Facing Surgery With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I found out after having my wisdom teeth extracted under general anesthetic how badly it can affect CFS, I was warned by my CFS specilist that recovery is a much longer process, but I wasn’t back to my usual energy levels (if you can call them usual) for around 6 months, and the in bed after surgery time was about 3 weeks compared to the 5-8 days all my friends have spent recovering from the same procedure. So when it comes to surgery, think about if you need it, if there is any better time to do it etc. Unfortunately some surgeries just have to happen.

I had open heart surgery almost 4 years ago. My fibro went off like a siren. I’m still not recovered.

I had open heart 2yrs. ago & can’t seem to get over it either. I have had lots of surgery & always done well, except for a longer recovery period but, this one has done me in. Can you still feel movement in your chest? I do. And it still hurts when I cough or sneeze.

you probably developed myofascial trigger points from the surgery. A lot of doctors and physios say trigger points are fibromyalgia and that you can’ta do anything about it but that is WRONG. Try to interlibrary loan the book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction by Dr. JAnet Travell and DAvid Simons. Even if it costs you a $l0 library loan fee it is worth it. It will help you figure out if this is what is causing it. Also for most trigger points it tells you certain steps you need to take to recover.

I know of someone who GOT fibromyalgia after open heart surgery, so what you’ve written makes sense, Glen.

I had surgery on my pituitary gland through my nose. Sounds like science-fiction doesn’t it? That was in 2007. I was out of the hospital and shopping 3 days later! I tired quickly so I had to rest frequently but I went back to work after a month and was supposed to go part-time for 2 weeks but I was back to full-time work after a week and a half.

I have fibromyalgia, not CFS.

As for my pain level, the pain meds took care of it for me. Whew, I do feel fortunate!

I had the worst experience ever with surgery. A fall in 06 broke my leg in 2 places and crushed my knee. After the 1st surgery installing a plate and pins, I tried to return to work (3 mos. later). With little accommodation and more illness, I could not continue. I discovered that a year later, the bones had not healed. More surgery to implant bone grafting, growth hormones and stimulator. The final blow was getting a knee replacement. I came out of the anesthesia in horrible pain. I was immediately given a nerve block. Upon getting to my room the pain intensified and I was given oral pain med. I was overdosed with that and became very sick. I lay in the bed over 12 hrs. crying in pain with no one checking on me. I was to sick to think straight…to use the call button or phone. All I could do was cry (I had sent everyone home when I became sick from the overdose not wanting them to see me like that). They said I was having withdrawals, yet I was only taking 3 Tramadol’s a day (50 mg.) for pain. So it wasn’t that. They also said they could not give me more pain med. because my organs would shut down. I don’t know what caused the experience I had, but I will never go for more surgery again…regardless what it may be for. Ended up that my deep peroneal nerve died, I have extensive CRPS, the plates,pins and live with daily pain.

I would recommend anyone with FMS/CFS who are considering surgery to please get a second opinion and seek an alternative treatment plan. Use surgery as a ‘last resort’ because we don’t heal normally and our pain is more severe than the ‘norms’.

Before I was diagnosed with CFS, I had sinus surgery and was told that I would be able to fully recovery in 2 weeks. It actually took me over 3 weeks to completely recover. It felt like I was still under anesthesia weeks after the surgery… I had this severe brain fog. It was horrible.

Fourteen years ago I became quite ill with my gall bladder and stones in the common duct. The surgery was extensive and agressive, lasting 5 hours. My surgeon told me later that recovery had trouble bringing me out because the I was exhibiting pain way out of the expected levels. After exhausting all avenues to control the pain, they administered
asthma medication(steroids?). It was several years before I could get through a day without
pain either bending or just touch.

I was not formally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
for 5 years after the surgery but realized that I had been dealing with the symptoms for several years prior to my gall bladder problems. Just stubbing a toe can cause blinding pain—why wouldn’t an incision, etc
drive one through the roof! More needs to be done to help patients in recovery and more education for health care workers.

I had hernia repair surgery in November and I’m still feeling like it’s only been a few weeks instead of a few months. I was told that, because of my fibromyalgia, I would be at least six months recovery, I’m into my fourth month, I think it will be taking much much longer than six months. I’m hoping that this extra pain that I’ve been having to deal with will go away. I’ve heard from some other “fibromites” that some of their post surgical pain stayed with them. I hope it does not happen to me.

Wow- I am suppose to have hernia surgery. This has opened by eyes. Hope you get well soon.

My surgeon wants me to lose 30 more pounds before she will do the Hiatal Hernia repair. To shrink the liver to make the surgery easier to do. She will do it laprascopy with 5 incisions. I originally got FM from a c-section. It’s been 16 1/2 years of pain scince. If you r thinking of having children please try to have a vaginal birth , it wasn’t worth it. They pry u open like a grapefruit and you never get your figure back. Dr. oz said it’s because u can’t shrink muscles that have been stretched out that way. And no amount of sit ups will work either.
Was your hernias intestinal or hiatal hernias?

