Just diagnosed and very upset

I saw a rheumatologist today and he said I have fibromyalgis after examining me.  He also asked me tons of questions.

Anyway, he wants me to try a medicine called gabapentrin.  He said it is actually an anti seizure medicine.  He said it is the first step before lyrica.

He also wanted me to take two tylenol 4 times a day.

I am sooo afraid of having side effects from medicines.  I know it's worth a try but I'm really afraid.

Also, I asked him if my other symptoms of anxiety/depression/ hot and cold and others are from fibro and he said they could be.

I also saw a psych dr because of anxiety and he wants me to take a xanax twice a day.  I am not crazy about that idea either.

Anyway, the rheumatologist said that some of my other symptoms might get better if the medicine works.

I just wish I wasn't so scared.

Hi Jazzmyn!

First let me welcome you to our Fibro Family. This is a true family environment and you will soon see the compassion and caring that is so much a part of this health care forum.

Now, like Jhemi said...there is no need to be frightened. OK, I know...sure, easy for you to say but how do I do it? You do it by learning what fibromyalgia is all about and learning what it is not and completely educating yourself. Most of that you can find right here. But you also need to function in your family and community plus learn from other sources about this disorder.

I'm guessing you've been living with pain for quite a while. That's very normal by the time you finally get a diagnosis. So if your doc is suggesting some help you might give it some serious thought. If taking any of these medications seriously frighten you then talk to the doctor about it. Tell him you would like to try some other ways to handle the pain first. If you go to the top of the Topic list on page 1 you will see something called Fibro 101. It's the best place to start. You will find links to all kinds of information and ideas on how different exercises and OTC medications help others, plus a lot of resources on how to live well with this disorder.

Once you begin to learn and become your own advocate you will begin to beat this thing back. I can probably guess what another question might be...will the pain ever go away?? EVER? And will pills of any kind make the pain stop? The sad answer is not likely. There is no cure for fibro...not yet...but there are many new medications that are being used with moderate success. It's very hard for the pharmaceutical companies to make a medication when they still don't know for sure what causes fibro.

So, instead of me going on and on and filling your already swarming head with more stuff how about just hold on <extending hand> and we'll relax together...OK? This disorder is not life threatening. Yes it's painful but there are so many ways you can tame the pain but the feeling of loneliness and helplessness will only make it worse. Tomorrow when you see our daily Koffee Klatch posted, come join us for some smiles. It really does help. And on Thursday evenings we also have a live chat time. It's at 6 PM Pacific, 9 PM Eastern. There will be a post that morning on how to get to and use the chat rooms.

For now have a very gentle, warm HUG!
Chutzie

Jazzmynn, I'm like you are.  I don't want to take medication.  I live by myself so whenever I have to try a new med, I make sure my daughter is here.  It's peace of mind for me and, no, nothing has happened.  It makes me feel foolish but I need to do that when starting a new medication.  Anxiety gives you a lot of frightening "symptoms".  My daughter can always talk me out of them.

 

I use extra strength Tylenol and ibuprofen with food.  I also take malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D to help with pain and fatigue of fibro.  Like Marlee, I have Vicodin in the medicine cabinet.  It's been there for five years and I've never taken any...so far.  Hmmm....I probably should ask for a fresh prescription!

 

You have to do what you feel comfortable doing.  I can't rule out never taking any more powerful medications, but I'm able to manage the pain with what I take now.  I don't know how I will be in the future so I take it a day at a time.

 

Sherrine