Absolutely none of the common drugs prescribed and approved by the FDA have helped me AT ALL! They have all been horrible to get off of as well.
The Only thing that helps is an opioid six times daily to help reduce the pain a bit. It is an absolute lie that a low dose opioid does not help. It is the only thing that stops me from stopping me.
I thought I should just be honest about it since even getting relief is somehow a political issue here in the US. Such an unfair situation.

A big issue is that most medical practitioners are not well versed and/or have the time to address this. You have provided some good suggestions on how to handle the disconnect. Thank you for sharing 🥰

Cymbalta works best for me. When I need more I take Tylenol for Arthritis. Yes to heat pads. I won't have the energy for showers if I'm in too much pain.

Its no better in the UK to get help, read read and read. Understand your body and find aids and natural remedies that help and suit you.
Drs dont care, your a number, in the UK they see you for 10 mins once a month.
Ive stopped asking for answers, its stressful going for tests, waiting for answers etc, Write a list of triggers to avoid, deal with each symptom and find a coping strategy, even if you half your struggles, its better than a dr route.
Things like heatpad, coolpaks, migraine cap, herbal teas, anti-inflammatory diet electrolyte drinks,
Gentle exercise or if to painful, lay down on your bed and do simple stretches.
Remember you can get pain from not moving too.
A major struggle for most fibromyalgia warriors is central sensitization & dysautonomia.
Pain, touch, bright lights, etc permanently stuck on high mode, it effects your whole nervous system causing dysregulation.
Medications cause side effects, you become dependent on, your body becomes tolerant at that dose, then they won't work aswell, then, you cant get off them without undesirable side effects.
Hope this might help you
Good luck ❤️

Cymbalta helps me. I also use BioFreeze spray w/menthol. Of course I also use Tylenol.