I was diagnosed a couple of months ago with fibro. I've been having pain for over a year though. My doc gave me lodene first but that did'nt help so I'm trying Feldene. It's not doing anything but giving me heartburn. I've noticed that when I have a couple of beers, my muscles don't hurt. Since alcohol is a diurectic, is it possible that I have fluid buildup that is causing my pain? The anti-inflametory does'nt do what the beer does. Does this make any sense to anyone? Please reply if you have any thoughts.

Hi, I am not surprised that the Lodine and Feldene are not working very well for you. They are anti-inflammatory drugs. Feldene is suppose to be good for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Water retention in body tissue is a common problem with fibromyalgia. I have swelling in my fingers. Most anti-inflammatories does not reduce that type of swelling. Some people have swelling in ankles and fingers.

I took guiafenesin for several weeks due to a sinus infection. After about a week I noticed the swelling in my fingers was going down. Therefore there is some truth in reducing the cellular phosphates that causes the tissue swelling. Usage of guiafenesin is helping some people, but while you are detoxing you can have more pain than ususal.

As for beer, one a day helps to reduce cholesterol. More than that just gives me a hangover. Yep, I noticed a beer will relax my muscles at the time for a short while but more than that just makes my heart pound and I get a headache. Later, I go into a fibro-flare. So, it isn't worth it to me. Plus, drinking and taking medications can be dangerous. Does one want to forgo the meds and drink alcohol for relief? It doesn't work for very long. And fibro-flares become worse over time. This has been my experience.

I have lived with fibro for a very long time and have tried many things except narcotics, morphine, and pot, or street drugs. I will never do that.

I had a terrible flare once and went to ER. They had to give me demoral IV. I think I had the flu at the time.

It is hard enough to feel good without adding alcohol on a daily basis!! MistyMisty

[This message has been edited by MistyMisty (edited 07-07-2003).]

Thanks Misty. I guess your probably right about the alcohol. It's just that these other drugs are'nt working and I can't get in to see my doc until the 18th. I bought something at Wal Mart called Maximum Strength BACKAID pills. Two tablets have 1000mgs acetaminophen and 50mgs pamabron (diuretic, I think.)They have no asprin or caffeine in them. I'm gonna stop the feledene and give these a try. I do have swelling in my hands and fingers. Also in my feet and knees. I have MAJOR swelling in my tummy and butt, but that's a whole new story! LOL!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Bug, Please be careful about taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for very long. I think it can damage the liver??!! A diuretic can wash out many minerals your body needs such as potassium (and calcium other vital nutrients) which regulates your heart rate. If you end up with palpatations (irregular heart beat, skipping beats) you might be washing out too many electrolytes. You can become dehydrated and that causes more pain. I know the total body pain, as I call, it can be miserable!! MistyMisty

I agree that the acetometaphen can cause liver damage. I used to take it with my ultram until they came out with the warning about long-term use. For the swelling, the best thing you can do is drink tons and tons of water. It helps your kidneys to be more efficient at flushing the fluids out. I know it doesn't seem logical, but it's true.You also might try drinking tea. The anti-oxidants are good for you and it has a mild diuretic effect. Just don't over do it, because Misty is right about your electrolytes.

Hey , Thanks guys! I think I will try to drink alot more water. It is sooo hot here that I get heat sick alot. I had a TAH last Nov. and I am not taking HRT. The hot flashes along with the heat and the fibro is getting the better of me. I'm also gonna cut out the caffiene and sugars http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif hopefully, that will help some. Again, thanks for the info!