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tmrobinson Posts: 25
New Member
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I've been diagnosed with Fibro and RA back in Aug. of last year. At first I was able to see a specialist for it, but since my husband was able to get his disability I have lost my medicade. I havent been able to go back to see him since Oct. I will admit that what meds he did give me sure wasnt helping either of my problems. Now I'm in a situation where I hurt more and more everyday and I have such bad joint pain in my hands, wrists, and fingers that I can't do the simplest things anymore. Its getting harder and harder to get out of bed and face the day let alone take care of the house and my family. I was wanting to know if anyone has any kind of advice they can give me on some kind of help I can get so I can see a Dr and get the meds I need? I have went from a active person that was going to college and taking care of my family, to having to quit school and having my family take care of me.. I can't deal with this anymore and I'm about to go crazy.. Its bad when you have to ask your 13 year old son to get you a can of soda and have to have him open it for you. I also alot of times have to ask my husband or my son to help me out of the bed or the chair.. I feel so helpless.. I pray that someone can help me with some advice on any kind of help... Thanks for reading and let me dump my problems on you all... Tonya
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gerinaz Posts: 413
Member
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hi.... and welcome to the group. Hopefully, someone will respond with more suggestions for you, but I just recently read a posting where one of the members was able to get several months of Lyrica for free. she said that you just go onto the Pfizer website, print and fill out a an application and submit it with a doctor's prescription. If you are eligible, you can receive up to 12 months of medication. I don't have any suggestions as far as a doctor visit, however. Good luck. hang in there. Don't forget hot baths, heating pads, ice packs (and sometimes anti-inflammatories help as a last resort). |
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MoiraWolf Posts: 3410
Senior Member
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Welcome to the group! You will find that anything from ranting, raving, complaining, whining, laughing, loving... it's all allowed. You will never be critisized, told to "suck it up" or anything of the like. We "get it." And while I welcome you, I will also say, sorry you needed to find us (have these awful syndromes). Now... Is it that since he's on disability, you have too much income now to be covered under medicaid? What about your own disability? If you're as bad as it sounds, you may be able to get your own SSI disability. Something to look into at least. I don't know the laws in your state (don't even know what that state is!) but here's some ideas. Call your state's department of health and human services. I know Texas has a type of insurance called Combined Health Insurance Pool, or CHIP for people who are denied other insurance because of pre-existing conditions. You can also contact area churches to see if they have any help or advice. It sounds like you don't just need medicines, you need to figure out what cocktail of drugs is right for you (we're all on a different group of meds). You need to see a rheumatologist. They are the ones who treat for both Fibro and RA. I know California has a health insurance for uninsured people, several states do. DHS is usually the first place to start. I'm sure tho, some of the other ladies on here will have more information or advice. In the meantime... hot baths with epsom salt is good. A heating pad with a moist washrag (moist heat) is good for localized pain. Fibro is not an inflammatory disease, and RA is, so OTC anti-inflammatories like Ibuprophen or Naprosym might help. If you have access to a hottub either your own, someone you know, or the local YMCA, a hot whirlpool tub will help both. I take Osteo-biflex for my osteoarthritis. I am not a medical doctor and any medical opinion I give is based on personal experience and/or research. It is not intended to suppliment or replace your doctor. Follow at your own risk.
Gabapentin 600mg, tid
Tramadol 50mg, bid
Enalapril 10mg
Metoprolol ER 50mg
Citalopram 40mg
Levothyroid 125mcg
Cyclobenzaprine 10mg
Hydroxyzine 25mg
Carbidopa/Levadopa 25/100mg
Fish Oil Omega 3 - 1400mg
multi-vitamin pack
Vitamin C 500mg
Vitamin D3 50,000units, once a week
Dx: Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, degnerative joint disease, hypertension, diabetes type II, irritable bowel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, reactive airway disease, chronic allergies, hashimoto's disease, TMJ, morbid obesity, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder
www.etsy.com/shop/moirawolf |
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Montag Posts: 252
Member
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Welcome to the group TM !! Sorry you feel so awful. You`ve had alot taken away from you. From being very active to having your family take care of you is a hell of a shock compared to everything you used to be able to do. Please stick around...everyone on this site has helpful ideas and are very unique in caring for and supporting each person thru this nightmare. Try to be patient with yourself. It isn`t easy but I`ve found it one of the necessary tools for surviving with these illnesses. sending you gentle hugs... I share from my experiences Only- I am not a medical or legal professional.
