So sorry that you are in so much discomfort and your doc won't give you pain meds. I have a pain specialist / neurologist as part of my health care team. These other docs, including my rheumatologist, don't really "get it." and don't prescribe strong enough meds. Nothing takes the pain away, but at least I get some mild relief.

Cymbalta made me feel suicidal. I became fixated on walking in front a bus. It was just awful. 

{{gentle hugs}}

My bestest friend when it's cold is my electric blanket., crank it up to "toast" and get some relief. Also my doc has me take 20mg of Cymbalta in the AM and another 20 in the PM that helps keep it in my system on a continuous level. Cymbalta can cause depression and I believe they say if that happens to contact your doc because they may need to change to a different med. Hope you get some relief soon!

I'm having the same exact problem.  I had RNY in 2005, but just started having fibro symptoms a little over a year ago.   My rheumatologist has finally decided to refer me to a pain specialist because the Vicodin 3x a day just isnt getting it.  It does wear off within 2 hours!  I've never been to a pain management doctor before and dont really know what to expect.
You mentioned an article above, could you email that to me??  [email protected]
I would really like to read it, and possibly share it!
Anyone that can tell me what to expect would help alot too!

Patti

I could not make it without my three vicoden a day and that does NOT get rid of the pain just takes the edge off. I have a lot of arthritis issues too though. Now my 38 yr old daughter they do not want to even give her "pain med;s" she has firbro, arthritis and Migranes. So   you might try another doc or is there any alternatice  herbs she would let you try ????

 UGH, ugh, UGH!  We have 31" of snow, getting another 18-20" tomorrow.  It is only in the single digits at night, and mid 20's during the days.  I am SO sore all over- my back, hips and sciatica are all out of whack.  I can barely bend my fingers and havent felt my feet in days  :(   I dont know how much more of this I can take.  My Rheum is SO anti-pain meds, its almost unfair.  She tells me to take Motrin- yeah, like that helps...  She upped my Cymbalta to 60mg per day, and its STILL not doing anything.  I really, really need to find another Dr, and soon.  I feel awful.  Im SO tired too!  I feel like a zombie on the Cymbalta, and I take it before bed- but the whole day I still just feel like a fat useless slug.  I also think it is MAKING me depressed- how is that possible?  I just dont know what to do, where to turn, who to call and beg for mercy from.  I have so much going on in my life right now that is just awful, and I cant take this on top of it.  Why does it have to be this way?  

Is there anything you all do that helps the pain, stiffness, exhaustion, and depression?  I feel like Im failing my family daily...  Ugh...