Prescription Meds - or - All Natural

How many of you are taking tons of prescription medications vs. those who are going the all-natural route?

I know a healthy mix of both when considering my friends who have Fibro. The big difference between the two, I've noticed, is that those taking tons of prescription meds are more defensive and accusing than the all-natural folks. What I mean is - when I tell them they don't need all those prescriptions, they get defensive, then they say that I must not have Fibro!

I was diagnosed and I see a homeopathic doctor who specializes in the natural treatment of Fibro. So many doctors want you to believe that you have ALL of these problems, when your only real problem is Fibromyalgia Syndrome (which means that it mimics several diseases). Instead of solving problems with prescription meds (which doesn't always make people "all better"), why not try the natural route? It takes a ton of work and getting used-to.. but I have never been to an online community of Fibromyalgia sufferers, and now that I'm here, I'm afraid. I can't believe some of the lists that people are posting in their signatures! It makes me feel outraged at the lack of understanding out in the pharmaceutical world. Did you know that the only reason the Fibro community gets treated with Lyrica is because the American Diabetes Association turned them down? Lyrica was initially meant to treat diabetes, but once proven that it wasn't successful, they turned to the Fibro community.

Doctors LOVE people with Fibro because they = $$$. It's a syndrome that mimics so many different diseases that they are able to write prescriptions left & right.

There's never a reason to take more than one or two prescription medications for any illness while so many things are capable of healing naturally through the proper channels. I suppose the one & only reason I can see for this is - if you have a full time job that is physically demanding and the only alternative is sleeping on the street.

Please - let's discuss! I just ask that everyone refrain from anger or feelings of defensiveness. We are all here to support one another and understand more about this debilitating syndrome & it's successes in various treatments.

♥ ♥ ♥

Hi and welcome,
It's good to see someone else who is into herbals. I only take prescription stuff when absolutely necessary.
Depending on what symptons you have is what you take in the natural department. I don't like the side effects
of the prescription stuff especially when many of them will damage you beyond hope or kill you. There are many
that aren't listed unless you dig for them. I was out of work for 4 months and will be getting my first check this
week so I'll be going to the herbal shop and stock up.

You're right when you say many condemn those of us who take a different path. Like for an external pain killer
there's Topricin (written up in Woman's World!!!) and for my knee that's healing I use comfrey tincture and DSMO
50/50 mix. It also works for heel spurs when applied externally.

Nana Monster

I think one of the reasons that we all get along so well on this forum is that we all agree to let each individual make their own choices as far as how they want to treat their pains. I am happy for you that all natural works for you and that you can manage your pain that way. I myself use a mixture of both and I will continue to do that because it works for me. I am not condemning you for your way of doing things and trust me I am not trying to make you mad. I just want you to know that we all have our own ways of coping.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Ktpie, I take over the counter meds and vitamins and supplements.  This helps me keep my pain under control.  BUT, we all don't have the same amount of pain!  Some have far more pain than others, or more perceived pain, so I know, for me, I'd never tell someone what to take and what not to take.  They know their own bodies far better than I do! 

 

We have quite a few members that can manage a more "natural" approach.  Perhaps, I wouldn't be considered going the natural route because I take over the counter pain meds...ibuprofen and extra strength Tylenol.  But, this is what has worked for me.....so far.  I don't know what the future holds for me and if I'm in terrible pain, yes, I'll seek stronger medications. 

 

I hope you take the time to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum.  Be sure to check out the link called Doctors Respond to New York Times Article.  There you will find out more about fibro and what doctors think is going on.  I don't believe in conspiracy theories.  I know my doctor uses both vitamins/herbals as well as prescription meds.  

 

As Shirley and others said, we agree to let everyone make their own choices as to their health.  We are here for support, not to try to push our thoughts on everyone else and not to judge others, either.  We share what works for us and leave the rest to the members and their doctors to decide the right thing for them.  We treat one another like family and respect one another, even though we all are taking different things to help us with this illness.  You know, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another when it comes to fibro.  No, I'm not being defensive, either.  I'm just stating facts.  Please refrain from suggesting our doctors are basically pushing medication for money.  I know mine isn't.  I also don't agree that there are only a handful of doctors that truly understand fibro.  Many of us have wonderful doctors.  Those that don't are encouraged to find doctors that do treat fibro patients.  I'm really glad you found what works for you and have shared that with us.

 

   

Sherrine 

Please check with your doctor and your pharmacist before starting anything new.  Many herbs interact with medication, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins you are taking and you could be in trouble.  Just because someone in a health food store recommends it, doesn't necessarily mean they know what they are talking about.   You do need to be careful of St. John's Wort.

  

 

Here are two links to sites that have good info about herbs.  Please read.  We want to keep you as healthy as possible. 

 

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/aging/03/20/elderly.herbs/index.html

http://www.best-home-remedies.com/herbal_medicine/herbs/

Sherrine

I manage my fibro with yoga, exercise, and malic acid. I eat (try to, anyway) a healthy diet; fruits, vegetables, protein, minimal grains. I don't take any prescription meds for my fibro at this time, and, other than a brief clinical trial for Savella, I never have.

