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.
I was wondering if anyone can give me advice based on their experience with pain killers. I was dxd with fibro about 6 yrs ago at age 23. Basically, I went through the whole gamut of medications, treatments and alternative options with nothing helping enough to get me back to a normal level of functioning. Opiate pain medications, like Percocet, were the most helpful in temporarily numbing the pain, but I did develop somewhat of a tolerance. Then a pain mgmt specialist switched me to Suboxone, which is typically used for opiate abuse treatment. At first, it seemed to help and a dose lasted longer than the opiates. But after 6 yrs, I'm still stuck at home and the pain and debilitation are worsening. The suboxone is also hard to get, as only certain drs can prescribe it and I have to pay out of pocket, which is getting too expensive. Basically, it's an extra pain to deal with. I really need to get a job or at least do some work from home. I'm debating going back on some kind of opiate pain killer, bc at this point, I'm so desperate! If something can get me thru the day with less pain so I could function better, I'll take it! As for other popular medications for fibro, I've been hesitant to try Lyrica bc of the side effect horror stories, Cymbalta gave me a bad reaction, and Savella, I'm not sure about. I also take gabapentin, flexeril, and Effexor. Any advice would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
It's incredibly cheap and worth a try for you and your doc.
I use methadone (under 5 mg per day) with Baclofen (muscle relaxer) at the same time for a synergistic effect on pain.
Medical marijuana can sometimes alleviate pain for me, too, although i hate being high.
Gentle hugs~ Mel
Always check for side effects of meds. Look into oxygen.
Whatever keeps you the most functional with the least side effects is ideal.
For what it's worth, Lyrica made me sleepy, stupid, and angry. Savella was a year of nausea but worked great for pain. Cymbalta nearly blinded me.
I take 600 mg of time realeased gabapentin and take hydrocodone for breakthrough pain. The hydrocodone allows me to live without fear, because I know I'll be able to control the pain.
I hope your doctor will work with you to find the best solution.
I cannot offer any advice as I am 27 and just recently diagnosed so I am beginning the medication run through. I just started Elavil last week. Two days in and I had to stop. Hangover was unbearable. I will try again over the holidays to get started on it. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your post. While I can't offer any help to you, your post was helpful to me hearing what you have already tried and how it affected you. Please keep us informed if you find something that works for you. If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take you to get referred to a pain doctor, and what was the process?
Thanks again! :)
Good luck to you, dear.
As for the pain management experience, I went to that doctor for only a few months before he stopped taking my insurance. He basically put me on the suboxone and left me hanging when the insurance changed. At the time, I didn't know how rare it was to have this medication prescribed for pain or how hard it would be to find a Suboxone certified dr that would prescribe it for that reason. I wound up having to see a dr that primarily treated opiate abuse patients, but was willing to see me. So I was and still am getting the meds, but not the proper pain management. And even though I didn't have a great experience with that pain mgt doctor, I think it's time I give it another shot or at least find a good primary care dr to work w me on the meds. The subs are not working at all anymore, and though I've been trying to avoid heavy pain meds, I really need something here.