Does anyone have CFS or Fibromyalgia or TMJ/myofacial pain?

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Comment by Christine on January 20, 2010 at 7:59am

I had been searching for an answer to all my chronic pain questions but had little success. I went to a Fibro specialist and all he could say is I don't have it, which I pretty much knew. My physical therapist told me I had ALOT of fascial restriction, more than she had ever seen. Then I started with UNBEARABLE headaches stemming from my TMJ. I went to an Oral Surgeon who told me my TMJ was ok and my headaches were myofascial.
I had intolerable headaches and lower back pain. I was being treated for depression and anxiety for 12 years. I asked my prescribing nurse about ADHD and confirmed that I did have ADHD...hypo. This is why I never suspected it earlier. She prescribed me Vyvanse and my entire world changed!! Most people clench more with amphetamines, but I don't....it is the opposite.
My headaches disappeared except when meds wore off. My back pain was bearable...what a testament to dopamine!!
Unfortunately, it stopped working and actually started to exacerbate my ADHD symptoms. I have since then stopped all meds and will start Wellbutrin today. Wish me luck!

Comment by BadPixie on January 20, 2010 at 1:03am

I also suffer from severe to moderate myofascial pain and am continually seeking forms of help that are not only effective, but also covered by insurance. I have found that taking my Adderall increases the pain but have had very bad luck in the past with some medications, which makes me quite wary of experimenting. I also have PCOS, which might exacerbate muscle pain and tension. I'm sorry you're suffering so terribly. One thing that might help is supplementing with Magnesium to help relax muscles. Also, taking a nightly epsom salt and baking soda bath can aid relaxation and help with pain and chronic tension. Jaw clenching is often due to chronic tension and can be worsened by stimulant medications. Another avenue to explore is the possibility of adrenal overload--when we run low on important chemicals, they can affect us in all kinds of not-fun ways. When we're stressed out and at our wits' end for years, it can adversely affect our adrenal (and other hormone) systems as well. Good luck!

Comment by Lisa on January 12, 2010 at 8:50am

Christine,

I have fibromyalgia, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome (which often co-exists with fibro). Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter dysfunction, among other things. I am curious about the "negative" test...there is no test for fibro, except for symptom history and tender points. A rheumatologist can diagnose better than a PCP. A book that helped me a lot is by Devin Starlanyl. Just google her or go to Amazon and put in her name.

I was just diagnosed with ADD primarily inattentive type at the age of 54. I loved Vyvanse, but after the first month, had to go on generic ritalin b/c of cost. I felt amazing relief with Vyvanse. Vyvanse primarily increases a certain kind of dopamine. Apparently there are several kinds of all the neurotransmitters. I also have severe restless leg, caused by a lack of dopamine for which I take medication at night. Other neurotransmitter issues are migraine headaches. Mostly free of those now. I have TMJ, never had treatment for it. It seemed to get better on Effexor (which affects 3 neurotransmitters). I was put on that 5 years ago for the fibro.

Anyway, hope this helps. You aren't alone--we're all in a similar struggle--finding the best way to deal the cards we'er dealt.

Lisa