[fearfulfrog]

OK lets see if this works: http://www.patientslikeme.com/ I believ this will now come out as a link ( cross my fingers); PLEASE note- this is a HEALTH website, not a psych website ( I saw DocJohn looking for psych websites to link).

[new2ar]

Hi. I've been living with fibromyalgia and M/E for 8 years. Fortunately I had 3 great doctors who understood and helped. I'm lucky in that Lyrica helps me with the pain. And Xanax helps with the mood swings and sleep.

I found that most of the other meds just made me more tired. I also gained a lot of weight. So now I'm on about 10 different vitamin and herbal supplements. I can only be physically active about 4 hours a day which is why I'm on full disability.

Years ago I took an on-line self-help course and it was the best $25 I've spent in my whole life. I learned how to pace myself and avoid pushing too much and then crashing. The first couple of years I could barely get out of bed! So I'm happy for the progress.

I'm sorry to hear about those of you who can't find doctors who understand our illness. Keep looking! Even if you have to drive far. It's worth it!

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by scooby0407

No one understands, either, they think I am just being a baby about things.

Scooby0407, oh boy do I hear you about co-workers acting like you're being a baby. I working for a counseling agency. You'd think the people I work with would be understanding. They are totally unsympathetic. They act like I'm faking.

[porcupine2]

Originally Posted by freewill

she said... "it is best to not come back - except for regular physicals - because I was 'one of those people'" one with a mental illness - therefore.. perhaps more "prone" to feeling physical aliments - more aware of my pain than others... even though.. she does acknodlwedge the fibrom.. DX..

For that visit - she marked "migrane headache"... as DX.. and I do not have headaches..

Unbelievable! What the heck is going on with medical care these days???
When I went to see my doctor (actually his PA cuz he was too busy), he just prescribed me tramadol which really freaked my pdoc out because of it's reactions with antidepressants of which I take a daily cocktail. I've been looking up my doctors on the net under the State Medical Boards, and other sites that allow you to rate your doctor. Not many people do it but I have - and will continue to. I even tell the doctor beforehand when he asks how I found him/her - I say on the state medical board website to make sure he didn't have any complaints or pending legal action. He was shocked and then paranoid the rest of the appointment cuz he knew I was going to grade him. That seemed to step up his attention span.

[Travelinglady]

I have bipolar and fibro--and yes, I'm on tramadol. But I just take two low dosages of anti-depressants. I am going to be re-evaluated this month by several doctors. The pain has been bad lately.

[Spiritual1971]

I've had Fibro and Chronic fatigue syndrome for more than 10 years.Some days are more difficult than others. This past week has been really tough for me and I felt really low and teary and in pain all over my body. My mind even felt like it was in pain! Anyone else feel like this?

[porcupine2]

Originally Posted by Spiritual1971

I've had Fibro and Chronic fatigue syndrome for more than 10 years.Some days are more difficult than others. This past week has been really tough for me and I felt really low and teary and in pain all over my body. My mind even felt like it was in pain! Anyone else feel like this?

Yes, yes and yes! Depression almost goes hand in hand with fibro - plus just the fact that dealing with pain all the time does not a happy person make. I've been experiencing bad neck and shoulder pain, plus my ears constantly hurt even though I don't have any infection. My knees feel like they will buckle at any moment and my arms get tired even from typing. I am going to see a rheumatologist on Monday and don't really know what to expect, but my doctor referred me to her. I'm kind of worried how all the pieces will fit together as far as my GP, Psdoc and now this new Dr.
I have no idea what to expect.

Hope you feel better Spiritual -

[Travelinglady]

I just got back from seeing a new doc who thinks most of my pain is caused by fibro--not herniated discs in my back. But I'm also bipolar and take meds that dope me up, so Lyrica doesn't seem like a good option, he says. And the other popular fibro meds can create mania.

Anyone else have this dual diagnosis? If so, then what do you do?

[porcupine2]

Originally Posted by PAYNE1

I just got back from seeing a new doc who thinks most of my pain is caused by fibro--not herniated discs in my back. But I'm also bipolar and take meds that dope me up, so Lyrica doesn't seem like a good option, he says. And the other popular fibro meds can create mania.

