Kind of new here

Hi all! My name is Meg. I have been lurking for a little while, decided to make an account, and now finally am introducing myself.

I was finally diagnosed in the beginning of October, but I have been experiencing symptoms since around 2007... 2008 for sure. It took 2 years to find the perfect doctor and I lost her as quick as I found her. The replacement they gave me is alright so far. She was very thorough in the tests she ordered and sent me to rheumatology where I was diagnosed. Now I am on the meds suggested by the rheumatologist.

I have always had migraines and am taking Topamax for that. For my Fibro the rheumatologist suggested Nortriptyline/Pamelor. They said it was to help me sleep and for the pain, but while I'm sleeping SO much better my pain is the same if not worse. I had told my doctor that while I didn't have insurance and up until diagnosis I would take advil, tylenol, or aspirin for the pain which barely dulled it. She told me that I should just continue to do that for the pain. It's gotten to the point that I'm taking so much advil and whatnot I need to take Tums with it because it is killing my stomach.

If anyone has some suggestions about pain meds, like what does work or has worked for you, it would be much appreciated. I'd like to talk to my doctor about putting me on something for the pain, I'm so tired of hurting. I honestly can't remember a day without pain.

Oh wow that's a pretty long intro. Thanks for letting me vent and thanks in advance for any input you may give.

-Meg

Post Edited (Ms.Megz) : 11/24/2012 3:00:07 PM (GMT-7)

Welcome Mrs Megz! you will find out that we all have different ways we control our pain and different views also. We truly understand when you mention the word pain. Pain and fatigue seem to be the biggest problem with us fibromites. It sounds like your in good hands with your Dr's. There are many ways that you can control your pain. I am not sure if you have insurance right now. I know several meds for pain and fibro can be very expensive. I have tried several things on the market. It all depends if you want to get into opiates or not. Many Dr's are trying to steer clear of starting opiates for fibro patients. Some of the people on the forum do very well on opiates and function with no problem. Some people take lyrica or savella for pain control. Some use ointments or patches to help with joint pain. Methodone is very cheap and it can help pain. Tramadol is a cheap drug and works well for some. I buy my drugs at costco and it really makes a difference in cost. There will be others out there that can give you opitions to.

I will tell that the more natural remedies seems to help my fibro more then anything. All those drugs for fibro caused me too many side efffects. Vitamins, rest, heat , light excercise, eat well, sleep well, and stay away from unwanted stress is very helpful to me. I do take subutex for pain control. It's a synthetic opiate. It's less addicting, but more expensive then regulair opiates.

I learned how to manage my fibro and pain from this forum. Taking ibprophen frequently will cause you to bleed from the stomach. I watch it time after time in ER as a nurse. People hurting so bad and eating lots of ibprophen. It will catch up you. I hope your taking the enteric coated ones with food. This is a good reason to look up other ways to control your pain. You dont want an expensive ER visit because of this

You will find out pain meds is just one factor in helping your pain wtih fibro. So many other things help such as a good excercise program. It really has made my pain less.

Have you read any good books on fibromyalgia? This has been a very helpful tool for me. I use to be in severe pain, but I have wonderful control over my pain still. I did tried to stop my meds because I thought my pain was gone. It was in no time I started hurting. So I know I probably will always need something to keep me comfortable.

Just keep reading other post and you will get some other ideas on how to control your pain. We are usually active here, but the holidays are a little slow.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 11/24/2012 8:42:44 PM (GMT-7)

Hi, Meg, and welcome!  I was a lurker, too, before I took the plunge!  I'm glad you did and I think you will like it here.

 

I take a lot of ibuprofen but I also take it with food.  You need to do that if you continue with the Advil.  My doctor has me on Pepcid AC to help protect my stomach and also another prescription drug called misoprostol.  Because of an arthritis problem, I need the anti-inflammatories.

 

Fibro is not an inflammatory illness so you probably don't need the Advil but the Tylenol should help you some.  I take 1,000 mg every six hours and that does help with the pain.

 

One of the best things I've taken to help with my pain is a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin.  It has made a big difference in my back pain.

 

I also take some supplements that help.  I take malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements.  There is another supplement that does help with pain called Curamin and it did help me but not as much as the Robaxin.

 

You do need to keep moving with fibro too.  That will help some with the pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum....if you haven't read it already.  There is a lot of good info in there and you will learn a lot.

 

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

Hey, like your name. -wink-

I cannot do OTC painkillers, due to Ulcerative Colitis. My stomach goes crazy. I use them in very small amounts periodically, but you might have to live with a certqin level of pain until you get the meds/insurance sorted out.

I use tramadol in the am, and hydrocodone as needed at night. I take a half tab when the old pain seems too much. Exercise helps deal with pain, stretches can help immensely, eating properly, hydrating, and being about to pay attention to your body when it starts to get overwhelmed.

 

Hello Meg,

 

I am new to the forum as well, but have lived with chronic pain for over 27 years.  I was recently diagnosed with Fibro which was a relief because I was tired of doctors saying, “You know, if you lost ten pounds...”  Last poor soul that said that to me got back the snappy answer of, “I’d weigh ten pounds less and still hurt like hell!”

 

For me stress is a major factor in how my pain levels rise and fall, that and over doing it.  I am a type A personality, (currently in A personality re-hab) and I have had to learn that most of the time “good enough” really is just fine.  This past Thanksgiving I used horror of horrors, a pre-made pie crust! Guess what, no one noticed! I have purged my life of people who suck the life out of me and discovered that one, I don’t miss them and two, and they went off merrily to find someone else to drain the life force from.  I actually left a job of 22 years because of a horrendous boss.  Do I still have pain? Yes, but I no longer have the feeling of being brow-beaten while being in pain.  Yes, we have had to cut back a great deal financially but for me, it’s the quality of life at this age rather than the quantity of what I have.

 

Lastly, I live by the motto “I have Fibro, it does not have me”.  No matter how bad I hurt, I get up, get dressed, put on make-up and make sure I get out of the house, even if it’s just a walk around the block.  I also try to find one person while I am out that I can help, from an elderly woman who dropped her coupons to someone trying to find directions.  Gaining control and being in charge, rather than feeling out of control and helpless, is what has made a huge difference in my life………and no doctor can give that to you.  You just have to find your own way on this one.

 

Good luck to you!