I went to my rheumatologist today to follow up on my medication. I have been on Lyrica now for two months. I’m taking 100 mg twice a day. I told my rheumatologist that it wasn’t working and that I have gained 11 lbs. My rheumatologist has only prescribed me Gabapentin and Lyrica and he is already telling me there is nothing more he can do for me and told me to stop taking the Lyrica. He also told me follow up with my primary care doctor which is over a month away because I have been assigned a new primary and I have to have a new patient appointment. I know there are other medications for fibromyalgia. It’s so frustrating that he doesn’t want to help. Any suggestions?
Hi Trea, I agree, it is frustrating when the doctors don't seem to listen. You are correct, there are a number of medications used to treat Fibro symptoms. Lyrica, Savella, Cymbalta, Gabapentin, and muscle relaxers such as Flexeril are just some of the most common medications used for fibro symptoms. A good place to start is to look online at different websites such as WebMD. Within the next few weeks and ongoing, we will be adding a "Fibro 101" discussion that will have information on common medications, other fibro information. You mentioned your Rheumy asked you to follow up with your primary MD, is he expecting the new MD to take over prescribing medications or will the Rheumy still treat you? Some primary MD's are really good at Fibro / listening to patients (I see a primary for my medications and not a rheumy as the one I saw didn't listen so I "fired" him). Can you call the MD office and ask to be on a waiting list for a cancellation? What types of things do you do for pain relief / symptom control? It is important to have some things in your Fibro survival kit - or I like to call it my Fibro thrive kit to help during this time. Another thing you can do is type in one the meds I mentioned into the discussions search and it will pull up what other members have said about that particular medication. Please keep us updated. Hugs!!!
My rheumatologist is expecting my primary to take over because he said there is no more he could do for me. I don’t take anything for pain relief. My rheumatologist won’t prescribe anything for pain relief and neither did my old primary. Stuff like Tylenol, Aleve,Ibuprofen or anything like does not work for me. So unfortunately I have to suffer every day. I have trying to get in earlier but there are no cancellations. I even called for a same day appointment because I had a flare up so bad between my anxiety and fibromyalgia due the fact that I’m being tested for cancer right now. I’m so stressed out with about this. I’m in so much pain right now and my primary doctor’s office tells me I have to wait until my appointment. It’s a bunch of bull!!!
Hi Nykki,
I also take Topiramate for migraines. I never knew they used it for fibromyalgia. I also use the Topiramate in conjunction with phentermine for weight loss. It works really well for me. It works ok for my migraines though. Thanks for the information.
Hugs
Trea
Hi Trea,. I feel sad for what you are going through and hope you possibly can find some docs who are familiar with and treat fibromyalgia.. I send you a whole bunch of HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGS
Suzie
I am so sorry that you are experiencing such apathy from your rheumatologist. As with most services out there sometimes we have to keep looking to find the right doctor to help us. Perhaps your new primary will have some ideas. It has been my GP who has provided the most support of late for my fibro symptoms.
I am so sorry that you are struggling with the added stress of the cancer tests, and really hope that all turns out well. Sending you hugs, and know we are here for you.
It may be that he just doesn’t know what to do. Sometimes, it helps to be more knowledgable about your condition than the doctors are. Start doing some research on current treatments and the most successful drug combinations. Use the time before your next appointment to decide what you want, and go in prepared to discuss it. Chances are that you’ll leave the office with the treatment you need.
It is so very frustrating when docs don’t know what to do, but at least he let you go so that you can pursue treatment elsewhere. I hope it goes well for you and that you end up getting good care.
I have suggested different things to my rheumatologist but he said he no can longer help me. There was no follow up appointment made. He told me to follow up with my primary care provider.
I have told my primary and I even had to call the consulting nurse a few times because my anxiety level has been off the chart worrying about the results. When I worry like I do and work five 10 hour shifts in a row; my fibromyalgia flares up really bad. They know what is going on and they tell me I have to wait until November 18 to see my new primary care provider for anything.
I understood what you meant, but maybe I didn’t get my ideas across like I had hoped. Let me try again… I meant to prep for your appointment with your PCP. More GPs are beginning to treat FMS, which is nice. PCPs tend to know their patients better, and can be more willing to help. Plus, this doc is new to you. Maybe they’re great and will be open to new ideas and treatments?
It’s good that the rheum let you go one instead of insisting that you continue a treatment that isn’t working just to save face. It stinks to have a doc give up, but we don’t have the luxury of dwelling. Try to see this as an opportunity instead.
You may want to post a discussion and ask if anyone in your area has a good doc that they recommend? I found my current rheumatologist that way and it’s working out well.
You need to try and find a new doctor. This dr has basically said he is refusing to treat you at this point. It will be a waste of money to see him anymore. A doctor that refuses to treat patients is a waste of a medical degree and mine as well be a Walmart greeter, in my opinion. If you now have official diagnosis of fm then Your gp might treat you. I’ll find out in a few weeks if I’m wasting my time with my current and first rheumy. I’ve been on lyrica a few weeks with only mild improvement which could only be placebo. Good luck to you! I know it’s scary starting over with a new dr but your current one is leaving you no choice