Anyone else have this dual diagnosis? If so, then what do you do?

I'm in the same boat - I will let you know how my doctor appointment goes and what is recommended. I too take psych meds for depression and BP amongst other things. I was told if I took Cymbalta I'd have to drop the Prozac, and if I took Lyrica I would have to drop the Lamictal. That was my pdoc talking. I am very curious as to what the rheumatologist will suggest. Right now I just take 800mg ibuprofen 2 or 3x a day. It is so frustrating!

[lainpie4u]

I too have Fibro. My Dr. has me on an assortment of pain management. It seems to work but is alot of drugs to be on. Fentenyl pain patch, Cymbalta, Morphine for breakthrough pain and abilify to help the Cymbalta. Lots of pain meds along with depression meds. I just want to feel like a real person again. I also do all of the home chores. What a pain in the butt.....

[sabby]

I'm beginning to wonder if the amount of Cymbalta I'm on for the fibro and ensuing depression is enough. I had my worst bout with major pain and brain fog I've ever had the other day. I'm still suffering some of the brain fog and a bit more pain than I usually have on a daily basis but it's better than it was on Friday.

I'm on 60mg of Cymbalta and I'm curious what doses others take who are on it for the pain. I do know that when I've run out of the med for a day or two, the withdrawals are horrible. I'm also wondering if going on another med like Lyrica might be something I should consider trying.

I've noticed that my daily pain level is a bit higher than it was a year ago. I'm also noticing that my depression seems to be a wee bit more edgy as well. That could be because it's winter time though so I'm not so sure of how the fibro is affecting it.

Anxiety has been a lot move prevalent as well. I don't know, it just seems everything is ramped up right now. Hard to tell why specifically. Dang fog, I just can't think clearly. *sigh*

[porcupine2]

de

Originally Posted by sabby

I'm beginning to wonder if the amount of Cymbalta I'm on for the fibro and ensuing depression is enough. I had my worst bout with major pain and brain fog I've ever had the other day. I'm still suffering some of the brain fog and a bit more pain than I usually have on a daily basis but it's better than it was on Friday.

I'm on 60mg of Cymbalta and I'm curious what doses others take who are on it for the pain. I do know that when I've run out of the med for a day or two, the withdrawals are horrible. I'm also wondering if going on another med like Lyrica might be something I should consider trying.

I've noticed that my daily pain level is a bit higher than it was a year ago. I'm also noticing that my depression seems to be a wee bit more edgy as well. That could be because it's winter time though so I'm not so sure of how the fibro is affecting it
Anxiety has been a lot move prevalent as well. I don't know, it just seems everything is ramped up right now. Hard to tell why specifically. Dang fog, I just can't think clearly. *sigh*

My pdoc told me if I use Cymbalta I'd have to lose the Prozac (which is the only thing we've found that helps the depression) and if I chose Lyrica I would have to stop the Lamictal - which in no way is even an option for me. Tramadol is a good drug for fibro, and also has serotonin uptakes to help with the blues. Hope this info helps....

[sabby]

Thanks porcupine2!

I'm sorry that you are having some issues in the med department. Sounds like a Catch 22 situation which is never good. Luckily enough, I'm not on any other psych meds except for an occasional lorazepam for anxiety.

Since I have no health insurance, seeing the doctor is costly. I only go when something is really wrong and even then I very often will put it off. I've applied for some medical help through a program in my state (not medicaid as I do not qualify for that). I should find out if I'm accepted by the end of Dec. beginning of Jan. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[porcupine2]

Does anyone else experience this - lipomas in the arms that are extremely painful and seem to shoot pain down thru the arms? I can feel the lumps yet none of the doctors seem too concerned about them since they are not cancerous. But the pain can be quite severe and affects my whole arms, including hands. Any suggestions from someone?

[ur_ladybird]

Hi all,

Have to apologise first, as I am a little in a hurry I haven't read all of the thread yet. But wanted to ask, do we have a fibromyalgia group on here? I tried to look but haven't found one yet.