I have had 10 hernias and multiple surgeries to correct them . Three of them have been inguinal hernias which my original dr’s told me I couldn’t possibly have because only men get inguinal hernias. One of my other hernias was so large I looked pregnant so I named it! For 6 of my 7 abdominal surgeries I woke up fine and my pain was under control with pain meds. The one where my pain was not under control I did spend a dreadful, nightmarish night, but it was nothing compared to the daily pain and fear of needing a procedure. Discuss your questions with your Dr., and go with your heart, but here’s one Fibromite who has had multiple surgeries and come out O.K.!

A year and a half ago I had a polyp removed from my right vocal cord. I was very concerned about the problems I could have from both the surgery itself and from the process as well (e.g., the positioning of my arm for the IV, positioning my head hyper-flexed so the surgeon could get to my vocal cords, etc). I met with the head of anesthesia for over an hour voicing my fears and concerns. I took a copy of the Oregon Univ. recommendations. The anesthesiologist was very understanding and was willing to review the the document. I left a copy with my surgeon as well, along with info on central sensitization and what can be done to minimize the efects of surgery on those of us “blessed” with fibro..
As a result of my efforts, they were very considerate…my arm was kept close to my body, they used sandbags to hold my head in place, my surgeon got to my vocal cords without bending my head w-a-y back, etc.
Bottom line… I woke from the anesthesia and felt really good. No pain, no muscle strains, etc.
I would recommend this approach to anyone with fibro who is considering elective surgery. My surgical team always had the option to do what they needed to do but had the info they needed so they were aware of what the results would be from each decision they made along the way. As a consequence, I had a very successful and positive experience.

I had minor sinus surgery under propofol. The next morning I felt great –normal energy and minimal pain but by that afternoon I was couch-bound and remained in that state for 2 months.

Since I started keeping my aerobic fitness level high through cycling (2-3000 miles/year for the past 10 years or so) I have recovered rapidly (typically within a week) to my former level of fitness after comparable or longer periods of debilitating fatigue. However following the 2 months of post-surgical fatigue it took me an additional several weeks of concerted effort (with a professional trainer) to approach my previous fitness level. Nothing about this “illness” makes any sense!

I had a MINOR procedure called a cystoscopy
, with a locally aplied aneasthetic gel at the end of October. Three days later I developed Septcaemia, spesis, septic shock and kidney failure. My family were told that I was “critical” and that that we could only prey that they had got to me in time. Luckily, I survived, but the medical staff are bemused as to how this or why this happened, but it was a direct result of the cystoscopy.

In January 2010 I had to go in to have the same sort of procedure, but this time with the addition of metal rods to stretch the ureatha. It had to be done with an anaesthetic, and I opted for a spinal given that the side effects were less.

I was pumped full of IV antiobiotics before, during and after the procedure, plus anti bacterial drugs, something that isn’t usually done, but had to be due to the last experience. The procedure lasted for 10 minutes, the recovery is still going on 6 days later.

The spinal reacted the moment it was put in, it was supposed to wear off in 2 – 3 hours, but took 10 hours to have any effect. The widespread pain was unbearable, an infection occurred with very high temperature and very low blood pressure, again nobody could work out why this had happened.

I have had continuing electric shock type signs throughout my whole body, pins and needles, loss of grip and strength, crippling head and ear pains, difficulty in moving, low mood and all over muscular aches.

I have Fibromyalgia, and will never have any “surgery” unless it is to save my life there and then as I can only put these experiences down to having fibro.

Ready this site has helped me… I have had a few surgeries and after surgery I had to get help to roll out of bed for two weeks or better, Dr.s can’t find out what is wrong…. I’m going back in to see if it is fibromyalgia… THANKS

CFS and Fibromyalgia are both very frustrating syndromes. Having personally helped many with Fibromyalgia I can definitely tell you there are a lot of people who are misdiagnosed. Often times a dcotor either can’t diagnose or can’t help someone with pain and slaps a Fibromyalgia diagnosis on them. Anyone with these conditions should first try to be as conservative as possible and take some natural routes before jumping into more advanced treatments.

Bates

Bates, please be careful/gentle with statements like “Anyone with these conditions should first try to be as conservative as possible…” No two people are alike and we all have different ways of coping and treating our illness or disease. It’s great if you choose to go slowly and use natural remedies. For me, I also use natural options. But I also wanted to get some strong help as fast as possible because the pain was so horrid that I couldn’t even walk – (due to the severe pain in both feet). I couldn’t turn my head because of the neck pain. My elbows, shoulders, knees and nearly every inch of my skin, tissue, muscle, tendons, joints and bones all hurt so much I thought I had a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis. When I found out it was fibromyalgia, I was relieved but also discouraged that I wouldn’t be able to use something powerful to get good pain relief. I had never had such awful pain so extensively throughout the entire body before and I just kept thinking that if I wake up like this again tomorrow, I just want to die. I would have done ANYTHING to stop this pain! Well, I didn’t die, and that flare did finally subside to the point that I can walk and turn my head, and I function pretty well. There are a lot of things I can no longer do, of course. I try not to think about the past – my life – before this started. I try to focus on the good things and remember that there are millions of people who are much worse off. I just don’t want anyone out there to start second-guessing themselves about their choices. A second opinion by another doctor is great! I did that. But let’s not suggest to each other that if one person does something differently than another, that one of them is wrong.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about a month ago after having hip replacement surgery (caused by an automobile accident).

