Fibromyalgia prompts doctors to prescribe medications from a variety of drug classes, because none of the medications used for fibromyalgia were actually developed for the condition or even approved by the FDA for treating it. Studies have shown relationships among fibromyalgia medications, anti-depressant medications, anti-seizure medications and the promising cross-results they can produce.
Nevertheless, the medications listed in this chart have shown effectiveness in randomized clinical trials of people with fibromyalgia. These include the antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline (Endep), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil); muscle relaxants, such as cylobenzaprine (Cycloflex, Flexeril) and certain analgesics, including tramadol (Ultram). The combination of 20 mg Prozac taken in the morning and 25 mg amitryptyline taken at night also has shown effectiveness in easing symptoms throughout the day and helping to ensure sleep at night.
Recent studies using anti-seizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and the drug pregabalin (Lyrica), demonstrated promising results in helping to ease pain, promote sleep and relieve fatigue.
You’ll find some other drugs used for fibromyalgia in the charts on analgesics and NSAIDs. For many people with this painful condition, an NSAID or analgesic, such as over-the-counter acetaminophen, provides sufficient pain relief; others take an NSAID or analgesic along with one or more of the medications listed here.
Drug Guide: Fibromyalgia Medications
Anti-depressant and anti-seizure medications
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Lauren
17 Aug 2010, 10:14
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| I was just diagnosed with fibro the beginning of this year. I took a list
of symptoms to my doctor and she checked the pressure points and diagonsed
the fibro. I also suffer from depression and take Cymbalta which also helps
with the fibro. I have patella disease in my knees along with arthritis,
high blood pressure and cholesterol,anxiety,GERD, Rotator cuff problems
both shoulders, Degenerative disc disease, bulging disc and arthritis
everywhere.I am currently taking Ultram and Celebrex along with several
other drugs. I tried going with out the celebrex on the advice of my
rheumatologist, however I didn't even last the day. I don't like being on
all these drugs, but what choice do I have? My rhematologist doesn't feel
she can do anything more for me so has referred me back to my pcp. My pcp is wonderful and has know me for years. She really listens to my problems. I have had 8 surgeries in 4 years. I had carpal tunnel surgery though the pain was in my thumbs. I really had CMJ joint arthritis but my first doctor wouldn't operate saying I was too young. (I was 50). Went to second dr and he wouldn't even touch my thumb base because it was so swollen saying I needed the surgery right away. So I had it done on both thumbs 1 year apart. (1 year healing time) I have tendonitis running from the base of my thumbs up the inside of my arm and he gives me a cortisone shot each year in both. I have arthritis in my wrists so when I use my cane I hurt my wrists from the pressure I use on the cane. I got stuck in a movie theater the other day. Had to do what I call my Dad's rock and roll to get out of the seat. And public bathrooms are a disaster. Because of my knees I can't get up. My husband found a tolilevator which goes under your toliet and raises it 5". We had been looking for handicap toliets but they weren't high enough. A friend on FB from Canada takes shark cartilidge because she can't afford Celebrex. I will start taking it this week. I also take Vitamins D, B-12, C, Calcium and fish oil pills. My hands are very weak along with my wrists, I can't even lift a gallon of milk. I am no longer the person I once was and I hate it, but am dealing with it. My husband is wonderful about doing everything around the house. I do do some things, but usually suffer after. I've found I can only go to one store, if I do more, I'm really done. My youngest son (23) doesn't get it. I can't open those stupid bottles of medicine plus I can't read the directions even with my glases on. And I'm afraid because of the fibro fog I am doing things and forgetting that I've done them. I am currently looking for cleaning products I bought and can't find. LOL, what to do? Have to laugh or I'll cry. |
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Angel Wilson
03 Aug 2010, 19:37
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| Well I have FM & get migraine headaches & have a thyroid condition, besides
having a kidney that is disappearing..lol. I had been on Lyrica for almost
a year and it din't help much. They doctors have put me on Neurontin, I
take it with Flexaril & Hydro's to help with pain. I take a migraine
medication also. I am happy since the doctors started listening to
me..cause there for awhile they didn't. I also suffer from Deteriorating
disc disease or (DDD) of my T-10 & T-11 vertebrae. I started having problems when I was young. I am hoping with the new medications and how I take them will make my life a lil bit more like it used to be, I was always a active person. But in the past 2 years it has gotten much worse. |
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sabra
21 Jul 2010, 11:42
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| BE CAREFUL WITH TOPAMAX! I took it for 5yrs and have short-term memory
loss. I too have FM and migraines. I am a RN (45yrs) and let me tell you...even when you have a lot of contacts within the medical field, it is hard not to feel like a drug seeker. As I read all of your comments, I feel as though you know how I feel with my daily chronic pain....Thank you!! I wish I could find a doc (in Dallas) willing to treat me with something bedside zoloft! I do take Mobic and tramadol for mild to mod. pain..with some relief but, I think if the severe pain was under control... and you only took pain meds when you really needed it...depression would not be so much an issue?? Pain is depressing?? I, like so many people,I just drag myself out of bed in the morning and put a fake smile on my face, and go to work. I am a nurse and love taking care of other people...maybe one day someone will take the time to take care of all of us with FM :) I know if I did'nt believe in God above I could never have gotten this far!!! |
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Ej
20 Jul 2010, 21:39
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| I've had FMS/CFS for 23 years. 99.5% of doctors didn't believe it was a medical condition, but rather a mental one. There have been times it calmed down, and other times I thought I was surely dying of something....and many times I wished I would. I worked until 5 years ago, putting everything I had left in me into my job, until spinal stenosis totally took me down. I had surgery, but have not been able to work since. Only one doctor in half of Georgia finally diagnoised my condition around 1993. He started me on small doses of prozac, melatonin, and Rx grade motrin. After several years of no one believing anything was wrong with me, that was a good start. I also have a low metabolism, so I'm one of those people who gain weight sleeping (joke), but serious have gained about 100 lbs in those 23 years. I now take soma 3x day/trammadol 2-2x day / hydro at night/ ambien / arthrotec 2x / and a multitude of vitamins, heating pads, and a stationery bike. My best advice to you younger folks is this; regardless of how badly you hurt exercise is so important. The lack of exercise is the main reason so many of us are also struggling with arthritis and bone disease. It's hard to do when you hurt so badly, but once you lose that core muscle it's next to impossible to get it back. I feel pretty much useless most of the time. Cooking every other day and keeping my kitchen clean is about all I can get done. The meds don't seem to help, but do without them and you can sure tell a big difference. Insurance doesn't cover any name brand meds, so I suppose I am handling all the meds I will be able to try anyway. The arthrotec alone is around $300 mo. So, please do the exercises, water aerobics also if possible. It seems impossible at the time, but will help you so much in the long run with muscle, bone, and additional pain from other problems. God be with you. |
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Tammy MacDonald
08 Jul 2010, 10:11
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| Hi, I'm 41 and been DX with Fibro/CFS/IBS/ 7 years ago. I suffer with wide
spread pain, migrains,and much much more, I have been on most of the
medications that have been listed hear but like most of you a good thing
with fibro dosn't last! I have a great supportive DR who I'snt shy to try new drugs or to send me to new specalist, getting to the reasion of my post. This knew Dr is trying very new way of treating FIBRO this is what he has in store for me. First thing first, presently my medication is as follow: For my migrains: topiramate ( anti sezier)200x2 naprox 500x2 cymbalta 60x2 amitriptyline 150mg oxy when needed On my first visit he was shocked to see how much meds i was on and was concerned about my CFS. When I had my sleep study done it showed that i do not get my stage 4 sleep, it showed i had over 200 awakinings, that is my healing sleep and with out that how can i feel good, so that day he added cesamet 0.5mg small dose but lowed my amitrip 25mg so far so good. Then he ordered ultersoud on all my joints, he said that do to being in pain for so many years and left untreated, my shoulders have rounded and my head has moved forward it's like 3in off. (Something like that) He is going to start Botox Injections first on my forehead to control my Migrains and hopefully get me off the topiramate. Then Injections in the shoulders to help pull them back to give the joints a rest and hopefully reduce the pain in the neck and shoulder area, these Injections last about 3 months, his goal is to Botox all the joints so we can reduce my medication. He also talked about a procedure called Platelet-rich plasma therapy for my lower back and kidney pain. You can Google this, there is too much info for me to write about, it sounds promising, but like everything ealse i try not to get my hops up too high, but at this stage of the game I'm willing to try anything. He also has me seeing a Naturopathic and the chiropractor, he has also did a complete blood work up, so time will tell, I go on Monday to see the Naturopathic and the chiro and do the blood work. Once that is done, those assesments will be forward to Dr Ko and we start treatment, I'll update my progress if anybody is interested. Maybe my treatment can provide help, even if it is only one person, to know I can prov ide some pain reduction would be amazing! Tammy |
