New here, New to Fibro...

Well I was relieved to find this website and see how many people out there I can relate to about my fibromyalgia diagnosis. I've been hurting baad the last three - four years seeing different doctors on and off I finally found a doctor to listen and take me serious. I'm twenty years old and having all this pain has just been making me go insane. My new doctor put me on gabapentin and said it could take up to 6 weeks before I start feeling some relief... Well I felt MAJOR relief after the first day of taking it but I also felt so completely out of it that I just felt as if I had no reflexes, concentration, or a working mind for that matter. This was three or four days ago and the days following I continued taking the medicine with none of the above side effects. It seemed that my tolerance built quickly and the pain started returning. as told by my doctor I took my first morning dose today. He started me off with 100mg at night for 3 days then 100mg morning and night for 3 days on to 100mg three times a day and so on. Again today after upping my dosage I felt the same way when I first took the Gabapentin a few days ago. Anyone else here have experience with this medicine? I'm wondering if this is normal and to be expected each time I increase the dose or is it too strong or just not the right drug for me? I am going to keep taking it and in the meantime I'm making an appointment to talk with my DR soon
It will just be a shame if this is not normal. For the first time since I was 17 I've felt good and "normal" and happy and just felt like my old self. The thought of losing those feelings again are hard to even think about. I am trying very hard to just stay positive about the situation. All the things I used to get joy out of I haven't been able to do for a few years now as most of my joy comes from activities such as jogging, basketball, rollerblading, and many other things that aren't even as strenuous. Anyway, hoping to find something/someone to relate with or any advice at all.
Thanks Everyone

Hi KRP and welcome to our fibro family, one thing I have learned with medicines is that what works for one of us may not work for another. I took gabapentin a long time ago but it never really did anything for me. It sounds like it is your body adjusting to the new dosage but you are right about calling your doctor and asking him about it. Always better to be safe than sorry. Sorry I cant be more helpful here. Glad that you have found us here and please let us know what the dr. says.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Welcom to our family. Everyone here is so helpful and gives us a shoulder to lean on when we need it. I did take Gab. and it did work for me in the very beginning. They kept increasing the dosage and as my pain inscreased I could not tell that it was doing much good. I have been switched on and off so many meds that I can't even name them anymore. My dad takes the Gab and loves it. He said it really helps him and some of the side effects you speak of he had in the beginning as well.

I hope things level out a bit for you. Exercise is huge so keep moving. We all have good days and bad. I had a really good morning and right now I feel like a truck has run over me, so sometimes it's minute by minute.

Hugs

Steph

Hi KRP -

Welcome! I had a short relationship with Lyrica this year that didn't last, because it just stopped taking my pain away after a few weeks. I only mention this because apparently the way it works is similar to gabapentin. But as everyone says, drugs all behave so differenly for different people.

You're so young, and Fibro is nothing to sneeze at....not fair! Hopefully, the gabapentin will do the trick for you and you can continue to get some of your old life back. How is your support system?

Debbie

Hi KRP...so glad you joined the family. I have found relaxation therapy very
helpful in reducing my stress...the more stress...the more pain. Taking time
out during the day to do deep breathing exercises and meditation does help with
my pain. Soaking in a hot bath feels good to me too. I have several microwave
heating pads that are put to good use also.

When it comes to meds, it's all trial and error, what works for one, doesn't
always work for another. I'm on Savella and take cyclobenzaprine for flares...
it does take the edge off. Walking also helps, without it I really hurt.
Hoping you can find something that works well for you!

hugs, Robin