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.
NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING FOR ME!!!
I hope this post will help anyone who is seeking results and just hasn't found the right regime for relief. I have struggled for a couple years now with FM and hyperthyroid issues (diagnosed with both at about the same time - 4 yrs ago). Well, my primary care doc has had me try many prescriptions... some worked - for a while then seemed to be uneffective, some didn't help at all, some gave me bad side effects that weren't worth the benefit, etc.
All I can say is keep trying and DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! I went to see a second Rhuemy doctor about 5 weeks ago. She suggested to add Gabapentin (titrate plan of 1-2-3 doses a day) on top of my Cymbalta 1 x a day (I switched from taking that at night to morning, at the suggestion of peers here - as I had issues trying to sleep, and the switch made a HUGE difference for me!! It may not work for everyone, but it did wonders to switch for me!) and continue on my 1x at night Amitripityline; and added in some physical therapy (I did 2 sessions at a gym setting, and 2 sessions in warm water pool at the YMCA, then joined the Y on my own and have been doing the exercises/stretches they taught me on my own - - I am very self disciplined and do not need someone to pat me on the back and say "good girl") - AND this mix of rx and exercise has been NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING for me!! I was so close to giving up and just accepting my pain, and limited mobility, sleepless nights, fog, etc. but this new combination has been nothing short of a miracle for me. I'm sure this combo will not work for everyone - but I hope my post inspires others to keep seeking to get a better mix to make you feel better, and to not give up. A month ago if someone were to tell me I'd be moving around this much without pain and discomfort - and to be sleeping this well - I would never have believed them.
I hope this gives even one person (hopefully more) to keep the faith that you will eventually find the right combination of things (drugs, therapies, exercise, etc. - whatever form helps you!) and you too will be feeling better, sleeping better, and have a better quality of living as I have found. I used to feel like the living dead or a zombie - but there is life after zombie - I am living proof! If you aren't happy with your doctor or rheumy - then find another one! Here's to less pain and better sleep for all of us here on this board.
I hope this post will help anyone who is seeking results and just hasn't found the right regime for relief. I have struggled for a couple years now with FM and hyperthyroid issues (diagnosed with both at about the same time - 4 yrs ago). Well, my primary care doc has had me try many prescriptions... some worked - for a while then seemed to be uneffective, some didn't help at all, some gave me bad side effects that weren't worth the benefit, etc.
All I can say is keep trying and DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! I went to see a second Rhuemy doctor about 5 weeks ago. She suggested to add Gabapentin (titrate plan of 1-2-3 doses a day) on top of my Cymbalta 1 x a day (I switched from taking that at night to morning, at the suggestion of peers here - as I had issues trying to sleep, and the switch made a HUGE difference for me!! It may not work for everyone, but it did wonders to switch for me!) and continue on my 1x at night Amitripityline; and added in some physical therapy (I did 2 sessions at a gym setting, and 2 sessions in warm water pool at the YMCA, then joined the Y on my own and have been doing the exercises/stretches they taught me on my own - - I am very self disciplined and do not need someone to pat me on the back and say "good girl") - AND this mix of rx and exercise has been NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING for me!! I was so close to giving up and just accepting my pain, and limited mobility, sleepless nights, fog, etc. but this new combination has been nothing short of a miracle for me. I'm sure this combo will not work for everyone - but I hope my post inspires others to keep seeking to get a better mix to make you feel better, and to not give up. A month ago if someone were to tell me I'd be moving around this much without pain and discomfort - and to be sleeping this well - I would never have believed them.
I hope this gives even one person (hopefully more) to keep the faith that you will eventually find the right combination of things (drugs, therapies, exercise, etc. - whatever form helps you!) and you too will be feeling better, sleeping better, and have a better quality of living as I have found. I used to feel like the living dead or a zombie - but there is life after zombie - I am living proof! If you aren't happy with your doctor or rheumy - then find another one! Here's to less pain and better sleep for all of us here on this board.
I too found that I could not take Cymbalta or naltrexone at night.
Please search the posts for naltrexone. I feel like you where I just have to share my success story because I want everyone else to have my incredible outcome. If you try naltrexone, start very low, 1.5 mg for two months, and take it in the morning