@franle Welcome to this wonderful compassionate people until everyone chimes in I,d like to tell you that everyone is different in what meds will help them Cymbalta may help you ,but not another person I for one couldn't take it but there are others on here that swear by it ,this is my experience with it , you maybe different .Everyone is a pain warrior on here with different problems .I have back @ fibromyalgia I,m sure others will choose in.take care

@franle
Welcome.
I cannot address Cymbalta but I would like to chime in on the other things you mentioned.
First, congrats on your granddaughter.
I know how you feel, since my 3 grands were born during the most painful part of my life. I too would not do anything that wouldn't let me pick up and hold my babies. Regardless what I was told, I wouldn't listen when it came to them.
I would like to tell you that I had my 2 discs replaced with artificial ones in my cervical spine. The recovery was surprisingly easy and I am very happy I did it. I've also had shoulder surgery, twice (my fault....didn't listen to the doc and started lifting weights). The first time I did not get my range of motion back. The second time, only months later, I went for PT first and the recovery was so much better. I mention all this just as a frame of reference. Of course, all people heal differently.
Lastly, I am sorry that people do not understand your health struggles. Sadly, unless people can 'see' your struggle, they assume things are not so bad or there is a bit of exaggeration. It is the same issue many people with psychological problems (depression and/or anxiety) face. Ignore, if possible, others, and continue with what works for you. You know you and you have the support of your hubby, that's what counts.
Keep up with your positivity, it certainly helps to make things better than they would be otherwise.

Here's to a pain-free day!!!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I started Cymbalta about 4 months ago and it has really helped me—both pain and energy. All meds have side effects, but not everyone experiences them, and it’s very unlikely for anyone to experience all of them. What’s more, if the side effects are too much for you or if the meds aren’t helping, you can stop. Sounds like you are having a tough time, why not give it a try?

Hello @franle

I have had good success with Duloxetine/Cymbalta. I started using it a year ago, and it took several months before the benefit began to be noticed, so don't give up hope if you do not notice a difference right away. It works wonderfully for me for both pain and sleep. I take it the morning, rather than at night.

If you decide to give it a try, will you post and let me know how you are doing with it?

Hello @franle. I see that you have some questions about Cymbalta (duloxetine). I would like to share the following discussions with you:

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cymbalta/
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-the-symptoms-of-cymbalta-withdrawal/

These discussions will each have members discussing Cymbalta, as well as withdrawing from Cymbalta. The members may be able to provide their insight on how cymbalta helped with pain and other diagnoses.