Pain management

[Lorrainespad]

Saw the pain specialist today I suffer from sudden pain blasts that last up to 10days then pass can’t find a pain killer that works for those bad days have tried mophine and take amitriptyline daily doctor has prescribed gabapentin just to take on the bad days anyone else tried this

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Maybe its just me but I thought gabapentin was like pregabalin and that you had to take it daily for it to be effective, i wasn't aware that you could just take it on bad days. What dose are you prescribed to take on the bad days? x

[Al10]

Hi, I'd better say straight up, I'm generally rubbish with meds. I've learned to manage without. Not something I wanted to have to do!! Instead I take supplements and nutrition to be as healthy in my body as I can be. But it will be a matter of what suits you. Can you take this drug as and when? Or are you taking something all the time just to deal with these flares? You could ask folks taking Gabapentin, if this gets rid of their flares? People I've spoken to, have taken this for the day to day pain of fibro. It's never occurred to me to ask if it gets rid of the Flares.

Lots of us fibros are pretty sensitive and struggle with both bad side effects from meds and little or no benefit. I've read a lot, and most of us, will try anything the Dr recommends to feel better. Fibro is an awful pain and dominates your life. Sadly, there are no sure fire meds that work, just stuff you can try. And then try to get off when or if, they fail to work or stop working. Experts don't understand fibro pain so it is just a matter of trying stuff till something helps. There is no cure, so it is just managing symptoms.

You must keep your thinking head on when taking meds. Try them for the recommended time. Try to be positive in approach. If you don't feel happy taking something, you wont be giving it the best chance to help you. Log any changes good, bad, different, odd. When you have settled and are on the optimum dose, do you feel better? Are the flares kept at bay? For me, I don't want to take strong and potentially damaging meds if there is not a good amount of positive effects that allow me to live a better life.

I have flares. I don't like them but I do know they will pass. That helps me cope. As with all fibro pain,it helps to stay calm and as relaxed as poss. The worst thing for me, is panicking that I cant cope, or panicking that I can't let folks down, have things to do etc. Trying to carry on through a flare guarantees I'll be making it worse! I probly seem like a lightweight these days. I'll get shivery and achy and it's time to wrap up and rest. Best not to Pass Go or Collect £200!

I hope you get some replies from those taking the drug, but obviously, we really are all different how we will respond. Good luck.

[caico in reply to Al10]

Love your comment 'Best not to Pass Go or Collect £200!' I was on amitriptyline and lots of supplements for 8 years (5mg) - have had fibro/bad symptoms from perimenopause for 13 years. Took myself off last May after a build up of side effects (various symptoms from start of menopause did not help) - that was horrendous (took many weeks to get this out of my system). I also got rid of most of the supplements apart from probiotics and a vitamin supplement - again, build up of side effects. So I am now facing the fibro and menopause beasts full on with acupuncture, non gluten diet and cognitive behavioural therapy. For me - each day is a real struggle now without the medication but I am a very obstinate/positive person who thinks sooner rather than later medical research will find, maybe a cure for us fibros. Anyway we have only one life to live so best make the best of it.

[ruthmel1 in reply to caico]

Oh the Menopause!!! I had breast cancer 9 years ago so cant take anything with Oestrogen or any supplement that mimics Oestrogen. I have a knicker magent which has reduced them but the night sweats!!!

[ruthmel1]

Gabapentin wont work just on your severe pain days.It has to be taken all the time. The best pain releif I've had has been from CBD oil. Its worked really well. You have to take it all the time and build up slowly.It doesnt work like a pain pill but eventually I beleive you should get a good level of PAin relief with it. I'm not pain free and never will be and I have flare ups when nothing helps.Thats how my Fibro works, but my pain relief on a day to day basis is much better. HAve a search on the site.Theres loads of info We've posted about it alot

[Hidden in reply to ruthmel1]

Hi. What great advice

[AnnieOakley62]

Oh I thought gabapentin was something you had to take every day on a regular basis to work.

I’m trying lots of different things also but didn’t like gabapentin.