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Juggling meds with fibromyalgia, arthritis and heart problems
Hi, I am 81 with fibromyalgia, arthritis and heart problems. This winter the fibro and arthritis pain has created really difficult sleeping problems because of the pain levels. I have been juggling meds around trying to find something that works. Yes my doctor at Mayo, is in the loop. Have tried some herbs but that hasn't helped much. Looking for new ideas.
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Hi @oldgeezer81, and welcome to Connect. Managing pain can be difficult, especially when it's effecting your sleep. I'm tagging several members who have recently been discussing fibromyalgia, arthritis and heart problems. @briansr, @rabbit10, @sharonmay7 and @ladyjane85 are all active members on Connect who are hopefully willing to share their experience and tips/advice they have for managing these particular conditions.
I'd also encourage you to check out the Chronic Pain group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pain/), and the Managing Fibromyalgia thread (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hello-everyone-i-am-looking-for-anyone-who-suffers-from-fibromyalgia-and/) as you may find others to connect with.
What herbs and remedies have you tried? The group would like to get an idea of what works and what doesn't work specifically for your needs.
Hi, I stay away from prescription sleep meds, can get terrible<br />
reactions as I did with ambien. I now use natural supplements -<br />
melatonin and valerian root which drs suggested. Even then I have to<br />
use a tylonol type PM med on top of those at times. There are times I<br />
do not sleep at all.<br />
But those natural remedies may help. My best, @ladyjane85<br />
Still haven't gotten my sleep meds to work well, mostly in getting to<br />
sleep. After I get to sleep, I am good for 3 or 4 hours, the arthritis pain<br />
in the hips and back wake me up. If it is after 4 am, I will usually just<br />
get up, if below, I will get up and move around some and can usually get<br />
another hour or so of sleep. Last month my doctor tried me on rozerem and<br />
it has not worked well at all. I was on Zolpidem for several years, but the<br />
insurance companies has refused to pay for it any more, so trying other<br />
options. Tried Valerian Root for a week or two and helped at first, then<br />
didn't. Now trying to double up on Doxepin and that kinda works, but not<br />
well.<br />
I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjorgren's Syndrome. It is hard to find stuff to ease the pain. I am under the care of a rheumatologist and on medications (cymbalta - fibro; cevimeline - Sjorgren's; and, plaquenel - RA). I have found, however, that I do sleep better on a temperpedic mattress. I have no stock in them and don't work for them! It helps some, but at least it helps. I am not as achy in the mornings. Even when I travel now, I only go to hotels that have a temperpedic mattress option. I don't know if you already have one, but this did give me a bit of relief. I also find that water exercise is good. I am blessed to have a pool, but if you have access to one, pool exercises also help give some relief.I hope some of this will be of use to you. I understand your pain and frustration. I basically just do my best to live with it.
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1 ReactionThe only help I've found for fibromyalgia is soma, 350mg 3 times a day.<br />
That's the only med my rheumatologist will give me even though I have many<br />
autoimmune diseases. It helps and it will help you get some rest.<br />
Try soma 350 mgs, 3 times day for fibromyalgia.<br />