I saw my Dentist this week to replace a cracked ‘crown’ on one of my teeth. I told him that I had Fibromyalgia as a necessary precaution. I wondered how that would affect me during dental work. I must tell you, that I absolutely did feel the “heightened nerve sensitization” from the very first steps of the gum numbing with the cotton Q-tip going forward.

In the past, I always ‘numbed’ up quickly and did quite well when receiving the novacaine shot to prep for the drilling. This time, I was more acutely aware of that novacaine needle and the Q-tip didn’t seem to do as well to prepare me.

My Dentist had to give me a 2nd shots of novacaine. Meaning (1) to numb the gum and (2) another to numb the tooth. They should have been able to do this with just one to numb the gum since it was only a replacement.

After I left, the nerve endings of my tooth were still sensitive to cool liquids for the rest of the day and part of the next.

Another new experience in life with Fibromyalgia.

Thank you all for your comments. I find I am not crazy! I had a total knee replacement in May, and I still seem to be recovering six months later. I told Dr’s and nurses that I had FM, but nothing was really said from them. I also wondered why I have really been bothered by this knee now than before I had the surgery. I have talked with friends who have had both knees replaced, and they said now they have very little or no pain now. I find the muscles on both sides of the knee and behind the knee and even the lower leg are very tight and painful to the touch. I’m wondering whether or not to have the other one done……

My orthopedist siad that in most cases when knees were as bad as mine he would do replacements. However knee replacement technology wasn’t yet good enough for people with fibromyalgia. He said our connective tissues would not properly grow around the replacements. I have had success with Synvic (cox comb) injections which (I believe) help with lubrication and building of cartilage.

I also want to add that SCIENCE IS NOW FINDING THAT THINGS WE DIDN’T THINK WERE POSSIBLE (SUCH AS BRAIN NERVE REGENERATION) ARE INDEED POSSIBLE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS (SUCH AS SPIRITUALITY AND LAUGHTER)! If I were in your shoes (pun) I would heal my first knee and see where I want to go from there. With education and your own intuition you can be your own best guide!

I also want to add that SCIENCE has found that attitude changes through prayer, meditation and laughter can indeed work MIRACLES. APPRECIATING EACH PRESENT MOMENT CAN EVEN HELP WITH NERVE REGENERATION. SEE HOW WELL YOU DO WITH THIS KNEE AND THEN LET YOUR INTUITION – NOT SOMEONE ELSE MAKE THE DECISION FOR YOU!

I had a second ankle surgery 6 weeks ago. Like the first surgery, about 4 weeks afterwards I started feeling really exhausted and fatigued. And I got pain in my hands really bad. It’s really weird because the acute pain at the surgery site wasn’t really that bad but the myalgia afterwards seemed worse. Maybe it’s a reaction to all the painkillers. I wish I had read this article before surgery, especially since I had a bad reaction to the nerve block to the sciatic nerve. I have some paresthesia on the left side of my leg and foot. Fortunately I think it is recovering but very slowly.

I have had fibro from the age of 21 after severe emotional trauma. I am now 52. I had knee arthroscopy 9 wks ago.
Post op was not too bad but when i started physio , horrible pain. The therapist did not understand my pain and made me go on the bike 2nd visit in . I was in tears . Levelled me completely . They also did not have me doing the proper strengthening exercises. I now have to have a cortisone shot in the knee to get rid of the inflammation. I have been on anti inflammatory’s and taking tramedol for pain which I was not told to take the med’s regularily when starting physio. I was made to go to work 5 wks after surgery and had not started the physio until the 5th wk. To say the least it’s been a very horrible experience and i never thought i would have this much pain and stiffness. Things are finally starting to turn the corner since i am doing a home program and can do my physio 3times a day. Dr told me to stay off the bike until i had full range back in my knee without pain. I think physicians and therapists need more training on how to listen and hear the fibro patient when they are telling them they have pain.

SUE

I also had arthroscopic knee surgery in November. I rested for three months before I went to therapy.

My therapist is very familiar with fibromyalgia patients. So she designed a program that was gentle and progressive to strengthen my knee and legs

I had exercises in the gym and in the pool (LOVE THE POOL). Took about six weeks with a therapist and I was ready to be on my own in the gym and pool. But March turned into migraine madess for me. I’m hoping to get back to the pool and gym this week.

But to let you know, I too feel a stiffness in my knee. I don’t know if it because all the work the surgeon had to do or something else.

I have both fibro and CFS. I’m at the age where I should be getting a baseline colonoscopy, but I’ve been so sick with the fibro/CFS lately that I’m afraid to put my body through the prep and the procedure. I have to work so I can’t afford to take any more time off.

Maryilyn: I, too, am at that age and with family members who have had cancer in that area. Yet, I delay, knowing there is little chance I will recover well and return to work quickly….

Thanks, Adele, for sharing. My mother had polyps in her colon, so it’s an issue for me as well. I’m just hoping my Dr. can get me back to feeling relatively good so that I can eventually have this done. I’m not looking forward to having my dignity bruised, either.

