New diagnosis-Still a lot of pain - Fibromyalgia Message Board

WICHRIS · 02-29-2004, 08:35 AM

Hi everyone- this forum is a lot of great info,suggestions . I have recently been diagnosed with FM by rheumatologist.My primary care doc has me currently on alprazolam 0.25 mg bid , bextra 20 qd , neurontin 100 mg tid, and tylenol 3 qd - bid . However , I still have days when the pain remains
out of control. Does anyone know of any fibro docs in wisconsin or have any
suggesions ? Thanks in advance and a good day to all !

Jenetti · 03-01-2004, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WICHRIS

Hi everyone- this forum is a lot of great info,suggestions . I have recently been diagnosed with FM by rheumatologist.My primary care doc has me currently on alprazolam 0.25 mg bid , bextra 20 qd , neurontin 100 mg tid, and tylenol 3 qd - bid . However , I still have days when the pain remains
out of control. Does anyone know of any fibro docs in wisconsin or have any
suggesions ? Thanks in advance and a good day to all !

Hi there,
So sorry to hear youve just been diagnosed with FM. Im sure youve been hurting way way before tho, you just have a name that goes with it now.

Much of what helps a person with pain depends on a miss and hit basis. You have to try several different combinations of meds before you find the one that works best for you. We are all different in how we tolerate pain pills and in what combinations work for us. After a long process of mixing and matching drugs, the one that works best for me is hydrocodone (lortab) taken along with soma (muscle relaxer). I also take elavil at night to help with deep sleep and prozac in the mornings supposedly for energy (LOL). I tried numerous combinations before we got to the one that helps me out the most.
This is something you must do along with your doctor . Work as a team, and don't be afraid to let him know which combinations are not working and if he has other ideas. I also take ultram for breakthru pain on those days that my usual combination isnt up to par. Sometimes its harder to get the pain under control when its gotten out of hand. Dont be embarrassed or shy to talk to your doctor about what works or not. Remember YOURE the one in pain, he isnt so he is assuming what he prescribed is working fine for you if you dont tell him otherwise. There are alot of people on here that are very helpful and that have much more info that i have. Please stick around, and we'll all get thru this one day at a time. Youre not alone.

Jen

painsucks · 03-01-2004, 10:48 AM

Hi Wichris and Welcome,

You may want to ask your doctor about trying Vioxx or Celebrex too, these seem to help a lot with the joint pain. But you may find that what seems to be a wonder drug when you first start taking it turns out not helping a lot after a while. It seems that we build up a tolerance to meds quite quickly, so when something that was working for you seems to no longer help, be sure and tell your doctor about this so he can switch you to something else. Right now I'm taking a Neurontin and an Ultram every six hours along with Celebrex in the morning and Flexeril at bedtime to help me sleep and Celexa for depression. The Neurontin and the Ultram combined have really been helpful, I hope that I continue to have some relief with this combination. It sounds like you have a doctor that is willing to work with you, that is a big part of the battle with this disease.

Marie55 · 03-01-2004, 12:25 PM

Using a strong vibrator works well for me. I use the large one with two handles and is heavy. Place on bed and push up back as needed. The chair cushion massagers helps too.

The best help has been a real good back massage every night by my husband. Massage does wonders. Does not get rid of the misery but certainly makes for a good night's sleep and less misery.

Do not use vibrator on sensitive to touch or to air area, will be misery. Use on other hurting areas.

Exercise is a must to keep muscles limbered up.

WICHRIS · 03-03-2004, 09:01 AM

I appreciate your replies,suggestions all. Jen you definately had a point-in that
I sometimes feel shy and embarassed to seriously address pain issues,etc
with my doc sometimes once I actually get at the appt. Just alittle background, I am a health care professional myself and must confess somewhat doubted the scientific validity of FM,etc. and then BAM! as Emeril
would say and over a year of having symptoms that mimicked RA and osteoarthritis I now have a definate dx of FM.There is a lot of unjustice still
in our current medical system.I know my own personal experience has definately changed me for the better with regards to my work. I hope everyone has a great day and better tomorrows !