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.
Hello friends,
I have been having a lot, I mean a LOT, of fibro pain flares lately. A month ago I called the rheumatologist to complain and they upped the dosage of Lyrica to 150mg, 2x per day. Yeah, it helped nothing except to make my feet swell more and make me gain another 10 lbs.
So, my question is, how do I talk to my doctor about getting me real pain medication? I have done everything except Savella and I do not want to stop taking Cymbalta. I take it for depression, which it helps, but the pain is getting to me.
I've tried alcohol to see if a drink would change my pain. No. Not even a buzz. I hadn't drank for about 7 or 8 years. I have considered seeking out a medical marijuana doctor so I can find some pain medication. I've never had marijuana in my life, so that says how desperate I am for relief!
While alcohol is legal, it's not okay in my religion. While MM is legal in my state, I don't think my church would be okay with it, either. For me to consider it means I've gone past any rules and just want some help. I would rather get pain meds from a doctor and pharmacy so I know the potency and efficacy will be better regulated, but... How do I get this rheumatologist to understand I do NOT want to increase Lyrica or Cymbalta? And a low dosage of vicodin won't work, either.
I feel intimidated and rushed when at the doctor.
Thanks for any help. :-)
dea
I have been having a lot, I mean a LOT, of fibro pain flares lately. A month ago I called the rheumatologist to complain and they upped the dosage of Lyrica to 150mg, 2x per day. Yeah, it helped nothing except to make my feet swell more and make me gain another 10 lbs.
So, my question is, how do I talk to my doctor about getting me real pain medication? I have done everything except Savella and I do not want to stop taking Cymbalta. I take it for depression, which it helps, but the pain is getting to me.
I've tried alcohol to see if a drink would change my pain. No. Not even a buzz. I hadn't drank for about 7 or 8 years. I have considered seeking out a medical marijuana doctor so I can find some pain medication. I've never had marijuana in my life, so that says how desperate I am for relief!
While alcohol is legal, it's not okay in my religion. While MM is legal in my state, I don't think my church would be okay with it, either. For me to consider it means I've gone past any rules and just want some help. I would rather get pain meds from a doctor and pharmacy so I know the potency and efficacy will be better regulated, but... How do I get this rheumatologist to understand I do NOT want to increase Lyrica or Cymbalta? And a low dosage of vicodin won't work, either.
I feel intimidated and rushed when at the doctor.
Thanks for any help. :-)
dea
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We're all troubled.WSo, to remind ourselves we're not at rock bottom (this is a reverse optimism thing I learned as a kid):We are not living on the island of Krakatoa when the volcano goes boom!Yeah, okay, that sucks.***Toay in 1942, Pierre Laval announced that the way to free France was for Germany to win WW2. Pierre did not win a lot of friends. When the war ended, quite quickly he was tried...
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Another day, another ouchie?My bruised achilles tendon (don't ask) makes my foot numb. Wonky on meds, whacked it.Now, as to fibro:A lot of reports are going around some parts of social media that fibro (and dang near anything else) are caused by post-Covid, post-flu, post-vaccinations, post-pick-something.1. Your risk of death or serious complications beyond "ow, that shot hurt!" are typically...
Just remember---and repeat while in the waiting room--- HE WORKS FOR ME. We hire *them*, not the other way around. (Mom was a nurse 45 years. I learned a unique perspective on docs, LOL)
As for the rest: write it down and simply hand it to him and say, READ THIS PLEASE. If he won't, tell him taht it's a list of your medication concerns and you want to be sure he sees them all, and if he won't, to refer you elsewhere. That tends to get their attention.
Then go treat yourself with something after the appointment:-)
You may be referred to a pain clinic, but I don't go to one, so no idea what the deal would be with that. Others will.
Good luck,
Leo
Call your local hospital and ask for the physician referral department. See if they can match you up with a pain management specialist.
Bottom line, you have to stand your ground and insist that they take some time to listen to you. As your employee that is their obligation. If they don't see it that way, find another rheumy and/or go to a pain management specialist. Take care.
Tell him/her how it interferes with housework, childcare, cooking, . Use the professional phrase I can't do the ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING.
And stress you want to try an opioid. Stress to the doctor that you know it won't take away ALL the pain but it might make you more FUNCTIONAL: (another professional word). It will make you better able to concentrate and focus. If you are working, it may help you to remain at work.
Tell the doc you'll submit to urine testing, etc whatever they ask.
If your doctor won't do it, ask around to other patients (a support group members) and see if you can find another doc who will be compassionate or ask for a referral to a pain clinic.
Try talking about the ADL's that you have trouble with or just cannot do anymore... due to being in pain.
Mention what your life has become and how your quality of life has diminished...
When I took pain meds -- docs main focus... "I want you back to work ... doing things.... etc" He believed that being in pain wasn't the patients fault -- patients deserve a better quality of life and his goal was to achieve that!
Because I am a stay at home mom, it seems as though I do not have a "job". Bullcrap! I have a son with autism who is always into every damn thing (he's into stuff right now! crap!) and just typing this is killing my arms and shoulders. Walking and standing is a torture. The only relief I get is to lie down and sleep, but who can do that when I have 3 kids and a household to take care of?
I really need to write it out. Thank you all so much for your help. This is truly a fantastic place for support.
dea