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Leanne Williams
15 Jun 2010, 13:57
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| I've some college education; & I come from a family of nurses & M.D.s. Therefore, I can explain to an M.D. what I'm feeling in terms they can understand. I'm in agreement with Dr. Judy Goldstein - you must become educated and proactive in your healthcare. If you have an M.D. that does not respect your proactive approach, then you need another M.D. I also agree that one should know the potential side effects of every medication they are taking. The Physicians Desk Reference (used by M.D.s themselves) will give every potential side effect. However, please keep in mind that one medication may work for one but not another. I notice that the vast majority of individuals who have contributed to this site are women; however, gentlemen do get Fibromyalia but not as many. What I am attempting to do is find a common denominator amongst us that could help M.D.s treat us. I have a question for each of you. Has any one of you sustained direct (i.e. an assault) or indirect (i.e. an auto accident) physical trauma in their lives? I would really like to hear from you @ banditchampblue@yahoo.com. |
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Yolanda
15 Jun 2010, 11:19
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| I have been on all does drugs as well. Nothing works. The doctors say I do not FM. I was told a pinch never or they just don’t know. Then I went to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC. They did an MRI – CT SCAN – XRAYS. They said that the fluid level in my upper back to my neck has diminished and my Vertebrates are smashing each other and the nerves are touching each other. That is the reason for my pain, and that surgery would take my pain away. They even explain how the surgery would be done; they would be going thru the front of my neck. First they were going to do surgery, then they change there minds on one woman’s words, she is not even a doctor She works for the Neurology Surgeon. This nurse. Sat down and showed me the pictures of the damage in my back that was in July it took 4 months and several emails and phone calls later, she called and said that they were not doing surgery, and that she never told me they would. I requested a change of hospital hoping that, the doctors there would do the surgery and fix me. I would be happy if only 20 to 30% of my pain went away. They sent me to Bethesda Naval in Maryland. The doctor there sent me to therapy and Pain Management, they gave me 8 trigger shots of Novocain in my back and arm that didn’t work, so they tried acupuncture they put 5 needles in each of my ear , they were beautiful to look at and painful to lay on or answer the phone. The little needle fell out in a week and I am still in pain. Oh I was also given Lyrica, people run from this drug I gain 35 from 2/15/10 to 4/18/10 It put the weight on me so fast it didn't make any sense. It helped a little not much. I hurt so bad that all I can do is go to work and go home and take pain pills to easy the. The President of my company has walk by my desk and I would be asleep because, I would take a Gabapentin, this is the latest of pain meds I am on. I am always in so much pain I have to sit up in my bed to roll over, I sleep with 8 pillows 3 to elevate my head and the others to prop up my arms, because I am in so much pain my arms hurt so bad that I can not even pull the cover over my self because my arms get so weak. I have no life; I can’t go any where for long because of the pain I am in all the time. Sometimes I think death is easer, but I have a family and would not do that to them. So I struggle everyday to get up and keep going. , |
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Cinda Crawford
03 Jun 2010, 17:43
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| Taking drugs long term will NOT get you very far with Fibromyalgia. There
are no prescription drug cures. Lifestyle change helps some people. Working
to improve your overall health will help, too, because there's a good
chance you may level off and won't get any sicker. The biggest and most
dramatic help that I found was with a different type of healing & it worked
very fast for me! You're welcomed to read the whole story and listen to a
doctor interviewing me about my healing experience at http://www.getwellhealth.com/cindas-interview/. Sending you best wishes for your improving health, Cinda Crawford |
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Alison Summers
18 May 2010, 17:50
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| I have recently been diagnosed with FM but now knowing how long I have
truly suffered from this, it's been over 6-7 years. I've been to physical
therapy for bursitis, pain between the hip and pelvic bone, also have
carpel tunnel, back issues, plantars fascitus for over a year, a lump in
the arch of my foot with a bone spur in my heel, and neck issues. About a year ago (before being diagnosed), I started doing bioidentical hormones and it helped me over the past year. I do the Sottopelle pellets (all natural plant based) Testosterone with a little Estrogen) where they are injected it in the hip so the hormones are absorbed naturally as your body needs them. I started out where I had to go every 3 months, the doctor tries to gradually spread it out to 4 months and then 6 months. I do feel this has helped a lot. I once did have to cancel an appointment and wait until a month later and that's when I felt the FM really kick in and hit me hard. As long as I don't go to long and let my body tell me it's time for more testosterone, I am feeling ok - still have pain but not the horrible joint pains and fatique I experienced the past 2 months. I've noticed that after getting my hormones inserted, it took me about 3-4 weeks before it started to kick in. I'm still new to researching FM, but I do think this has helped me a lot. It is worth the research. The main office is in AZ I believe, but there are many doctors around the US that now administer it. My doctor is out of north Dallas but comes to Temple, TX to work with all the Austin crowd. http://www.sottopelletherapy.com/hrtTestimonials.html PS - anyone you know going through menopause, they should really look in to this as well. Seen many lives changed with this. Bless us all - good luck. |
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Cynthia
04 May 2010, 22:23
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| After reading about all the medications that everyone takes for fibromyalgia, it occurred to me that I have been on all of them at one time or another, except for lyrica. It also occurred to me that the only ones getting any good out of fibro is the drug companies. I don't believe that any of the drugs I took helped me very much, but it was better than doing nothing. The medical community doesn't seem to know what causes fibromyalgia. Not sure I believe this either. I started going to a chiropractor about 6 months ago and I feel better than I have in years. I feel fibromyalgia is caused by compressed nerves in your spine. Being adjusted by a chiropractor is the only thing that has truly helped me feel better. I have suffered for 20 years with fibromyalgia pain along with arthritis, chronic fatigue and degenerative disc disease along with sleep disorders. Medical doctors only offer drugs or surgery. Why couldn't one of my many doctors suggested that I try a chiropractor for some relief? If your brain controls everything that goes on in your body, and your spinal cord is the message system between your brain and your body, it only makes sense that if your spine is out of alignment, you will have pain. If your nerves are compressed, you will have widespread pain. Try to find a good chiropractor, it is the only thing that has helped with my pain. I also feel good about getting off many of the medications, which are truly toxins in your body....... |
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Louise
20 Apr 2010, 09:33
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| I have tried Lyrica and got really bad side effects. I now take 60mg Cymbalta and Savella in the morning and 30mg Cymbalta and Savella in the evening. This seems to be working and my doctor is suprised that I could take both. He called the manufacturer and they said it would be safe to take both and I also asked my pharmacist and he said to watch my blood pressure with the savella, it tends to raise it a little, but if I get relief I can live with that. I also take Voltarin for my arhtritis and percocet when I really need it. |
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judy l
23 Feb 2010, 16:43
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| I've had FM for 19 years. I've had aches and pains here and there for as long as I can remember. I have just about every symptom that goes with FM & CFS. When I would complain to my family, most would roll their eyes and call me a hypochondriac. My pain is real, and I know now I'm not crazy. Many times my house doesn't get cleaned, the laundry goes one more day, and frozen dinners will have to do because of the exhaustion I feel all of the time. I've learned when I can't get to sleep the tv is my best friend. I have a different husband now than before and he understands. And I don't complain to family anymore, I tell them I feel great. But anyone with FM knows it's just an act. So with the grace of God and new friends like you, we will all make it. Thanks for listening and God Bless. |
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Jaye
19 Feb 2010, 06:50
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| I've been diagnoised with Fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr, Cytomegolovirus, Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue and needless to say I take a large amount of drugs. I have taken Cymbalta for almost 3 years now. I also take Ambien CR, Valtrex, Valcyte when my insurance company will approve it, doxycyline, darvocet and a large amount of suppliments. I wish there was something that relieved the pain continually but am greatful for the relief I do get. Its just the sleep I wish I could get under control. I just keep trying. |
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Marylee Bourke
17 Feb 2010, 16:36
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| Very interesting ...reading all these posts since many of the letters could have been written by me. I was not diagnosed with FM until after being rearended when I was 72. I realized, I had this since 1954...or earlier..only on one ever diagnosed it then. Now I have a reoccurance of other symptons that are putting me aat risk for a heart attack. I am going on 77 and will have more cardiac tests on Mar. 1. I will not be able to do the regular stress test. I have been depressed off and on all my life and hid it. I also wished to die many times..now I do not wish to. I fear that I may have created a self-fullfilling phropecy.ugh Mose everyone seems to be aware and are taking reasonible care of themselves. To me that is the key..I have ignored all health challenges for the most part. ..Blessings to all...namaste mlb |
