The only meds I take daily are Effexor and Elavil. I get Flexeril if necessary, and occaisionally Vicodin.

I go back and forth, Ally - some days, I feel like I can tackle the world....other days, I can't even get out of bed. I don't know if more pain killers are what I need, but I would prefer not to take them. That does, however, mean that I suffer needlessly sometimes.

I have been reading lately that acupuncture is supposed to be very good for fibro symptoms - is that a possiblity for you? (I'm horribly needle-phobic, so haven't tried it!)

I also get weekly chiropractic care and massages. They are a *must* for me - I can not miss, or I really feel it.

Sorry I don't have more to offer - wish I did. Hang in there, girl...

Ally, the only things that work for My nerve pain is Lyrica and tramadol...I also take cymbalta, but i want to discontinue that and see how it goes, but through 3 years of trial and error, we have narrowed down it down to those 2. Good luck, this is such an individual thing, with all of us having similar symptoms,but different body chemistry...I hope you have a good doctor that listens, and is willing to work with you...Cathi :)

I also have believed - for 9 years - that with daily exercise my condition would just resolve itself. I persisted with my primary care/family physician about the severity of the pain until I was referred to a pain management clinic. These are run by anesthesiologists who are specialists in the prescribing of pain medications (remember the guy everyone loves at the birthing centers!) I have found that family/primary care doctors are uncomfortable prescribing pain medications that are effective enough to treat the pain.

I have been taking a timed-release opioid for about 6 years. I would say that most of my day is free from the excrutiating aches that keep me in bed. The fatigue doesn't go away.

I encourage you to keep a daily diary for at least 2 weeks that describes the intensity on the scale of 1 to 10, along with the type of pain - overall aching, burning, cramping, stabbing, etc. Do this for two reasons. First it will help a pain specialist evaluate your situation, Secondly, once you are on pain medicine long-term, there are days where you wonder, was it really that bad?

I still have pain, of course, but not like I used to. From time to time I read articles that describe a side effect of narcotic medications that concerns me. Supposedly, people become more sensitive to pain after they have been on a narcotic continuously for a few weeks. I wonder, how did I manage without meds before? Am I worse now than I used to be?

The truth for me is, I was barely managing. No matter how strong you are, years of daily pain will wear you down. I finally had to be treated for severe depression symptoms that came largely from enduring the pain and trying to live my old life at the same time.

I would be happy to share more if you are interested, just ask!

Sincerely, Joyful

I take alot of pills in the morning. I take Naproxen, Celexa, B-12, glucosomine choncrotin, a multi vitamin, and an asprin every morning. This combo has helped me soo much. I take elavil, and 2 pain/sleep tablets every night plus I have a hot bath before I go to bed. I sleep like a baby. I also go to aqua therapy twice a week for 45 min sessions. Makes all the difference in the world. Before I took all these pills and therapy I couldn't hardly function or walk. I was never able to sleep for at night for months till I got diagnosed and started on my pills. I do take Vikadin for when I am really in alot of pain. But I haven't had to take that hardly at all. I thought I would never get back to work but I am now able to go back to work for 16 hrs a week to start. I am starting to feel human again!!

For starters............we DO Not A L L do it A L L !!! Believe that.

Fibromites grieve the loss of who they use to be, and then starting at square one and priorize what will still have mattered 30 yrs from now. Then based on urgency we do what we are able as we are able.
We become great deligaters and improvisors. You'd be supprised what very young children can do with the right bribes/motivation!! Neighbor kids can also be cheap and willing labor in daylite hours before they are old enough for minimum pay 'real jobs'!
Don't beat yourself up over what you can't do, but build on the things that really matter! You can still encourage, praise and bring the best out in those around you!

For meds the one that seems to help the most people the most is a good muscle relaxant. With them and pain killers, experiment at home when driving isn't an issue. The sleepiness many cause is so short lived that in a wk we wish it back!
Trial and error, and very gradual change is paramount for the long haul! Hugs, carol

Thanks so much for all your responses. I feel like I got hit by a bus and you all are the only ones who can understand my pain. I was feeling really low, but thanks to all of you I feel a little better. Fibro friends are the best!

Take care,

Ally