@sunny2
I took Cymbala for awhile but I didn’t get any relief from it.
Jake

3 years ago I began having chronic pain in my neck and shoulders along with daily headaches. After 6 months of troubleshooting with therapy, chiropractic, accupunture, holistic approaches, neurologist and spine surgeons I was referred to pain management. They did nerve blocks followed by occipital and cervical radio frequency ablations. Throughout this time I attempted to hold down my job which was a boat load of pressure with chronic daily pain. The first mention of Duloxetine was by my PCP because my anxiety and stress levels were through the roof! My frustration of not having a clear definition of what was wrong with me had me in tears daily (here's the loop we speak of). He also mentioned it was an off label use for pain. I tried the drug (first time) for one week and gave up on it. I could not function properly at work due to drowsiness/fogginess plus it was premeditated in my mind to be an anti-depressant which I was against, hard to accept for me. Within the next 2 years my body continued to experience burning pain and weakness that could not be diagnosed properly. The ablations were providing less relief each time. I went from Gabepentin to Lyrica and round again. I finally was diagnosed with chronic migraines but nothing else. EMG and nerve conduction studies were normal, as was basic blood work. Rheumatology ruled out fibromyalgia. My pain spread and evolved into a multitude of symptoms. (you can refer to my bio for a previous post on my symtoms if interested). I could no longer fight it anymore and finally consented to Duloxetine. I personally did not receive pain relief from it but believe it keeps my emotions and anxiety in check. Long story short...it took 2 1/2 years to be diagnosed with Small Fiber Poly Neuropathy via skin punch biopsy. My current protocol is Lyrica Controlled Release 165 mg 1x day with dinner (so I'm going into evening with mild drowziness), Duloxetine 60 mg 1x day at bedtime,
Norco 5-325mg (Hydrocodone/Acetamin)3-4 x day as needed and for the past 3 months 900mg of intraveneous lidocaine infusions 1x week. Infusion therapathy does not seem too well known or spoke of on this forum. It may be due to different levels of knowledge from Doctors or different preferences. Lidocaine infusions can not be safely given to everyone either. Personally they have given me new life for 3-4 days each week and the ability to walk in less pain or some days to walk period. I threw alot at you and am sorry, tend to get on a roll! I hope you find your comfort zone in treatment and continue to research options that make sense and work for you. This forum is great for wisdom and experience. I sincerely I wish I found it sooner. All the best to you in your journey.