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Susan
15 Jan 2010, 20:14
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| reply to Megan Lindberg: lol- I have to pull teeth to get Vicodin from my doc in N.C. He thinks I'm going to sell it I suppose..... NOT- I need it myself and only use it when pain is soooo bad. Have Ortho Arthritis in knees, toes and fingers along with Fibromyalgia. Also have it in neck and lower spine. Take Cymbalta 120 a day, Nexium, Wellbuterin as well as Ativan as needed. Recently went off both sleep meds and have since lost over 30 lbs. and have to accept 2-3 days of no sleep until I do sleep. I'm okay with that as am not working. Was given disability 2 years ago for Fibromyalgia and PTSD. Am getting Psycotherapy once a week and when I can afford it Chiropractic care once a week. Those 2 help in their own way. I seek out shows on the comedy channel as often as I can. Have to laugh and exercise when I hurt but know it's all for the best. Am looking forward to moving back to my state where I can get warm water therapy for my knees when they are replaced. |
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tonie
05 Jan 2010, 13:22
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| I have been diagnosed with FMS and RA for over 7 years now, but have probably had it for 20. I was told it was bursitis, tendonitis, etc. But as I have aged, naturally it has gotten worse. I am currently on 120 mg Cymbalta daily and Klonipin for sleep. I take a lot of other things for the Ra, but I take lots of good suppliments to help my body. I have a chemical free home, and try to eat good chemical free foods. I am a member of a great blog site where we share lots of good info and have a shoulder to hurt on when we need. I highly recommend that if not this one (http://www.everydayhealth.com/blog/life-with-chronic-pain/) then find one you can relate to. |
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patricia
05 Jan 2010, 12:34
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| I had whip lash in 08. They say that was what caused my fibro.??? I was diagnosed bi-polar in 05 with boarderline personality disorder. I am also an alcoholic with polymyalgia. I have bone spurs, OA, degenerative disk and osteoperosis. I suffer from P.T.S.S. That's stress not shock syndrome. I have always had a sarcadian sleep disorder and a bunch of other stuff including memory problems. Guess how old I am. Fourty-seven. Drugs; 11. Nothing seems to help. I want hydrocodone. My doctor won't prescribe it for me. No narcs because of my past drug problems20 years ago! So I suffer. I am about to go doc shoppin'. Don't know what else to do. |
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Peggy Gelder
28 Dec 2009, 08:33
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| Hi everybody! I have had Fibro for at least 10 years and tried eveything
that there is to try. I am currently on 10/325 Vicodin 3 times a day and
Flexiril at bed time. I am so taking water aerobics and I see a
Chirpractor once a week. I am happy to say that this has made living
managable. I would like to take a supplement for my joints, my mother
takes these and swears by them. Unfortunatly hese are not covered by
medicade. Is there a supplement that is? I would be grateful to find out
that there is! |
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Pam
20 Dec 2009, 14:36
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| This is for Linda Hilton who asked about the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers. I joined the Patientslikeme.com site - there are several posts regarding the centers. Most of what I recall is people who paid close to $10,000 for various blood work and supplements; none of it covered by insurance and their symptoms never went away. |
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Dr. Judy Goldstein
10 Dec 2009, 11:50
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| Thank you, Megan, for the helpful information on books by Drs. Cousin and
Starlanyl and Teitelbaum. I have suffered with FM for over 4 years. The
biggest problem (besides the pain, of course) has been not to be taken
seriously by doctors. I am not a medical doctor. I have a doctorate in educational leadership, which gave me the opportunity to learn how to research. I have researched FM and drugs and supplements. A good web site to visit is lifebeyondpain.com, which will recommend supplements that help. I took Cymbalta for over 2 years before I stopped. There are many severe side effects with Cymbalta: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. There are also drugs that should not be taken with Cymbalta that the FDA does not list on their web site (http://www.drugs.com/cymbalta.html)lists them. I strongly recommend that each of you use the reliable web site drugs.com to research the side effects of each drug being taken. I also recommend that you make a 1-page medical history (on the computer). If you do not have access to a computer, ask a friend or your son or daughter to do it for you. At the top, type in your personal info and medical insurance. List your surgeries, major illnesses, etc., and the date. At the bottom, list the drugs and supplements you take, their amount and how often taken. Remember your doctors work for you. You may have to search for one who helps you. You may have to use doctors in different specialties, which I do. That is why your medical history is so important. Your doctors will be impressed by it and will take you more seriously. May God bless you and guide you. Judy |
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John De Armond
02 Dec 2009, 21:34
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| I've suffered with Fibro 23 years now, back when it was called Fibrocytis, been thru so many different meds and combinations of drugs I've lost track. Plus couple the Fibro with DSD, or Degenerative Spinal Disease, its been to put it mildly, been hell to manage. Right now I'm on Meloxicam an NSAID, Ultram a Pain med, Flexiril a muscle relaxant, Xoloft an antianxiety drug, and extra strength tylenol. This combination doesn't make it stop, but makes it bareable and I manage to still work and get out and enjoy riding my Harley on most days. |
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Laurie C
01 Dec 2009, 12:03
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| I have had fibro for 10 years now. I was on heavy meds for about 7 years then after a bad breakup with an ex I was able to go off everything but my Zanaflex for 2 years. I found I had more stress than I knew and that aggravated the fibro. The move from St Louis to Tucson helped too. But in the last year the combination of plantar faciitis and nerve impingement in my neck has cause my fibro to rear it's ugly head and I am now back on the meds. I recently started Savella and have had very good luck with it. There is a double bonus too. This drug also helps depression. It is actually an antidepressant used in Europe and a side affect is decreased appetite. I have lost 15 pounds in the last month due to the combination of the Savella and my Oxycontin. I eat less and can exercise now. Lets hope this continues! Have a great day all! |
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Renee
18 Nov 2009, 10:57
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| I love reading all the comments and hints from all of you.....makes me feel
like I am not "alone" with Fibro. I have just gone on disability from
teaching....which was my passion, and created SO much heartache for me.
AND, I was very good at my job. I have had FM since 1997, so have found what works well for me. I admit I do very little exercise, as I am active during the day doing chores (in limited stages), watch my grandson, walk in the mall or stores, or work in the garden. Sounds like things a lot of you can't do....well, me either....but I say "I have Fibro, but it DOESN'T have me"....it's my only option. A positive outlook far outweighs the bad I face every single day....and I HURT A LOT! My med list includes tramadol 2x a day, Celebrex 200mg. once a day, cyclobenzaprine, Clonazapam, Lunesta and Nexium...all once a day. In addition, I take calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A,B,C, and D, fish oil, Lidoderm patches (applied to the skin for 12 hour periods), and HEAT! Do not use cold packs....they are not the right routine for fibro patients. My insurance gives me 60 visits per year for physical therapy. I use them Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec as those are the cold months in Ohio. I found a place that really works with me one on one, and actually does massage where I need it, gives ultrasound, and the most wonderful part...an aquabed...nothing is more wonderfully relaxing than laying on a bed of warm water while the roller balls move up and down underneath the bedding to massage the body. See if you can find a place that has these treatments....they are priceless and have saved me! I pray all of you out there will find what helps you the most. It has taken me a long time to "get there"....my doctor is a leading specialist who actually HAS Fibro, so he understands what I tell him. He has written more than 10 books.....his name is Dr. Mark Pellegrino. I also read a book called "Women living with Fibromyalgia", don't know the author....got it out of the library, and it really was "my story" if you will......I actually used that one for my family to understand what I am dealing with. Many blessing to all of you. The Lord has been my salvation. Without prayer, I think I would have gone crazy by now, or been dead. DON'T give up on yourself! If you don't feel you are getting the best care, MOVE ON!!!! God bless!!! |
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pam powers
17 Nov 2009, 15:23
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| i ws diagnosed with fibromylgia 2 years ago amd this year diagnosed with oathis year, the pain of them both is unbearable, its all i can to do to get up and go to work. I noe find myself depressed alot, i take lyrica, marcotics, antinflammatories, and depression pills, its scary because now i have to worry about my liver, its like fighting a losing battle. |
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Linda Hilton
15 Nov 2009, 15:47
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| I am looking into a Fibromyalgia clinic who has a branch in Raleigh, NC.
