Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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photochick 11/04/2009

Hi, hope everyone is having a beautiful day.
I have a question. My Rheumatologist that I have been seeing for two months now, feels that in four months he will start taking me off my medication. I am currently taking Savella and Gabapentin and it is truly helping me. Since this is a chronic life long disorder why is he wanting to ween me off? That is a terrible idea. Is my body all of a sudden going to be better. I am not taking pain meds anymore, why can't he leave me be.
Please give me your input especially if you have struggled with this sort of issue.

deleted_user 11/04/2009

am not sure...my Thinking Maybe he wants to wean you back off because he does Not want you to have to rely on these Meds for the rest of your Life...that While you are on these Meds to take advantage of Feeling better and getting out & More Active is going to make you Healthier.. Stronger and so you won't Require the use of meds any longer ?

That is my only guess !

deleted_user 11/04/2009

Another line of thought may be that they are bad for your liver. I know that when my doctor prescribed my Cymbalta she was concerned about my liver function and had me tested. She is going to be doing periodic testing further down the line to ensure that it remains healthy. I do understand her line of thought.

However, I dont really understand your doctors blanket statement of trying to wean you off your meds, especially after what is really a short period of time. I would discuss what his thought process is (ie, liver function vs dependence). I know that I forgot to take my Cymbalta just for one day and by the end of it was in the fetal position (I take the lowest dose possible so I doubt that I could be weaned off anyways). If he insists on trying it, I would insist on a second opinion if one is available.

Hugs
MT

fibonae 11/04/2009

THAT'S A GOOG IDEA MONKYTOES, TO GET ANOTHER
SECOND OPPIONION! GOOD LUCK

deleted_user 11/04/2009

These are just guess. He may not want you to build up a tollerance to them. Some meds if you are on them for too long your body can become dependant on them and cause new health problems the longer you are on them and be harder to stop. And he maybe learning about this XMRV virus and be hoping that they will have something available soon and not want you to be on something that could interact with new or better meds. I would ask him why he only wants you to be on them for a short period of time.

I'm looking into virus that already have tests and treatments that they have found in people with fibro while I wait for more info on this XMRV virus. See my journal entry.

Hugs

deleted_user 11/04/2009

Did you ask your Rheumy that? Perhaps he thinks your cycle of pain has been interrupted so you may not hurt when you come off the meds - except for that nasty withdrawal thing... But I could guess all day.

I'd call him up and ask.

deleted_user 11/04/2009

Marcya & Dakota = hit it on the nose!

bluesun 11/04/2009

huh? i think your doc may just BE crazy!
if it's helping you then stay on the stuff! it's not like you just got better or something... sheesh
it's your body, if you think you should stay on it then tell him to have you stay on it!!

photochick 11/05/2009

thanks everyone for opening my thoughts on this incident!
maybe there is a good reason, I think sometimes i have trouble speaking up and asking questions to the doctors.

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