I have fibro but need a painkiller to help me cope never had pain killers before do they work?

[Fibrospark1962]

Ive had it for about 10 yrs just used amitriptyline but need better pain management now ?

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Hi there , I have prescription for codiene from doctor been told to take them when only nescessary, they do seem to kick in but don’t last for many hours , I am on duloxtene it’s a relaxant and been told it helps with Fibro, although I was put on it for a different reason. Have a catch up with your doctor, hopefully you will find something that suits better, if you would like to lock your posts here’s a helpful link healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., take care

[Cakeygirl in reply to YASMINTINA]

Can ask you what strength of Duloxtene you are taking

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer in reply to Cakeygirl]

Morning I am on one tab 60mg , Doctor did double it up but I’m feeling okay on this dose , certaintly feel more postive as well been on this about 7months x

[FibroGirlUK]

If you have advanced fibromyalgia your GP might suggest you try gabapentin. It helps with sleep and the neural transmissions.

I wouldn’t suggest you do anything drastic if you have been able to take amitriptyline for so long.

[grandmama16 in reply to FibroGirlUK]

I feel stupid but I looked up antriptyline and couldn't find it on Web MD. I've seen it mentioned alot here. What is it? Also, I've been on Duloxetine for years. It's given for depression and fibro. but Dr. says no more than 90 mgs which I take. I've been on many antidepressants, years ago, and don't want to go that route again so will stick with it tho I wonder if it's really doing any good. I am feeling devoid of emotions except anxiety...don't want to do anything. Has anyone else had this problem on duloxetine? My pain level goes up and down...settles here and there. I take Norco, an opioid, too but usually try to stay below what's prescribed. Have also taken Provigil, an anti daytime sleepiness med., which works well but get terrible itchiness in hands. Don't know if that causes it or not so stopped Provigil for awhile. I also have active Epstein Barr virus which causes fatigue. Sorry I'm going on and on. So mant things to explain. M.A. in USA

[Sarahvit in reply to FibroGirlUK]

FibroGirlUK, I am on gabapentin and recently it was brought to my attention that it can damages the neuropathways in the brain so I called my pharmacist who confirmed that it can cause memory problems. I have a strong family history of dementia and Alzheimer’s so am concerned because I am having memory problems myself. So am going to talk with my doctor about Monday. I may have to see the neurologist on this but have cut back on the dosage.

[FibroGirlUK in reply to Sarahvit]

It does affect my memory, but the positive effects outweigh the negative for me. I was hardly sleeping at all which made my pain levels rocket and made the CFS totally debilitating. At least I can semi function and work part time now.

[Sarahvit in reply to FibroGirlUK]

That is great news. I’m truly happy for you. Both my grandmas had dementia and my mom had Alzheimer’s so yes I’m concerned about this for me. My memory has gone down the tubes over the years. From 97-10 I carried the dementia diagnosis. A new neurologist said I was too young to be carrying that diagnosis so he sent me for testing which showed mild cognitive decline so now it is mild cognitive impairment. I had dyslexia when I was a child and over came it by age 13. The area I use to score high on the IQ tests now are much lower. Spacial relations I score a sophomore in college when I was 13 now am weak in that area. Solving the patterns with the red and white patterned blocks I use to get to the last page in solving the patterns and drawing in detail the patterns on the pictures after looking at it for x amount of seconds? I use to do good on the test but now not so good anymore. Spelling was never a real strong area but now I’m having to ask my husband how to spell words I usually know how to spell. Yes it is unnerving and frustrating. So for me this was a major factor in getting disability. So that is why this memory thing has me concerned but I’m glad the gabapentin is working well for you.😊💕🦋🌻💜

[Al10]

What works or doesn't, depends on you. Long term, painkillers tend to become less effective though. Hence folks go on to other things. All with their merits and demerits. I found everything had a downside. Very few had any upside. We need to be careful because meds are essentially poisons. Fibro is pretty rubbish but recovering from or living with the damage done by meds while trying to cope with fibro, can be worse.

[Usandthem]

Hi I take combination of duloxetine pregablin and codine seem to be woring but everyday different. Still have Fibro flares particularly when I get the cold or stressed but I work full time teaching and can manage. Hope this helps. Be strong. Peace and love to you.

[Usandthem]

Sorry meant to say dosage: duloxetine 120mg, pregablin 225mg and 30mg codine. But talk over with your GP and build up gradually. Not a perfect solution taking meds but helps me. Try to stay positive I know it's hard but you will get there. Chat anytime it's good to hear about your experiences and sharing with people who are in the same space can really help. Be strong. Love and peace

[Hidden]

If you have managed fibrosis for over 10 years without painkillers, I would start with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Once you can't manage on these the next step would probably be codine. There are loads of options, I would speak to your doctor and they can advise. Just because alot of us are on very strong things this doesn't necessarily mean they will be suitable for you. They might refer you to the pain management course.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Stupid predictive txt ... That should of said fibromyalgia