I have had both and endoscopy and colonoscocpy and have had no problems. I have had CFS and FM for 25 years. I did have a hysterectomy in 1990 which was a big mistake because it took me 8 years to even start to recover. Of course the hysterectomy was major surgery it was done from my abdomen . I wouldn’t hestitate to get a colonoscopy again as it’s simple and I recovered within 2 days.

Well one wonders if I’d be feeling a whole lot better now if I hadn’t had a umbilical hernia repair, a hysterectomy, breast reduction and stomach stapling all within two years. That was nearly 10 years ago and I was only diagnosed with Fibromyalgia two years ago. Can’t change the past but with more knowledge I can make better choices for the future. Maybe if any future surgeries come up I’ll be better prepared, I only hope the doctors are too.

I recently had a D&C and other simple pelvic procedures done. I got “lucky” as I showed up for the surgery with a 3 day migraine. The anesthesiologist gave me a lovely shot of fentanyl in the IV before they took me in to knock me out, and the GYN made sure I had plenty of pain relief for recovery time. Took me over 2 weeks when the usual recovery is a couple days.

I had a tooth out just before Christmas and the pain went on for a good couple of weeks.

January 18th I had biopsy’s taken from my tongue, throat and tonsil and tonsil removed for the 3rd time and I am still not right with my throat. I had a infection and have had no voice again for over 3 weeks and am waiting for speech therapy again a couple of years ago I lost my voice for over 9 months. This time was diffidently worse than the previous 2 times which were pre FM. I keep being told it’s because I’m older.

You know my thoughts are with you special friend. XOXO

Two knee surgeries exaserbated my Fibro, It wasn’t bad until after the surgeries. Scared to have a routine colonoscopy, should I be?

Bj, We still have to think of ourselves. Please have your rountine colonscopy!! By my doctors constant pushing( because I turned 50} I had it done. On March 16th I found out I had colon cancer. following week I had surgery, removal and re-connect. I won’t lie there was alot of pain, but I got through it. Doctors thought I may of had cancer for the last 5 yrs.. I was NOT having any problems, so Please get yours done. The colonoscopy it self was not bad. Don’t take a chance have it done…. God Bless wendy

It’s easy, it may be a bit uncomfortable, but does not hurt. They can put u in whats called “twilight” so u won’t remember a thing. My sister had black precancerous polyps at age 40 and she is still alive because she had it done. Men seem to have more issues I am told as they age they get constipated alot more. My husband is 52 takes citricell fiber with the water, takes miralax, then takes something else and can not seem to ever get things all cleared out. He may have an obstruction he doesn’t know about. my father waited too long and the tumor grew nside his colon till no food would stay down. He had non hotchkins Lymphoma. They took out about a foot near the duodeum, but if he had gone sooner he might be alive today. Do it!

I had my gall bladder removed on a Friday. It was my intention to return to work on the following Tuesday. Everyone told me it would not be a big deal at all. I returned to work on Tuesday, and was in so much pain tears were streaming from my eyes even though I was not really crying. I ended up taking the rest of the week off as well as being down for an additonal 5 days. On top of everything else, I developed an allergic reaction at my incision sites.

Not having any problems, It was just that time for a rountine colonscopy.. It was not bad, I did have some pain due to removal of 3 polyps. On march 16th I found out I had colon CANCER.. Had surgery, very painful.. had colon removal and re-connect. Home recovering….. I would love to rush it. Have more pain then I think I should have. Past surgries remind me Fibro takes it’s own time. I just look for the good parts of my day. If your at that age or have’nt had a rountine colonoscopy PLEASE get it done.. Doctors think I’ve had colon cancer for at least 5 yrs.. Even if Fibro flares up you need to take care of yourself. Love in Christ.

I recently had spinal neck surgery in January and
STILL am having severe pain. Of course the surgeon says that I should not be having pain, so therefore would not offer any more pain relief for me. Suffering is becoming a way of life for me. am so frustrated. Wonder if I will EVER feel good again!!

I had knee replacement in December and seemed to recover fairly fast. My fibro flaired but I was prepared for it because my ortho dr. had prepared me ahead of time mentally. but whammo I broke my wrist and elbow about 6 wks ago and can’t get the pains to seize. Never even thought about the break causing so much stress and pain.

I had outpatient surgery 12 years ago…I ended up with loss of memory for 6 months. It was off & on a few times a day!!

In 2002, I was diagnosed with a staghorn kidney stone. It filled my whole kidney. After 14 surgeries (from August to May) I told them to remove the kidney. After doing that in June, I wound up having another surgery because of the pain killers and antibiotics had caused diverticulitis. I was never able to truly recover from these 16 surgeries in one year’s time. I had to have several nophrostomy tubes put in. They can’t put you out because you have to have it done in radiology. They give you a little bit to help with the pain. I had a constricted ureter and what should have been done in 30 minutes took 5 hours. I felt it the whole time. When the doctor told me I would have to have another done, I broke down and cried. He got an anestegiologist to come into radiology and give me more. It didn’t kill all the pain but it helped. On the next one he switched hospitals and he assured me they would do the same. They didn’t and the nurse said she had given me all the medications she could and that I just needed to toughen up. It humiliated and frustrated me. A few years later I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Now I look back and can understand why I had such a hard time not only then but at other times in my life even as far back as a child. When I was sick my body took longer to heal or was sicker than my brothers. When I “got well” I was back to not feeling as much pain. Now I live with it day in and day out thanks to all the kidney surgeries, it never leaves.

