allodynia

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Howdy!

Hi! I am kinda new here... I've been a member for a while, but I've never posted. I was drawn in because of the article in my email that had the link to the story about #Allodynia . It was how I knew I had #Fibromyalgia about 20 years ago! I had been cleaning for a lady and I had to leave her house early because I was in so much pain with my clothes on! I went to the doctor (my regular dr wasn't available) and I started crying. This (new) doctor was rude and asked me why I was crying/what did I think was going on. I said that I thought I had fibro. She said "You don't want that diagnosis. That will ruin your life"! Yeah! NO KIDDING, lady! When I was able to see my regular doctor, he confirmed that I had it. And I've seen the rheumatologist and he double confirmed it.

But... I say eff #Fibromyalgia !!

Thanks for having me! :)

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Migraines, Insanity, and Manifest Destiny

A migraine has hit in the night. Yesterday, to lower the pain, I took a hot bath. I stayed in too long, and my body doth now protest. Wind-up I call it, or migraines, for lack of an actual diagnosis. Migraine is hardly a diagnosis. Waves of sensation washing through me- hot, cold, needles, tingles, numbness, shivers, spasms, and the good old crispy pain.

The definition of insanity is acting the same way and expecting different results. As I contemplate scheduling an appointment with my doctor, I wonder what my expectations should be, since I am waitlisted for EDS diagnosis.

I feel entirely rational believing that I will be suggested pharmaceuticals too readily, while my doctor hesitates to diagnose my complex health issues. So I spend time waiting for appointments with specialist who are unwilling to diagnose pain outside of their specialty. Everything becomes a maybe leading to another specialist.

I feel entirely rational trying to explain to my doctor that medication without proper diagnosis has made the situation worse. The pathology of my conditions changes while I wait for appointments.

I feel entirely rational getting angry at my doctor for dismissing my concerns about the quality of treatment and suggesting that I do not want to get better.

I feel rational knowing that seeking treament has itself made my healh worsen in the past, and I know that the possibility of it happening again is higher than obtaining the care that is needed.

I feel rational thinking that there is a difference in the importance that my doctor and I attribute to our meetings, and I am at a lost pretending that my doctor is not apathetic (or experiencing "empathy fatigue") in order to possibily get the care I need.

The drive to the clinic or the hospital and the waiting in public rooms is painful, and I get little out of it but more migraines. At our last meeting, my doctor complained that I was late and the office charged me for a missed telephone call during the pandemic. I have no money for treatment. Regardless of whether I was late or not, I feel rational thinking our priorities do not coincide. I feel rational saying my health is not a part of my doctor's priorities, based on past services.

So, the unfortunate conclusion seems to be to try and handle the pain and disability alone, for fear of running the very real risk of deterioration.

I am not hopeless, but the determination is a grim one, since I have to find contentment in things other than pleasure. There is a lot I want to life for- more than most, I would say- but pain is a responsibility, and responsibility is repulsive, and no one wants more of it in their lives. I understand what I am asking of others, but I would not be asking if it wasn't aleady promised.

In the end, my behavior is seen as insane to some, while I think the same of them- the difference being I'm suffering, while they profit from the lie.

All the while, I'm supposed to "shut down" these rational thoughts and keep asking fo help from the same people? That, I feel, is true insanity.

#Migraine #ChronicPain #Allodynia #Hyperalgesia #CentralSensitizationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome

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Ketamine Infusions for CRPS

Hello friends!

I’ve suffered from CRPS for 3 years now in my left arm. Since I’ve had it, it’s only gotten worse. It only affected the top of my wrist at the start, now it’s claimed my entire upper extremity (fingers and palm included). This past Christmas caused it to spread to my shoulder, the front of my chest, and up the side of my neck. The allodynia is, by far, my worst symptom, absolutely unbearable. I’m only 24 and the thought of having this for my entire life is… daunting.

I’ve done all the basic treatments: OT/PT, chiro, anti-inflammatory diets, TENS therapy, about 20 stellate ganglions, amniotic tissue (stem cell) injections & two different spinal cord stimulators with little to no relief. :/

I’ve tried every medication out there, including ERs and opioids. I was taking Gabapentin extended release (Gralise) 1200mg daily with some good relief. Until the only manufacturer of the drug made a 30 day supply cost $2000. So, now I am medication-less & in need of treatment recommendations.

My specialist recently discussed Ketamine Infusion therapy and I’m not sure how to feel about it. I’ve done quite a bit of research and can’t find too many success stories.

