I don't think that toughing it out is good for the body, FibroCho. Imagine the additional stress it places on the body. The stress from the emotions as well as the pain. In fact, I wonder if that added stress can even start another cycle of a flare? Same with sleeping pills. That being said, I understand your thinking and do it myself. I want to do it myself! Doesn't usually work but it's that control issue going again, as in "I control what's going on , not this darned illness." Wrong.
Well I guess my point is why only be ok with taking the risk for pain pills and nothing else? You will have to try many medications or combos to get one that works. It is unique in a way that depression treatment is unique. One method doesn’t work for everyone. And even of the pain pills relieve your pain now you will find with extended use it will require more and more to work. Trust me I know you are frustrated. I’ve had the pain of an old woman since I was 15 but I won’t do strictly pain pill treatment.
Petunia Girl, I know what you are saying about toughing it out. I would say the same thing to another person. I've always toughed it out with everything. I've survived things many people consider impossible.
I think you are right about triggering a flare.I just think taking meds is a good thing for my body although I know it helps. Since 2006, I've taking Vicodin w/acetaminophen and I worry about taxing my liver (my liver function is weak). I worry about side-effects of sleeping pills.
I get mad about having to take meds, too. No one likes feeling dependent on anything.
I used to be friends with a wackadoodle who was also an ear doctor. She would take milk thistle to help her liver. I know it's used in some concoctions for dogs with liver problems. Maybe you could ask your doctor about using it?
Milk thistle? Doesn't it come in tea form? I will try it, thanks!
Don't know the answer to that. Please check with your doctor first, to be sure it won't interact with anything you're taking.
PS: My dog who was dying of liver cancer was taking a concoction from the vet with milk thistle in it (along with another med as well.) It gave her another 5 months of quality time. So I do know it's legitimately used in people and dogs for liver issues.
My dog took something similar after having liver damage from antibiotics and he fully recovered. (liver healed)
I just caution my friends on BF to get a reputable liver supplement as there are some strange things for sale on the web. One pharmacy that I have had good luck with is called pharmica- they have an online storefront (as well as actual stores). They will advise as to drug interactions.
Oh, I am taking pain pills when I need to go out - like to the many doctors' appointments or else I would not be able to get there! (Isn't it ironic that I have to take pain medication in order to be able to get out the door to see my doctor?) But am also taking the Lyrica/Cymbalta combination which helps a little, but does not help me walk and get around.
The Cymbalta/Lyrica helps to dull the pain. Never takes it away totally. The pain pill takes the pain away totally so I can actually move around for a few hours. I am careful and vigilant about how and when I take them. In fact, before I take one, I ask myself why I am taking it at that time - because I want to make sure it is because I actually need it and not because I just want to feel good for a while. It is important to make that distinction in order not to keep needing more and becoming dependent or addicted. I always think I can never become addicted to anything because I am such a control freak!
What doses of the cymbalta and lyrica are you on? I keep seeing that a lot of people arent on high enough doses.
Hi Jo. The reason for my trouble walking is the pain in my legs and most of the time I can hardly feel my feet. Sometimes I think there may be other things wrong but it is easier to blame the fibro. I am having a real meltdown today don,t have total meltdowns often but today is bad. The chronic fatigue keeps me from even being up, but I know tomorrow will be a better.
I too would like to keep some quality of life which I can manage on pain meds and at my age I feel if I get addicted ...as long as it helps.
My husband and I live on a farm in northern Alberta canada , and we still have 20 cows but he takes care of them, he is 72, he said when he feels it is too much he will quit, what is so hard for me is that I used to be so active in our farm, but I do not dwell on it anymore.
I am so glad I found this site, when I have to vent I know people here ubderstand.
The gabapentin also gave me terrible migraines , & I’m allergic to lyrica , I take savella & a lot of Tylenol !
I started taking Cymbalta about six weeks ago and am finding that it really does help. I am very surprised. I was on Paxil and then Celexa since 1997. Did not find either of them reduce my overall pain. I sure hope it lasts. I started at 30mg and increased to 60mg. about a week ago. The only problems are dry mouth and weight increase. Anybody else find it helpful?
Carliec, I tried Cymbalta last year and after one week did not like how it made me feel so stopped. This year my doctor talked me into trying it again and to give it a chance. I am now taking 30 mg with Lyrica and am finding it works better. I think that each of us probably has different results based on what else it is combined with, if anything. Also, last year I was working and this year I am not so that may have something to do with it also because at work I needed to be clear headed. When I took the Lyrica by itself I didn't like it at first either. Now taking the combination of the two is helping. Yes, I have the dry mouth and weight gain (Ugh!) but the worse side effect is the sweating. From this website I learned that it is the Cymbalta that causes the sweating of my face and hair. I thought something else was wrong with me! Others on this site also have it on their hands and other parts of their bodies. Just thought I would let you know in case you do exhibit the sweating - just so you don't think there is something else wrong.
I am on 30 mg Cymbalta and 75 mg Lyrica. I didn't know there was a strong dose of Cymbalta until I read another member's message that says she was upgraded to 60 mg. My doctor did give me a prescription for 150 mg Lyrica but when I took that I couldn't do anything - it was an effort to even lift my arms. I felt like a rag doll! But now that I am not working any longer and can vegetate at home, I might try the 150 mg.
Now that you mention it; yes, sweating is an issue, but, I thought it was due to our high humidity here. We've been in a heat wave in Ontario. I've had water actually running down my head and neck. Oh dear! Maybe this too shall pass, eh?
Well, that explains your lack of relief. 60-90mg is generally what they use in Cymbalta for FM. Also, 300mg is the MINIMUM therapeutic dose for FM with Lyrica. You should try sticking through it. Most Lyrica side effects are transient and will go away as you adapt.
I was on Cymbalta for a year (just weaned off) and it really did help the pain ALOT, but my appetite was out of control and I've gained 20 lbs. which puts me more at risk for cardiovascular issues. Now my pain is back full bore and then some. But if you don't have the side effect of the appetite thing, I say take it if it makes you feel better!
Actually I just noticed in the pharmacy today that you can buy it in capsules right where all the vitamins/supplements are.
If it woks for you then go for it. Who wants to live in pain? I chose not to take pills because of all the side effects. . and somedays I want to crack open a pill bottle and take a few but I have learned to deal. We all have our points when what we are doing isn't working so if it works for you and your doctor is monitoring your med intake then go for it. Even going medicine-less I do not look at those who take meds as doing it wrong. . .it is all about whatever works for YOU. I wish you good days to come!
Ariestlt: I am with you regarding the pain meds. And you are right, the other meds they give us (Cymbalta, Lyrica, et., areb had for the liver also. Can you please tell me what type of liver cleansing you do? I hadn't thought about that and now am interested. Thanks. Jo