Hello from a newbie

Just wanted to say "hi" and introduce myself. I have found a lot of information and respectful support among members in this forum. It's amazing the way everyone helps without judging.

I'm a 38-year-old female, with chronic pain, depression, surgical menopause (complete hysterectomy), asthma, migraines, maybe lupus. Unfortunately, I am currently between jobs and have no insurance.

As far as meds go, I have been on Paxil for 10 years, and trying to wean myself off of it. I was taking Darvocet for pain with awesome results until they removed it from the market. Then my doctor put me on Hydrocodone for a couple months of bliss before he decided I was a "druggie" because I had my prescription filled three days early. (Isn't that what you're suppose to do? hehe).

One problem with all my meds has been weight gain. Contrary to my doc's insistence, I am not hiding Twinkies in my desk drawer and gorging on them. No, I can't explain why I continue to gain weight at the same time as not being able to eat, or not keeping it down when I do. If I did understand it, I would not be sitting on a table while he tells me I need to "eat less and exercise more." Well, how do you eat less than nearly nothing? And how do you exercise when it feels like someone is sticking flaming needles in your joints?

Apologies for the rants, but it feels so good to talk to someone. I live in a small, back-woods, narrow-minded town and have few friends left.

On a positive note, I'm an animal rescuer and the humble servant of four feline overlords and one 100-lb "puppy." I love to read and write poetry and science fiction - some fanfics, too. I love the outdoors and Autumn is my favorite time of year. When my health allows, I love to walk, hike, fish, and drive. I'm from Texas originally and hope to get back there soon.

My cousin who has had similar experiences, including the gyno issues, has been taking Wellbutrin and she said it's wonderful. I plan to ask my new doc about it at the next appointment. Thanks for reading and thanks for this wonderful site.

Blessings to all,

-Kittyfuzz

Hello Kittyfuzz, I want to welcome you to a place no one wants to be, but are thankfull we are.

I had just spoken about side effects I couldnt remember, now I do, the weight gain.  I gained at least 30lbs in the first year of taking meds on the regular basis.  Its awful, and I have never been sure of the solution for it.  Its a vicious circle, taking meds, gaining weight, the weight gain that causes more pain.  What to do, what to do.

I never lost more than 25lbs, which is off or on depending on how it goes, I am really trying to lose weight as my daughter is getting married in June, far away you might say.  I know June will be here with a blink of my eye.  I am trying not to gain anymore at this point.

Ok, again welcome, take care,

Kat

Welcome Kittyfuzz
Love your username!! I am sorry you have pain and weight issues but I am right there with you. I am unable to lose because I cant stand and move enough to increase heart rate. I love this site and I consider the people that I have met my online family.

Please feel free to pop in and post as you need to and we will be there repling. I am looking forward to getting to know you better.

Soft Hugs
Betsey

Welcome to the board. Paxil can definitely cause weight gain, and Wellbutrin is less likely to cause weight gain. But Wellbutrin is really just a depression medication - it doesn't help with anxiety and isn't studied much for pain.

I'm assuming your doctor has tested your thyroid?

Hi Kittyfuzz,

LOVE your name!  I am a cat lover myself and I want to thank you for what you do in rescuing our little friends.  I have 3 cats that I adore...one in particular that sleeps on top of me...she's an orange and white tabby.  I also love my dogs...have a 10 yr old rottie and a wonderful black lab pup.  He will be a yr old next month.  Can't get enough of my furr babies! 

I want to welcome you to the forum, although I am sorry you need to be here.  And I understand how frustrated you must have been when your doc cut you off the pain meds for refilling 3 days early.  I have experienced this with my own doc.  There are signs up in her office to call in for refills 48 hours in advance.  Well, that's what I have done...only to be questioned as to why I am refilling early.  I understand that doctors are under tremendous scrutiny by the DEA, but 2 days?  Even 3 days?  It takes them that long to authorize, so why question 2 or 3 days?  I'm sorry you had to go through that.  Seems so unfair and I hope you find a doctor who will treat you better than that.

I have had a total hysterectomy myself and have been gaining weight ever since.  That was 5 years ago.  I'm not sure if it's from the Premarin or just from the hyst.  Perhaps, also from the other meds I take, including Lyrica, which is known to cause weight gain.  So I struggle with the weight issue.  I try to walk when I can, but it's often hard because of the pain...I just have to force myself.

Nice to hear you are from Texas!  I live in Texas...born and bred.  I really wouldn't care to live anywhere else.  And I love autumn as well.  It's just now starting to cool off here and it is wonderful, as we have had a brutal summer.

I hope to get to know you a little better.  Sending you gentle hugs...

Mysti

Laura - what is the usual collection of vet animals? :) My mom is a science teacher and we had the usual collection of science teacher animals. While I was growing up we had all of the following obtained from students or for school: guinea pigs, gerbils, hermit crabs, worms (a whole colony of red wigglers), fish, chicks, and monarch butterflies, along with the usual collection of cats, dogs, and hamsters.