Hi everybody. Well, my fainting episode has certainly cleared up - but the pains in my shoulder are still there. Awfully sore! Can't take deep breaths because it hurts too much. I am also very stiff in my hips today, as well. This reminds of of years ago I got a really terrible back spasm and it lasted 6 weeks. I had to wear a special binder to keep me from moving my back too much. During that time I didn't see my Rheumatologist (very stupid on my part) until the 6th week of pain. I finally made an appointment and he could see I was really in a bad way. I was put on Prednisone. It was a special pack that each day I increase the pills till I was done. It worked! Since then, I still get spasms, but I do know that Prednisone is dangerous to take on a long-term basis. The best medicine that worked for me was Celebrex. Unfortunately, my insurance won't pay for it anymore. A lot of meds have been taken off the list that insurance won't pay for. I had many more good days on Celebrex then bad days.. Also had more enegery because I wasn't in pain. When I looked into how much the medicine would cost if I paid for it. Whoo!!! No way. It was over $200 and that's what I would pay monthly! Not going to happen! I will be seeing a new Rheumatologist in the near future and hopefully she can find a Med that works and that my insurance will pay for. Have any of you had any luck with Lyrica? I hear a lot of pros and cons on this and I am curious if it has really worked for any of you that are on it? Thanks, Laurie
I have no experience with Lyrica. Like you, I've heard mixed reviews, although I think I've seen more positive comments than negative.
My insurance won't cover Lyrica until I do "step therapy"... I have to fail on gabapentin and several antidepressants before my insurance will cover it. (My doc mentioned trying it, so I have researched it a bit).
I wonder if you couldn't try a muscle relaxant for the spasms, instead of steroids. I've had so many problems with steroids that I believe in avoiding them unless absolutely necessary. Also, have you tried heat?
I hope you get some relief.
Hi Red - I see my doctor in a couple of days, I am going to bring up the idea of muscle relaxants. I used to take them years ago and they really worked for me as far as taking care of a spasm or a bad flare-up. I can't figure why I don't use them now. Oh well, I am going to bring this up. Med insurance is really the pits, isn't it?? There are new meds I would love to try out, but my insurance gets in the way and that's the end of it. Yes, I always use a moist heating pad wherever it hurts. Been doing this for years. It's not a permanent thing, but it does help on those days I can stay in and relax. Laurie
Bree
Hi Laura. I tired lyrica it didn’t work for me and it made me real sick, I know what you going though been though it all the back pain,shou
Bree
Shoulder pain and the hip pain. My should and neck never get better hope you be able to find something to work for you because I couldn’t and I don’t take any med right now but I’m drinking 3oz of clay everyday and I also detox in the clay 3time a week for 6week or 8 weeks I feel better then I ever felt not in a hold lot of pain and now I’m even able to sleep all night with out that a blessing.
Hi Laurie
I have been on lyrica for over a year now. My pain has been reduced from a 10 to a 1. I do have bad days but not so much with the pain. Lately it has been my eyes and a head ache.Have been to the doctor twice, she says it is a stress head ache.I do not agree so I am stuck taking over the counter meds.I do have Ostio Arthritus and wonder if the head aches are caused by that. I do know Fibro can cause the lower back of your head to pain.One episode was so painful I could have ripped my ears from my head I still have the trigger points that pain me. But if you don't touch me I am fine.Iam 65 and married. We had planned to travel l in our retirement. But I also have Asthma and had an attack in the United States. That cost my insurance $43 thousand dollars.So that sort of put a damper on our travells.I also have Fibro Fog / not nice. What can I say. Fibro sucks , big time. And have acid reflux so have tummy problems as well. Doctor says i have Diverticulitus as well. But understand every one has it in one form or another.I was very healthy and strong before fibro found me. Now I am lucky if i can open a jar. I wish you better health then i am in. Soft hugs and have a wonderful day.
