Hi Danara! I'm sorry your doc isn't able to help you further.

It would be easier to comment if we knew what you'd already tried and what he has done to treat you.

Sadly, medicine has it's limitations. My fibro doc has nothing further to offer me short of what we're already doing, as we have pretty much explored everything available. We do trigger point injections for my myofascial pain, I take a couple of meds that help some, with additional meds for breakthrough pain, and the rest is up to me.

I don't fault her for that - if she was taking new patients I'd send everyone I know to her, because she is the best fibro doc I've ever met or heard of. With over 350 people in my local support group, I hear a lot!

Can you tell us a little about what this doc has done to treat you and what you're doing for yourself?

Thanks Peace.

We have done many different NSAIDs that we later found that I was allergic to. Currently I am on Savella, Cymbalta (even though they are contradicted in use together), gabapentin, tramadol 50mg every 4 hours and that is pretty mush the extent of it. I am also allergic to many opiates.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is that I feel like I am putting out the doc when I call and ask if there is anything else we can try, are there any other options for the massive fatigue, is another pain med an option. Just very frustrating when I feel like I can't (or shouldn't) call on the one person who is supposed to be able to help me.

Almost everyone sees rheumy but the rheumy I saw wouldn't give me the time of day. Besides, fibro is not an autoimmune disease. I see a physiatrist. She is an MD who specializes in physical rehabilitation. Any such in your area? I like her focus on rehabilitation, making me functional.

I also see a physiatrist. Her focus is on getting the pain under control SO YOU CAN EXERCISE. She's not having any "I can't exercise" excuses. She'll send you to PT and have them move you around. I also like the focus on function but I appreciate that her first concern is getting the pain under control, not sending you off in pain to cause more pain.

Danara you're on three different meds that have a side effect of fatigue. Might want to explore the fatigue from that angle. You are also on three meds, not just two, that are contraindicated to be taken together. Tramadol is an antidepressant and should not be taken with either Cymbalta or Savella.

This doctor has put you at considerable risk - I'd definitely look for someone more knowledgeable about fibromyalgia and the treatment options.

Hey all,

Maybe I am mistaken, but I thought Tramadol was a non-narcotic pain killer similar in structure to opiates and Savella is another type of pain med almost specifically RX'd to Fibro Patients...that would mean the only anti Depressant Danara is on would be the Cymbalta...I ran all three meds through my Pharmacy's drug checker and there are no serious interactions-only excessive sleepiness if 2 or more are taken together.
Maybe I have mis-information?
Comments?
LuLu :)

Wishing you the best! The rheumy I saw with my kasier insurance was so great. My pay out of pocket rheumy treats me like a drug seeker. I think they all have their own ideas on who should treat fibro patients.

There is still so much unknown about fibro Most docs will ask you to see pain management for shots and other meds. The gov has made things so hard for them, I think they mostly all would prefer to pass the buck.

Good new y'all!!!! Got an apt to new doc for this upcoming Monday. Sometimes, the cancellation list thing really works!

Good luck. Please let us know what he has to say.

By the way, the rheumy
I went to gave me tramadol for break thru pain. Tramadol is also known as ultram and
Ryzolt, all for pain as lulu described.
My ipad and left handed typing is making more everyday challenges, so excuse all typos.

Anxious to hear how new dr goes.

Awesome!
So glad that you got moved up so fast to see the new Dr.
Please keep us updated!

:) LuLu

Glad you got moved up on the appointment.

Tramadol is a pain med but has an impact on both serotonin and norepinephrine and has been associated with serotonin syndrome when combined with other drugs that impact serotonin levels in the brain.

Small amounts don't usually cause a problem but regular use with other serotonin raising drugs is risky.

Well all, I went, I saw, I was impressed! He seemed to actually care how I felt. He asked what was most important to me to improve my quality of life. Currently, my biggest hurdle is the fatigue. I have lived with the pain for 10 years or so getting progressively worse. It really is so hard for me to get out of bed everyday or to complete simple tasks around the house. Never mind the five year old that doesn't understand why mommy is too tired to make him a good dinner.

He did a very thorough physical exam, none of which my previous did. Listened to all my previous medical history, we went over my meds and told me not to worry about being shuffled off to pain management as I am not on the highest maximum dose of all my current meds.

He started me on Nuvigil. 150mg for one week then 250mg the following. He recommended this drug due to all my cognitive issues and extreme sleepiness. Luckily (or not) I have OSA. This med is pricey and insurance companies only cover this for three diagnosis. OSA, Narcolepsy and shift work disorder.

I lowered my Savella last week due to cog issues. He wants me to remain on the newly lowered 50mg. I can tell a HUGE difference in my daytime fatigue. Apparently this drug works as soon as you start it. So that's nice.

Of course there was blood work. CMP,CRP,B12,ANA,ESR,CBC. Lots of x-rays of my knees (my son call my left one my popcorn knee), neck, and pelvis.

I feel like I got a pretty goo work over. He confirms the FM diagnosis but says that he agrees there is more to the story. This is based on the fevers and rashes. I will update when I find out what he has to say.

Thanks to all for your support and comments!

Sounds like you've found a great doctor. I hope you continue to see improvement in the fatigue. It's terrible to be too tired to handle those everyday chores.

Good luck!!

I have found that Rhuemetologists are absolutely no help. I even went to the best clinic in my state at the University if Michigan hospital. The doc I saw wouldn't even give me s script to help me get some sleep. Told me to go to a workshop on how to live with fibro.

Adding to my previous comment....the doc mentioned 3 or 4 meds I "should try" but wouldn't even write the scripts. Told me to get them from my family doc.