I had my first acupuncture treatment on Friday. It left something to be desired. I was disappointed in the doctor who didn't really listen to me about where my pain was, nor did she let me talk much in the initial consult! I had no relief of pain, not even for a few minutes. She said it may take up to three treatments to get relief. Basically she inserted needles along my spine and then hooked me up to something like a TENS unit that sends electrical impulses through the body for about 15 minutes. I really don't understand how this is going to provide substantial relief. They said some people get so relaxed they fall asleep. It wasn't very comfortable to me....I was cold and my headrest smooshed my face together which gave me a headache. I haven't decided yet if I am going back for more treatments or not.
I have had a really rough few days. Over the weekend I decided it was time to try Cymbalta. Several doctors have prescribed it for me, but I have been reluctant to try it. Sometimes Cymbalta used in conjunction with Lyrica or Neurontin can provide greater pain relief for neuropathic pain and conditions like fibromyalgia. I was hoping it would really help my all over muscle pains and headaches that I've been experiencing. Unfortunately that was not the case. It gave me a horrible headache and I was so dizzy I couldn't even get up the next morning to take care of my daughter. I woke up in the night for over an hour and I was horribly nauseated. I slept most of the day and felt extremely cold. I think it was just too much central nervous system depression for my body since I already take a large dose of Neurontin. Needless to say I won't be taking it anymore unless my Neurontin is decreased first.
I was looking back over my calendar because I keep an almost daily record of my symptoms and what I did that day. During the month of February I had at least 14 days of considerable all over muscle pains and sometimes headaches (I have muscle pains everyday, but this is what I would consider a "flare") . During the month of January I only documented 3 days. I began taking birth control the first of February and my "fibromyalgia" flares started about 9 days later. I don't know if it is the sole cause, but I do know I also haven't slept as well, sometimes waking up for over an hour in the middle of the night. That had not been a problem previously. The only reason I went on the birth control pills was to help control my pelvic pain "flares". There was no change in that I still had about 7 or 8 really bad pelvic pain days each month. I never was too "keen" on trying birth control anyways. I think that may have played a role in my development of vulvodynia to begin with and I just don't feel like it is good to stop your periods for 3 months at a time. So, I think I am going to stop the birth control. Even if it did help my pelvic pain it isn't going to be enough to make this myofascial pain, headaches, and sleepless nights worth it. Don't get me wrong I want to be able to sit again, but I don't think birth control is going to fix that. Birth control is known to flare up people with fibromyalgia and vulvodynia and while I have not been officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my symptoms of myofasical pain are similar. I just hope I can get back to where I was before. December was really a pretty good month and I would be happy right now if I could go back to the way I felt then. Unfortunately pudenal neuralgia is a progressive condition.
Over the past few days I have questioned several times what is the purpose in this. Why is it necessary? I know the answers to these questions. It is necessary for my good and God's glory, but I just don't understand why it has to be so hard. Why do I get a day or two that is decent to turn around and get a week that is so hard? I just want to take care of my family and serve God. But I am reminded of two things that the Bible tells us and in this I take courage and find joy no matter what the next month holds.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145:17
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. - Psalms 77:10
ReplyDeleteThis verse has meant alot to me the last couple of days...I was nervous about test results but other than my sugars being high it was nothing other than fibro.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
This verse helps me alot too. I don't know why I'm in pain but I think somewhere down the road it'll make sense.
I'm glad your dental treatment went well!
So sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with Fibro, Katrina. I love 2 Corinthians 12 as well and reading about Paul's sufferings always encourages my faith. Keep holding onto the faith! God is so good. I will be praying for you.
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