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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Waterloo, IA

What do you do with extreme pain when your medications aren't working and you can't lay/sit down long enough to sleep it away? I can't sleep or rest at all. Does the ER solve anything? My doctors are trying to find me a fibro specialist.

June 8, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared honest experiences navigating extreme fibromyalgia pain when medications fail and sleep becomes impossible, with several... Read more

Members shared honest experiences navigating extreme fibromyalgia pain when medications fail and sleep becomes impossible, with several describing flare-ups that can last days or even weeks and the frustration of not being taken seriously by doctors, especially younger patients. Many offered practical strategies that have helped them, including calling an on-call provider who might prescribe IV ketamine or anti-inflammatories at the ER, trying natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian root, and making yourself as comfortable as possible while riding out a flare. A recurring theme was the painful reality of being dismissed as drug-seekers in emergency rooms, with one registered nurse sharing how multiple ER visits resulted in no testing until a different hospital finally diagnosed her with GERD, a condition common in fibromyalgia patients.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Madison, yes I get surprise drug screens at the office every so often but to go to the ER..OMG NEVER EVER unless I am completely out and can not say no! Even had an ER Doc want me to go inpatient psych! I was having severe chest pains on top of the fibro pain, thought I was having a heart attack, after about 3 trips to the ER, which they never did any test, just looked at my chart, I finally said heck with it I die I die, but ended up going to a different hospital where this Doc actually took me seriously and ran some test, turned out to be GERD, which is common when a person has fibro. Get use to it, they will look at your chart and mark you as a drug seeker before even speaking with you and I am a Registered Nurse.

June 11, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Wow, iv ketamine! That sounds lovely, happy and pain free! I figured there was a reason they called it "special k", lol

June 9, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I call my Dr or the on call provider. They can prescribe something or send you to the ER and they will take it more seriously. They usually give me IV ketamine, and an anti inflammatory then usually run some basic tests one time they caught a low potassium level that was making me spasm. Making it even worse for my pain.

June 9, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

im always being very forgetful like that i hope you feel better soon

June 8, 2017 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

I can relate to your pain. I too have trouble sleeping. I have recently started taking Melatonin and Valerian root. They are all natural. My Dr told me today to take Benadryl before bed too. Hoping this will help. I have found that narcotic pain relievers don't help. Hope you can find some relief.

June 8, 2017

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