New here

I have looked thru the forum for awhile now but just now registered.  I was diagnosed with fibro in May this year after having knee surgery in April and started having horrible pain.  I was already on wellbutrin and ativan for my depression and anxiety I was experiencing from medical problems with my daughter.   I since have been trying to find some relief from the pain and symptoms I am experiencing with no luck.   I am having pain from head to toe and at my breaking point with this.   I have been to two different rheumatologists because the first one I saw said yeah you have fibro but there is nothing we can do for you.   I was so aggravated at that response.   So I scheduled an appointment with another rheumatologist but had to wait 2 months to get in to see him.   He confirmed the diagnoses of fibro and put me on doxepin and effexor because I can’t sleep.   He also ordered a sleep study to be done, which I failed to go to.   I just couldn’t understand the reason for a sleep study if I wasn’t sleeping!   He also wanted me to see a psychiatrist.   I called to schedule the psych appointment and was told it would be 8 months before I could be seen!   I told them by then I will have committed suicide because of the pain, they didn’t care.   I recently have went back to the second rheumatologist for a follow-up.   He added buspirone 10mg T.I.D.   Will be starting that tomorrow.   Went and seen the PCP today who stopped my wellbutrin, doxepin, ativan, and effexor to start me on cymbalta tomorrow.   Was really upset with him changing my meds that the rheumatologist ordered seeing how all I went to the PCP for today was to have him fill out disability paperwork that the lawyer sent me and asked me to get filled out.   He wouldn’t do that, he stated that I am 39 and there is no reason why I should be disabled.   He stated that I have given up to easy and that there are other things to try so he ordered me another shrink consult, sleep evaluation, and a chronic pain management consult.   Well I was able to get into chronic pain management this afternoon.   The doctor came in and said that what I needed was a program called the chronic pain management rehab program that the Cleveland clinic offers.   I now have to wait until Jan 25 th 2011 for that evaluation to see if they feel I am a good candidate for the program.     I’m sorry for rambling on but I am just so sick of being sent in circles and not finding any relief from this pain.   I am tired of not sleeping and just laying around crying because I hurt so bad.

Hi Crhennes,

I can understand why you would feel such frustration. I would do the sleep study, you could have sleep apnea and a cpac would help you get the rest that you need. They can tell by watching and monitoring you. I hope that you go to it.

I would be bummed with the medication changes, but maybe the doctor thinks that cymbalta would help you. It is an antidepressant that also helps with pain. I take norco and have had good results with it. I still have pain but don't want to push my luck by asking for something stronger. I have a lot of time for that.

One of the good things is to try not to think of the pain. I know, easier (way easier) said than done. Eventually your pain goes into the background and you don't notice it as much. You kind of get use to it. None of us I don't think are ever pain free. But we can get it at limits that we can handle.

Robin made some pretty good points. Meditation helps a lot, moving around. And read the fibro 101 thread. There is a wealth of information on there.

Keep posting, know that we care. Do visit the depression forum if you feel the need. There is a wonderful group of members as there is here.

Hugs, Karen

I am sorry that you had so much trouble with prescriptions. I don't get that priorauthorization. If the doctor prescribed it, then you need it. It is a hassle but worth doing the extra leg work.

If you are getting stiff after sitting, try some gentle stretching. It really helps. But be GENTLE.... Don't over extend the muscles. I got a recliner that when I sit in it and get up, I am so sore and stiff. Not the most comfortable chair. It never fails. But once I get moving, I am fine. How do they say, use it or lose it. I guess that comes into play here.

Keep posting. Know that we are all here for you.

Hugs, Karen

crhennes,
I don't understand how one doctor can take away meds that another doc put you on?? I see a orthopedic, a neuro, a rheumy and ent and my regular pcp and not once did any of them cancel a med I was prescribed by another.
I have had them ask what I was on and change something that they are prescribing but never cancel it. For instance - the rheumy had me on 600 mg of ibuprofen but the orthopedic wanted me to try Mobic. Mobic is one a day time release and saves my belly taking 6-8 of the others. So, the rheumy said that if the Mobic worked better he just wouldn't give me the ibuprofen.

I can understand your pcp wanting to try the cymbalta and giving you a script for it but it should be up to the rheumy to agree and if so, then cancel the other scripts.
After all, remember that the rheumy is the speciallist and not the pcp, that is why they refer us to them.

I would deffinately check with the rheumy and see what he suggests. Hope this helps