Fibromyalgia -- Need help on how to handle severe pain

On Oct 16 I wrote about the centrality of Exercise and healthy food, the two factors that influence more issues than probably anything else.
I also had known one fibro-pioneer for many years and she said fulltime meaningful work is also critical besides other two I mention.

Good luck

I’ve had Fibro and PMR for 15 years. I think I’ve tried all the Fibro drugs and wasn’t able to tolerate any of them. Gabapantin Dulled many of my problems including tolerance to store bought and restaurant foods, getting a good nights rest, BUT that wasn’t worth the side effects. For several years I have taken prednisone and have no side effects. Prednisone quiets the majority of my pain and the rest of my Fibro quirks I’ve adjusted to. I take 5mg a day.

Did you ever try Tramadol, which I read some people use daily? Both that and Prednisone have long term side effects which concern me, especially since I already have osteoporosis. I see my Dr next week and need something to help with severe pain daily. Usually my flares last two months with two months of other minor symptoms. I am afraid to try the drugs approved for Fibro due to side effects and withdrawal issues. But I guess Tramadol and Pred. also have withdrawal issues. I guess there is no easy solution.

Yes, I have tried tramadol, and I am allergic to it.

God Bless You! I have a lot of the same ailments (Fibromyalgia & Raynauds) like you, Flexeril is the only muscle relaxant I can tolerate. I was warned by my new primary that Flexeril can cause short term memory loss.....but he said it sounded like the quality of life outweighed that. It helps tremendously with fibromyalgia pain and restless legs syndrome. I can only tolerate 1/2 of a 5 mg. Hugs & Blessings to you....

I'm happy that the info in my post is helpful and validating to what you experience. At a recent followup visit with my primary, she asked if I wanted to change to a different medication, on the chance that my body had become too habituated to the cyclo, suggesting that another could target some of the other pain issues that I deal with. But I told her no, and she respects my decision. A few months ago, she gave me the green light for medical marijuana for issues not related to fibromyalgic pain, but instead pertained to chronic pain syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome...but after much consideration, research, and evaluation, I decided it was not a path for me.
You are correct: Quality of life is preferred to just living in a purgatory of pain, which can at times escalate into a horrendous hell. One has to strike a tolerable balance.
I wish you the best possible, and may you achieve the balance that brings you peace
and joy. 🌺

Elavil(Amitrypline) helped my severe leg pain and sleep. You take it before bed. Ask for it.

I could not tolerate this medication even in a child's liquid dose, but, I am so glad it works for you. Is your favorite car a Corvette? Prayers & Hugs.

0h. Ok! Yea we had a brand new red vette.

I fell bad for you...my wife has RA and fibromyalgia.
Read the Yeast Syndrome by Dr Trowbridge. I took my wife to one of the doctors in that book and he put her on a strict diet,gave her antifungal and sent her to an allergist. Peppers make her fibro flare up bad!!
I read it for another reason. But it turns out it causes inflammation too. Kill the yeast. Learn to decrease inflammation in your body. I've been dealing with this since 1995. Learned so much! but there are an incredible amount of variables. It seems diet it the key...I hate diets!! So I do antifungal to help. Hope this helps.