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Hi ... I have Fibrobymyalgia after contracting Lyme Disease 5 years ago... I suffer from chronic and excruciating stabbing pains in my left foot particularly and my finger joints....I’ve now developed the same pain in my head .... I only take Naproxen twice a day and try to stay fairly fit but these stabbing pains and the fatigue are getting me down.... what help can I ask my GP for? My Rheumatologist discharged me but I have an appointment with an occupational health nurse in December.

hi,

various options here.

Swimming exercises, Gabapentin, Pregabalin - you will need to discuss with your GP the best options for you

Thanks

Sandeep

Occupational Therapy can help. Medications are not very effective for chronic pan and fibromyalgia but self-management can be extremely helpful. Improving sleep quality, pacing your activities, exercise starting with very low goals and building up gradually, Tai Chi in particular, and improving your mood can all help. Learning distraction techniques and/or relaxation and meditation can all hope you cope better with the pain.

Dr Wendy Holden FRCP
Consultant Rheumatologist
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action

56 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AE

T: 020 3781 7120 W: www.arthritisACTION.org.uk

Hello,

I agree with Dr Holden, occupational therapy can help, as can physiotherapy. You may need to ask your GP for more than one referral, though, because hands and feet are special interest areas. You would be best served seeing a physiotherapist and occupational therapist who specialise in hands/wrists. Some hospitals have specialist hand units. With your foot pain, a referral to a physiotherapist who is interested in feet, and a good podiatrist would be useful. There is a lot they can do to help you with pain management.