Burning and debilitating pain

[Xandra649]

Hi, I’m new to the site and awaiting diagnosis but I’m pretty sure it’s fibromyalgia as I tick so many boxes. I started with the burning skin a couple of weeks ago. The first bout eased after about 5-7 days, but this current bout is dreadful. I sit as still as possible because the slightest stimulation on my skin feels like my skin is stripped off. I’m basically sitting with my arms around me as still as possible for as long as possible. It’s spread further than last time, even into my ears. Like a previous poster, I try to sleep as much as possible because it’s the only relief I get. Also, perhaps due to the inactivity, my joint pain is also off the scale, particularly my hands and feet, in fact I could cut my hands off cos they’re burning and aching. I’m so miserable. I really could do with a shower but even if I could move, I can’t bear the thought of washing myself. Not eating either. All I can force myself to do is feed and walk the dog, only as far as he needs to do his business cos my hands and feet and so painful, poor dog. Any advice on how to relieve this? I’m waiting for a neuro consult but I could call docs first thing if anyone recommends something.


Thanks
Viv

 

[sunkacola]

Hi @Xandra649 and welcome to the forum.
I am not certain from your post how long this has been going on, but if it has only been for a couple of weeks then it is far too early to think that it is fibromyalgia, which is only diagnosed when the symptoms have been continuing for at least 6 months, and usually more, with the pain being both sides of the body, upper and lower, and after all of the other things that could be causing the symptoms have been ruled out through medical tests.
Please don't assume that you have fibro, and wait until you have been thoroughly tested.

If the burning sensation on your skin is making your life so difficult you can hardly function, as it sounds, then I do suggest you see a doctor ASAP, as it might be an allergy which could be treated quickly. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Xandra649]

Hi, sorry, on rereading my post it does sound like this has been my first symptom. Sadly no, I’ve been suffering from body pain for quite a few years. Managed to work up until about a year ago, I was a nurse, but past year has been awful. GP finally suggested, just before Xmas, that it might be fibromyalgia and referred me to a neurologist. The emergency waiting time here is 3 months, so hopefully I’ll get an appointment soon. The burning skin is a relatively new thing, as I said, first flared up about 2 weeks ago, mostly arms and top of back, upper sides. It eased after about 4-5 days. But this time it’s spread to whole torso, parts of my legs, scalp and ears.

Anyway I shall contact my GP tomorrow, fingers crossed

 

[JamieMarc]

@Xandra649 what you describe sounds absolutely horrifying. I know you plan to and I know it is already been suggested but please do see a neurologist asap! Not just to find out what's going on and get some relief, but also to get you up and moving again.

Please keep us informed. Be well and take care. Hugs!

 

[Badger]

@Xandra649 Hi, hopefully a GP can prescribe something such as Gabapentin (generic) at a low dose to see if it helps. It did for me but I switched to Pregabalin (branded).

In my case burning seemed to follow some injuries (top of forearms to back of hands) or overactivity (soles of feet). Pregabalin calms the forearm pain to a point, one of the few times meds have helped. Otherwise I've had to make changes such as diabetic friendly socks and soft loose clothing.

Wishing you well for the days ahead