RA for more than 5 years now, Fibro diagnosis one year/stomach problems.

January 30, 2007

Hello everyone, it has been a long time since I've posted a message. I

haven't had a lot of feedback in the past. I am guessing that I was

doing something wrong as far as locating the correct page, etc. First

of all, I hope everyone is doing okay. I know some of you are having

good days, some of you aren't having such luck. I am sort of stuck in

the middle. Some okay days, some crappy days. This is a crappy one.

I am as optimistic as I can be, but no longer being the same person I

was just 5 short years ago, does take it's toll of my attitude and

outlook. I do hope all of you are finding good health care and better

days.

Here is my issue:

I am feeling a lot of neck and shoulder pain these days. Granted, the

cold Chicago winter weather that we are having right now may be

contributing, (we were spoiled there for quite awhile) but I feel that

more of the blame should be on the Fibromyalgia. Is anyone taking

cyclobenzaprine (flexiril) for your fibro? If so, what dosage have you

found to be the most effective? I am on a fairly low dose and I want

to increase it to see if it relieves some of the pain. My rheumy says

with all the other meds I am on that he does not want to increase it.

I am going to bring this up again at my next appt, next month. What

other meds has anyone found useful for fibro. My neck is always stiff

and sore, my shoulders hurt constantly and the RA causes everything

else to ache. My joints, my stomach, and so on. I am tired of being

exhausted and sore almost always. I am always literally tired because

of my lack of rest during the night, due to tossing and turning, trying

to get comfortable enough to sleep. I do take sleep aids and have added

tylenol pm to those. Still don't sleep very long. I also have

developed a lot of stomach pain. I know the meds can cause ulcers and

such. But I don't feel the pain consistently. Would an ucler only

flare up when the wrong food or drink is consumed or would it be

consistent regardless of what I've eaten?

The circulation in my hands must be poor too, because my hands are

always stiff and ice cold. Also, I have a cardio appt. next month

because of regular chest discomfort. Anyone have any advice or tips

on my issues?

I know you all have your own problems to deal with. I appreciate any

advice I can get and I will be taking notes.

Thank you for your valuable time. Have a great February. Spring is

closer than it seems. Thank God!

Cathie

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