My Fibro was diagnosed after a head on collision on the interstate when a man fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the median. I had critical injuries: broken pelvis, multiple fractures in both hips, right foot crushed and all toes on both feet crushed. I was bedridden for 12 wks. and not allowed to bear any weight at all. It was traumatic. I wasn’t able to return to teaching and I had young children at the time.

The first thing I noticed was a heightened sensitivity to medications. They affected me quite differently than before. I chalked the symptoms up to recovering from the accident until my husband leaned over on the couch one day and his arm rested on my leg while he was picking up a pen he had dropped. The pain ran through me like a hot poker and I just knew I had bone cancer. Luckily, the Dr. I went to is an Internist/Rhumatologist who specializes in Fibro. I’d never heard of it before. He’s seen me thru several surgeries and makes recommendations before the surgery.

In Sept. I had a total knee replacement. Did GREAT in the hospital, but once they removed the Toradol IV, the pain was horrific! The inflammation took over and although I can normally handle pain quite well, I thought I would die before the recovery. The Orthopedic couldn’t understand why I was having so much pain since the surgery and xrays were pronounced such a success. I made an appt. with the Dr. I’d gone to before and he immediately said I had bursitis and tendonitis in my hip and knee area. He poked and prodded until he found the tender points and injected Lidocaine with a small amount of Cortisone in it. Within 5 minutes I was pain free and walking without my cane. Of course, that did wear off, but by then we knew what it was and the PT would work that spot with heat & massage. I’m now painfree, in the knee, except for small flares. I do take Cymbalta, also, and felt it gave me my life back.

Sometimes, I have a strange pain area on my left chest/underarm area right at the bra band. I’ve tried to look up symptoms on it, and can’t find anything or don’t see it as a pressure point. It aches and makes me nauseous sometimes and feels like it’s sucking the air right out of my lungs. Anyone else have that and if so, what is it???

I myself had a spinal neck surgery (due to a car accident.my surgery took place Dec 29, my Dr. who preformed my surgery insisted that I go home the next day. I was in the worst pain in life.Could not lift my head,could not go to the rest room without assistance, it was the most uncomfortable experience i have ever had.As i read this and it states having fibro will make it worse for you after surgery.I am convinced ny Dr. should have considered these facts and handled me with alot more patience,care and respect. I am sill suffering the pain and unable to live a full active life.I try to live what i call normally and I end up right back where I started,In a whole lot of pain….

i have had numerouse surgerys more to come…. it takes me 2 to 3 extra months tooo recover. extra pain meds are hard to get.my pain dr is awesome. but mite not understand about this one. sighhhhhh

The problem has already been resolved with replicated science. The National CFIDS Foundation even funded work to find the exact area of the pathway being affected in all autoimmune disease (and, yes, CFIDS has been proven to be an autoimmune disease as well). All patients should be aware of the anesthesia protocol on the our website (http://www.ncf-net.org) that has been there since it was proven years ago. It has saved many lives and our government has, albeit quietly, accepted it as scientific fact. That article is also on our website.

Gail Kansky

I had minor surgery to remove a small lump from my right shoulder. It took 4 injections of the local anaesthetic before it went numb – the surgeon kept explain that I would still feel pushing etc. I kept trying to get him to understand I was still feeling everything each time he stuck the scalpel in.
Eventually I felt the numbness spreading straight after the 4th injection.
I have also had 3 laproscopic surgeries since being diagnosed with fibro (and one before). I reacted to the anaesthetic (general) and had to be given oxygen etc. Apparently seeing me return put several other patients off surgery!
I do take longer to recover than the average person, usually a few weeks.

I was diagnosed with FMS, after having a c-section, with my first child @ age 23. Since I had mild symptoms, for the most part, no one ever advised me not to get pregnant again or I would have had my tubes tied before the unplanned pregnancy 10 years later. All I can say is, if you have already been diagnosed, DO NOT consider having a child after that. The combination of my hormones changing, gaining weight and then having another c-section have put me down, pretty much for good. I cannot work regularly, cannot enjoy my children as I should, cannot do any of the things normal people in their 30’s do. It is horrible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone and if I ever need surgery again, I pray that if the outcome is the same, that I do not wake up!

I just had surgery today, a laproscopy, they removed and ovarian cyst, 2 patches of endometriosis, and some adhesions. I hope my fibro doesn’t interfere with my recovery!

I’ve had many operations over the last dozen or so years, eventually recovering from each one. But the most recent couple were in 2009, & despite having good outcomes I have been going backwards ever since. (My Dr says it could be because of having anaesthetics close together.) I never leave the house unless for a medical appointment, which takes months to get over – just in time to gear up for the next one. My teaching practice has disappeared, as has any kind of involvement in life. The pain has spread to sources I never imagined, & living is pretty much unbearable – especially as my husband has no sympathy whatsoever! Thanks for running this site, so people like me can realise : WE ARE NOT ALONE. That is a huge help

I’ve had many operations over the last dozen or so years, eventually recovering from each one. But the most recent couple were in 2009, & despite having good outcomes I have been going backwards ever since. (My Dr says it could be because of having anaesthetics close together.) I never leave the house unless for a medical appointment, which takes months to get over – just in time to gear up for the next one. My teaching practice has disappeared, as has any kind of involvement in life. The pain has spread to sources I never imagined, & living is pretty much unbearable – especially as my husband has no sympathy whatsoever! Thanks for running this site, so people like me can realise : WE ARE NOT ALONE. That is a huge help
PS re Colonoscopies – the prep medicine makes me sick (literally) so despite being pumped full of gas the procedure was unsuccessful.

