Lately, I've had extra noticed pain in my shoulders, arms, and ribcage area. Those places literally hurt A LOT to be touched. I scratched an irritation near my ribs, which caused severe pain. Massages hurt terribly. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm wondering if it could be part of my fairly new Fibromyalgia diagnosis, or if it's part of RA.
I have an appt with my rheumy in August and will mention it then.
Thanks!
dark star
Hey Dark Star,
I know you have posted before but because I am on my way out the door to yet another doc appt this week I don't remember all the details.
Which meds are you on for your RA? Fibro is neorological pain that causes burning like pain in our muscles and skin. Basically, I know my fibro is flaring when I feel like I am on fire, tender and itchy. It is basically controlled with the same RA meds but generally a neuro blocker like Neurontin can be given to help. Muscle relaxers can help with the tension and spasms in your neck and shoulders.
Were you diagnosed with fibro by your GP or Rheumie? Either one is fine. But if you don't think you can manage the pain yourself until August, just give your doc a call and ask for something to get you through until your appt. Like Mom said, it never hurts to ask.
I am out the door, I will pop back on the site in a little while.
Ronie
Dark star,
Hello! I have this pain sometimes as well. I get to the point that my skin is even tender to touch. I have had fibromyalgia for 2 years now and this happens every so often and sticks around for a while. Generally on my back, ribcage area, shoulders and neck. Had to explain to my husband that sometimes a massage just hurts too bad.
I recently read about "tactile allodynia" . Allodynia means a painful response to a typically non-painful stimulus and tactile means touch. This can go along with fibromyalgia and is what makes you hurt when your clothes touch your skin a sheet feel like sandpaper or a light touch feel like searing pain. There are medications that your rheumatologist can give you to help with this. Also Biofreeze is suggested to help. I use this and love it!
I hope this information helps you. Take care and keep us posted what your Dr says.
Kim :)
Well everyone, for almost a week now I've been contacting both my Rheumy & primary doctor about this terrible rib cage pain, tenderness & possible inflammation. I've been put in the ringer of confusion & dr's who don't seem to think it's a big deal. I'm incredibly frustrated with it all right now & I just want to break down & cry!
Four days ago I called my Rheumy right at 9am about severe rib cage pain & tenderness. The receptionist took my message & didn't seem to care that I kept repeating it was urgent. An hour later I called back. Receptionist asked what my pain level was, I said 10 (even though it was probably more like 8). She put me on hold, came back on & said my Rheumy said to go to the ER. Being the polite, quiet person I am, I simply said OK & hung up. Frustrated that I couldn't get through to my Rheumy, I made an appt with my primary doctor. Of course, I couldn't get in until yesterday, 3 days later. Primary dr made me got get a chest xray, which I did. Currently I'm waiting for the test results. I already left a msg with the dr saying they're done & I'd like the results because I'm in so much pain. They probably are sick & tired of me, haha.
This is all very exhausting & difficult while trying to hold down my job without geting fired for always being sick.
I also mentioned to my primary doc that it seems like it's Fibro or RA related, and all she said was 'Maybe'. If my mom was here I could talk to her or take her with me to my appt's, because I don't think I'm a very good communicator about all my changing aches & pains. I'm scared & confused & frustrated. Just want to break down & cry!
dark star
Finally got in to see my rheumy today! Jeesh! She diagnosed me with Costocondritis, which I had a feeling it was. Started a Medrol Prednisone pack for 6 days, after that I up my dose of Cymbalta for the Fibro pain. I'm also told to get to the pool daily & do gentle upper body stretches.
So glad to finally have some answers & a road to 'recovery'.
Question I just thought of...if Fibromyalgia is muscle thing, can't we somehow fix it, rather than mask the pain with more drugs?
I wonder how many on here have Fibro.
Thanks for reading...
dark star
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I think you should mention this to your doctor when you see him/her. I am not a doctor, but I do have fibromyalgia. Before I was diagnosed w/fibro I used to wonder what in the world was wrong with me. I bumped into the screen door one day and it felt like someone had punched me in the arm. The tags on the inside of my blouses/shirts irritated my skin to the point of being painful. I had a few places on my hand that felt as though they had been burned. I couldn't stand even the slightest touch to the skin in those areas. After I started taking the fibro medicine, that pretty much disappared. I am at least 75 percent better in that regard. Hope this helps. Don't forget to mention these symptoms to your doctor! Hope you have a good day. V