I have fibromyalgia and just had major back surgery 7 weeks ago...
I am in chronic pain, am having extreme feelings of soft tissue pain, weakness and pain in all of my joints and my back pain is almost as bad as it was before my surgery. But my fibro symptoms are 10 time worse and more painful than they were pre op.
I need help or advice in what direction I should go or can go in regards to what I am going to do, I am on disability and I think I am going to have to be extended because my pain level is so high. Any advice? I take Norco and Naproxen but am still in terrible pain...
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. Since major back surgery is obviously an extreme stressor and the stress response system appears to be involved in FM its probably not surprising that your FM symptoms have flared after your surgery.
Several stress reduction studies have shown that things like massage, hydrotherapy, focused breathing, relaxation exercises can be very helpful in FM.
There's also the issue of sleep. If your sleep has worsened then your symptoms are almost certainly going to worsen. How are you sleeping? If your sleeping has gotten worse you might try some sleeping pills. Relaxation exercises just before sleep can be very helpful there.
Have you thought of different medications? Lyrica of course is the first FDA approved drug for FM and I believe Cymbalta was as well. Theres a large variety of pain medications available - including stronger pain relievers - perhaps you should try something else?
I hope you have a physican who is skilled at dealing with FM. You might want to check out the Health Central website for more info on this disease.
http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/fibromyalgia.html
I wish you good luck during this difficult time.
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