It's called the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center. Their treatments are
expensive and they sell supplements. I cannot find any information
positive or negative about this group. They have clinics in different
cities throughout the US. I went for a complimentary visit last week and what they say sounds good but I cannot shake the feeling that these clinics are not what they say they are. I really want them to be. But.......... I would appreciate hearing about anyone else's experiences. |
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Rita LaRocco
10 Nov 2009, 21:42
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| great reading all the information on Fibormyalgia, Osteoarthritas some of the medication Doctors want to prescribe are narcotics, and dangerous ones. I find with these two medical problems seems most of us do have this as we age. I was told I have both Fibormyalgia and Osteoarthritas, the Fibro came about after I had Shingles really bad five years ago, the pain from that is awful. And thats where it attacks me with the Fibrormyalgia and I am done for the day. I take one 50mg of Lyrica, I do nothing but sleep the whole day, but so far I have gotten to the point this only happens about once a month if I am under a lot of stress. I do not like narcotics as they are habit forming. In my area so many elderly have died litterally from taking too much mix and match, and going to too many different doctors. My advice is find a good Rhumatology Specialist I take Piroxicam 20mg once a day and two Tylenol twice a day as needed. Also a good primary care doctor who listens, and feeling good about yourself and being happy, one has to keep after family members to try to understand that this is a bad medical problem that they know very little about other than my doctor tells me this is all I can do for you. I have started having the synvisc shots and that has helped me 99% as far as some of the pain and getting around. My heart goes out to all of you as I understand the suffering this medical problem does to our every day living. I have come to accept it and do what I can thats it. Rita, |
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Dorothy
08 Nov 2009, 19:51
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| I would like to say thank you to everyone for their comments but especially for trisch cross for hers. I read her comments and it was like reading my every day life history. I was diagonsed with severe ra and fiber two years ago. I lost my job with the post office, my home in fl and had to move up north and move in with my sister. I went to pain management in fl but am in the process of getting into one here. Right now I take cymbalta, embrel, methotrexate, mobic, presidsone, and methadone and percoset for pain. The methadone I have been on for a year now and its still helping me immensely. I would not be able to get around the little bit that I can if it was not for the methadone. Alot of people are misinformed about methadone, thinking that it is a drug only used to get off of heroin, but its not, I take 30 mgs a day and take the percoset for break thru pain. My doctor up here wants to switch me to Humira. Not sure I want to do this because I have come a long way in the last two yrs. At least I can walk to the bathroom and not crawl. I had to come to the realization that my whole life has changed and I have to accept that I am not going to get any better and have to deal with it. Thanks for listening. God Bless |
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JC
24 Oct 2009, 16:16
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| Starleo, Sounds like possibly you could have a disability discrimination on your hands. If the other office close to you has a division with the same work and the boss is unwilling to change your location, however, if there is no opening that is a different story. Is it possible to talk to someone at the location close to you to see if there is someone willing to swap with you? You may want to talk to a disability rights attorney. |
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Starleo
21 Oct 2009, 21:48
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| I am in desperate help! I work and live in Cali. I travel 150 miles round
trip to work everyday for the past 10 years. I have fibro, IBS, Migraines,
CFS and yet i try to remain a part of the working society. Here is my deal:
My job is 75 miles away, my doctor released me back to work w/the
restriction that I could not ride/drive in a motor vech for more than 30
mins/miles. I asked for resonable accomodations, there is a worksite where
i leave that is 7 miles away. My employer is telling me they cannot
accomodate my request to work at the 7 mile work site 3-4 days a week
because the essential functions of my job are needed 75 miles away! This is
so bs. The essential functions: scheduling appointments, answering phone
lines, relieving the receptionist. Trust me when I say I do way more than
that! I am a project manager, payroll clerk, notary just to name a few. I
work for one division in a department that has divisions in the work
location 7 miles from my house. Okay granted the boss wants me to be in the
job 75 miles away but i cannot do it. My doctor only released me w/the
restriction that i could not commute Now my job is telling me that they only have to accomodate me at work not my commute. UM HI! If I cannot get to the 75 mile worksite due to back and neck pain what am i suppose to do? PLEASE HELP ME! |
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Stanley
15 Oct 2009, 11:13
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| Well, I am a guy and have issues for about 10 years now, I have kept a pad
of symptoms and had to show the chiro, rheum, family doc what all I had
with all of my symptoms. Nothing works better than aspirin although I take
pain blocks for degen arthritis, it also helps the fibro. Cymbalta and
Lyrica are on the menu along with some prednisone and some vicodine on a
prn basis. Trazedone and Transzene. I wish he would use valium too. The
only thing is that tho we want too, we cannot give up. Too many are
counting on us and God no where allows a person to quit. Goog
luck/blessings to all. Stan |
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Steve Pielstick
09 Oct 2009, 12:14
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| I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2001.I have found out about a device that helps most any kind of arthritis.It is called an Infrfo-red light therapy treatment.It was released by the F.D.A. for treatment of arthritis and related conditions.It works by gettin rid of the toxins in your system and increasing circulation,making you feel better.It is even covered by Medicaid and medicare.It costs $80.plus shipping.I have one ordered and have been told that it works great.I would like to knoe if other people have heard about it.Good luck and thanx.Steve. |
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Lou B
05 Oct 2009, 10:37
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| I have lupus, fibromyalgia,necropenia, IBS, chronic fatique syndrome, restless leg syndrome,acid reflux, and some nerve damage in my hands & feet. I also have severe migrane headaches that last for days. My pc doctor is trying me on several different drugs now. I take Cymbalta, provigial,arthrotec,plaquenil,skelaxin,nexiumklonopin, ultram, and I still have been in extreme pain. Especially during cold and rainy weather. I cannot ride for very long distances. If I overdo I am sick for 2 or 3 days or longer. I catch colds, sinus problems, mouth uclers on frequent basis which the ent doctor told me was due to a condition called stomachtitus. He said due to the necropenia I cannot fight off infections because my immune system also is very low. I have tried all types of physical therapies, also pilates, accupressure, and water exercises. None of these seem to help. I have also had injections for the pain in my back. I am primarily affected by back and leg pain. Some days I cannot get up and down without help or pulling up on something. I am now having problems with my insurance company not wanting to pay for my meds and my copays have all gone up when I have to go to the doctor. My rheumatologists is doing all he can think of to help me. I have a hematologist that has been looking for answers to help me in my problems of pain and the ulcers that keep recurring in my mouth. The doctors tell me I have to learn to deal better with stress because that is what causes all of the flare ups in my fm,lupus,stomachtitus, low white blood counts etc. I have family who are not supportive at all. One of my sisters tells me I should quit taking all that meds I take too meds that is what is wrong with me. I told her I would trade bodies with her any day. I too had to retire from a job I had been working at for 30+ years. I too feel isolated because none of my former friends even call me or come to see me. I also have had a lot of stress in this past year. I lost my mother, 2 of my aunts, my uncle, my brother-in-law, and 2 cousins to death all in a time span of less than 7 months. How do deal with stress with all of this going on? I hope none of you have to go thru what I have these past 3 years. |
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Monica
08 Sep 2009, 07:35
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| Hi all, I have Fibromyalgia - and it shows up in my legs - there is constant pain - but once a month and it never fails - for a week or so, the pain becomes magnified 2 or 3 times over- and my energy levels go from: "Yes I can do everything and all at once too," to "I can't do one more thing, or I will fall asleep standing up!" My mood goes to somewhere between, "Don't bother me, talk to me, just leave me alone, and I really don't care!" This is hormone related, cause ever since I had my hysterectomy, I have been unable to feel "normal" or have regular energy flow and not feel pain I take Cymbalta but only then. I also take Trazodone, and Effexor and Tylenol - Fibromyalgia is an awful condition - and I really wish more research was being done and more option were being given and that my Insurance would cover Chiro. appts, and other alternative options for help. Now, my biggest help comes from my faith in God, who has guided me so far, and I am grateful for that blessing - because it and He and a wonderful family keep me going! Feeling supported and appreciated and understood is very important for this condition, and I pray that all my fibro friends would experience that! |
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Trish cross
27 Aug 2009, 10:57
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| Hi all you fellow sufferer's, I too have had fibromyalgia for the last 9 years, took two years for the DX, also have neck disc's and back and leg neurophy. Tried every drug out there, finally went to pain management, best thing I ever did! I have been leading a pretty normal life, on disability for the fibro/cfs but can drive, do some chores and talk a walk 4 days a went at the park. I do get very bad flare ups if I over due. I have always taken a low dose 50 mg of trazodone for night sleep and works great with a skelaxtin muscle relaxer, I take wellbutrin xl 150mg daily,(side effect is weight loss not gain) tried cymbalta but only worked for a short time with lots of side effects. Can't take lycria or neurotin due to bad reactions. For pain I wear the Duragesic patch 50 mg and get ephidurals in my back every 4 months, this has been the pain relief that works best! Patch helps with the fibro pain and the shot takes care of the back and leg pain. Methadone worked well also but could not deal with the side effect of drowsiness, would fall asleep reading or watching tv or just sitting. I have not had to increase my dosages for over 2 years, less damage to the liver, don't have to worry about my pill running out while I am out somewhere or waiting for it to take effect. The patch stays on for 72 hours and gives you 24/7 pain relief, then you change it again for another 72 hrs or every 3 days. I get 10 a month. They do give me norvo 5/325 which is a low dose pill for any break thru pain which only happens sometimes on the third day when patch is wearing off. Ladies please see if your doctor will send you to a pain mangement clinic, there are some bad ones out there but I finally found one that knows what they are doing. They are experts on pain, went to med school for it. Primary drs do not know that much about the right combination for pain and most are too scared to give out more than vicodan or another in the same class. Our pain is bad and needs to be addressed, when I have a flare up I just want to die, as it seems like it will never stop, but then I remember that it always does pass and next day may be better. To the ones out there who still work outside the home I congradulate you as don't know how you do it. I tried for a year going to part time with a day in between for rest and still was in alot of pain so filed for disability. Giving up your jobs and the social time spent with co-workers is another side effect of this horrible monster inside us who rears its ugly head anytime it feels like it. We have to go thru so many losses with this, loss of our jobs, our indepedence, our friends, our spirit, sometimes family members don't get it either. We can't enjoy outings with others so they give up asking after awhile. I would get panic attacks just having to commit to a dr appt! The what if's start - what if I am in pain that day, what if I can't drive or my Ibs acts up or I am dizzy or any of the many other symptions we get. Once out with my elderly mom shopping, her with dementia, my pain pill ran out and boom just like that I could not get my muscles to push that darn grocery cart any further without alot of pain, thats how fast they stiffened up, had to leave the cart, go next door and buy water to take a pill, wait for it to start working, go back pay for my items and drive home with my poor mom who was always worried about me. Hope some of this helps someone. Email me if you wish and have a good day. Trish |
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Sally Harrold
09 Aug 2009, 18:05
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| I'm so glad to have found this site. I too have fibromyalgia,
osteoarthritis, osteopenia, etc. I had three vertabrae fused in my neck
back in 2001 hoping that would help with the pain but it has only increased
the amount of spurring on my spine. In 2007, my body shut down from the
amount of pain killers I had been taking on the orders of my
rheumatologist. I went into withdrawl and wound up in the hospital where
they recommended a program that saved my life in more ways than one. In
this program I got off all narcotics and learned that chronic pain is just
that: chronic. This is pain I will have forever so I'd better learn how
to live with it. We were taught deep breathing techniques that really do
help. We learned some yoga, did guided imagery, bio-feedback, therapy with
a counselor. And a large portion of the program was physical and
occupational therapy; learning different ways to do things that hurt, a
better way to deal with things at home or your workplace so that you don't
have to be in any more pain than is absolutely necessary. And we learned
that exercise is our only hope for keeping pain at bay...we have to keep
moving. People came into the program in wheelchairs and left walking.
