What is the sucess rate for recovery through fibromyalgia chronic fatiuge syndome.

[juliet136]

What is the best medication to take.

[Hidden]

Hello

You will need to talk to your GP regarding this, as he will know how you are getting on.

Should imagine pain medications, and a certain anti depressent type such as Amytryptalene. although a full treatment plan may be needed to assist you, the GP will discuss all with you.

One site you may find useful is NHS CHOICES, just tap in your complaint in the A-Z there is a very good section on Fibromyalgia

Good Luck

BOB

[haribo36]

Good evening,I myself have had fibromyalgia for 8 years now and have been told that with most people you have it for life and not a lot of people have it go away.Its one of those conditions that you just have to find ways of managing the symptoms.There is a very good site on here for people with this condition called fibro action which has a lot of info about it and treatments for it,plus it's a great way of getting support for yourself as everyone on there has fibro.I myself am a member and it's a lovely site.You could start by asking your g.p to refer you to The pain management clinic as they can best advise you on what your treatment options are xxx

[Calceolaria in reply to haribo36]

Following proper medical assessment and pending referral to Pain Centre, correctly prescribed tramadol seems the most effective at managing fibro. All the best.

[Pained]

It's a horrible condition (which I also have), but I don't think it will ever go away. I had pain management but all my sessions did, was just to say to do things in bite size pieces (not always practical really)! Yes, amitryptiline is sometimes prescribed (it didn't suit me & it is a form of antidepressant). When I saw a pain Dr. he said there were 2 drugs (commonly prescribed), usually used for epileptics! but allegedly did some good! unfortunately, they make you feel sleepy! not good when a symptom of Fibro. is chronic tiredness! He also stated that the pain management wouldn't be much good for me! I certainly wouldn't like to take tramadol as this is usually prescribed (just before morphine, as end stage treatment) for cancer sufferers (my ex has terminal cancer).Any strong painkillers are going to be addictive if taken too long (even paracetemol). I have done stretches morning & night for over 20 years to help keep joins supple. As I have been on my own for 18 yrs I have had no choice but to just carry on, regardless of the pain! no fun! I have also had crippled lower back pain for nearly 40 years (bottom 2 vertabrae squashed through having twins).

[Reykua]

Hello Juliet136,

I was wondering if you were enquiring on behalf of yourself or someone else. I'm not sure what you mean by 'recovery' from Fibromyalgia and CFS. It would also be great if you expand a little and clarify which diagnosis it is. People with Fibromyalgia often present with other conditions like Arthiritis. Unfortunately, Fibro is for life.

In terms of medication, when I was first diagnosed about three years ago, I was started on Tramadol, Codeine, Amitryptiline, Paracetamol and the occasional Ibruprofen. I was working full time and found it impossible to work and take this cocktail but the pain was such that I persevered and eventually went part-time.

I was also referred to the Pain Clinic -which was fairly useful in terms of learning mindfulness. Applying the technique enabled me to reduce my reliance on the pain meds which I've now greatly reduced - with my doctor's help. I also try to have a deep tissue massage once a month and find that a 'hot session' - usually a long hot soak/shower session or if possible, a Turkish Bath really helps - I don't respond well to sauna's.

My doctor also referred me for Talking Therapy and I would also recommend undertaking a 'Managing your condition workshop' if you have one available to you - it helps you to recognise the 'individuality' of your situation and how it impacts on you, acknowledge your limitations and how it affects all aspects of your life and small changes you can make mentally, emotionally and physically to improve your wellbeing and quality of life.

Despite the exhaustion and pain, I find that stretching exercises (some people do yoga or pilates) like Callanetics really helps but don't overdo it or you can spend the next few days recovering.

I still take Tramadol when it's really bad and at night as it helps me sleep 'through' the pain. I'm now on Cymbalta which appears to agree with me more than the Amitryptiline. I still take Paracetamol and occasional Ibruprofen as well but hardlly ever reach for the codeine anymore. The pain is still there but I feel like I'm more on top of it than I was (even though it's taken me about three years).

I wouldn't say I've 'recovered' but I'm learning to 'manage my condition better'. The challenge for me 2014 is to differentiate which symptoms are the Fibro and which are linked to my other ongoing health conditions and treat accordingly.

I hope this has been helpful.

[beaujo]

I, as everybody else who has replied to you, have had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. After spending a good six months struggling to even walk downstairs to make a drink for myself. I finally got my diagnosis and was given pregabalin. This as someone else pointed out is an anti epileptic but it works on the brain to stop neuropathic pain, which is the medical term used for the fibro oversensitive sensory nerves. I was also prescribed venlafaxine which is an anti depressant this reduces the chemicals in the brain released in the stress response.Transfer too to take at night to kill the pain works wonders. I tell you all this because after four years I am able to work full time, bring my child up but I still need to be in bed for 9pm and do sometimes need a weekend afternoon in bed. So it is possible to get back to a fairly normal life but there is an awful lot I don't do now as I have no real leisure time it is spent testing. My advice would be to get a referral to a specialist and start experimenting with doses of meds obviously with your doctors approval to suit you. Remember these anti depressant type drugs take a good four weeks to start working. Alot of people do not give them long enough to work. Tramadol of course works within 20 minutes in my experience. This is the only med that is mildly addictive and your doctor can advise on doses.

[beaujo]

Hi again. As I was saying before I accidentally hit the submit button. Tramadol is very effective but it is ok to top up with paracetamol. I wish you luck and would love to hear how you get on. Julie