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Talking to doctor about pain

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 10/21/2014 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and my rheumatologist put me on flexeril 5 mg at bedtime.

It has taken the edge off, and I have no pain...if my day is spent doing nothing more than an errand or two and resting. However, I have to go back to work now, as I have been away from work for 2 months due to fibro symptoms. I had my first day back today, and was excited to see how the day went with the new meds. I was thoroughly disappointed...I had to leave 3 hours in because the pain in my legs and arms was awful. I work at McDonalds as a manager, and it is a fast paced high stress job.

I think I need something for the pain while I'm at work, because Advil / Tylenol / Meloxicam just doesn't take the edge off. How to I ask my rheumy this, without sounding like I'm seeking pain meds? I'm not after narcotics...in fact, I hate narcotics. I need something that will take the pain away, but will still let me function at work! I am scared she will tell me to quit my job and find a new one...except, that's not what I want to do either. I am 20, and already salary paid, with benefits! My job there is what enables me to have health insurance and the money to go to school.

I just don't know how to go about this. Any advice?
Posted 10/21/2014 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dancer in Recovery:

We are all using different medications. I do hope you get some responses about pain meds that still allow you to function. One med is Tramadol. Some people find this to be helpful. I have not had enough experience with it to comment. You are very young. I do hope you can find something that will allow you to function better. I have tried Lyrica. It did not stop all the pain but once off I realized it stopped some of the pain. Supplements may help. Magnesium and Vitamin D3.

Loring

Osteoarthritis in Multiple Joints, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Chronic Daily Headaches, I.B., Hard of Hearing...
Posted 10/21/2014 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Like Loring suggested, magnesium malate and vitamin D3 have helped me. I also take Robaxin...another muscle relaxer. I only take half of what was prescribed and I take it every six hours. It keeps things under control for me but doesn't make me sleepy or dopey but I'm still grumpy. LOL. Seriously, it's like I'm not taking a muscle relaxer. So you might see if you can do something like that with Flexeril.

Sherrine
Posted 10/21/2014 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
You can ask your rheumatologist for a pain med without looking like drug seeking. You have a chronic condition where excess activity can cause pain. Many people who work take tramadol/ultram, which is a non-narcotic. It does not take away the pain, but does allow you to function while at work.

I use the muscle relaxer at bedtime, and it has been my #1 drug.
Posted 10/21/2014 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
My dr put me on tramadol, because i needed something for pain and it does not make me tired...i do take it in tiny doses..but its not a narcotic and not really addictive... So something like it may give you relief without the side effects....tylenol always put me to sleep, made me groggy...so no way would i be able to take the strong stuff...lol...

I take a lot of d, mine was low, magnesium, malic acid , tumeric , and rescue 1250 which is a high grade fish oil...the turmeric and fish oil are for inflammation.
Posted 10/21/2014 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Have you considered an SNRI like Savella or Cymbalta? Nonnarcotic; blocks pain signals to the brain.
HEART
Posted 10/22/2014 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Dancer ,
I like you and others also work. I'm a store manager for at&t. I have been using Tramadol for 12 of my 14 years with fibro. You may want to ask for it. Just be honest and say you are part of our forum and many members have suggested it with decent results. It takes the edge off but you will still have some pain.

The magnesium malate that Sherrine and I use is really good as well. We order it from puritan's pride. It's made by source naturals. 625mg 200 capsules. It's 8.99 right now. That is a steal. www.Puritan.com

Mickey D's manager ... that is a great paying job with excellent benefits. I don't think people realize what a labor intense stress pit that is! !! Sounds like you enjoy it or at least the benefits it provides and that's excellent.

Do keep us posted on what the rheumatologist says. Keep moving. Keep stretching and above all else keep positive. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Take care
Michael
Posted 10/23/2014 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Tramadol is in fact addicting just like other medications. They say it's a non narcotic but I think that's a bit of a lie. Ive seen/known several people who are addicted to it and the withdrawals are about the same as other narcotics. I think it has a lower chance of addiction though.
Posted 10/23/2014 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I agree whole heartedly with you nooneknows. If I don't take it for a day my head goes crazy as well as my emotions. I don't believe the Docs really understood this medication At all. I will admit, I feel trapped on it, so please keep this in mind when put on this medication. Withdrawing is not pretty! !!

Michael
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