Canes were left behind. After this program, if you were willing to put the
work into it, you left with a much better life ahead of you. I know I did.
I'm still on some medication (including good old Lyrica and the 30 pounds
it put on me,) but no other narcotics. I can't say everything is rosy, but
at least I'm functional and not in the haze I lived in before. I know there are many programs for Chronic Pain patients. I don't know what this website's policy is about sharing specific ones, but I don't think it could hurt to share something that works. There were people from all over the country in the program when I was there. It is the Cleveland Clinic Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program. Check them out. |
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Michele Holmes
04 Aug 2009, 21:00
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| I am so glad to read the other comments from fibro victims. There was a
time when I felt the doctors thought the pain was "all im my head". I was
diagnosed with FM in 2007. I do believe that I had FM for many years
before but did not know it-just considered the pains to be from my
arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, etc. I have been thru numerous meds, now
started the new FM drug Savella. Hope this one helps without the awful
side effects. Has anyone ever had Opana ER for chronic pain? I just
started that, too! It is so hard to describe to others how I feel
everyday. I can't work anymore, I never know how I'm going to feel from one
day to the next. Somedays, just to get a shower and get ready to go to the
doctor elevates my pain level. Somedays, I can't stand to ride in a car(I
had to quit driving 2 years ago due to my chronic pain and "brain fog"). I
haven't slept in my bed for over 3 years. I try to ease my pain with a
TENS unit, ice packs, and too many meds. Thanks for letting me vent. |
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diana
19 Jul 2009, 11:17
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| I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and OA. My current doctor, rheumatologist, is putting me on the cherry supplements. He says it helps about one third of his patients. I have tried cymbalta, which did help some but I did not like the other side effects. I am trying alot of Omega 3 and vitamin C and Vitamin D. If I find anything at all that helps I will let everyone know. I am very tired of pain and I don't want to get addicted to vicodin(so far that is the only thing that seems to help on bad days).I even went to a fibro and fatigue center, but they just threw too many pills at me. |
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Amy
10 Jul 2009, 13:19
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| Just an FYI - there is a brand new med on the market for Fibromyalgia,
approved by the FDA in the spring. It is called Savella and I have been
taking it for about two months. I really like it and so far have not seen
any effects, but it has definitely increased my energy level. Be
forewarned - I felt a lot better the first few weeks, and was amazed. That
feeling does not last, but the medicine is working. (I have had Juvenille
Rheumatoid Arthritis for 30 years and Fibromyalgia for about 10 years.
Previously took Cymbalta and then tried Lyrica but there was too much
weight gain.) Savella - ask your Dr about it! |
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JL
07 Jul 2009, 15:29
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| I really do appreciate reading all of your thoughts, fears, successes and
failures. I have FM, RA and OA. The IV infusions and constant meds do keep
me working as I must carry the medical insurance for my family. I have a
totally understanding PCP who helps keep the pain level at a 6 or so. I
work in the medical profession myself, so I know first hand about the
reactions and totally incorrect assumptions by the medical world that those
who need pain meds are addicts or worse, must be selling them. They are the
people we look to for answers and some betray the trust and hope we put in
them.I hope that someday the predjudice against people who have chronic
pain won't be as it is now. I did try Aqua therapy ( physical therapy done in heated water, about 91 degrees F) on the advice of my PCP. I had been having so many flare ups of FM that I had to try something. I am amazed at the difference since I have started this. I have more energy, less pain, ( it's not gone but better!)and more mobility than I've had in years. I was able to work up from 20 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise. But my insurance will only pay for so many sessions so when they run out I'm back to square one. The public pools in my area aren't heated and with the RA and OA, I can't exercise in cold water. Occasionally the schools will have open swim night and they are heated but it isn't often enough to help. I can do a few exercises in a hot tub but the heat has to be turned way down to avoid overheating. Does anyone have any other ideas of how I can continue my water exercises that I haven't thought of? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! |
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Verna
07 Jul 2009, 12:54
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| My PCP (primary care provider) oversees all my meds, including what other doctors suggest or prescribe, so interactions are lessened. I forgot to tell him about the supplements, though! When I went on narcotic meds with acetominophen (like Vicodin) Rx, I got Tylenol poisoning 10 years ago, so I only take it in emergencies. Then the doctors tried straight Hydrocodone; it made me feel woozy without much pain relief. I deal with several degenerative and inflammatory conditions, so I needed something just to have quality of life. What I found through my PCP was a low-dose Hydromorphone 2 mg (Dilaudid), with a Tramadol 50 mg 2-4 times a day, helped me function without drowsiness. Lyrica didn't help and I had big side effects; I will ask my Dr about a low-dose gabapentin for the neuropathies. I have had major side effects from Cymbalta and Effexor; Tri-cyclics (like Doxepin or Elavil), Baclofen and all the benzodiazapenes (like Klonopin), but still needed a low-dose antidepressant I could take with the pain meds. Busparone is the ONLY one that does not list interaction with Tramadol, and 5 mg 3x's daily realy helps. |
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Kathy Donoghue
07 Jul 2009, 12:11
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| I thank you all for what I have read today. I am not alone out here, I now
feel more confident to speak out to the doctors I am working with. I am
also going get some of the books Megan Lindberg mentioned. I have had
problems for many years and thought it was my destiny since my
grandmother's had pain and we were told we just in something handed down
along with the family name LOL they were from the old country (Belgium &
Poland)and told you are just getting old is what I was told. I had been in an accident on the way to high school with my best friend and her parents. Older car no seat belts then and we were in the back seat we got rear ended and we both he to go to have neck treatments and the doctor said then I would have trouble later for the rest of my life. I was only 16 then. I have been in another rear-ender with my hubby in 1989 which broke both our seats and threw us in the back seat. Last treatment to my neck (2008) was to heat the nerves endings so they shrink in the 2, 3, 4 vertebras so the pain and the headaches would stop. My shoulder pain, frozen shoulder treatments twice 2004 right, 2005 left shots and therapy. Just had a doctor do the push teat and I have all sensitive points except one she confirm FM finally I know a name to my pain which travels my body and comes and goes. Feet for years sharp pains one doctor said I had neuropathy no diabetic problems been tested for that every year. Well I just unloaded said it all, thank you again for listening too. |
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Etta
07 Jul 2009, 10:32
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| I was diagnoised this year with fibromyalgia and RA last year. I had went to the ER here and the Dr. that was on call acted as if I was a drug addicit this was before I was diagnoised he said that it was diabete nerve pain as if I did not know what was hurting me and I told him this was not diabete pain. When I went to my RA DR. he diagnoised me and he put me on gabapentin it helps some but not all the time, but he took me serious. My pain is above and below my knees and elbow sometimes I can't pick-up a small glass of water it hurt so bad, but by the grace of God I can make it. |
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ALLENE EEK
05 Jul 2009, 11:27
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| I WAS AT MY JOB THE LAST 11 YEARS AND FELT LIKE A LIVING HELL WITH MY PAIN. I HAVE HAD FOOT SURGERIES KNEE SURGERIES AND FEMALE SURGERIES. IN BETWEEN I FOUND OUT I HAD FYBROMYALGIA AND BURSITIS ALONG WITH TENDONITIS. I HAD SURGERY FOR CARPEL TUNNEL THEY SAID WAS DUE TO WORK RELATED. I WAS GOING TO DIFFERENT DOCTORS AND THEY ACTED LIKE MY DEPRESSION WAS THE CAUSE OF MY PAIN FOR A LONG TIME. I BELIEVE THE PAIN WAS PART OF THE CAUSING OF PART OF MY DEPRESSION. I THINK FOR A WHILE THEY THOUGHT SINCE I WAS IN PAST VERY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WAS THE REASON FOR MY DEPRESSION. I JUST WANTED TO GET THROUGH THE DAY AT WORK. I LOST MY JOB SINCE BY BOSS CHANGED HIS MIND AND WOULDN'T LET ME WORK FOR LESS MONEY AND MORE HOURS INSTEAD OF GETTING LAID OFF. I WAS HAVING A HARD ENOUGH TIME PAYING THE BILLS WITH LESS HOURS AND MORE MONEY. NOW I FEEL WORSE SINCE I LOST MY JOB AND PUT EVERYTHING I HAD INTO THE JOB AND WOULD HAVE TO PUSH MYSELF TO GO TO WORK AND SOMETIMES WOULD GET HOME AND HURT TOO MUCH TO DO HOUSEWORK. HAD TO DO LITTLE BY LITTLE AT HOME SINCE I WAS WORE OUT WHEN I GOT HOME. MY LAST PREGNANCY MY THYROID WAS ALWAYS CHANGING AND MY MEDS. COULDN'T TAKE ANYTHING WHILE I WAS PREGNANT AND DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT THROUGH IT DAY AFTER DAY. I HAVE BEEN ON CELEXA, NEUROTIN, VICODIN, SYNTHROID. I ALSO HAD BEEN ON OTHER ANTI-DEPRESSANTS OFF AND ON SINCE 1992. |
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carolyn
28 Jun 2009, 10:44
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| Jean wrote "I have fibromaylga and it has caused me to have a burning mouth
and lips--bottom of feet burns and different places on my body burns. Has
anyone else had these symtons? If so, how have you been treated for this?" Jean I'm not sure if what I've experienced is the same as what you are describing. Occasionally I'll have what I call a flare. I will suffer so much pain that I can't even lie in bed and I toss and turn even more than usual trying to find a comfortable position. I'll experience a fever and then I'll have a sunburn-like burn on an area of my body, usually on one side, usually on my hip, thigh and buttocks. The burn will be painful just like a bad sunburn. I'll be achy for days afterward. And yes doctors think I'm crazy when I tell them about it. |
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Ruben Ortiz
25 Jun 2009, 18:43
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| I have been having problems with doctor, pain, and emotions. I feel that when I go to the doctor I don't get the time I think I need. The pain is getting worst. I can't stand it and I am tired. My emotions are all over the place. My doctors have change my pills once again. I am on three lyrica and two trezix three times a day. My blog is ortizjrlifeandhealth.blogspot.com |
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Jean Schroder
20 Jun 2009, 11:22
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| I have fibromaylga and it has caused me to have a burning mouth and
lips--bottom of feet burns and different places on my body burns. Has
anyone else had these symtons? If so, how have you been treated for this? The Drs think I'm crazy when I tell them about it. I have heard that maybe this is a B12 vitamin defiency. Any comments on this is welcome. LJS |
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Angelina Williamson
18 Jun 2009, 20:53
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To those out there in pain I totally understand.We just have to hang in there What does not kill us makes stronger even though it hurts ,mostly it has hurt the ones I love the most. My story started at childhood and it has continued to the present. The way I have dealt with this illness is thru exercise ,walking even when I cant walk I use a walking cane . I take meds of course but some are either to strong or allergic to it . The most thing that has helped me the most is warm water exercise. Try it if all possable it helps you relax and even sleep better and its a lot cheaper then drugs.... Peace to you all !!! |
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Susie
16 Jun 2009, 15:06
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| Thanks to all for sharing. I feel gifted reading experiences that I
identifyed with. This is a great space! Thanks to Arthritis Foundation. |
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Linda Swavey
16 Jun 2009, 13:36
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| I have just been diagnosed with Firbomyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain, the dr. won't listen when I try to explain that I can't move and to walk or even try to pick up something as light as a glass of water brings tears to my eyes because it hurts so bad. She finally gave in and put me on Lyrica and Vicodin and I woke up the next day feeling like I had been on a 20 day drunk and I don't drink, I made an earlier appointment and she with great disgust changed the medicine to Neurotion and Oxycotin 20mg I walk around in a fog and hurt but no one listens I am at the point of just giving up no one believes me when I try to explain the pain I am in and the Doctors treat me like I am just drug seeking. I'm tired and hurt so much nothing is worth it any more. I can't walk it's taking me 20 min. just to write this. Help me please if you know any thing that will help please write me. I am done |
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Megan Lindberg
10 Jun 2009, 19:02
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| I forgot to give you all this little factoid to consider: The tears of joy and laughter are actually *chemically different* from the tears of anger and sadness. Now that IS something to think about, huh? I learned this from my favorite physician, my dear husband Roy. And while I'm here again, I'd like to give you all (especially our newbies) The Three Books You Really Need (IMHO), Personally, I look at them as the "FibroBible in Three Volumes" and to date, I haven't found any better as these for a core library. If you find a really good book to add to these, do let me know, please? My "FibroBible": 1. Dr. Norman Cousins "Anatomy of an Illness" Amazon has it used for under $5.00 and new for $11.16 This is the wonderful book that I spoke of before and the one which will teach you how to really use laughter as healing medicine. He discusses other things as well, but simply laughing tops them all. 2. Dr. Devin Starlanyl "Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain- A Survival Manual" Amazon has it used for $5.99 and up and new is $14.93. You want the Second Edition. If this is all new to you, Starlanyl's book is going to be of extreme help is answering so many questions. I've gotten three physicians to actually buy it for themselves as well as replaced four copies that I'd given to friends with FMS (and my own doctor! In the early days, neither one of us knew much and this book really helped us both.) IMHO this is the real 'bible' of FMS. Groundbreaking when it was first published, it covers just about everything: identifying all the tender points everywhere, all the symptoms, including the goofy ones which are hard to explain to someone else, identifying tender points,coping emotionally and the physical effects emotions play upon us... learning to work from the negative to the positive affirmations, even how your own living space is arranged re the impact of your environment, dealing with crises without feeling like running away yourself ...lots and lots of good and useful stuff you hadn't even thought of! A quick quote that I'm sure will sound disgustingly familiar to us all: " 'At some time in their lives,everyone has had allergies, post-nasal drip,swollen glands, runny nose, sore throat, stiff neck, morning stiffness...' and so forth. These doctors are missing the point entirely." Oh, how true! No sufferer of FMS can do without this book. (my unprejudiced opinion, of course) 3. Jacob Teitelbaum "From Fatigued to Fantastic" Get the Third Edition on this one. Amazon again, used is from $7.95 and brand spanking new it's $10.37 Teitelbaum leads you through a true healing path. From the Amazon review: "This new, completely updated third edition incorporates the latest advances in science and technology to help alleviate the baffling, often dismissed symptoms associated with severe, almost unrelenting fatigue." A extremely helpful book on coping with the kind of fatigue we suffer with. If you have all three, you've got some formidable stuff to work with and to help you develop an individual program that has a real chance of working. YOU are putting it together, not some guy in the health club. Use Amazon and get all three used for under 20 bucks and in paperback. If you have one, "Fatigued to Fantastic" is available on Kindle as well. That's it and now I promise, I'll shut up for a good long while! Laugh and love, Megan |
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Megan Lindberg
10 Jun 2009, 17:26
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| Wow! Hello everyone, My name is Megan. My little fun list includes FM, OA, Osteoporosis, and some kind of generalised neuropathy that won't allow for knee surgery, or at least that's what the 3 ortho surgeons I consulted with told me LOL! Frankly, I think it all came about from hitting a tree at about 30mph when I was a kid, but that's another story. First of all, I have to say how much I admire every single one of you for hanging in there with these debilitating, and let's face it, very irritating, disorders. For so many of us, simply trying to GET a DX over all too many years has been a struggle. Add the current attitude of "Wow, you want PAIN medication??? Yup, you're a druggie, I just KNOW it!" Well, I asy "Yay for us!!!" because we refuse to give in to these idiots who play that little game. For those of us who can get away with using just Vicodin, you're lucky. But the Tylenol that it's paired with is where the danger lies as Tylenol is what attacks the liver. Be careful with what your total Tylenol load is, ok? I was up to 22 tabs a day of the stuff and my doctor flipped but it was due to the Tylenol load much more than the opiate. Now, with that said.... Quite a few years ago I read a book by a doctor named Norman Cousins. Can't recall the book's title, but I never forgot the lessons within it. Cousins was a firm believer in laughter as a positive healing force in coping with any kind of illness, right down to the ubiquitous common cold. He wrote this now well-known tome (so why can't I remember the title? Hmmm... fibrofog??) Aha! Checked him out in Wiki and here's what the entry is... the book title btw, was "Anatomy of an Illness". If you haven't read it, give it a go, worthwhile. OK, the Wiki entry...(this is not the entire thing, go read that on your own) "Cousins also served as Adjunct Professor of Medical Humanities for the School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he did research on the biochemistry of human emotions, which he long believed were the key to human beings’ success in fighting illness. It was a belief he maintained even as he battled heart disease, which he fought both by taking massive doses of Vitamin C and, according to him, by training himself to laugh. ... Late in life Cousins was diagnosed with a form of arthritis then called Marie-Strumpell's disease (ankylosing spondylitis), although this diagnosis is currently in doubt and it has been suggested that Cousins may actually have had reactive arthritis. His struggle with this illness is detailed in the book and movie "Anatomy of an Illness". (Ahhh, cool, I'm gonna find the film!) Told that he had little chance of surviving, Cousins developed a recovery program incorporating megadoses of Vitamin C, along with a positive attitude, love, faith, hope, and laughter induced by Marx Brothers films. "I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep," he reported. "When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval." Hmmm... certainly something to think about, isn't it? Here this guy has heart disease that's literally killing him and he thinks laughing a lot is going to fix it? Well, it did. Now, if you read back through this or through any website that has a good message board dealing with all our stuff here, how often does anyone ever mention any of the *emotional aspects* of their healing? Rare as proverbial hen's teeth, believe me! Right now one of my very best and closest friends is in the terminal stages of lung cancer, now in her liver as well. She was diagnosed one month ago yesterday. Her decision to not go through all the chemo nightmare is a sound one in my mind. She is terminal and she knows it. So does her partner of 17 years. Her chosen method of healing? Laughter. She has asked every single friend she has to please "Just keep me laughin', girlfren'!" And we all are doing our best to do just that for this lovely woman, getting her to laugh her ass off every single day she has. Cousins hit it right dead on. Laughter does help one heal. Think about this because in its simplicity, there is a profoundness that is really rather incredible. Laughter heals. Even for me dear friend, laughter is reducing her pain daily, and that has a lot to say for it, doesn't it? When one is laughing, there is no room for self-pity or sorrow. Laughter does not allow pain to sit beside it. Real heart-felt laughter gets those little good guys, the endorphins, hopping and hooting and making us feel gooooood! Considering that each and every one of us carries around our own little natural supply of painkilling dope, why not learn to use it and use it well? Laughter reduces stress, helps fortify the immune system, allows one to sleep better AND more soundly, and has the additional side benefit of giving everyone around you a happy person to be with. And it's free! Can be used at any time and anywhere. Ok, getting serious now... obviously laughter alone is not going to be the be-all and cure-all. It IS an excellent adjunct to whatever your routine therapy may be, and you may even find that after a while, you'll experience a reduction in your pain. That's just what has happened to me. I was diagnosed with FM and the nerve thing in June of 1993. I've been through every kind of painkilling drug (usually in way over the top amounts that drove my doctor nuts, like 6-8 tabs of Oxycontin and the aforementioned 22 tabs of Vicodin (wow..)in a day... think that was what had him sending me to a totally worthless pain clinic but more on that in a minute...)and all of the stress reducers and the sleep inducers and the "I'm going nuts" reducers, etc. I had my very own pharmacy! And for the next nine years I lived in hell. Trying anything and everything to reduce the pain and get some kind of sleep. At one point I wouldn't have cared if I had to sleep in my garbage can, just gimme a few hours, pleeeeeeze? Of course we all know what life is like when you're living at a constant 6-8 on the good ol' 1-10 pain scale... whatever that is, it is NOT living. My little daily dose had something like 16 pills and one horrible liquid shit that I don't remember what that was for. Yeah, I'm livin' now...... I knew I had to do something and no doctor was going to give me what I needed but then I didn't know then what it was, either! But, I was very lucky in having this wonderful MD (retired now, if he wasn't I send all of you to him) who did not laugh at me, who did believe me and who did support me in anything I wanted to try. I'd just read Cousins' book so you know that's was the route I wanted to try, just see what happened. Took some time, in particular for me to REALLY believe in what I was doing! It worked. And has been working ever since. My only pain med is methadone (which, btw, is an excellent pain med with little to no side effects at all) If you tolerate it, you may want to try methadone for yourself. And I take premarin for the night sweats and vitamins, that's it. Hmmm... thinking about it, which is worse? Pain or hot flashes? Are they the same thing???? Laughing through a hot flash is a pretty rough haul, but doable! Every day I laugh. And every day I find the joy in simply being alive and all my senses about me. I can walk. I can talk. I can hear and see and feel. How thankful I am for these things! I live in a country which lets me decide what I wish. If you don't believe this, go abroad. And I am so thankful for the little things in life which bring a smile to my face! So what are you thankful for? What are all those things in your own lives that bring smiles to your faces? How often do you laugh out loud? Oh, and one more thing? I also live by the motto "Don't give up, and don't give in." That also has gotten me through a lot of bad stuff. But most of all, laughter IS the best medicine. Think about that! LOL!!! Thanks for your patience in reading this much longer than I thought it would be message! Megan Speak with Kindness Walk in Beauty Give with Grace Love with Laughter Know the Rapture of Life For This Moment is Forever |
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Jenny
03 Jun 2009, 13:59
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| I had fibro, degenenerative dic, 4surgerys even a spine stimulater put in. I am still in pain. I feel for everyone. Only Narco works,but all pain docters want to take me off of it. Nothing else works. Jenny |
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Donna Hopkins
02 Jun 2009, 16:27
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| Hi! My name is Donna, I am new to all of this. After reading all the notes I felt a little better about things. I have Fibromyalgia also it took them years to figure out what I had. I would get so frustrated because I felt that no one believed me; I was making everything up I was going to the hospital once a week for shots. Then when the medicine came available they put me on Cymbalta and a pain med which is good for nothing. I also take meds. for stress,depression,acid reflux, arthritis in my back and knees. My neck is what bothers me the most. It hurts to get up in the am because the bottom of my feet hurt, there are times when i can barely walk. I don't eat because everytime I eat I have to run to the bath room. They pains are terrible--I have IBS. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could eat and be able to keep it in my stomach for awhile? I don't eat but gain weight from the meds. i never sleep. To: fgg@gmail.com I would like to hear from you. I have no one that understands what I go threw every day. Thanks to everyone who reads this. |
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June A
02 Jun 2009, 13:04
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| It is very hard to have fibro because others can not see that you have it and the tiredness is sometimes overwhelming and hard to explain I also have RA and osteo and polymyalgia and degenerative and fractured my back from a fall and had the cement treatment and find I just must set the timer and work for 40 if able and rest for 20 min. if I want to get through the day without suffering and nmy husband will be comming home soon from short term nursing home again he has been there at least 15 times in the last 7 years but this time I told everyone I can not be his main caretaker anymore- he has not been nice to me for many years and am going to have daily aides which are expensive-it is so nice to be able to join in this site-just knowing you are not alone is a relief. |
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Teresa Neumeyer
31 May 2009, 03:02
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| I have been diagnoised with fibromyalgia by a Specialist in Florida where I leaved for 28 years. He gave me Pain med.'s for the extreme pain i had. And I went in every 2 months and he gave me corisone shots which seemed to help. I was then going to my family Doctor, and he was giving me medication to help my pain, and a anti flammatory. I'm living in North Carolina now and had to chg Dr's. I have eposoides where my body retains water, so I am on a salt free diet and still having different test done. TeresaNeumeyer |
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Joyce Fields
23 May 2009, 01:18
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| I can identify with Carole re drug allergies. However, I find that mine
are more severe side effects. Try leaving off sugar (including
substitutes),wheat, and red meats. And exercise. No matter how you do it, do it. You will be glad you did and keep your core muscles strong. When you get my age and have been thru multiple surgeries, you will be glad you had your body in good shape. I have Systemic Lupus with nephritis (35 years), Fibromyalgia, osteoporois, osteoarthritis, 2 hip replacements (both have been revised) and two back surgeries. |
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Dianna
21 May 2009, 04:01