I have fibro as well, and at the moment it is on an all time high as I have social anxiety disorder which is really bad at the moment. Fright/ flight symptoms means no relaxation for mind or body.

I'll be back later to read but just thought I ask and say hi.

[lizardlady]

Sabby, how are you doing now? Did you qualify for the med program?

FWIW, my symptoms get worse in the winter. Partly it's the cold weather. Partly it's the change in pressure from cold fronts moving through.

[sabby]

Hey lizardlady

Thanks for asking how I'm doing. I was turned down for the medical assistance. They want to know more about how much I get that goes directly to supporting the disabled individual in my home. I didn't think I would be able to divvey it all up, but I think I have figured it out. I will have to submit this to the office and see where we go from here. I was very disappointed that's for sure. Almost made me feel like giving up. But I'm over that now....LOL.

My pain levels have been rising since last summer. Yes, I agree that winter time can exacerbate the pain quite a lot. I think I may also suffer from SAD as well and it seems to be getting worse every year.

I guess I will just have to buckle under and make that doctor appointment that I've been putting off. I hate medical bills....looks like I'm just going to have to run them sky high and pay a little each month on them. It's the only thing I can do at this point.

I hope you are hanging in there and dealing with the weather changes. Springtime can't get here fast enough this year! LOL


sabby

[Twilightsky]

I am new here but I wanted to say I take Lyrica. It is the same as all the other drugs. I feel relief but the big episodes still come. With me, the Lyrica has affected my eye sight but that doesn't mean it will do the same to you. I SAY TRY IT! I am willing to try anything once. You will never know if it will give you release until you try. (((hugs))) I am sorry you are in pain. I hope some of my own will give you some release.

[sabby]

Thanks so much Twilightsky

I see my doc in April (if I can wait that long!). Right now I don't have much of a choice but to fight through the pain and the fog. I'm loosing my contract at the end of March, which means no job and I have to find another place to live in the meantime. (I'm a home provider for the disabled and it's his home)

I just feel like I'm really starting to fall apart some days. LOL

[porcupine2]

I'm going to have to break down and buy myself a cane because of osteoarthritis in my knees and shoulders - both are pretty much bone on bone. But here's the dilemna - the fibro and lipomas in my arms make it hard to bear down any weight on the cane. I'll have to figure this one out.

[sabby]

Aww...I'm sorry to hear you are having such difficulties porcupine

Would a walker work better for you than a cane mabye? It could evenly distribute your weight and muscles that you would be using where as a cane may exacerbate pain on the side you are using it on. Just a thought.

[Twilightsky]

Will this flare ever end? I am so tired of this pain. I really am strong but my energy is finally exhausted. Please understand that I am sorry for all your pain as well. If anyone understands I do. (((hugs 2 All)))

[porcupine2]

Yes Sabby, it's funny I never thought of that - using a walker. My dad suggested the same thing and we envisioned me with a funky colored walker with a basket and bells! Why not? Might as well have some fun with it instead of being embarrassed, right?

[Twilightsky]

Hello everyone. I need to ask a question. I have been in pain so long now. I don't see my Doctor 'til the 29th. My question is: Do any of you experience alot of vomiting when you are hurting? I just started doing this. I have been losing alot of weight in the past 3 months and I am nauseated constantly. Please let me know if this is normal. I think I am somewhat dehydrated also. Thanks! Much love and (((hugs))) to All!

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by porcupine2

I'm going to have to break down and buy myself a cane because of osteoarthritis in my knees and shoulders - both are pretty much bone on bone. But here's the dilemna - the fibro and lipomas in my arms make it hard to bear down any weight on the cane. I'll have to figure this one out.

Porcupine, what about using a wheeled walker?You wouldn't have to put as much weight on your arm as with a cane. My mom used one that had a seat on it so she could sit down if she got tired. It was a godsend.

+++++++++

Opops! Didn't see Sabby's reply when I posted.

Great minds in the same place eh Sabby?