HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Doctor is having me try Cymbalta

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/21/2011 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Applevenus (again, lol turn),

I know you're worried about the side-effects and potential issues passed onto your organs but at this time, if you're not finding relief with alternative meds and therapies, *God, you'd think I work for Pfizer or something* wouldn't you like to it least see what can help you get some or all of your life back??

After my huge IBS issue, I swore that I'd never ever touch another antibiotic, NSAID, nevermind all these other drugs I'm on now. However, and to tell you the truth, I became desperate even for a small bandaid solution to help since we all know Fibro isn't curable. I still have difficulties, but they've been reduced by an astronomical amount *in my mind anyway*. In the morning after I take my Cymbalta, about 30-60 minutes later I can wake up, feel reduced pain ALL over *my wrists and lower back hurt last night*, and I can actually do exercises that stretch me out and make me healthier smilewinkgrin. I did not have this ability last year, the year before, jock that up to 3+ years tongue

I'd also like to mention that I was doing Chiropractic and Massage therapy since this started decreasing my mobility in '08. Neither of those helped. I also sought a Naturopath, and she too was bewildered that most of the 'natural' therapies, including vitamin, had little to no effect on me shakehead.

All I can say is we're all desperate for a solution, that I am 100% aware of. Keep in mind how different we all are when it comes to Fibromyalgia and the therapies that work vs. don't work. Don't let others scare you into not trying something that may turn out to be your saving grace, I beg you!
Posted 9/21/2011 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
I know what you mean. I may, and most likely will give it a shot eventually, but this week I'm doing pretty well, so I'm going to try to ride this "mostly good" time out for as long as I can. Basically, not unbearable right now, so not wanting to risk messing that up right now. I bet you know what I mean.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
I just added zinc to my vitamins. Boy, I am a vitamin takin' fool but I am feeling a bit better with them.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, am a vitamin fool but as I have celiac I was not absorbing any nutrients or vitamins properly which causes all sorts of crazy problems from thinning hair to brittle nails to GI issues to organ failure to dry skin to thin tooth enamel. My chronic pain management doctor told me to take zinc as well for chronic pain. So, I take mega doses of vitamins.

I am still leaning towards trying Cymbalta in case it is that miracle drug that I have been searching for. Drugs are such tricky things. Too bad we cannot just try them without having all the extra side effects and withdrawal problems! :-(
Posted 9/21/2011 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Right. I have a month's worth of free samples and I'm hesitating on the Cymbalta...when the fibro creeps up on me badly again I'm going to take one (if it's a morning) :)

From what I am reading about the vitamins, one supports another...the zinc/magnesium/calcium all need each other to work well.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yes - I was told the same thing about the supplements/vitamins. When I get mine out each evening for the next day the pile looks hefty!

We do not get samples to try here but thankfully my husband has drug coverage through his work.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Yoga has been a lifesaver for me. I never feel like taking the class but always feel better afterwards.

Someone here is quick to tell everyone not to take Cymbalta. I thought we didn't give medical advice. Meds can affect different people differently. For me, Cymbalta has been a godsend.
Posted 9/21/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Patty!!! :D
Posted 9/21/2011 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
The neurologist I saw today prescribed me cymbalta. I asked him whether I could take them on an as needed basis, or would have to every day. He said I could take them only when needed. I don't know what he was thinking!

When I got home and did some research I was disappointed to learn that cymbalta must be taken every day on a long term basis. This may be ideal for a lot of people, but I'm a student with an extremely limited source of income and no med insurance, so having to buy meds every month is not within my budget. I wanted something that I could take a few times a week when my pain becomes unbearable. Cymbalta would have to be a financial commitment.

I'm glad that Cymabalta seems to have been helpful to so many here. I'm still not sure if I should try it or not though.
Posted 9/22/2011 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
You can go online to Cymbalta's website and get a coupon for a free month's prescription. Usually the drs have samples too. My dr gave me a month's worth, then I used the coupon for the 2nd month. I believe it's a Tier 2 drug, so should be middle copay ($25?).
Posted 9/22/2011 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I do feel the supplements help. Drinking lots of water and the yoga stretching works well also. One thing I have gotten away from is a healthy diet of fruits and veggies and giving up sugar. I really do see an increase in my pain level when I eat alot of sugar not to mention it makes me gain weight. So I need to get motivated and eat my 5 or more fruits and veggies per day. I gave up coffee and soda so I am heading in the right direction. Off to the produce isle....
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12