Advice about my doctor!

So, I finally saw my doctor about all the fatigue and pain I've been having. I told her about the fatigue, and she said that she would give me Ambien, but to only take it "when I need it", which I agreed to, but realized when I got home, that I would basically need to take it everyday to get rested sleep. She only gave me 15 pills, and she says that she doesn't want me to get hooked on it. At this point, I couldn't care less if I got hooked, as long as it helps me sleep. After I addressed the sleep issue, I brought up the pain. She automatically told me to try asprin, and when I told her that I had tried that already and that it didn't really help, she said, "well, I don't really want to give you opiates because I want to use that as a last resort." ***? I didn't even bring up opiates! I calmly asked her about Neurontin, and she told me that since I was on elavil, I couldn't take them both at the same time. Now, I know a few people that are on it at the same time. So basically after the appointment, all I got to treat my symptoms was the Ambien (15 pills), something for my stomach acid thing, a refill of elavil, a referral to the sleep study clinic, and a referral to the physical therapist. Does this all sound right to you guys, or a little fishy. I still have nothing for the pain, and the Ambien I can't use every day, so what's the point? Any advice would be helpful, thanks!

Hi! Let me give you a little perspective from my experience. First and foremost, what you were told and given is not the last information or prescriptions you will receive while you are learning to adapt. The 15 ambien is a way to help you find some sleep relief without giving you lots of meds you may not need. Ambien may not work for you as well as you need it to, so this way you have not invested lots of money on a med that is untested on you. This is not a drive-through, 'doc in a box' health challenge. You need time to cultivate a working relationship with your health provider. You have a question, a pain or symptom; your doc offers you information, a referral, a prescription. Next, you report to the doc how that new treatment worked. Give and take, questions and answers- this is the main road you are on for relief of short term pain; regaining long term strength; and learning ways to combat pain and symptoms later down the road. Think of your FM as a series of independent issues that are connected, like a recipe. When you put a recipe together, you deal with individual components, one at a time, to make an entire dish. Your doc is looking at each component of your FM and attempting to correct each symptom so that you feel better all over. Take advantage of the referrals and keep your chin up. It sounds to me that you are on your way to feeling better and working with a doc who cares about you- ALL of you. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Actually, I think she was being responsible.  So many doctors hand out prescriptions like they were candy pills.  Too many people are taking too much stuff that will affect them down the road.

 

For pain, NSAIDS like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. are sometimes used.  I know that ibuprofen has been my greatest help with fibro.  I also take malic acid/magnesium supplements that have helped me.  My doctor doesn't want to prescribe narcotics because they can lose their effect and you need more and more.  I do understand that.  But, like Marlee's doctor, mine gave me a prescription for Vicodin.  It's my safety blanket!  LOL  I've had this prescription for several years but have never taken one.  I try to work through the pain instead.  It's just comforting knowing I DO have something if I get absolutely desperate.

 

I feel like a broken record here, but you do need to keep moving and stretching and doing gentle exercises like walking, etc.  It's too tempting to sit or lay a lot.  You don't hurt as much then...until you NEED to move.  Plus you aren't living your life!  If this is what you are doing, please start moving.  You will feel better and you will be able to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish things in your home.  Just be sure to pace yourself.

 

Let us know how you are doing.  Hope you start feeling a little better.

 

Sherrine

Sounds like you are plenty active!  Neurontin and Lyrica are pretty much the same thing.  That might be a suggestion the next time you see her.  Or even call the office and ask about it if you really want to try it. 

 

Sherrine