Anonymous
What is fibromyalgia, really?I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a GP who did an examination that, although it's said to be standardized and acceptable, was a joke to say the least.
I saw the doctor to get some pain management medication for injuries resulting from an MVA. GP went off on a tangent about how I had undiagnosed FM that was brought on by trauma. How did he examine me? Poked and prodded in several "trigger spots" and any slight adverse reaction on my part (i.e., expression of pain) in more than half of those specific areas was considered a positive test for FM. Even though I explicitly told the GP I had ongoing knee troubles (for which I wear a prosthetic brace) from old hockey injuries, an inflamed bursa on my hip from a snowboarding accident, and known soft tissue damage in my upper body (including whiplash) from the MVA... he interpreted my painful reactions in those trigger spots to be indicative of underlying fibromyalgia. An over-complicated diagnosis of a somewhat indefinable condition, in my opinion.
The only good thing to come out of the appointment with that GP was a referral to a pain clinic, where three specialists refuted the diagnosis in separate consultations.
I exhausted all the resources available to me as a health care professional, and could not be convinced that fibromyalgia is anything more than a diagnosis of convenience for GPs that feel the need to label chronic pain.
With the knowledge I gained, I chose to reject the diagnosis. I didn't see any value in the "FM" label, and I felt that it would be a crutch to my recovery.
Moving forward... I have tried a number of medications and treatments that are indicated for pain from various causes. I've had some successes, and a lot of failures.
I found an *excellent* physiotherapist whose treatment and homework plan is very specific (i.e., third vertebra, rather than 'neck'). I went to several physios before I found him. It has been worth it. I have also found massage therapy very helpful. Heat therapy is also cheap and easy and effective, for me. I have tried accupuncture, reiki and osteopathy, with no results. I'd like to try IMS, but no one will touch me for it.
In terms of medications, duoloxetine provided the most relief, but at the cost of a slight mental fog. My fiancé said I didn't seem myself. I am not taking any regular medications right now, but haven't ruled that one out. I use ibuprofen when needed; acetaminophen doesn't do anything for me. I was also prescribed some nabilone for spastic pain. It helps a lot, but has some crazy side effects. I've also tried gabapentin, amitriptyline, diclofenac, cyclobenzaprine, meperidine, codeine, and ketorolac... and have discontinued use of each, for various reasons (most often, lack of reliable relief, or reluctance towards long-term use).
I am currently doing some research on dietary trends that may affect chronic pain. My plan is to try to minimize high-histamine foods, which will be difficult, but may help...? I'm hopeful!
Living in constant pain is not fun or easy. Whether you subscribe to the diagnosis or not, know that there aren't any specific "fibromyalgia medications" out there. Trial and error, for traditional and non-traditional therapy (evidence-based and otherwise), would be my recommended course of action.
Good luck!
Jul 19, 2014 @ 03:17 am