I don't believe in homeopathy but I would never argue with anyone that does. I do believe that herbs have a place in medicine but I question the sources of most OTC herbs. I used herbal remedies when I lived on the east coast and my friends grew the herbs and made the tinctures and teas.

I work and do most of what I want to do. I also believe that my fibro symptoms are not as bad as others here so what works for me may not work for them.

I also have extensive abdominal adhesions caused by endometriosis and repeated surgeries. I take tramadol for the pain from the adhesions. I have tried more natural treatments such as physical therapy to break up the adhesions, acupuncture, and castor oil packs. When I say I tried other methods, I mean that I tried them for between 3 and 6 months. I need to work and I want to enjoy the time when I am not working. The tramadol allows this. Yes the tramadol does help the fibro pain but I would not take it if I didn't have the adhesion pain.

I've tried accupuncture, Chinese Medicine. Pointless watse of money!

I was on the medication roller coaster for some time, even to the degree of being given a heart medication that had a side effect of "sudden death". I was on arthritis and pain medications that killed my stomach. Was put on one medication that caused 3 different problems to pop up, thus causing the need of more prescription medications.
Since the begining of July, I have been off all prescription meds cold turkey. I started an herbal, mineral and vitamin regime. My dr left the clinic I went to and was replaced by a nurse practicioner, whose best advice was to start the herbal, mineral, and vitamin. They don't help, my sleep schedule is a joke, my fatigue is crushing and my pain is at an all time unmanageable high. At this point, if a new dr came to my clinic and told me that 3 drops of dilluted battery acid would give me something resembling a life again, pass it over, I don't care if it's natural, unnatural or even from outer space. I am tired of living in pain, I am tired of not being able to sleep through the night and falling asleep through the day. This condition/syndrome has made me bitter, meaner and much angrier, granted fibro is the least of my health problems.

I am glad that the natural approach has helped you and others and hope you have continued success.

After suffering with Fibro for at least twenty years I finally decided to try something stronger than Tylenol and Advil.  I talked to my rheumy and he prescribed an SSRI and Benzo combo.  I don't blame him as I asked for it, as my symptoms were starting to get out of control.  I can honestly say I do not remember much of what went on for those two years...I am assuming I felt better???  Have no clue but the hubby asked me to get off, and stay off as he said I had become 'an emotionless drone'.  Okay...went off but did not wean properly and now I am in a hell I cannot describe.  I am sure my experience is rare and many can stop these drugs with no problem...but Protracted Withdrawal is REAL, painful and makes you doubt your sanity.  I could not blink my eyes or turn my head for months due to the brain zaps.  Many doctors dismiss these symptoms and say it's 'anxiety returning'.  I was not put on these drugs for anxiety...I was put on them for fibro!  I will take a monster fibro flare over this any day.

Even so, I do not judge people that use these drugs and have success with them.  They are just not for me...my body said 'no way'.  I am back to Tylenol and Advil...fish oil and vitamin D.

Donna

I have taken many natural meds and not any have really worked for me.  the meditation is hard for me....I usually have 5 different things on my mind at all times of the day.  We have 3 businesses, I have 5 German Shepherd dogs, 2 horses and a pretty young pony that is in a constant state of founder.  I am on a limited amount of fibro meds and so far they are working.

Newest one I bought was cobraxin.............ingredient is cobra venom, doubt if it will do much either

Hello all,

I myself have been treating my fibro with diet, exercise(gentle) and herbs. I like to take Pau D' Arco Bark and also Kratom(very carefully and only as needed) for a topical pain med I use coconut oil mixed with Arnica/olive oil. All this works great for most of the time. But I'm always on the lookout for more info.

I saw mention of Topricin, what is it? how does it work for you and where do you get it? Thank you

Just for the record, Lyrica was not "turned down by the American Diabetes Association." It was formulated to be similar to neurontin, a drug used to treat neuropathy, whose patent was about to go generic. During drug trials it was discovered to have some helpful properties for fibros. I am not endorsing this medication, just don't like broad statements that are not entirely factual.

Medical treatments are personal choices and what works for one may not work for another.

Topricin was written up in a recent issue of Woman's World. It is a cream blend of 11 different herbs that combat pain.
It is not really greasy and is odorless. I'm right now using DSMO and comfrey tincture in a 50/50 mix to help heal my
messed up knee. Comfrey is also called knit-bone in Native American culture.

I see many list their ailments and meds. For me I go as natural as possible to combat:
RA in most joints, sinus bradacardia (low heart rate), fibro, sinus problems, DDD and bone spurs in spinal column,
hearing loss, low blood pressure, borderline diabetic, many lipomas, and so many surgeries to date.
The only pres meds I do is darvacet and skelaxin when needed. I work at least 8 hours a day at a very physically
demanding job that entails much turning, twisting, lifting heavy items and having to work at a very fast pace.
After 25 years of dr meds I called it quits and went as herbal as possible. For some it works, for others it doesn't
and hopefully we are aware of what our bodies need instead of blindly taking whatever they hand us and saying OK
without knowing what they are giving us.

Nana Monster