I have chronic chest pain and headaches and have been to see a variety of specialists however nothing has been diagnosed. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the meantime. I finally got referred to a pain management doctor who tried numerous medications and finally ended up on percocet (the only thing that took away my pain and made daily life manageable). I have been on it for about 1 and half years. I just found out I am 6 weeks pregnant and the doctor told me to stop the percocet. Since then I have been in a lot of pain and miserable. She tried to put me on flexerell and tylenol which just makes my stomach all upset. I am not sure what to do. I can't keep going with all of this pain however I really want this baby. What are my options? Please help me I want to be able to function for the next nine months and enjoy this pregnancy.
Q: I have chronic chest pain and headaches and take percocet but now I found out I am 6 weeks pregnant
A difficult situation! A study found that pregnancy does tend to worsen FM symptoms unfortunately. The below website gives FM patients some suggestions of how to get through pregnancy. It focuses on alternative methods such as meditation, massage, heat and pool therapy. These may sound kind of lightweight but studies have shown that these types of practices - which turn down the stress response system (and reduce levels of pain inducing chemicals) - can be quite helpful in FM. You should also be doing your best to get good sleep - as poor sleep can cause FM flares as well.
Perhaps if these therapies work for you now you'll be able to reduce your prescription drug intake later as well.
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_pregnancy.html
Good luck!
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