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I have Fibromyalgia, I was diagnosed with it after a car accident in 1998. I have tried Lyrica but it didn't help. I have been to several Doctors, and to 2 rhuematologists, and they have given me the best help. I take percocet 5/3251 tablet 4 times a day as needed, and I am on a Duragesic Patch 50 mcg, they help with the pain, and take note, I still have pain,, I also take tizanidine 4 mg, which is a muscle relaxer, trazadone 50mg, 1 to 4 tablets at bedtime, and celexa 20 mg. for the depression. I have been on this for several years.
My pcp does not want me on the narcotics and states that Fibromyalgia does not warrant them, but both rhuematologist state that if it works leave it, and that they are finding out that Lyrica DOES NOT WORK as well as they first thought.
I go to hydro therapy, it helps while I am in the water, but then it is back the same old pain as before and sometimes even worse.
Heat will help, I sit in the shower or use a heating pad, it all is a temp. help but any help is better than no help!
And I pray pray pray to the good Lord up above that there will be some break thru for us suffering from the "FibroCrud"!!
Also there are trigger points the doc can check to see if you react. Usually the pain is thru out the whole body not localized, but with fibro you never know. I sure hope they give you a definate diagnosis soon. Feel free to come here even if you don't know for sure, we welcome everyone!
"What is Fibromyalgia?" http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia
Fibro is typically chronic widespread pain of the muscles and joints throughout the body.
I hope you get some answers soon!
From the same site: Fibro Symptoms
Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and arthritis.
- Pain
The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
- Fatigue
In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina
- Sleep problems
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
- Other symptoms/overlapping conditions
Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud's Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.
I keep having undiagnosed pains in several spots in my abdomen. I have seen several doctors and am now trying to see a 3rd gastro doctor. I have had cat scans, x-rays, and other tests but no one has any diagnosis for me. They were questioning fibro but I never received it as a direct diagnosis. I also get back pain from time to time.
I am getting really upset with my doctors because they keep saying, "I don't know." and send me home with pain meds, most I am allergic to or can't tolerate. I feel that doctors diagnose fibro and/or chronic pain when they just can't find a diagnosis, or are tired of dealing with the same patient over and over again with the same complaints.
Is fibro and chronic pain the same thing? Thanks in advance for any info. Take care and God bless.
Do you see the glass as half empty or half full? I say, what difference does it make--I paid for a full glass,so either way I am getting jipped!!!
Neurontin needs to be tritated up to rather large doses for MOST (not all) patients to even notice an effect. And then your body has a bad habit of getting use to that dose, which develops into an upward spiral of ever increasing doses.
It's typically given to patients with Peripheral Neuropathy
MedlinePlus Drug Information: Gabapentin
In the three years that I was on Neurontin, I had all of these:
drowsiness
tiredness or weakness
dizziness
headache
shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
double or blurred vision
unsteadiness
memory problems
diarrhea
dry mouth
constipation
weight gain
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
What they don't mention is that the memory issues NEVER go away once you've had them.
Drowsiness/tiredness/weakness did not come even close to describing what I felt and most of my PN friends experienced.
When I first started and every time I tritated up in dosage, I would be absolutely and completely useless to my family. I started at 1800 mgs (felt no relief) and got to 2100 mgs before feeling a difference. By the time I finished I was taking 4800 mgs a day. Some people I know were taking 7000 mgs with no relief.
I got off the neurontin finally in 2006 after coming down to 300 mgs between 2003 and 2006.
I was at 195 when I started neurontine, and hit my highest weight of 250 while on it.
Liz
Duodenal Switch (Lap) 01-24-11 | Surgeon: Stephen Boyce | High weight: 250 in 2002 | Surgery weight: 203 | Lowest weight: 121 | Current weight: 135 | Goal weight: 135
I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease about five years ago. It progressed from an occasional dizzy spell to full blown vertigo. I took zanax for awhile, which seemed to help. But ultimately, I had to have a labrinthectomy in my left ear. The only thing I hear in that ear now is the tinnitus - which seems to increase when I'm stressed or in pain. The vertigo went away when I had the surgery but lately I've been having periods of dizziness - probably due to the meds I'm on for fibro among other things.
My Meniere's was diagnosed after I had a bout with a virus. Yes, it was a relief to have a diagnosis, much like with fibro - having some validation for your symptoms is better - IMHO.
I'm not sure if any of this will help, but if you have any questions, I'm here. Not often, but I'm here.

AGING IS INEVITABLE
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL!

I have had fibro for about 10 years and will have my surgery in two weeks. Like you I want to lose some of this weight (about 100#) but my main goal is to feel better. I don't expect the weight loss to take away all the pain but I believe it will help and that's all I ask. I have been working on this process for over a year and I'm just thrilled it's finally here.
That all sounds very familiar, & I do think the klonopin helps me not feel them at night.
I do get some while I am driving, sitting or moving about but none that jerk me to wear it would be dangerous to drive etc... Just zingy & uncomfortable.
I do want to try the neurontin as the klonopin is not something I can take during the day. It makes me to sleepy. Plus I am praying it helps with the pain so I can not function without pain meds & muscle relaxers everyday.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I really could use all the input possible. I just had a ton of labs come back most look pretty good, but there are a couple things that look off & have dropped a lot over the last 8 months. Hoping that it could explain some of my symptoms.
I know I sound like a detective...but I feel like I will never get better if I don't.
Take care,


RNY 9-18-08
HW-260 Consult Wt-246 SW-218 GW-150
CW-148 5'8" BMI 22
9-27-10 LBL & BL/BA- Dr. Sauceda, Monterrey, MX :-)