Lyrica, meds, and treatment

Just wondering who takes what, and how it is working for you. (I did search for meds and treatments on HealingWell, just didn't find quite what I was looking for.)

Yes, I know all of us have different body chemistry/reactions and our situations are different. But I'm hoping to get some ideas...

I feel like (for a long time now) that the Lyrica 100mg 3x/day isn't doing much of anything. Is this a "normal" dose"?

I am in-between fibro docs (mine left her practice w/out much notice and no referral), but my pain doc offered to fill in for now. I really like my doc for my back pain/spina bifida, but he's no fibro expert and is fine with me going for a consult or whatever. It might be another 6 wks or so before I can get in w/ someone new who really understands fibromyalgia. (Frustrated!!)

SO, that being said, I want to get some ideas of what's out there, what I might want to talk w/ the doc about, things I might want to try on my own, etc.

I'm already on anti-depressants and found a good combination, so I'd prefer not to add anything in that category if possible, but my mind is open.


Lastly, I wanted to know whether you think Fibromyalgia is a disease acknowledged by the medical community in general? I'm having trouble even finding a doc around here (a large city w/ teaching hospital, etc.) who treats fibro. Is it just lumped in w/ other illnesses--it's not arthritis or autoimmune?



Sorry for so many thoughts, but thanks in advance for your feedback.

God Bless,


Sunny13

Have never tried lyrica, but think i have read others say that over time it helped less?

I had read reviews of it and was afraid of the weight gain that people associated with it...as i already struggle with my weight..

I personally use a low dose of tramadol for pain, i began it because tylenol made me too sleepy during the day..and tramadol did not..but i am med sensitive so i only use baby doses.

It helps me about 50 percent and i use topical pain relievers which help a lot..

Also stretching, if i miss stretching exercises, i tighten up and feel so much worse..i have been trying been using a recumbent indoor bike..was doing well with it , til i strained a hip muscle ( not on the bike), its a setback but i am working back up on the bike..

Occasionally i go for a little physical therapy..a very gentle form called strain and counterstrain..it releases fascial tissue issues in the body..

Drs are somewhat different on fibromyalgia , a lot of people see rheumatologists for fibro. Locally i just see my primary doc and a physical therapist at times. My drs wife has fibro so at least he understands its real.

Most of us have more than one health issue and it is frustrating, but a lot can find ways of helping themselves and get some help from a dr...

I did fairly well until my vit d crashed, which made everything so much worse, that took me a good while to work through..

I do use a sleep aid , after many years of insomnia..i also limit my caffeine to one cup a day..

My family has a genetic form of fibromyalgia. My sister also has it but hers presents differently than my own.

Its a journey for each of us..my doc strongly recommended fish oil and of course vit d, which our winters were causing a serious deficiency

Lj.