when I wake I'm in pain, what is it?

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

I've had this ever since I can remember, I spoke to a doctor ten years ago and got a response. Recently been taking sleeping tablets and it doesn't happen so severe.

When I wake up my toe joints are agony to move, so very painful, as are my fingers. It's sort of stiff and grinding. It just really is so painful- the only way I can soothe it is under a hot or cold tap. It doesn't take it away completely.

I've been awake since four this morning as it woke me as it was so painful, it's only just fully worn off.

I honestly don't know what this is

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

It hasn't worn off, my back and my hips are all hurting now and I'm utterly exhausted

[Ihopeyouhadthetimeofyourlife]

It sounds like one of the autoimmune arthritis's to me. Pain and stiffness in the small joints in the mornings that takes more than an hour to clear is on of the classic signs. Have you had any blood tests done? Might be worth pushing for a referral to rheumatology

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

It does sound that way, or my mum said fibromyalgia

[HaveAGoOreo]

Could be gluten sensitivity. Do you have any other symptoms?

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

Just utterly exhausted all the time, back hips and shoulders hurt

Urm tummy ache and headaches but thought it was coming off the sleeping tablets

[Openmindedmonkey]

Please tell your GP that you need to see a Rheumatologist for full assessment & bloods.
There are many conditions that could cause these pains, with meds that can help you feel better & prevent any deterioration.
Best wishes.

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

Thank you.
I'm a student nurse and I'm due on placement tommorow for a 12 hour shift, the thought of it is killing me

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

A roasting hot bath and some codine has helped

[StickTheDMWhereTheSunDontShine]

Make sure you're well hydrated, too. It makes a world of difference.

[Tillysmum99]

Just a thought but have you had your thyroid levels checked? I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid a few years ago and I honestly felt like I have the flu for weeks, achy, not sleeping well, feeling exhausted all the time. Your GP should be able to do a few blood tests to get your levels and rule it out. BTW much better once I was on medication.

[hilbobaggins]

This is exactly how I felt before being dx with rheumatoid arthritis. You definitely need to see a rheumatologist.

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

Still in pain today, I've been given naproxen which seems to be doing not much and had bloods done

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

Well I've had tests and X-rays and i have now been diagnosed with fibromyalgia

[Openmindedmonkey]

How do you feel about that, Norfolk?
Has your Dr suggested any medication?

It's a crap chronic condition (I have it too) & can limit your quality of life in so many ways. Serious flares can happen as a result of whatever your triggers may be; overwork perhaps, injury or some other trauma.

However when you learn more about how this affects you, what your teiggers are, then you can take measures to minimise your symptoms. Simple stuff like making sure you really get enough sleep, have a nutritious diet (maybe a supplement or two to make sure) inc low refined sugar, don't take on too much extra activity or responsibility for the time being.
Please try to focus on yourself for a while, be gentle on yourself, rest & relax as much as you can.

[TamaraHiddlestoned]

*triggers

[Blistory]

What did the bloods and X-ray show ? Quite a few inflammatory arthritis don't show up in blood tests and sadly some rheumatologists don't look further than rheumatoid arthritis with a default to fibro if nothing obvious. Quite often fibro goes hand in hand with thyroid problems or arthritis.

Heath unlocked's NRAS site has quite a few posters who have RA and fibro and I'm sure they could give support and suggestions on self care.

[AprilLoveJ]

I was diagnosed with this once upon a time as well as suspected arthritis, as well as just being 'depressed'. I don't go to my GP much anymore to be honest, unless I need tests/prescription. I took my health into my own hands.

Vitamin d, k, calcium, magnesium, thyroid, progesterone. Research these things in relation to your pain issues and see how they may be able to help you. Also serrapeptase to eat up some inflammation. (Cheaper in bulk at Vitacure.)

Not over working the body is very important. However the worst thing people can do is stay in bed or the couch and never move. (Being still makes arthritis worse, moving makes it better.) Same goes for you - just slow, easy movements throughout the day. Periods of rest where you can (if you get breaks.)

Try some Epsom salts (magnesium) in your baths to help the pain.

If you'd like more help you can pm me. I know it isn't easy trying to live a normal life with chronic pain. It's not impossible to overcome though, but it takes hard work. Be kind to yourself, don't criticise yourself.

[AprilLoveJ]

You say you are coming off sleeping tablets? Withdrawal from benzos/opiates and more cause pain and can really flare existing pain problems up. Joints especially knees and hips and fingers will ache, your entire spine can be agony. It does get better once withdrawal is over but this can be days, weeks, even months depending how long you use and what dosage. If you go back on and off them the pain will come and go too.

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

Thank you.
I almost feel relieved to know the problem now, I know I don't rest enough. I also don't eat properly as I'm s student nurse and single parent.
Currently going through medications, naproxen doesn't work unless taken with codeine which is a nightmare? Now I'm trying dicloflenac, been a bit of a whirlwind.
Been quite easy to get tested when the hospital worked I'm not only staff but a student too

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

I've taken two of the dicloflenac now and my god I can't stop itching, isn't this normal? I want to tear strips off myself and my GP was shut this afternoon!

[clarella]

Was vitamin d and thyroid tested? What were the results?

[NorfolkEnchantsToday]

They were clear

[AprilLoveJ]

Norfolk your tests can show 'clear' but you can still have a poor functioning thyroid. You can also still benefit from vitamin d3 at least 5000iu a day especially on days where you get no sunshine. I'm not telling you your thyroid is not working, I'm just stating this so people that come across it in the future don't completely ignore their thyroid health just beside a t3/t4 result showed fine.

Take your temperature first thing when you wake before even getting out of bed. What is it? Is it low? Hypo people wake up with a low body temp. Temps and pulse were the original indicators of hypothyroidism before these 'tests' came around. A lot of people who could actually benefit from thyroid don't simply because they go by these results. Most people don't even get their free t3 tested. (Especially on nhs uk)

The itching sounds like a side effect from the codeine. Opiates can cause crazy itching especially morphine. A non sedating antihistamine can help with this.

I strongly recommend a long and high course of serapeptase as well as eradicating gluten/grains from diet and increasing protein. Avoid inflammatory foods. Pain relief can only take you so far.

I appreciate how hard your life must be as both a student nurse and a single parent. You sound very fatigued and under nourished. I know it's hard but you need to look after yourself now, otherwise it may spiral out of control. Don't feel guilty. Your child needs you to be healthy too. Take care op