Fibromyalgia Support Group

Good morning everyone. I hope and pray every single one of you are feeling better today.

I am trying to figure out what can help me at work. I am having the awful neck/shoulder/back pain but I need to be here.

I take Tramadol. I have Flexaril sp? But that makes me dizzy and sick to the stomach and is not a good idea here at work. I am taking tylenol and Ibuprofen.

Anyone have any suggestions? I do sit at the computer all day with frequent ups and downs to file and fax. I NEED my job. Just looking for some tips please and they are soooo very appreciated.

*hugs* to all

Hello Beeleeg, I also have had alot of difficulty of work. Since I am the only one thaqt works in my family , I have to work also . I have also noticed that Flexeril is not a good choice to take at work. One thing that has helped a bit is getting a note from my dr stating I need a desk that can move up and down to allow me to be able to stand part of the day and sit the rest of the day and a new chair that is more eronomically correct and with more support. I take Oxycodone 10 mg 3 x per day that helps take the edge off, and I just started lidocane patches yesterday ( so the jury is still out on those, I will let you know if they do anything or not ) The Tramadol did not do much for me. I did try Lyrica, and that only made me put on weight, so I stopped that ASAP. then I tried Cymbalta, it helped , but it made me sweat so bad! I was willing to deal with that , since it helped with the pain, but once my deductible started over on my insurance, I could not take it any more since it was so expensive! you can ask your dr if they are willing to try a stronger narcotic. If you are not going to one already, try a pain clinic. They can help you with more options than a primary or rheumy can . ( TENS units are also helpful. they do not take the pain away, but it is a distraction so you don't notice it as much )

Kyra

If you have it available I reccomend an ice pack of some kind. I get terrible neck pain and I have found that if I can go and lay down on an ice pack for about ten or twenty minutes that it really helps. My Chiropractor says that ice is the best anti-inflammatory thing around. I do this at work when it gets uncontrolable, because I also work at a computer all day craning my neck and staring at a screen.

Kyra,

Thank you. I'm sorry you are hurting too. I hope the patches work.

I do have a good chair and ergonomical keyboard. .

I see the Rheum in July but don't think I can wait that long. She was waiting to run more tests for possible Lupus before adjusting meds etc.. She hasn't given me anything except the Tramadol. The flexeril was from my primary doctor. What to do...

I might look into a pain clinic.

Between feeling like I have the flu, arthritis pain, muscle pain, whole body pains, fog, feeling all kinds of other crazy symptoms etc.. I just don't know what to do. I guess I should call her. I'm not looking forward to expenses increasing, we are barely making it now. But I have to do something. not working is NOT an option.

I don't know what the TENS is, I'll have to look that up. I know by the afternoon I just want to go home to my bed. I sure wish nobody had to deal with this stuff. You gave me good advice though, thank you so much.

*hugs*

Brenda

Loulou, good idea too. I might bring one in. I could put that on without interfering with work.

also for local pain you might try salon pas pain patches,found at most pharmaceys and or wal mart..also due you have acess to a microwave? if so make you a rice sock,fill with uncooked rice tie of and microwave till it is to your liking..it is great for neck pain..

Brenda,

A "tens" unit is a small machine that has electrodes on it. You attach the patches to the electrodes, and stick them wherever the pain is. You can adjust the "zap" to your comfort level. You use this for about 20 minutes at a time. I have a lot of that same kind of pain, and my tens unit really helps me. Talk to your dr about possibly getting one. You could use this while you work as you can clip the unit itself on your belt, pants pocket. Hope this helps. HUGS

Another suggestion that helps me when I have neck pain is to slowly roll my head from chest, to right shoulder, to back, to left shoulder, then front again. Roll slowly 4 or 5 times clockwise, then reverse and do counterclockwise. It helps stretch out and lengthen the muscles that are cramping and causing the pain. Works well for some types of tension headache too.

on the exercise point a theropist had me due chin tucks.press your finger to your chin push hold a few seconds and due again

Hi, Beeleeg, Those Rx pain patches help for localized pain. Also neck rolls and stretches, and an ergonomic keyboard, chair, and roller mouse. Keyboard and mouse are competitively priced, and your HR may be able to swing you ordering them as necessary for work. Also, those weird pillows for your butt with a hole cut out for your tailbone--they help with sitting right, so you won't get in bad positions when you work.Get your monitor up to your eye level when sitting and keep your hands and lower arms straight when you type. Keep your shoulders dropped and when you find yourself tensing, drop them again. Also, stretch your neck by dropping your head as far back as possible when you can, and push your shoulderblades toward one another. Signed, someone whose neck kinda sucks.