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| I was diagnosed in 1992 with fibromyalgia and they knew very little then, there was only a pamplet for my DR. to go by. lol. I have Spinal Stenosis, OA, Degenerative disc disease,diabetes etc. I go to a Pain Managment Clinic where they are not afraid to use the triplicate pad if needed. I just went on Cymbalta since I get depressed, anxious, and have diabetic nerve pain. Cymbalta is supposed to help all those plus fibro. I've had 2 disks replaced in my neck and need more done, but no rush on my part. I am hard to medicate, Flexeril did nothing, and vicodin helped but they caution long term use because of liver problems that can occur. I am really excited to see a web-meeting place. No one can really understand the pain and fatigue, how sometimes your better and sometimes you can't touch your feet to the floor or stand to be touched at all. Before the pain clinic, I was lucky enough to have a doctor who beleived in me for about 10 yrs. Hes still my primary but they seem to really be cracking down on poor doctors who just want to help their patients. Now I've seen the other doctors too. the ones who look at you like you are just running from dr. to dr. to get drugs. Give me a break. Facts are we are sooo unlikely to get addicted or even catch a buzz! I want to figure out how to get a bigger spotlight on this HORRIBLE DISEASE! Thx for listening........... |
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colette
19 May 2009, 21:04
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| h its so nice to here that other pepole understand what im going threw. I have been going on now for about seven years of suffering,it brings meto tears half the time. I cant wait to gion the suport group that they have, just to talk to someone who uderstands. Thanks for listening Been There Colettte |
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Cher
19 May 2009, 12:56
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| I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in 1993, followed by
Fibromyalgia in 1995. There is no point in going through all the things
that have flowed from those two! I take Neurontin & Skelaxin 3x daily,
with Vicodin 4x daily. I took Cymbalta until my insurance decided I didn't
need it. It really helped me on a lot of levels with depression as well
all the nerve pain associated with both RSD and FM. How do I fight my
doctor being afraid to prescribe some of drugs that have really helped me
over the past 16 years (Soma was one of the few drugs that helped me sleep)
and fight with an insurance company that only sees the bottom line? It is hard enough to not be taken as a nutcase by the general public because they can't "see" my disease - without having to deal with a doctor who knows better but is afraid to give me what will help - and an insurance company that wants me to take the medications they decide I need rather than the medications that work. Wow. I feel better. It was nice to stumble in here and find others who are struggling like me and who understand just what FM is all about. Thanks for listening. |
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Carole
19 May 2009, 09:32
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| I have osteoarthrisits- am allergic to most drugs so no relief for that or FM- neck, arm, and back pain can be excruciating-they say to excercise- but how when I get home from work and collapse? |
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Barbara Nieznanski
06 May 2009, 16:33
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| I have spinal stenois and fibormyalia and nothing works for me yet. They tired me on Lyrica and I was so tired I couldn't get up, the Prozac helped for depression but did nothing for pain. I wish they could give me something that helped. |
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Jeanie Ashton
05 May 2009, 17:57
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| I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. Cymbalta did nothing for me. Lyrica affected my vision severly. Celebrex has been a wonder drug for me for pain. If only I could find something for fatigue that doesn't contain caffeine or anything like that. |
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robin harmon
28 Apr 2009, 22:07
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| Thank you so much for all the wonderful info. I am 43 and have been told in the last couple of months that i have fm. |
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Diane
25 Apr 2009, 12:37
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| When someone says Fibromyalgia isn't real I want to murder them as they have never witness or felt the pain inside their body. I too have had to do trial and error. Both Cymbalta and Lyrica weren't for me no toleranace. I am on 40mg Prozac and Neurotin 3x a day. Flexiril and Darvocet when pain is really bad. Not sure how long Darvocet is going to be available as of the recent warnings out about it. My neck is the worse and jaw. Keep on praying. |
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Sylvia
21 Apr 2009, 09:14
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| I have had FM/CFS for 30 years, and when I went to the Harborview CFS
clinic, they put me on a low dose of methadone. i have been doing well on
that for the last 10 years, it helps me be functional, and with very little
side effects. I haven't tried Cymbalta, or Lyrica, mailnly because my
daughter tried Lyrica and gained 10 lbs on it in one month. She is taking
Cymbalta now, and she is feeling better. I might give that one a try, but
like most of us, we are chemically sensitive and hate to try new meds. I think if you can't get any relief from the new meds for FM, then go back to the true pain killers like Methadone. |
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Jennifer P
19 Apr 2009, 04:00
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| I have taken Elavil for over a year now...and it seems to help me. I can function at 85-90 percent most of the time. My neck is my worst area. I have Crohn's disease and so I cannot take any asprin related medications....so Vicodin is my bad pain med. I get along with the Tylenol Rapid Release Pills. It keeps me going most of the time. I have some osteoarthritis and two slipped discs in the lower back... |
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Teresa Ferenz
13 Apr 2009, 12:38
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| Started an on-line Fibromyalgia group on=line on ning and I'm looking for
people to come join us, it's a place to get support, find friendship and
talk with others in the US about our chronic illness. The group's address is as follows: http:://thefibromylgiagroupgals.ning.com or email me at: fgg@gmail.com for more information. Join us. |
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Boyd L. Demchyna
09 Apr 2009, 07:15
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| I was just recently diagnoised with advanced arthritis of the neck( the
doctor that diagnoised my condition said my neck looked worse than his 100
year old mother). I have been treated by my family doctor for the past four
years. I was begining to think I was a hypocondrate. Does this condition
often go misdiagnoised? Thanks, Boyd |
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Michele Molesky
07 Apr 2009, 10:26
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| I have been on medication for over 10 years now after suffering a broken neck. I now suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis. I was prescribed Cymbalta and Lyrica last year and,initially,had very good luck with it. I also several other prescriptions with it. I began suffering terrible leg pain and my eye sight began to suffer after about 6-8 months. I also had a VERY large weight gain (due to the cymbalta). One of my doctors had done some of the trials for Cymbalta and concurred that the Cymbalta was responsible for the weight gain (I am not a big eater). If my memory serves me correctly the Lyrica has a history of eyesight possible side effects and the Cymbalta can cause leg pain (or vice versa). I had to wean myself off of these drugs, Lyrica wasn't so bad but the Cymbalta was horrific! I was sick for 2-3 weeks! I was only on it for 6-8 months and I was not addicted, (I've been on other narcotics and had no problem coming off of them-oxycontin!) but this was terrible. I have terrible pain, but i would never put myself through that again, I hope no one goes through what I went through!!! I hope it was just a fluke. |
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Caroline Miller
30 Mar 2009, 12:42
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| Cymbalta, Lyrica, Volterin, and Flexiril are the most helpful and the best
combination of meds that I've found in about a 10 year period of searching.
I am currently taking a liquid supplement that I will not comment on at this time since I've been on it for only two months. A lady with very severe symptoms tells me that she came off all her fibro meds after about 6 months. The jury is still out as far as I'm concerned --- what works for one person does not necessarily work for another . . . whether it's meds or supplements, exercise, or whatever ... this condition requires a "keep on trying", "mixing and matching" until the fit works --- at to some degree ! |
It was five years ago I finally admitted to myself I was hurting even worse--every day--than I had been with my inflamed gall bladder. To make matters worse, the pain spiked each day at about 1:00, just as my worst class came in--I was teaching hormone-crazed 8th graders. I hung in for four more years and finally had to quit. And that hurts.
After being diagnosed and prescribed for, I started falling asleep every time I sat down, even if that was behind the wheel of a car. Scary stuff. And my brain had disappeared. I couldn't think straight or remember the name of anything. Not good for a teacher. I finally went back to my neurologist, who took me off almost everything but Lyrica, upping the dose to eight a day. I stayed awake now, but the mental confusion was even worse. I had to experiment until I found I could take two a day and still think. It seems like it's not doing any good, but if I forget to take it, I suddenly discover it was doing loads of good!
Add in ulcerative colitis and arthritis to the witches' brew, and you can see what a jolly good time I'm having. Still, I can manage to do most of what I want, and I praise God for that.