HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Gabapentin....?

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/22/2017 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hello! I'm newly diagnosed with Lupus in the last few months but just from last week Internal Medicine is suspecting I may have Fibromyalgia too.

I will speak to my rheumatologist in July when I have my regular appointments for Lupus.

They're suspecting maybe Fibro due to my inflammatory markers are normal but I'm still REALLY hurting.

Anyone have success with Gabapentin? My internist prescribed 1800 a day but he said to slowly work up. I'm currently only taking 600 a night and that totally and completely wipes me out.

Does this ever get easier? Will this help with the pain if it is Fibro?
Posted 5/22/2017 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Kayva, and welcome! Lupus is an inflammatory illness so I'm wondering how you got the diagnosis of lupus when your inflammatory markers are normal? Fibro and lupus have many of the same symptoms. Lyme disease is another illness with many of the same symptoms that should be ruled out. There is no good test for fibro so these other things need to be ruled out since they do have good tests for them.

I can't help you with Gabapentin. I don't take it. My doctors suggested Lyrica, Savella, or Cymbalta and I didn't want to take these because I do get reactions to some medications. Instead I tried over the counter things. I do take ibuprofen because I also have several inflammatory illnesses but fibro isn't one of them. I also take Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a muscle relaxer called Robaxin that has made a significant difference in my pain. I take very little of it so I have no side affects and it works beautifully for me. Unfortunately, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another with fibro. It's a trial and error type thing. You will get a lot of ideas on this form but I will say that quite a few members have gotten some relief by using the magnesium malate and vitamin D3. Deficiencies in these can cause more pain.

I also walk daily as a gentle form of exercise. Swimming and yoga are good too. It's important to keep moving with fibro. When I walk, by the time I get back home I have less pain and fatigue and more energy! I also pace myself when doing things.

I do have a positive attitude and that helps me a lot. I count my many blessings and don't focus on the negative things in my life. I have my share but work around them.

Yes, it does get easier once you find what helps you be in control of your pain. I've had fibro for 30 years and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness. You will learn how to work around fibro to do what you want to do. Everything does get done but perhaps in a different time frame.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. There are links about the magnesium malate and vitamin D3 and how these work in the body and there is a good link about how to keep a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. All of Fibro 101 is good so do read it.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
Posted 5/22/2017 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Sherrine... Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to my Lupus diagnosis.

I am ANA+ (DS DNA), I have had knee swelling (what they're counting as arthritis), painless mouth ulcers and photosensitivity.

My inflammatory markers and like all other labs always come back completely normal. It baffles me because I hurt so bad I think my labs should be crazy.

So that's why Internal Medicine is suspecting Fibromyalgia and wants me to ask my Rheumatologist why I'm hurting so bad but my inflammatory labs are normal. Who knows what's wrong...
Posted 5/22/2017 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Fibro isn't considered an inflammatory illness. We have members whose blood work show no inflammation but yet they have the pain and have been diagnosed with fibro. Others have fibro and also some inflammatory illnesses. So having pain with no inflammation isn't that rare with fibro.

The ANA test can fluctuate. It's only one test of several to check for inflammation. There is the ESR and the CRP and I was very high in both of them but I have four inflammatory diseases I'm dealing with.

In Fibro 101, the very first link is an interview with Dr. Clauw and he explains what they think is going on with fibro. I think you will find this interesting.

Meanwhile, talk to your doctor and see if they agree with the vitamin and supplement I mentioned. My doctor said he didn't think they would help me. I asked if they would hurt me and he said no. So I tried them and they DID help me! Actually my vitamin D level was quite low. Many of us have that problem.

Do let us know what your rheumy has to say.

This link might help explain things to you also.

/www.hss.edu/conditions_lupus-and-fibromyalgia.asp

Sherrine
Posted 5/22/2017 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I take Gabapentin; I am currently on 300 in the morning; 300 in the evening; and 600 at night. They are slowly moving me up and will then add Cymbalta and take me off of my other anti-depressants. My Rheumatologist wanted to put me on Lyrica, but insurance will not cover that until other things fail.

I also have Flexiril to take at night if needed.

Vitamin D, Calcium, and Turmeric also help me with some of the pain.

I work full-time and I have been able to take the Gabapentin and work now, so I do think your body eventually gets used to it during the daytime.

My inflamation markers also came back negative, so my rheumy took me off of the anti-inflamatory medicine at my last appointment. I was bruising extremely easy and she was afraid the meds were thinning my blood.

Good luck at your appointment. Hopefully, they can get you a correct diagnosis and start you on medication that helps.

I am also starting yoga after we get moved. That is what was recommended to me as a gentle exercise program.
Posted 5/25/2017 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking this for about a year. I have not had any side effects with it. It does not make me tired/sleepy. I did slowly work up from 100 mg three times a day to my current dosage. Taking 600 mg at one time in the beginning may have wiped me out, also. Maybe you should discuss it with your doctor. Taking 200-300 mg three times a day might lessen the side effects and then you can add to the dosage as your body adjusts. But as we all know, everyone is different and our bodies process medicines differently. Best of luck to you!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply