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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New and wondering about my treatment

heliconia
heliconia
So I read the posts discussing whether or not Fibromyalgia is considered autoimmune or not. i understand that there are differing opinions. my question is if Fibro could be an autoimmune disease, do doctors use the same drugs to treat it as they do autoimmune diseases? I was thought to have an autoimmune disease and was treated for it for 1.5 years without an improvement. I sought a second opinion by a different rheumatologist just this week and he believes I have Fibro and CFS instead of the autoimmune disease Mixed connective tissue disease which I had been told previously that I had. The new guy took me off all my immune suppressing drugs ie. plaquenil, prednisone and methotrexate and just put me on lyrica and tylenol. Was it maybe a mistake to go off the immune supressing drugs? Are just lyrica and tylenol a complete treatment for Fibro and CFS? Sorry for such a long post. Hard to explain.
NYyankeedeb
NYyankeedeb
I dont think fibro and CFSi an autoimmune disease but through it you become autoimmune...I know prednisone and all of the drugs like that make your autoimmune weaker..it is not good to be on it too long...the other drugs...tyenol and lyria is to teat the fibro...if the lyrica and tyenol...helps the fibro and the CFS yes it is right for you...although there are some other fibro meds on the market if the lyrica doesnt work...if you can exercise, avoid stress, and change your diet...it will also help.....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have primary Sjogren's Syndrome with secondary Fibro. Rheumy said that SS is an autoimune disorder, and Fibro could be, but the jury is still out on that one.

Due to drug/chemical sensitivity, I can't take most of the Fibro drugs - just take Tramadol APAP w/Etodalac. Anything else gives me bad side effects.

If the Lyrica and Tylenol are helping, go for it. Prednizone can really whack out your system.

Glad you have a dr who is willing to work with you on this....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree that if you can avoid prednisone, do so. I also have Asthma and have had to take prednisone and with my cardiac arrythmia, it's not fun at all. Sounds like it's definitely worth a try to see if the Lyrica helps you. Tylenol does nothing for me, but hopefully, added to Lyrica, it will help you. Take car!
heliconia
heliconia
Well it is important to know if Fibro is autoimmune because if so then the autoimmune drugs are needed to prevent progression to the body's organs. Yes, I know prednisone is not that good for you but then kidney, liver and lung disease isn't either. My first rheum said whatever you do, do not go off Plaquenil as that prevents the MCTD from progressing to the organs. My second rheumy took me off all my immunosuppressing drugs. I was in such shock at the differing diagnosis that I did not think to ask all the questions that are coming to me now. :(
PeaceN2You
PeaceN2You
The jury actually is not out on this and hasn't been for years. The hallmark of autoimmune disease is the immune systems attack on your organs and tissues as if they were foreign invaders. Is does damage and over time can be fatal. It's why immune suppressing drugs such as prednisone and plaquenil are used - to keep your body from destroying itself over time.

Fibromyalgia doesn't do damage to organs or tissues. Not autoimmune.

But...don't confuse that with immune system disorders. The jury is still out on that one and research is ongoing. What I've seen doesn't look promising, but it is one area of current research.

To answer your other question, there are many treatments for fibromyalgia, but none of them are "complete.". Tylenol is often a BS treatment but maybe it will work for you. You never know. Lyrica works for some and others find the side effects intolerable. The most effective treatments are rarely just drugs, but rather a combination of drugs, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

One more thing...I'm not aware of any drug therapy for CFS. If there was I'd be banging down the door to get it because that's my latest diagnosis after years of battling fibromyalgia.
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