Will you listen?

Posted by su8 @su8, Jan 4 5:53am

Why bother talking to my doctor about my pain let alone the anxiety and limitations put on my quality of life? I am dismissed out of hand, or given a prescription for anti-depressants, which cause even more misery from the side effects. I don’t have a chemical imbalance in my brain, I don’t need counseling from my psychotherapist and certainly don’t need referrals for more tests and procedures, what I need to know is, “do you really want to know what’s going on with me and ,” And for my doctors to listen. Ask me about my quality of life and my pain.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

ripley | @ripley | Jan 6 11:33am

In reply to @cwitton1 "What medications are given for fibromyalgia, aside from Gabapentin?" + (show)

If you do an on-line search you'll find many articles about drugs for fibro. Harvard Health says: "The FDA has approved three drugs specifically for treating fibromyalgia, including pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella). However, other medications, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or gabapentin (Neurontin) are usually considered first-line treatments. Each of these drugs is prescribed for other conditions, such as depression or nerve pain."
I haven't tried any of these meds as I've read the side effects are often not worth any relief and your body builds up a tolerance to them so doses have to be increased. Your body also develops a dependence on them so there will be withdrawal issues if you want to stop the meds.

cwitton1 | @cwitton1 | Jan 6 1:03pm

In reply to @ripley "If you do an on-line search you'll find many articles about drugs for fibro. Harvard Health..." + (show)

Oh, yes. Ive tried all those except Savella.

1kay2 | @1kay2 | Jan 6 3:14pm

In reply to @cwitton1 "What medications are given for fibromyalgia, aside from Gabapentin?" + (show)

They always start with antidepressants, then flexeril, arthrotec, cipro, cymbalta, lyrica, tramadol all having terrible reactions ending in vision problems. it is how my body responds to drugs.

terriann | @twinkie23 | Jan 6 3:20pm

In reply to @cwitton1 "What medications are given for fibromyalgia, aside from Gabapentin?" + (show)

I was prescribed Lyrica but it has some discouraging side effects. It did, however, control the pain.

ripley | @ripley | Jan 6 4:35pm

In reply to @twinkie23 "I was prescribed Lyrica but it has some discouraging side effects. It did, however, control the..." + (show)

Are you still taking it? If not, can you explain why?

ripley | @ripley | Jan 6 4:44pm

In reply to @cwitton1 "Oh, yes. Ive tried all those except Savella." + (show)

Did any of the drugs you tried help you? It sounds like you are no longer taking them. Can you explain any benefit the drugs offered and side effects? I'm not taking any drugs, but my flares are very painful and last a couple months. I just starting working with a functional medicine Dr and starting several vitamins and supplements.

debkl | @debkl | Jan 6 5:07pm

Have you condidered occupational therapy?

Doctors seem to dismiss everyone these days.

terriann | @twinkie23 | Jan 6 5:19pm

In reply to @ripley "Are you still taking it? If not, can you explain why?" + (show)

I ran out of the Lyrica and it took several days to get a new script. When I started the med again I had a reaction similar to an overdose. My rheumatologist immediately discontinued it calling it an adverse reaction.

cwitton1 | @cwitton1 | Jan 6 5:24pm

In reply to @ripley "Did any of the drugs you tried help you? It sounds like you are no longer..." + (show)

The Gabapentin/pregabalin had no effect and made me nauseous. The cymbalta did not help the fibromyalgia symptoms and was not helping my depression. I was on elavil for migraines rx by my former neurologist (he was a good dude, I miss him) but it did not help any symptoms. (Side note, Aimovig has saved my life re: migraines.) Initially, flexeril was helpful but stopped working after not too long. These are things I have tried, repeatedly. If I’m missing anything that could possibly help, anyone, I’m open to suggestions.
How to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system
How to stimulate the vagus nerve
Dry brushing
Acupuncture
Epsom salts
Hot baths
Infrared light
Heat
Ice
Mindfulness
Weed gummies
Weed lotion
Distraction
Magnesium
Turmeric
Weight loss (100+)
Stretching
Traction
Chiropractors
Gabapentin/Lyrica
Tizanidine-Valium-Flexeril
Prednisone-Methylprednisolone
Sleep
Talk therapy
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
Nerve blocks
Botox
Massage gun
Spoon
Cupping
Massage
Tylenol/Advil
Yoga
Diclofenac gel
Delta-9
Crying lol

ripley | @ripley | Jan 6 5:52pm

In reply to @cwitton1 "The Gabapentin/pregabalin had no effect and made me nauseous. The cymbalta did not help the fibromyalgia..." + (show)

Nothing listed provided any help? Did you have a hard time stopping Cymbalta, Gabapentin and Lyrica? I read they can have terrible withdrawal symptoms and it can take a very long time to wean off them.