Medications

[Salad_]

What kind of medicine is prescribed to other for your fibromylia, my medicine doesn't help me at all😥😥

[Nipper11]

Hi there 😊 I totally understand your question. I been on many over the years which caused me many problems with side effects and weight gain and like you I realise they were not working the more I made remarks to my GP the more they gave me. After writing down all the side effects that were in the leaflets I decided to take myself off all painkillers and look for other ways to support my pain.

I Started with a tens machine for pain.

Started to do stretching exercises which eased my pain. Took to rubbing my muscles with warm oils .

Kept moving while sitting. It wasn't easy 😕 . I push my GP to put me forward to the pain clinic course and Living with long term illness and took on a whole new approach to my pain levels. Doctors do not offer this information out so share with him or her you are keen to understand your pain levels and mindset plus more about your illness.

I lost weight .plus moving more gave me added strength in my muscles. Started chair exercises which has supported me so much.

There are bad and very good days where I overdo things because I can but sometimes suffering the next day.

The only time I use medcation is when I go shopping or doing hard jobs at home like gardening. The reason Tramadol works so well for me is because I don't take this drug regularly only when I need to push myself hard.

Before my self-help changes. I tool gabapentin / Tramadol/Paracetamol/Amitriptyline/ Naproxen/and a couple of others for nerve pain.

Sometimes my time is limited due to high levels of pain therefore I do a bit sit and rest and start again it's about the best way to manage it for you. The pain clinic supported me in understanding my mindset and pain.

Talking Therapies also helps look on the website for your local community . Of course my abilities are not the same as everyone esle but who care I doing it just takes me longer. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and walk with sticks and can not believe I am so much quicker in my walking and thinking .more alive with out these drugs. I changed my diet and lifestyle to support my Inflammatory/,fibromyalgia/osteoarthritis it does help. I take vitamins to support my immune system. Do some research there loads of information out there .

I not saying this will work for everyone but look at getting help before adding more painkillers into your body because after a while they stop working.

I am not sure my suggestions will suit your needs but think about giving it a go 🤔. Good luck 👍 big hug. Xxx

[Badbessie]

Hi, medications can be very individual and what works for one may not work for others. Personally I found that the ones given for the nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia did not work for me and the side effects were at times worse than the pain. I will not mention the medications because I know others who find them very effective.I pushed my GP for a referral to the pain clinic who placed me on a pain management program. It was very holistic and broke my problems down . I have a number of conditions some of which could be controlled by more traditional pain control. Anti-inflammatory and opiates etc. fibromyalgia was more difficult but over the weeks we developed an action plan. Which involved exercise, meditation and routines that helped to prevent or manage flairs.

It is not perfect but I feel the "tool box" of options they gave me as helped me manage my pain.

[moo196]

The absolute best thing I have ever done wrt pain is to give up diet coke and everything else with artificial sweeteners in.if I accidently have it I know within 12 hours.

I check everything from yoghurts to ketchup these days as it's prevelant since the sugar tax 😔

[Bakery40]

Hi Salad and I'm very sorry it's not working for you. I'm on Pregabalin which does give me side effects like swelling of my hands and wrists but it also takes off the edge. I know there are 3 - 4 different medication ( maybe now more ) to help with fybro.

Best is to go back to your GP or rheumatologist and ask about other options.

Ofcourse you also have other non medication based treatments . Everyone is different and different things works for them.

Gentle exercise definitely helps even though sometimes it's very difficult but it does ease the pain a bit.

I wish you all the best and don't give up . You will find something what works for you. X

[Loobielu]

Hi Salad, I've not found fibro medication or pain meds to help me either and they come with such side affects. I know others find they help and we all seem to react differently. For me life style changes, healthy living and pacing is what gets me through the day. Do I feel great? Nope, but better without the side effects of medication. Best of luck, don't give up finding the answer (s) that work for you x

[Stairwaytoheavan]

I find a lot of the medications make you drowsy and depresive. I was recently sent on a functional restoration course by my doctor. I found the informatio n given has enabled me to reduce my pain medication and look forward to the future. Be assured you won't be asked to do a lot of exercisesor told to do them. It concentrates on finding a way of living with pain and strategies to reduce it's impact.

[Midori]

I find that most medications don't work well for Fibro.

I have been unable to get a GP appointment for more than 4 years, so I just use Ibuprofen 342 gms when I'm in a Lot of pain. It takes the edge off it.

Between the ancient bones and the crumbling joints, It's a real pain!

Cheers, Midori

[Chardonnaylady]

HiI was prescribed Tramadol and Gabapentin by rheumatologist a few years ago. My GP now refuses to prescribed these and tells me medication doesn't help and you have to learn to live with fibromyalgia. On bad days I self medicate with over the counter co codamol.

[Hidden in reply to Chardonnaylady]

Your gp sounds like a horrible arrogant twa*t and I would change it. I wish for everyone who don’t believe in fibro or think that we are making it up to have fibro for a few days at least.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Hidden]

they could be better but I suspect they are following the national NICE guidance that promotes these exact decisions on medication. It does not indicate a disbelief in fibro.

[Hidden in reply to desquinn]

I get tramadol, and naproxen and other painkillers, if they would try tell me otherwise I would push at what I want anyway! How GP can even say „ oh just learn to live with pain „ that type of „ doctor as they call themselves „ is full of crap and should change the field of work

[Lovecavatese in reply to Chardonnaylady]

You need a supportive doctor. Ask for a different doc at your surgery and say you didn’t feel like you were being heard . 🫶

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Chardonnaylady]

IF the medications were working for you, you can go back to your GP and quote the NICE guidance that they are following in that they should not be changing your medication if you feel it is working for you. Also that it should be a shared decision making process.

[Lovecavatese]

hi Pregabalin, duloxetine and a small amount of amitryp forgot how to spell it. Probs the side effects of Pregabalin tbh. But it is the best for me. tramadol does not work for me. I’ve got osteoarthritis and 7 long term slipped discs which give me gyp, especially if I don’t move much. Every time I exercise gently or push through the pain there is a pain consequence but I feel mentally better for it. I’ve started using small weights with my yoga and it makes me feel fab but in pain which is bazaar. I have noticed what generally makes me feel better and so I now understand when my endorphins are released naturally. I love the Sun and bright days = natural endorphins and less pain. When I get my roots done and look better, being slimmer, seeing my kids. Being around plants and surrounded by nature. Improving my surroundings.

try to avoid bickering or negative people that drag you down as your pain will get worse later.

Hope this helps 🙂

[Smilesalot]

Hi Salad,The Fibro meds I have been given only relax me or knock me out. The pain is always there.

Id rather be relaxed and I'm pain than pure pain.

That's the only help I can offer.

Id love to try pregabalin but my Gp keeps me on Gabapentin.🙄

Good luck hun finding the motor need or help without meds🤗

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Some good replies with lots of advice, indeed certain meds work for some and others it dosent ,so always trial and error, I do find when I can keep moving it helps , but differently the pacing method is key, I’ve recently been using a Cannabi high strength hemp cream I ordered online it does help me with muscle aches(always ask pharmacist /doctor when trialing anything especially if on any medications in general) I am reading more and more here that members have changed their diet , cut a lot of processed foods out, drinks high in sugar , I think days when the Sun comes out(not the extreme hot ones 🤣) it’s good too sit daily for 10 or 15mins , warmth and some fresh air 😃after a very long wet damp Winter. X