One way to look at it ....

It's day four in my trial of alien abduction and torture. I wake up to the alarm only to find out that the alien's torture has left my body sore and shaking and my right arm completely numb. I take the medicine that I have found to combat their sleep agent, fumbling with the containers because my primary hand cannot handle the openings. I stand quickly and realize that whatever they have done to me has left me with an urgent need for the bathroom. However, the fiends did not set gravity back to normal when they left. I lurch forward, watching the floor come towards me only to hit the dresser. The dresser seems undisturbed by the full weight of my body, but I know that there is a bruise coming my way. I take another step and lurch into the end of the bed. The bed post digs into my hip cruelly and I curse the aliens for their horror. Inch by inch, I make it into the bathroom, my abused limbs protesting even as they begin to stretch out and function more smoothly.

I make it into the shower and allow the hot water to sooth many of the aches and pains that the aliens left behind. It is when I am running the hair dryer that I realize one simple fact. The dizziness that the aliens left me with is going to prevent me from driving to my appointment. I wake up my husband. As a sympathizer to the rebels who fight the aliens, he understands my predicament and agrees to drive at a moment's notice. I grab the essentials to get dressed and head down the stairs chanting to focus my concentration "Put on my shirt before my coat, put on my shirt before my coat".

We are silent on the way to the appointment. My husband who cannot see the way the world moves wobbily around me, takes my hand to offer silent support. After the appointment, he suggests we go to a diner where rebel sympathizers can talk without fear of being overheard by the aliens. By now, things are starting to right themselves and I make it in without incident. I am nearly done in by the site of chocolate chip pancakes and I realize the aliens have done the unthinkable ….. They have made me unable to stand the sight or taste of sweets. Will the fiend's treachery know no bounds?


Doesn't the above narrative sound so much more interesting than the idea that it's Day Four since I started taking the double dose of Lyrica to calm the horrible "nervy" feeling that was preventing me from doing much or going out? I'm very frustrated and depressed today because I'm shaky, dizzy and am having trouble focusing.

Besides, what is more plausible? That aliens abducted me? Or that the sight of anything chocolate makes me want to throw up?

Thank you Sherrine. This started off as a question about Lyrica and I went silly because it cheered me up more than my question. i had positive results with the lower dose, but was left still very hyper. I held off on going to the double dose until I went to a family party of about 20 people and nearly went out of my skin. Too much noise, too much input. I love these people, and was sad because I couldn't just enjoy it, but had to run to the bathroom occasionally for a few minutes of quiet.

Is it reasonable to give it a full week before changing? Or longer? When I took the first dose, things were iffy for a week or so (similar to this) and then got better. I asked the Rheumatology N.P. that I saw questions, but they really didn't have much information for me. They told me I had text book fibro (which I had already guessed), gave me a lyrica script and said it will take a few days to settle and go to a double dose if one doesn't fix it. My primary is on a Leave of Absence and I can't get in to see my pain doc for a few months (although they are good).

It's hard to tell what is normal with these changes when the docs aren't available to ask. The one positive is that my appetite is reduced and I crave greens like I'm pregnant. i can't stand sweets, and I can only eat between noon and six pretty much. It's very odd. But not all bad. :)


Thanks again.

That sounds like a great idea. I think that would help. Unfortunately, they are a capsule, not a pill. The two week guideline is good to know though, thank you. I have been looking everywhere for a frame of reference for this.

Jenni, that's great news! You should start to have more and more of those days. When you do have a crummy day, go to Fibro 101 and look up the link about how to maintain a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. It really is excellent and I have read it many times when I'm having one of those days.

It's great to hear some good news! Keep up the good work.

Sherrine

Thankyou both.

I started Lyrica because I had a constant feeling like my nerves were all on the outside of my body. Smells and sounds would suddenly become more than I could bear. I had to leave a restaurant because I could suddenly smell everyone's meal. I would be frustrated with my husband because he would suddenly sound SOOO loud. I didn't think of the pain in relation to it, and to be honest, I think the only thing its done for the pain is make me a little less oversensitive.

However, it has made me much less "nervy" (is that a word?). I feel more relaxed and in control. The first few days of fog are getting better and I'm hoping this could be a solution for at least a while.

Btw, loved your little short story. Very creative and I could relate. Creative writing may be a good hobby for you to keep your mind off some of the pain. It's definitely a creative way to vent!

Dawn