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Posted 7/28/2010 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I just found this forum in the past couple of days while looking for information on combining Lexapro, Tramadol, Trazadone, and Cymbalta. My rheumatologist prescribed Cymbalta this week for fibro pain and I'm a bit concerned about the amount of seratonin-enhancing drugs I'm taking (as well as the number of meds in general).

In keeping with much of what I've read here, I've found lifestyle management to be the most useful tool in treating my fibro and also the most challenging to keep up with, especially when fibro or other conditions flare. I have Fibro, RA, IBS, OA, Depression/Anxiety, and I am a former CFS patient. I thought CFS was behind me, but have had a recurrence of symptoms since becoming ill again. My Rheumy thinks it was 'in remission', not really gone. I guess that means I still have CFS. If the diagnostic criteria fits.... At least remission is possible!

I've achieved pretty good control of my RA symptoms with methotrexate, but I am still looking for strategies to handle my other symptoms, especially pain, fatigue, and mental fog. I am having difficulty keeping up at my job and most of my recreational and social activities have been severely curtailed. It has been difficult to accept becoming ill again, after emerging from years of disabling CFS. My remission lasted almost 8 years before I began having symptoms again about 3 years ago and subsequent diagnoses of RA, Fibro, and associated problems (IBS, migrane, hormonal changes, etc.).

I'm not much for social networking, but it will be great to have somewhere to ask questions and share. I'm sure I'll find much here of value.
Hello to all and thanks for having me!
Posted 7/28/2010 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Howdy to you mountaingirl! Welcome to our fibro family, home of the friendly
fibromites.

I have found that making lifestyle changes to meet my needs helpful. Exercising
is something I do everyday, flare or not. I'm a walker, it is wonderful for relieving
stress as well as getting the muscles moving. Inactivity is the worst thing for any-
one who has fibro or arhtritis.

Relaxation therapy is also a must for me on a daily basis. I do deep breathing
and meditation. Long hot showers or soaks in the tub are great stress and pain relievers.

Taking 5000mcgs daily of B-12 help with the fatigue. I take 2000 IU vitamin D
and that helps with achiness. I use Savella 50mgs 2x daily and that has helped.
I use a muscle relaxer for flares...Flexeril(cyclobenzaprine). I also take Methotrexate for MCTD (Lupus, Scleroderma, RA) and that has helped slow down
the progression of the disease some.

If you haven't already, do check out fibro 101, Sherrine has compiled a great
resource of helpful information for us. I'm glad you have joined us. Come back
often to post...We Care!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 7/29/2010 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Robin, I truly appreciate the welcome and the suggestions. Sounds like we are doing some of the same things. Heat provides temporary relief. I'm also on methotrexate for ra, and 2400IU vit D as I am chronically deficient. I posted another question about Savella since I just started on Cymbalta and I'm wondering if it is the right choice for me. I haven't had Flexeril in several years, but you helped me remember that it was useful for me.

I like hugs! Back at you :)
Posted 7/29/2010 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the family. I know you will love it here because there are so many caring people. I tried Cymbalta once but found that I could not stay awake on it at all. We are all so different in what meds we can take and cant take. I know of a person who was able to take cymbalta but had to stop it because she was slowly starving to death on it. I think Savella and Cymbalta are both from the same family of meds so either one has the capability of doing this. I hope it works for you and that you dont have any problems with it.
Once again welcome.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 7/29/2010 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
smilewinkgrin  owdy and welcome. Just an FYI I am on Cymbalta and do not like it. That is just my opinion. It makes me feel sick if i don't take it..just one day of skipping it brings me to my knees. I have been trying, with dr.'s help to get off of it but so far the side effects have kicked my butt. With all the other things I have going on right now, i have put getting off of it on the back burner. Some people i have heard have had great success. I am not one of them. Anyways glad to meet you. You have came to a very supportive place. Heather yeah
Posted 7/29/2010 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  Pain and fatigue are what we all are trying to handle.  What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another with fibro so we keep trying until we get the right combination.  I take 5,200 IU of D3 a day because I, too, am deficient in D.  This did help me with pain and fatigue.  Another thing I take that has really helped me is malic acid/magnesium supplements. 

 

Be sure to check out Fibro 101 ...the first thread on the forum.  There are good links about fibromyalgia and you will learn a lot.  There is a link about malic acid/magnesium supplements and how they work in your body, just in case you are interested.  I always pass things by my doctor and I hope you do too.

 

Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 7/29/2010 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, this a wonderful places for resources and information.......did I mention everyone here is wonderful.
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