CPS, various bone marrow lesions, brain lesions of unknown cause, migraines, TMJ, vertically bulging discs, Raynaud's, anemia, tinnitus, high copper levels, borderline glaucoma, colon polyps, intermittent RLS, Vit D deficiency, depression, Eye accomodation disorder, Essential tremor, recurrent kidney stones, sacral spine disorder, inflammed tendons, and inflammation of spinal nerves(no specific dx).
I'm am not a dr. I am not a substitute for a dr. All advice I give is based on research and my personal experiences. |
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blondee8257 Posts: 1119
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hey its the fatigue w/me 2 especially in the mornings, dr has me taking trammadol/tylenol and a muscle relaxer 3x a day and it seems to help. it does take me half of the day to get started but i have found if i take meds then make myself take a really hot bath things get to moving a little! i use bio freeze on neck and shoulders as often as i want and that gives some temp relief, somtimes even on legs, knees, etc. but lets face it the cold weather has really gotten to me this yr so i have spent alot of time with pajamas on w/heating pad! here latley its hard to not find a spot that doesnt hurt. i dont push myself, if i know i have several things to do i try and space them out for the wk and not do everything at one time, if i do i pay for it! just started using walmart carts and they have been a life saver for the knees. hatbox is right, just do what u can, when u can. i was used to doing everything 2 and it was hard for me to get used to my situation. i envy u being in florida, spent a month there in sept and i dont think i took meds but a few times while i was there. many hugs,
blondee
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
I am not a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or anyone in the medical field. i can only share my experiences dealing w/my pain! |
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knancyknep Posts: 27
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Hi hatbox and blondee, Thanks for your encouragement. The last two days have been better - I was able to get to church and yesterday I did some sewing for the first time since Christmas - I started a business making dog clothes and accessories in September - good timing huh? I think I will start using carts in Walmart and grocery stores. The last time I was in walmart they didn't have a cart at the end I went on, so I thought I could make it to get the things I needed. Halfway through I gave out and what was I to do? So I slogged through and got home and collapsed. A cart would have made it so much easier. So, next time...  I'm glad I'm in FLorida too! I can't imagine being in the cold any longer than I absolutely have to. I'm rethinking going north for Christmas again next year after this year's experience! But it's warmed up here and I think that helps me too. Hope you all are having a good day! Blessings! Nancy |
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hatbox121 Posts: 10493
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Glad to hear you are doing better. Amy~ “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Current dxes-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mitral Valve Prolapse w/regurg, 2 other heart valves with regurg, POTS, DDD, scoliosis, various OA, polyneuropathy of unknown origin, SI joint dysfunction/fusion/collapse, chronic rotar cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome of the shoulder, chronic bursitis in various locations, degeneration of the sternum, vertigo, GERD, FM, CFS, CPS, various bone marrow lesions, brain lesions of unknown cause, migraines, TMJ, vertically bulging discs, Raynaud's, anemia, tinnitus, high copper levels, borderline glaucoma, colon polyps, intermittent RLS, Vit D deficiency, depression, Eye accomodation disorder, Essential tremor, recurrent kidney stones, sacral spine disorder, inflammed tendons, and inflammation of spinal nerves(no specific dx).
I'm am not a dr. I am not a substitute for a dr. All advice I give is based on research and my personal experiences. |
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laurale Posts: 53
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I too am new here and really help asking about changing meds. I've been diagnosed with Fibro 4 years (suffered much longer as most do) and have OA also. The majority of my body is in such pain and I can barely stay awake some days. I'm having difficulty sorting out residual pains from being hit by an SUV as a pedestrian in Aug. 2009 and fibro pain. I'm have a lawyer helping me with the accident, so I report all medical bills and visits to him, I'm worried about giving mixed info and the other lawyer useing it againat me. Either way, I have to do something. I am seeing a specialist that hss been following me for my pain, injuries & physical ther in March, going to ask for referral to a rheumatologist. Is that the kind of doc to use for fibro/oa? Laurie laughinglaurie |
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Wisdom1956 Posts: 45
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I was seeing a rheumatologist and she treated me for both the fibro and the DDD. In fact, she diagnosed my fibro. Unfortunately, she stopped coming to my area and it is a very long drive to see her now. I am currently working on someone more local. Living in a very rural area compounds finding someone to treat you without driving 2-3 hours one way. So, yes, a rheumatologist is who you would want referred. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!
Current medications: Gabapentin 600mg, Methocarbamol 750 mg, Prozac 40 mg, Ultram 100 mg, Vicoden 750 mg, Doxycycline 50 mg, Diclofenac 75 mg, Lisinopril HCTZ 20/25 mg, Pantoprazole 40 mg, Pravachol 40 mg, Ambien 10 mg, Calcium 1000 mg, Fish Oil 4800 mg, Vitamin E 400 IU, CQ 10, Chromium Piclonate. |
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hatbox121 Posts: 10493
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Rheumy's are usually the dr for FM and OA. Some people do use a neuro for the FM and an ortho for the OA but if you can get a good rheumy and knock it out with one stone, why not? As for changing meds, if your current med is not working for you let your dr know. They can try something else. Amy~ “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Current dxes-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mitral Valve Prolapse w/regurg, 2 other heart valves with regurg, POTS, DDD, scoliosis, various OA, polyneuropathy of unknown origin, SI joint dysfunction/fusion/collapse, chronic rotar cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome of the shoulder, chronic bursitis in various locations, degeneration of the sternum, vertigo, GERD, FM, CFS, CPS, various bone marrow lesions, brain lesions of unknown cause, migraines, TMJ, vertically bulging discs, Raynaud's, anemia, tinnitus, high copper levels, borderline glaucoma, colon polyps, intermittent RLS, Vit D deficiency, depression, Eye accomodation disorder, Essential tremor, recurrent kidney stones, sacral spine disorder, inflammed tendons, and inflammation of spinal nerves(no specific dx).
I'm am not a dr. I am not a substitute for a dr. All advice I give is based on research and my personal experiences. |
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