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I have had fibro for 20 years and pretty much had the entire "fibro five," (irritable bowel, interstitial cystitis, migraines, TMJ and one other that I can't remember...could be fibro fog).
At any rate, Cymbalta lowered my pain but totally immobilized me. I had zero motivation.
Lyrica, Neurontin, Topamax (I lost weight and IQ points) caused pretty awful side effects.
I take small amounts of Adderal to have some energy. I do radio frequency ablations (spinal blocks) to deal with occipital neuralgia, herniated discs and lumbar pain.
I don't believe there are any magic drugs.
I had pelvic pain and went out to the Stanford Pelvic Pain Program because the treatment for interstitial cystitis was so brutal.
I have been disabled for 2 years and the best thing I can suggest is to really try to pace yourself. I take warm baths in my whirlpool tub at night to unkink my muscles. Swimming is great. Trigger point and neuromuscular massage keep me upright. My neck is purely awful.
I do like the topical NSAIDs like Voltaren Ointment and Flector Patches.
Support yourself as much emotionally as you can. It took me 6 years to decide to stop working and it was one of the best things I ever did, although I was very careful to plan financially. I got accepted by social security disability in 3 months. Just be detail oriented and you will get through it.
February 25, 2010 - 9:43pmThis Comment
Dr. Beth,
I'm so sorry that you've dealt with so many medical conditions relating to your fibromayalgia over the years. But thank you so much for writing. I know your advice will help many who are seeking answers.
Thank you again. And I hope to see you here at EmpowHer more often! You have a lot to offer others.
February 26, 2010 - 10:28amThis Comment
Many thanks for your kind remarks Diane.
If there is anything I have learned it is that there is no point to all of this struggling if I cannot share what I have learned and support others.
I just found this site and I am glad to help anyone who is on the path. I finally had to get real with myself about my ability to work as a psychologist. I had to let go of the idea that I SHOULD know how to handle everything that was happening. There was a huge learning curve. Finally the pain became so great that I could not focus on my patients and function responsibly as a therapist. I had to let go.
If there is anyone who would like some ideas or support for these very difficult decisions I am happy to help in any way I can.
Beth
February 26, 2010 - 11:45amThis Comment
I tried Cymbalta. After working through some of the side effects, it was wonderful! Unfortunately, one of the side effects that can come on after using it for a bit is an increase in blood pressure. I'm told it doesn't happen to everyone, but it is a risk. I had to stop using it, and now I'm considering using something else.
February 4, 2010 - 3:52pmThis Comment
Thank you for your question! I wanted to provide some resources regarding the treatment options for fibromyalgia, while we wait for others who have personal experience in using prescription medications.
- Fighting Fibromyalgia through the Holidays
December 29, 2009 - 4:03pm- EmpowHER Medical Expert: Does Lyrica Relieve Pain, Part 1
- Lyrica's Effect of Fibromyalgia
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