HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

In LOVE with my Lyrica!!

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/19/2010 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to say that I LOVE my Lyrica. I am currently taking 150 mg (50mg 3xday) and it's working GREAT!! When my dr first wanted to prescribe Lyrica, I was so hesitant because I have heard some horror stories about (most importantly to me) weight gain. At that point I had just struggled to lose 8 lbs and here he's putting me on a medicine where it's hard NOT to gain weight. well, I am SOOOO glad I opted to try it.  Not only have I NOT gained weight, I have continued to lose (about 15 lbs total) by eating a really healthy diet and doing exercise that's right for this person who now has fibromyalgia. (Walking, swimming, yoga). I'm still trying to lose. Still exercising. Feeling SOOOOO much better now. I just HAD to post this because after seeing 99% negative things about lyrica in respect to weight gain (almot everyone said it helped with the pain BUT made them gain 30 plus pounds), I felt I needed to share my positive result just incase I can help influence someone's decision to try it or not.  I really watch what I eat. And can say I noticed ~some~ appetite increase in the beginning but I didn't let it beat me. Now I am past that and just feel great. (well, mostly great..lol) I still have days where I don't want to get out of bed. But I'll except those once in a while now that I have so many more GREAT days compared to before. smilewinkgrin
Posted 9/19/2010 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
I just need to clarify a few things. YEP, I feel GREAT... great compared to where I was at 3 months ago. BUT, not nearly like I felt in my early 20's. I was working full time and left 2 jobs because of this "pain" I always have. I feel great now because I don't have a "job" anymore to beat me into the ground. I have a "job" but not a "real job" (like so many like to call it) where I get a pay check. The only pay check I get is having clean home, awesome kid, and happy husband. I'm a mom and a housewife and that's all I can handle anymore these days. I don't think I can handle a "real job" anymore. And sorry for the quotes. I'm actually poking fun at people that don't look at being a housewife and mom as a real job. It's actually the toughest one I've ever had but one I can handle because I can do it at my own pace. And as far as SSDI?? Well, like I said, I just got diagnosed in Aug. I asked my dr about it and he didnt' think it was possible for me to get SSDI. This sounds awful to ask but just how does one prove that they need SSDI?? I've already left 2 full time jobs because of this and don't feel up to going back to work.
Posted 9/20/2010 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Mrs. Mike,

Glad you came to the forum! I don't know as far as your SSDI question, but I would sure like to. I'm glad you're feeling so much better! I wish Lyrica had kept working for me....

Debbie
Posted 9/20/2010 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi mrsmike,

Glad to hear the lyrica is working for you.  It didn't work for me.  I applied for SSDI, am still going through the application process.  They have me going to drs. & such.  I haven't worked in almost 2 yrs due to the pain, but was only diagnosed with Fibro (&RA) 8 months ago.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Stay positive,

Deb

Posted 9/20/2010 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forum. Lyrica is not one that I have tried yet but gabapention made me somewhat crazy along with cymbalta and savella.

I have made it through the month starter pack of Abilify and so far so good. Good Luck
Posted 9/20/2010 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome...

I love my Lyrica too. Have had no side effects and am losing weight as well. I was also very hesitant but was also in so much pain. I am very happy with it.

As for SSDI, I'm in the process of that as well. What I was told was that Fibro is not a "stand alone" diagnosis that will get an approval and that you really have to have the doctors behind you when filing. They also told me that there is a big difference on who diagnosed you. A Rheumy or Orthopedic surgeon has more standing that a GP. Also if you have muscular-skelletal(never could spell) or other issues combined your chances are greater. Many with Fibro alone have been awarded SSDI, usually having to go through the appeals process.

Don't give up hope. Keep a daily diary of your pain, what you can and can't do, how you feel. Sometimes that kind of journal can be helpful with your doctors.

Good Luck to you

Steph
Posted 9/20/2010 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mrs. Mike, welcome to our fibro family, Im glad you are feeling better from the lyraca and I will definitely agree with you that keeping a house clean and taking care of your family is a full time job.
As far as applying for SSDI do a search on Google for Allsup they have an awesome website with alot of information about getting SSDI when you have fibro.
Please keep us posted as to how you are doing and feel free to come here to ask questions, vent or offer advice.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 9/20/2010 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Mrs. Mike, and welcome!  I'm glad you joined our family.  I'm also glad the you are getting good help with Lyrica.  It's wonderful to be in control of your pain, isn't it!  Your exercising really is helping you with the pain, too.  If I don't do gentle exercises, I'm a mess!

 

Be sure to check out Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot.  It's always good to totally understand your illness and what you are dealing with. 

 

I'm happy you found us and am looking forward to getting to know you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

 

 

Posted 9/20/2010 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, thanks for the SSDI input. I've been going to Dr's for almost 2 years now (all started after sinus surgery in Feb 08). A laundry list of medications. I just had my first appt with a Rheumatologist on Aug 5th and in talking with me for a mere 20 minutes, he was convinced it was fibro. I'ave had all the tests to rule out everything else. So where does one begin to apply for SSDI? Your Dr? On your own? I don't know.
Posted 9/20/2010 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mrs mike,

As far as ssdi, with me, I just applied over the internet through my local ss website.

The first time they denied me, but I'm appealing it right now.  A friend of mine said that it's very very typical for them to deny you the first time.  ( I don't know why)

I did check out the Allsup website and found alot of good info on it.  I do remeber it saying something about how Fibro alone may not be "sufficient" for ss benefits.

It's sad that they still have yet to give credance to how bad this disease can be.  For me I don't know what is worse sometimes, my Fibro or my RA.

Stay positive,

Deb :-)

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply