hi everyone,
I’ve been diagnosed for about 6 years and been off meds for about a year. It’s been working somewhat but I’m scared I may have to go back on meds as the pain and exhaustion are getting worse. Has anyone had any success not being on meds?
I personally have tried to go without my muscle relaxants and sleep aid before, let me just say that didn't last long. My muscles spasm horribly every day, and without my sleep aid I have terrible insomnia which adds to my pain. I would love to go med free and am very impressed that you have been able to do so for a year! Do you do anything to keep your pain under control? How do you manage?
Yes. I’d be interested to know what you’re doing instead of meds to manage.
not really. but there are meds that are non sedating if you are worried about that. all the best,
HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS
suzie
I’ve been trying to manage through diet and exercise. I’ve been vegetarian for about 13 years and cut out gluten two years ago.
However my job is taking a lot out of me, and I can’t take Lyrica because that makes me more sleepy.
Hello,
I have been without prescription meds for over 10 years, and am functioning fairly well. That being said, there is a lot to consider if you are going to go without meds. First of all, are you willing to make lifestyle changes? You will have to if you go off your meds. This is what I have had to do: 1. change my diet 2. Research what supplements I need to get me through the day as pain-free as possible. 3. Find out what will help me sleep (it's tricky at best).
Really, when you go off prescription meds, then you are taking responsibility for your health. Great step! :) But, you have to be willing to do the research and keep track of what works and what doesn't. Also, some of you will not be able to go completely med-free, as you will have other ailments such as diabetes, heart conditions, etc. Fortunately, I don't have these, and am trying to keep them at bay through my regimen.
Also, this will be different for each person. There is no one thing that is going to help everybody, every time, so be patient with yourself. Treat yourself with love. Be as patient as you would with a child just learning, for in a way, that's what we all are, in the infancy of discovering what works for us individually and as a whole. I have to remind myself of this...A LOT.
Oh, also, don't think that the cost will necessarily go down. Just because it's OTC does not mean it's less expensive. (just sayin')
Good luck, and I hope this helps....
Hi Nicole
Have you spoken with your doctor? I was without meds for several years about a year after I was diagnosed. Everyone is different. I have found with the right combination of meds, exercise, and stress reduction I do quite well. Their are many things that could be causing the pain and exhaustion example low blood count, arthritis. Many doctors are prescribing a low dose antidepressant and a muscle relaxer and find it works well. Have you looked at Fibro 101 it has a lot of good information.
Hello Nicole,
Managing without meds is a brave, but good step to take. As nocogirl said, it will probably involve research and lifestyle changes. If you go for natural remedies they can be very expensive too. I say that because I know a few people in the UK who do this, but they spend quite a lot of money. For me, as purplebutterfly has said, the right combination of meds, exercise and stress reduction is the way forward. I think pacing yourself is very important, asking for help from family and friends, to manage jobs that are more difficult. Of course you need to discuss this with your Doc. I practise all the aforementioned things and only take amitriptylene, which is more for sleep than pain. That is what is working for me, you have to find out what will work for you. Good luck.
Take care, Anne
Hi Nicole, I went without prescription meds for about 9 years. I did start back on a routine med last year along with a muscle relaxer. I am hopeful that one day I will stop these again. As others have said, lifestyle changes are a very important part of symptom management. I have found that meditation, deep breathing, and visualization help considerable in controlling my stress and that of course helps lower symptoms. Hugs!
That is totally awesome Nocogirl!
nocogirl said:
Hello,
I have been without prescription meds for over 10 years, and am functioning fairly well. That being said, there is a lot to consider if you are going to go without meds. First of all, are you willing to make lifestyle changes? You will have to if you go off your meds. This is what I have had to do: 1. change my diet 2. Research what supplements I need to get me through the day as pain-free as possible. 3. Find out what will help me sleep (it's tricky at best).
Really, when you go off prescription meds, then you are taking responsibility for your health. Great step! :) But, you have to be willing to do the research and keep track of what works and what doesn't. Also, some of you will not be able to go completely med-free, as you will have other ailments such as diabetes, heart conditions, etc. Fortunately, I don't have these, and am trying to keep them at bay through my regimen.
Also, this will be different for each person. There is no one thing that is going to help everybody, every time, so be patient with yourself. Treat yourself with love. Be as patient as you would with a child just learning, for in a way, that's what we all are, in the infancy of discovering what works for us individually and as a whole. I have to remind myself of this...A LOT.
Oh, also, don't think that the cost will necessarily go down. Just because it's OTC does not mean it's less expensive. (just sayin')
Good luck, and I hope this helps....
my doctor doesn''t want to put me on meds for fibro. she said just take Tylenol my nero doctor put me on gabapentin. tht seems to help. I was thankful he did that.
Hi I've been without prescription meds for 2 years but I still take over the counter meds Tylenol and Motrin.I only take it when I hurt or I'm very tired.I do have ZANAX but I only take it when I can't sleep,or for a fibroblasts.I having taken the ZANAX for at least 6 months but the Tylenol and Motrin I have taken in the past week.my rheumatologist np took me off all meds except for the ZANAX and suggested gentle stretching exercises,aqua therapy,pacing.most of the time it works.I hope the information helps I walk my dog 6 times a day and do housework it helps stretch my muscles.have a GOID DAY and weekend