Anyone have any positive results from ketamine infusion?

Thank you all for providing a safe haven to share!

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No diagnosis yet

New here. I have most of the fibromyalgia symptoms but I don't experience pain with light touch.

Still I am hypersensitive to light touch which causes immediate spasms and cramping in various muscles. Specifically my jaw/ear area and back.

I also don't believe I have hyperalgesia.

What I do have is terrible TMJ pains. chronic deep muscle pain all over my body. Feeling of exhaustion all the time. Waking up every few hours when I try to sleep. Not waking up refreshed. Mostly waking up with severe stiffness and aches. Having a hard time to do much of anything physically within a 8 hour timespan after waking up. (I don't have sleep apnea).

Hypersensitive to select muffled sounds. Hypersensitive to visual triggers. IE when someone is standing fairly close to me and engaging me.

I am just wondering if there are people who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia but who don't have hyperalgesia and where allodynia does not give pain signals.

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I'm new here!

Hi, my name is CantDance. I'm here because I found a post I could totally relate to and I would like to gain more insight into how I can improve my days, relationships, and chronic illnesses in any way possible. I was diagnosed with IBS-D in 2006, PTSD, generalized anxiety and depression in 2008, and in 2019, I finally went to Mayo Clinic and saw 5 specialists including an Interdisciplinary MD and was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis(ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, autonomic, autonomic nervous system disorders, centralized sensitivity syndrome (CSS), and allodynia on top of all of my previous diagnoses. My chronic conditions had flared after a kidney stone surgery at Mayo’s hospital. I came to recognize other times in my life when I was having a flare but didn’t know what it was. Things got worse after having Covid-19 in Dec. 2020. I was once an active involved parent & grandmother and a ballroom dance instructor/choreographer/performer and social dancer. Life is not the same! I’m lucky to have a loving husband and four understanding adult children. although it’s hard for them to understand the scope of my illnesses, they do their best to get educated. I still struggle with limiting my energy expenditure, guilt over not contributing financially to the household as I once could, incurring medical expenses, and missing my old life. Thanks for letting me join in.

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Depression #Fibromyalgia #PTSD #ChronicOrthostaticIntolerance #ChronicPain #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis

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Words I never thought I'd say

I think I would rather go to the dentist than go shopping for pants. With Fibromyalgia (particularly allodynia) and spinal osteoarthritis, shopping has become a much-dreaded activity. Yesterday I braved the mall to find a pair of pants that would be suitable for hanging out and work while being most importantly comfortable! Two and a half hours later and I did walk out with pants, but only after 5 trips to the change room to find the right comfort level (as little pressure as possible) and many pictures to my sister to confirm the right fit (not too baggie). Uff let me tell you, it was an ordeal. One good hack, if you'd call it that, was shopping with a slight flare. It kept me in check so that I didn't get too ambitious with what I could handle!

Does anyone else have a similar experience clothing shopping? Please feel free to share tips or adaptative clothing brands that you would recommend.

#Fibromyalgia #Osteoarthritis #AdaptiveClothing #Allodynia

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How do I know if my pain is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia has so many physical symptoms. Headaches. Joint pain. Tummy trouble. Rashes and stuffy noses.

This makes a diagnosis difficult because it can emulate other illnesses.

So is the pain you're experiencing Fibromyalgia? My latest blog post explains 3 ways you can test yourself for Fibro at home.

#fibromyalgia #Allodynia #Hyperalgesia

How Do I Know If My Pain Is Fibromyalgia? 3 Quick And Simple...

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#Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia and anxiety

Tonight I am at the end of my rope. I am having anxiety surrounding my fibro. I believe either allergies or a sinus infection is lingering and its making feel like sh*t. I am exhausted so my mind is on overdrive. Im experiencing allodynia. I just want it to stop . I hate when it gets this discouraging, would appreciate words of encouragement #Fibromyalgia #ChronicIllness #Anxiety

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Allodynia

Does anyone have the symptoms of allodynia? I had a fibromyalgia flare up recently that was so uncomfortable and frustrating that it led to tears.

Everything bothered me constantly for a couple of days. Here’s a list of what I experienced: All tags from my clothing, elastic from bras and panties, wrinkles in anything touching my skin, (clothing, sheets, etc.), all seams, (on furniture, clothing, etc.), and vulvadynia, (the vaginal area of my body was so painful that I couldn’t sit).

I was constantly shifting around to get comfortable. Very anxiety provoking.

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