Shirley
HI Shirley - what a beautiful angel you sent me! So pretty! I have been getting migraines for about 30 years now. It's from the Fibro in my neck, I have it on both sides. I know what you are talking about when you mention pain in the head! Drives me crazy at times. I was diagnosed with Diverticulitus 3 years ago. I was awfully sick with it too. It's kind of under control now, but I still get stomache problems once in a while. Acid reflux as well too. We have a few things in common here! (smile). I do have an appointment with a new Rheumatologist in the near future and I have learned so much from others on this website, that I am writing some things down to bring up to the new doctor. It's really important to be your own advocate and to be strong about it. I can't tell you how many times I have been to see a doctor and they don't have any idea what I am talking about!! It's a disgrace and it's ridiculous! Fibro fog is extremely familiar to me, Shirley. Get it all the time. I am a very poor sleeper as well, have been for years and years. I, too, had a lot of energy and was always 'on the go!' But I have had to develop an awful lot of patience now and learn to really listen to my body.I used to be able to just fly up and down stairs?? You should see now how I attempt to handle the stairs. Both my hands are on either side of the rails and I have to literally pull my self up with my arms. I hare to see people older than me just running around and going up and down the stairs!! LOL It's not fair! Gentle hugs! Laurie
Hi Laurie, I had tried Lyrica on 2 different occasions and both times I broke out in a rash, but for some the Lyrica really helps. I would say for sure give it a try.
It makes me so sad that some insurance company can say no to a medication, they have been given way to much power, but that’s a different post.
I hope you feel better, and the new rheumy can work with you to find a med that’s helps & is covered under ins.
Hugs & blessings
dee
HI Bree - I was given Lyrica last year and was very excited about trying it. I broke out in hives just from taking the first pill! Hives were over my thighs and legs. I was so disappointed, because a couple of friends of mine were having great success with it. Currently I am not on anything either. My insurance took away my Celebrex which worked really well for me. So that took care of that! If I had chosen to pay for the Celebrex on my own, it would cost me roughly $200 a month! No way. So I am back to square one now. I see a new doctor in the near future and I hope and pray that she can find something for me. All the pain and spasms are NOT the quality of life that I want. I just have to be positive and hope that there is something out there for me. Laurel
Hi Laurie, my experience with meds has been really awful. I did the Gabapentin, anti-depressents and finally the Lyrica. The Lyrica landed me in the hospital with a severe migraine and vomitting. It turns out that I am chemically sensitive now and anything will set off a headache and a flare. So, please be very careful when you try any more new drugs. Make sure you are weaned off existing ones before starting new ones. Best of luck to you!
Hi Laurie,
I'm sorry that the fibro monster has found you. Your back spasms sounds so draining, as well as painful.
In answer to your question, I've been on Lyrica for about 6 months. I find that it does help with some of my fibro pain and not so much so for other pains from fibro. It seems to help with the pain I get in my ribs (when it hurts, feels like someone violently knocked into me and knocked the wind out of me,) as well as muscle aches. Doesn't help as much with pain in my back, knees and elbows. But I do know that it's worth my while to take it because one day a few weeks ago I only took a half dosage and wound up in horrible pain for several days.
I'm kind of curious as to what you have that you were taking the Celebrex for, since it's not used for fibro? Do you have something else also causing the pain?
I hope you have a lot of success with Lyrica. Please do let us know how it works out for you!
Petunia
HI Petunia Girl (cute name!) - I was on Celebrex for my Fibro and Arthritis. It seemed to work for me really well, but I had to have my liver and kidneys (blood work) every few months because of the fact that I was taking the med. It is getting awfully concerning to me, what with all the 'warnings' about certain meds. I have learned to be extra careful if and when a new Med is given to me. I do a lot of research on it before I even take it. Thank God for computers!! Big hugs!! Laurie
Hi everybody! Lyrica didn’t work for me! Nonetheless, I was on and off it for about a year. I’m rather sensitive to the side effects of drugs and while on Lyrica I had so many side effects! Including, but not limited to weight gain, periferal edema and many more! Cymbalta was very successful, unfortunately I can’t take it right now because I also take Prozac to treat my depression and there is a risk of seratonin syndrome when taken at the same time. I just wanted to share that with you. Perhaps you or someone else will find this info useful. Thanks for letting me share!