"Some of our greatest victories come from knowing when to retreat." author unknown
"Everyday is exactly the same but different..." |
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broken Posts: 9446
Group Leader
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welcome to the group.we are full of advice..some good some weird,lol.. okay there is a perfin wax hand soak i belive in the beauty section at WAl MART IT IS GREAT FOR HAND PAIN. ALSO WE ALL LOVE RICE SOCKS,fill a sock with rice(uncooked)tigh a know in the end and heat in microwave.. for localized pain several of us use salon pas also I found stop pain helps(not as long), Epsion salt baths are great to help muscels pain and aches.. and one thing that really has helped me,is make small goals dont say Im going to clean the house say Im going to clean the bathroom...it does help..also know we are always here to listen and advice..Hatbox has put up a great link for under insured you can find it in the furom section If you cant find it let me know or HAtbox and we will get it for you we all have alot to give if one gets the help then some of this suffering is worth it..
remeber I am not a doctor I just say what I think |
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DanaW Posts: 2222
Senior Member
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hi TM...looks like there is alot of advice already given...which is just one of the great things about this group! I don't have alot to add except that there probably is some sort of charitable health care program in your area, you have to find them. DHS is the best place to turn for help in locating some assistance. I hope you stick around and get to know some of these fine folks! I am not a doctor but I play one on TV
Seriously, I am not a medical professional, my posts are not meant to be a susbstitute any medical advice or treatment. Never take chances when it comes to your health! |
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hatbox121 Posts: 10648
Group Leader
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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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FibroCFS Posts: 1487
Senior Member
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Welcome. My hands are getting worse as time goes on. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in both and some days it is really bad. We are all on different medications. What works for one does not for another and sometimes with bad side effects. I used Tramadol and Gabapentin for the Fibro and for sleep Ambien and also that is why I use Gabapentin. Fludrocort is for Hypotention (Low blood pressure).  Tramadol 50mg AM Noon 6PM Fibromyalgia/Pain
Fludrocort .1mg AM & 6PM Hypotension
Zolpidem 5mg 6PM & 8PM RLS/Sleep
Gabapentin 300mg 6PM RLS/Sleep/Fibro
Gabapentin 100mg Upon 1st and 2nd Awakening at night RLS/Sleep/Fibro
Simvastatin 20mg 6PM Cholesterol
Tizanidine 4mg Upon 1st Awakening at night and 2mg AM and PM Fibro/Sleep
FemHrt or Aviane (Hormones) PM Severe Hot Flashes
Naltrexone 1.5-3-4.5 mg (Start low 4 weeks to 4.5)
Fibromyalgia - Off Label Use - Still Experimental
Voltaran Gel as needed on hands and rib cage.
Ibuprofen or Naproxen as needed for hands, arms, feet, legs, knees, rib cage, back.
D3 1,000IU & K2 90mcg - Sublingual
D3 Gel Caps 2,000IU AM 4,000IU PM
Calcium Citrate 2,000 2x day w/food
Manganese 10mg PM And Upon 1st, 2nd, 3rd Awakening At Night
Magnesium Taurate 200mg PM
Malic Acid 800mg AM
Vitamin C 1,000mg AM/PM
B1 Capsule 100mg AM
Liquid Vitamin B Complex - Sublingual AM
Includes: B2 17mg, B3 20mg, B5 30mg, B6 2mg,
B12 1,000mcg, Folic Acid 40mcg
Benfotiamine 300mg PM
Chromium Picolinate AM
Bromelain and Broad Spectrum Enzymes before meals.
Cranbery Extract Capsule w/C 400mg
I am not a doctor nor do I work in the medical field. My opinions and suggestions are just that, just what I think and have to offer that I hope is helpful to you. Always rely on your doctor when making medical decisions. |
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girlfriend Posts: 1785
Senior Member
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Welcome to our family! Tons of great people here... is there a local or county health center that could help you? Don't dread the storm, Learn to dance in the rain! |
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mabri Posts: 4710
Group Leader
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TM, We are so glad that you found this group. We are very happy to have you as a part of it, and are looking forward to getting to know you better. You have already received a lot of great advice from some of our wonderful members. Feel free to post anytime, and welcome to the fibro family!! HUGS Please do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor.
**Becky** |
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