PS Re Colonoscopies : the prep medicine made me very sick – literally – so despite them pumping me way up full of gas, the procedure was unsuccessful. Have been referred for same twice since, but hospital is not looking for any alternative way of doing it.

I am finally retired and have found that surgery is much easier when you don’t hear people joking that you are on vacation. I had two outpatient surgeries for my arthritic big toe. The first time, the podiatrist put in a half joint instead of a whole one and didn’t tell me. He did tell after the operation that my joint was completely destroyed, he had never seen one that bad. I went back to work on time, but people bragged about how little they stayed out.

My toe made walking normally impossible and my insurance company would not let me see an orthopedic surgeon. So I struggled with it until it was time to change insurance. Then I saw an orthopedic surgeon and he was appalled when he saw the x-rays. I ended up having the half joint removed and a metal plate with screw put in. Finally, no more pain. But people at work didn’t understand why I had the second operation. I went through so much pain and tears, it was truly depressing. I am sure that this situation aggravated my fibromyaglia.

I had my spine damaged from an assult in 2000 just after I learned I had FM/CF. In time things became better and I returned to discus, shot, working out, biking and working on with my crew on road repair. Then I had to change jobs thanks to MRSA. At the present job for the military I was injured while working and the damage to my spine was compounded with more damge and extended nerve damage far more than I had. It seems that FM/CF has increased my pain to the point that I am continually nauseated and all the usual symptoms are so much worse. The neurosurgeon was going to do 3 fusions until he finally listened that I have FM/CF and then he refused to do it. His reason is just what you have stated here, the risks of added pain and medications reactions is too high. So here I am in pain to tears and no one will help. Has anyone else been turned down BECAUSE you have FM/CF?

My HMO neurosurgeon will not operate on my back because of FMS. That was 3 years ago. Because I am facing knee surgery sooner than later(possible knee replacement), I have not talked to my HMO to see if there have been any changes to this mindset. So I live with epidural shots every 3 months along with pain meds., stretching and just plain moving around the house or garden or playing with my dog. Eventually, as the years pass, and my back continues to deteriorate I will have no choice to find a neurosurgeon who has the experience dealing with FMS.

Today, I was told I could no longer put off my left knee replacement surgery. And I am alittle scared about the outcome. My Fibro has been calm for awhile and I am worried that it may come on with a bang. I hope that what I have learned from you all’s experiences will help me through it and I guess I’ll just pray ALOT!

I had hip replacement on 6 Jan and had to go back in again 3 weeks later. At the assessments and immediately before surgery took place i tried to draw attention to fibro, displaying the article i had from a FM magazine. But no-one wants to listen. I have had constant pain since and am still constantly arguing with the doctors who seem to tell me I must expect pain as I am one of the unlucky ones, having had a rough time. Is the pain because of fibro i asked, but still not even acknowledgement of it or a connection. Its very frustrating and I wonder if others might have had similar experiences.

I had arthritis basal thumb surgery where they also removed a wrist bone. that was 2 years ago, and it still swells up with heat and inflammation and PAIN, from my wrist to the palm of my hand.

I still have to wear the brace for support to keep from using it so it will heal. After 2 years!

I also told the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, gave them the FMS anesthesia article, but both totally ignored it. Couldn’t understand all my pain. Surgeon sent me home with Demerol. Husband had to go get 500 mg Hydrocodone I was screaming. My other one needs it, but over my dead body. Idiots!!!!!!

I’ve learned through 3 elective surgeries, that it takes me a lot longer to recover than most people. When most people have surgery then go home the same day, I’m in the hospital for 3 days, mainly due to the pain. My only problem with anesthesia is that about 8-10 hours afterwards I always get a horrific migraine.

I had liposuction of the abdomen last October but I had not actually been diagnosed with CFS or Fibro. Most of the specialists that I had been gooing to for the last five years were telling me I was OK with respect to what conditions they would have been looking for but that I “might have” Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. Recovery from the lipo was very difficult and took many weeks longer than it was supposed to. It was after the lipo that I was accurately diagnosed. I am now on antivirals since my doctor orderd blood tests to check on what my virus titre was–he found that I was carrying a heavy load of the Epstein-Barr and Parvo viruses. The acyclovir that I have been on for a month has me feeling better every week that passes. All symptoms are deminished, sleep is refreshing and energizing, pain occasionally rears it ugly head but is still much less, my strength is slowly returning–life is getting better!

For two days after minor BREAST CANCER surgery I was totally fibro pain free!!! Some drug (probably the anesthetic) worked magic on my muscles for the first time in 27 years!