Thanks Olga - I learn so much from the group here! I, too, have depression and take Prozac as well. It seems to be doing me a lot of good. I will be seeing my new Rheumatologist in the near future and will be able to have a wealth of information with me when she and I start talking about what meds will work best for me. I always tell people that finding the right meds for FIbromyalgia involves a lot of 'trial and error' periods, as everyone is different when it comes to the way they respond to a drug. Laurie
Hi Laurie, I have been on Lyrica 75grm for a year and I find it helps the awful tingling in my hands and feet especially. I stopped for a few weeks and started again. It is very costly also, I would like to take the 150 but cannot afford it.
I have had a very rough winter and of course over did in during the holidays,so if I could just sleep I think I would feel better...maybe.
There are so many things to try and if something works I wish I could find it, the fibro fog is bad and I seem to get it the same time everyday, which helps to know and I can kinda plan my day.
Gentle Hugs and I hope the Lyrica works for you.
Vicky
Hi there laurie, trust you are well and better today. I have been on Cymbalta since 2009 but then had a bad flare up the beginning of this year. My psychiatrist then put me on Lyrica and I must admit that it does indeed give me some relief. The only problem with all of these meds is weight gain. During 2009 I also went on Seroquel after ending up with major Depression. Within 6months I gained 23kgs; the crazy thing is that i was eating healthy all the time, but my weight just kept adding. So far Lyrica has been good; I havent heard of Celebrex. Also I have been on Cortisone injections. With the right combination of meds and a little exercise, it should give you some relief. Also very important to try to keep calm … When i get worked up or upset I instantly feel the effects. So it’s hard, but what can we do. All of the very best !
Hi Laurie,
You are mentioning spasms. Are you taking a good Cal/Mag/D3 vitamin? My chiropractor put me on these, and it really helped spasms and restless leg. Check with him or you Pharmacist, but I encourage everyone to be on vitamins, with your Dr's permission, of course.
http://shop.lifetimefitness.com/Nutritional-Products/Douglas-Labs-CalMag-1001-180-count.asp These should be taken with a Pharmaceutical grade multi for your age group, also available from Douglas labs. Again talk to your Dr, but I have yet to meet one against viamins, especially for muscle and bone health.
Hope this helps,
SK
Hi SK - I replied to your message, but I don't think it went through? I see the doctor on the 11th, Getting up this morning was the most difficult that I have ever experienced since I have had Fibro. Just so painful and hurts like hell! I am supposed to go out to dinner tonight for my son's Birthday, and I am going to do my best to go. So depressing sometimes, with all this pain. I will keep you posted! Laurie
HI Naz - thanks for responding. RIght now I am in so much pain. Getting out of bed this morning was just awful! I see my regular doctor and nurse on Friday and they will refer me to a new Rheumatologist, as the last one I had was very rude and nasty to me. I walked out of his office and never went back. The next doctor is a woman, and I hear that she is very good, especially in dealing with Fibro. I just have to hang in there and hope for the best. I am supposed to go out to dinner tonight for my son's birthday (he's 32) with family and friends. When I hurt like this , I become very withdrawn and quiet. I just count the minutes that I can get back into bed and just take it easy. I feel badly sometimes when I act like this, but it can't be helped. My son understands though. He's very supportive and extremely patient with me as well. I used to be so active, just running around all over the place. Those days are long gone - but I am confident there will be a med out there that will help me. I would also like to take up some Yoga as well. But first, I need to get this awful pain under control Laurie
Hi Laurie and everybody else! I hope you’re feeling better today! I didn’t have a good experience with Lyrica (I did share that yesterday) but I guess it works differently for each individual. Perhaps the only way to find out is to try it! I never tried Celebrex and will bring this up at my next Dr. appointment (tomorrow ). I also never saw a Rhematologist and would like to ask if you could recommend one. The only thing is I currently have Metro Plus (Medicaide) as I’ve lost my health insurance along with my job three years ago and not that many Docs accept this insurance. I really want to see Rhematologist after reading your posting, Laurie. Presently, I just take pain meds and they’re great in terms of treating the symptoms! I cannot imagine not taking them! I mean they are what allows me function more or less! Without them I would be in the state of debility/pathology! Pain medication and positive thinking, along with some yoga and meditation!
Thank you all
lol
Olga