Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...

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/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group

Pain medication

Ruby30
Ruby30
Hi all
I am wondering how many of you are taking pain medication?
I have avioded taking these sorts of drugs and just stuck with herbs and bio-identical hormones, however last week I was sick with a cold and took some cold and flu pills. I think these could have helped my CFS symptoms as well.
I obvioulsy cannot take these everyday as that can't be good, but it is soooo tempting when it makes me feel better.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If I feel a headache coming on, or even that weird tension in my face that comes before it, I will take extra stength tylenol if I have it. I also like Alleve and Advil if that is not available. If I wait to see if it turns into a full headache than it might not go away for a long time, even with pain killer.

I also take them if my symptoms are getting bad and I can't go rest. Sometimes if I am going to a social thing and I am not sure if I will be up to it the whole time I take some before I go, or take them with me. It helps me get through the day. Rest is still better, but sometimes I can't.

When I was still able to work if I didn't take them with me to work just in case it could mean having to go home because pushing myself too hard would bring on a really bad headache.

I don't take them every day. I try not to take it unless I don't have a good alternative. But...

I have noticed the pain killer can help my head feel more clear, I feel less tense...it takes the edge off the cfs, the other symptoms ease up just a little bit.
Sunvalleygal
Sunvalleygal
I am like you Ruby. I would rather NOT take medication but the past 3 years my life became so disfuctional and I started taking meds w/ the help of my chronic fatigue specialist.

I now take pain meds 3x a day (I also have RA) and NSAIDs for inflammation 2x a day.

I also take a muscle relaxer (small dose) and clozempam in the pm for great sleep.

I know this sounds like a LOT.. but the qualify of my life has improved so much that it has been worth it. I cannot function without it. The pain would be too great and I would not be able to sleep bc of the pain. (that has happened a lot until I got on the meds)

I still have pain daily / especially in the winter, but at least now I can get out of the house and do some things. The first year I was housebound. So, I opt to take the meds!
Good luck to you Ruby
xo Sun