My diagnosis for fibromyalgia was a long slow process while I cotinued to get worse. I did have some problems such as early arthritis degenerative disc disease, corpal tunnel, a bad knee and a bad disc in my neck. I eventually had surgery on my neck and corpal tunnel. However none of these things should have caused the type of constant pain all over my body I was having. I was tested until I think they ran out of things to test.(definately made a fortune off of my ins. and left me with bad credit because I had so many bills from so many places I honestly couldn’s keep up with them. I was even tested for bone cancer.. Well..about the surgery isssue. I finally after app. 6 0r 7 yr. started to get my life back. At least to the point that I was feeling like a “Normal” person again. So I desperately needed knee replacement and had put it off about as long as I needed to. Well, the surgery went well, the knee has done real well . But my body has been thrown into a state of shock or something. The pain is back all over my body, fatique is back, and my arthritis is worse than usual. I can hardly move in the morning time and my hands are like claws to start with that don’t want to open up! My feet hurt on the bottom to walk. I could probably go on but I think you all know the wrap! So all of this is going on despite the fact that I am on all of the meds that they can give me including pain meds. so all I can do is to wait this time and pray.

About 20 years ago, I had a ruptured disk in my neck requiring a fusion. I was already in a lot of pain because the disk had been pressing on nerves for so long. The neurosurgeon told me I would be instantly cured. Fortunately, because I am an ICU nurse with extensive experience with egotistical doctors, I did not believe him.

This was before I was diagnosed with fibro. I have had quite lot of surgery over the years and I can categorically state that this was by far the most painful procedure I have ever had. It took several years for the pain to finally get to a manageable level. I had two rounds of PT and my neck and shoulders were still terribly painful.

Recently, I had an abdominal surgery and it has not been nearly as bad However, I am over a month out and still get really drained of energy easily and my chronic migraines have gotten worse. I just hope it doesn’t last 2-3 years!

Gallbladder surgery……….was off work for 7 weeks !!! Extreme pain. Didn’t know I had Fibro at the time. Would certainly done thing differenty had I known.

About 10 years ago I had a large ovarian cyst removed, via a large-ish ‘bikini cut’ incision. This was about 4 years before being diagnosed with CFS/FM, but I was definitely already dealing with it. I had SO MUCH more pain than I was told I would have. Plus, the tylenol 3 they gave me made me sick, so I was vomiting with an abdominal incision. It was awful. Now it makes sense why I had such a hard time. Thankfully, I am doing much better CFS/FM-wise now, but I will still be super cautious about procedures in the future – last resort only.

Plus, I was very sensitive to the cocktail of garbage they injected into me – from the spinal, to the sedative, etc. The sedative was supposed to calm me, and I was supposed to be awake during the surgery, but it completely knocked me out. I felt awful and sick for days and days.

I have fibromyalgia andI had hernia repair surgery in 2008… Some days, it still feels like it was only yesterday and then the good days come when I feel like it was a couple months ago.. I have not been able to sleep in bed since then, I now sleep in a recliner.. Something my husband complains about as he finds it hard to sleep without me beside him… I miss sleeping in bed more than I can say.. I am contemplating bariatric surgery to help me lose weight, but am afraid of lasting pain from that as well…. My best friend had the surgery done and she keeps saying that there’s nothing to it… for her… maybe not… We’ve been friends for over 20yrs and she still has a hard time understanding where I’m coming from with my fibromyalgia… I read that there was a 90% pain reduction in patients with fibro having the bariatric surgery, that is why I am contemplaiting having the surgery in the first place… Just not sure what to do about it… Seeing how I have come through the hernia repair surgery with the amount of increased pain that I STILL deal with, I’m leaning towards not have the bariatric surgery done….

I had a ventral mesh rectopexy operation three weeks ago – four incision points and a series of staples in my coccyx. When I came round from the anaeshthetic the post-viral pains in my shoulders and legs were worse than the pains from the operation. Even when I was on morphine I could still feel the post-viral pains. It gave me some perspective on just how much pain I have been in with PVS.

I’ve been wondering for awhile now about surgeries and how it effected fibro. I was aware of the fact that every time I’ve had a surgery, my fibro has gotten worse ( more flares, more everyday discomfort) and I’ve been left worse off no matter how much time passes. Most recent was a knee surgery for acl tear and a torn meniscus. It’s been 6 months and my knee still hurts. It’s not excruciating, but it is uncomfortable and I no longer trust my knee. I drive a bus for MR/DD and it can get very physical. I don’t think anyone understands the fear about returning to work next month. Does going back to work too soon exacerbate the fibro issue too?

I had a DNC under General Anesthesia 7 days ago. Normally, that surgery is a 3 day recovery. Not for me. Just now starting to get less woozy. I’ve slept more this past week than I have in the past month. No energy. I know that a physical crash is coming; but hoping it is not as bad as the last time I had surgery. That crash came 7 weeks after surgery & I was bedfast for over 6 weeks. No fun; but it’s my life. If facing surgery; prepare for the worst. It will probably come quick without warning just when you think you have snuck by without trouble. Prepare, prepare, prepare….

