Hi everybody (newbie)

Hey hi everyone,

I'm a newbie here - just registered today. I was just recently diagnosed with fibro after a whole year of my doctor trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with me. She suspected fibro when a prescription for Lyrica seemed to work. I did get terrible edema from it though. But then I was sent to a rheumatologist and she diagnosed it right away. I was taking T3s for the pain, which sets in anytime between 10:30 am and 3 or 4 pm. Then it gets very intense, and I am uber-exhausted. Normally I'm a very vibrant person with a ton of energy, so this totally sucks. The pain I could handle (I think) but the fatigue is horrible. I'm working half-time and just submitted an appeal to my insurance company for disability. (They originally refused it due to what my dr. wrote on the submission.)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else simply could NOT tolerate amitriptylene. I tried 10 mg and I was just a zombie the whole next day. Then I tried to cut them in half, and the effects of the drug ("drowsiness"....times 10 to the infinite power) lasted all day til about 8 pm. My dr. said get the pharmacist to cut them in 4. So now we're down to 2.5mg and I'm still so doped up all the next day I can't even get up.

Lyrica works well - I'm now on 150 mg twice a day and that works well for the pain. I also have Tramacet for break-through pain and that works well too. Sometimes when I do an exercise (usually with my German Shepherd who I used to train before I took ill) I get an extreme headache the next day. I can't feel it at the time, but the next day I almost die.

So that's my story. I feel bad complaining when I review the people on this board. I don't have any other diseases or problems and I'm not depressed. But I have big career ambitions and the lack of energy is destroying my chance at achieving my life-goals. So I hope it goes in remission, or some of these meds work. I've been "experimenting" with dosages and such for 2 weeks now.

 

Welcome Schutzhund!!

Glad that you joined us! I can totally relate to the fatigue as I believe that is how my fibro started. I had the crushing fatigue long before the pain introduced intself. Check out the Fibro 101 thread...there is some good info in there. You may also want to check out the info on malic acid/magnesium supplements which help some of us improve our pain and energy. If you are interested in taking them, check with your doctor and/or pharmacist to make sure there are no contraindications with any of the meds you currently take. There is also some prescription meds that some use for energy (Adderall, Provigil for example). This disease can really knock the wind out of you and there are a lot of adjustments that I have had to make. I have had to learn to pace myself and learn what my new limitations are. Overdoing can really set you back and leave you with even more fatigue and pain. I can't really help answer your question about the amitriptylene as I have not taken that particular med but I just wanted to welcome you!

((soft hugs))

Cyndi

Hi Shutzhund and welcome. I'm on 100 mg of amitriptyline a day so obviously didn't have the same reaction you did to it. I've been on it for 10 yrs.

 

Yep, the fatigue is horrible and so very frustrating for me. That is how everything started for me too. Yesterday afternoon after watching grandson it was like every bit of energy had been sucked out of me and I had so much that needed to be done but there is no pushing when it gets that bad. I have anxiety and the adderal I couldn't get to help without causing more anxiety. I can push through the pain but the fatigue is like a brick wall.

 

This is a great forum and you will get lots of ideas on how to help.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

 

  Hi Shultzhund and Welcome!! I just wanted to let you know that you never have to worry about saying anything wrong here. I have not belonged here

  very long, and I can tell you that we support each other no matter what, through the good times and bad. I hope you take advantage of all the

  great info on Fibro 101. Take care and keep in touch!      

Hi and welcome!

I too can not take amitrip...zombied me out also. I didn't persevere as long as you did because after trying so many things it's pretty easy to spot something that's just not going to be something I can live with. A few months ago I talked to my doc about Provigil. It's often used for folks who need to take long acting pain medications to help keep you from being sleepy all the time. Since I'm on oxycontin and percocet for pain I was not as alert as I needed to be to drive or function. One morning on my way to work...when I WAS working...I was at a stop light and realized I had just dozed off for a couple of seconds. Thank the Lord I wasn't moving when it happened. That's when I spoke to my doc who had no problem letting me try it. Works very well. I don't get revved up by them, just helps keep me from dozing off all day.

Glad you've joined our family and do check out the 101 thread. We have some great Fibro Awareness ribbons free for the asking. The information to obtain them is in that section.

Hugs,
Chutzie

hi, again, Schutzhund: i wrote a long winded reply including a question about the Amyltriptilene on another thread, Canadians, before I checked this latest thread. You need not reply as you have answered my question here. I guess the amyltriptilene is a no go for you. i had problems early on, as you described, then, gradually learned some tricks. First, take it about two hours before bedtime. It is slow to metabolise. At the time it was prescribed for me, I had no other options. Elavil (amyl), or suffer. Now, apparently, there are other things available. I will look forward to hearing from you again.

Hi Schutzhund and Welcome!

I got fibro about 7 months ago and along with that, depression. They put me on Zoloft and that helps with my fatigue and I drink a couple cups of coffee in the morning. I try to take a couple rest periods throughout the day. I too used to have "tons" of energy so this has been frustrating for me also as I can only do "so" much in one day.  

I have not been able to return to work since this hit and have applied for Disability. I had a very good job, with great people, good benefits and was just at a point where I was going to buy a townhome- and than the rug got pulled out from under me.

We never know what life is going to throw at us but I know it could be worse. The Lyrica sounds like it is working for you and maybe with other meds you'll be able to find something that helps with the fatigue- so don't give up hope yet on your goals. You may be able to achieve them, just not as fast!

The group is great here and with "support" it makes a difference in how you feel too, I know it has for me. Nice to meet you!

GamJill