hip pain

[mpenny]

i have been having really intense spurts of hip pain and its getting unbearable to walk around, esspecially up stairs. does anyone else have this problem? and if so, any suggestions? things have been getting pretty bad, my sleep is horrible, it hurts to lay down and i toss and turn all night. things are not good, help!!

[nath]

I've had Fibromyalgia for 11 years and throughout that time I've had serious flareups & pain, centred around my right hip. I use, depending on activity and how bad the pain is, a walking stick, walking frame or wheelchair and avoid stairs at virtually any cost (they are the devil).

If you can mange it a few minutes in a hot bath (epsom salts are good) or a spa/whirlpool can be very helpful. Otherwise try some gentle stretches and limiting your activity. You might find moist heat (microwavable wheat pack) or gentle gold (biofreeze gel or some ice wrapped in a towel) and/or elevation (think sofa, propped up with some cocoa). Talking of cocoa... chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!

Medications wise discuss a bit anti-depressant to help you sleep (amitryptilene is a favourite, Cymbalta/Duloxitine is the more modern fav) and to reduce pain, you could also look into Lyrica (pregabalin) which is a neuropathic pain killer proven to help a lot of Fibro patients.

Wishing you an abundance of spoons