Has anyone had experienced internal swelling following hiatus hernia repair (Nissen Fundoplication,3 hr surgery,5 incisions) or other surgery? I’m 3 wks post-op and still am unable to swallow food or liquid without experiencing severe chest pain. Sipping hot water prior to swallowing seems to relax the muscles however each morning it feels like I am re-opening the esophageal muscles for the day. Dehydration is a factor, as I’m not drinking as much as I should.

Having an uninformed surgeon and GP, as well as not realizing the extent of the surgery/fibro combo, resulted in a very negative experience. 8 hrs after surgery a killer 3-day migraine began which was caused by external swelling of my head and neck. (Prior to surgery I would swell internally following a meal and experience shortness of breath) My fibro meds were not available in IV form -had I been able to think straight I should have requested a rheumatologist consult.

Thanks to this site for all the valuable info, which I’ll give to the surgeon, in the hopes that the next fibro patient will not suffer so much. The tip about the IV arm is so true, my arm pained me for over a week and kept me awake nights – just one of the many things I would have done differenty had I known.

I just yesterday had left hip surgery to repair a labral tear, remove spurs, and remove excess bone due to FAI (Femoralacetabular Impingement). I made sure to tell everyone I was in contact with that I have been living with FM for 7 years, have extreme sensitivity to meds, light, sounds, smells and of course any event or object that stimulates my Central Nervous System. I wanted to be sure my pain receptors were “fooled” enough prior to the anesthesia and they assured me it would be. I’m doing so-so today with the lack of mobility and pain, however, I’m having dangerous reactions to the Percocet. We’ll work that out hopefully. Here’s the intriguing part of my surgery….the doctor said to me afterwards, “Who told you that you have fibromyalgia?” I told him I had several opinions over 7 years and they all say the same thing. The doctor replied, “well I didn’t see any fibromyalgia while I was operating on you!” I looked at him puzzled. I didn’t think FM was something that could be seen. Does anyone have any idea what he was talking about? I’m confused… Thanks for your help!

WOW, thanks to everyone that commented, it explained a lot to me as to why I’m experiencing this pain….again. 7 years ago, i worked overnight shift and completely went nocturnal, had a lot of difficulty sleeping in the change and started to become painful, my new doctor (after my old doctor couldn’t figure anything out) diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I went back to daylight living, started working out, eating right, drank lots of water, etc and the pain (especially with yoga) just about disappeared. Then about 6 months ago, I had my gall bladder removed. That night I had an extreme reaction to the anesthetic and now 6 months later, my fibro had been giving me constant pain. I don’t take medications, and have started back to improving my diet, water intake, and started stretching. will let you know if any improvement. Thanks again for the eye openers

I will be having a hysterectomy soon. As an fm sufferer, what should I be on the lookout for?How to prepare?

8 surgeries in 6 years…it has taken such a toll on my body I can’t stand it…being senstivitive to medications..I lie here in my bed so fatique I can not get up..it has been 1 month that I had dental surgery and still feeling so mentally drained…what is one to do? How much can one person take..it is destoying me..

I had kidney stone out patient procedure done three months ago. I had to have it done twice in order to get the stone because of the inflammation. I was under anathesia twice and on antibiotics for 25 days. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 20 years ago and have had very mild symptoms except headaches until I had this procedure and for the last 3 months I have had digestive problems, skin problems, a lot more tingling , burning and numbness in arms ,legs and bottom. I am a 50 yr old male.

Get a Detox Panel done by Genova Diagnostics. Mine showed that I cannot break down stress hormones, which causes pretty much every single symptom I have ever experienced. they float through my body, causing neurogenic inflamation. I have FM and CFS and also MCS and PTSD and a whole lot of other auto-immune problems. In addition, my mitochondria are hooped, which causes issues after surgeries because the body cannot detox itself! The Detox Panel showed me the cause and was recommended by my Functional Medicine MD. Best money I ever spent! Now the docs can’t argue anymore!

I had sinus surgery 20 Feb. 2012. After surgery I hemorrhaged loosing 1/3 of my blood. I was again taken for a 2nd operation to stop the Bleed. I was released from hospital on the 3rd day and I was feeling like I had just come out of surgery.
Since that time I have been into Emergency 4 times and hospital for another 3 days. No one has listened to me when I explained I had no energy. I was so ill I could hardly move and yet these so called medical people did not hear what I was saying.
It is now 40 days since the Nightmare and I am still so weak, having to go to bed after about 4 hours out of bed. I think I have Chronic Fatigue.
Peter

Colonoscopy and Endoscopy – with polyps and biopsy’s – kicked me to the curb for 3+ weeks. Had no idea why until my doctor said it was b/c of my fibro. Previously no issues with the same antithesia/procedure (before Fibro) so I was not mentally prepared for “couch mode with a blanket” either. Issue for me may have been an infection that wasn’t properly diagnosised for 5 months until 2 weeks prior to the procedure. Infection was irradicated but so was my energy…. I believe part of my problem is I’m too tired to properly stay hydrated in the heat and lack of some vitamins due to gluten free diet for a year. Hoping water, vitamins, rest and exercise (swimming!) will bring back my sparkle soon… The key I believe is to TRY to stay positive and don’t give up/in… but easier said than done. Luckily my husband understands better than I when I overdo or overplan and carefully gaurds my energy. I’m lucky in that regards. Hope everyone here get’s feeling better soon..