Another medication and first virus of the year

[Louisepenygraig]

Some of you may remember that when I saw the rheumatologist he confirmed that I had fibromyalgia as well as PMR. When I saw my GP on the 28th he'd not heard from the rheumy so couldn't prescribe any of the medication he'd suggested. Then last Monday, the 3rd, my daughter said I'd just had a phone call from the surgery saying there was a prescription for me for amitriptyline for my neuralgia and it would be waiting for me at the chemists. I was a bit puzzled by this so rang back the next morning to check that it really was for me. My GP was on holiday by now but I was able to talk to one of the other doctors. Turned out this was for the fibromyalgia. I had mixed feelings about this but had a good chat with the pharmacist when I went to pick it up and decided it was worth a try. I. so glad I did, I'm sleeping better and generally feeling better for it. Some of my aches and pains at least seem to have disappeared. I really wasn't sure about adding yet another medication to the list, I'm up to 6 regulars now, but when I mentioned this to the pharmacist she said it wasn't many compared to some! I choose to view it as the wonders of modern medicine giving me a much better quality of life and manage to keep track of them all with an app on my phone that lets me know when it's time to take stuff. I feel that with the fibro hopefully kept at bay I can concentrate on the PMR and reducing the steroids. I've just started on the reduction from 14 to 13.

On another note I've always been very susceptible to cold type viruses, I was ill a lot as a child and then when my daughter's were little I caught everything that they had and generally got it worse! Ditto when my grandchildren came along. Some years are better than others though and, in spite of the steroids, I didn't really get anything last year. This year though I've just started on my first sore throat and feeling poorly so I hope that's not going to be the pattern for this year. The youngest grandchild is 8 now so I hope they're getting past the peak age for bugs.

[Daisychain12]

Louise this is great news I know a lot of fibromyalgia patients do well on amitrip and it really helps with sleep. It’s a drug that’s been around a long time and well researched. Please keep us updated as to how you go. If it takes the pressure off a bit and assists you in tapering without the fibromyalgia muddying the water that will be wonderful xxxx

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Daisychain12]

Thank you Daisychain. I was a bit wary of amitriptyline when it was suggested as I'd taken it for a while as an antidepressant, many years ago. It did nothing for me apart from side effects like a very dry mouth. Of course this is a much lower dose and the only side effect is drowsiness which is wearing off a bit now. I really wasn't expecting much from it so I'm quite pleased so far. The Fibro does seem to come and go depending on weather, diet and maybe other factors so I'll see how it goes. Its amazing what just a few mg of something can do.

[Daisychain12 in reply to Louisepenygraig]

Yes I was on it for post natal depression about 28 years ago. It made me sedAted and slow but no other nasty side effects. I’ve had fibro for twenty odd years and it reacts to humidity and stress and exertion. It is a very hard condition to manage and bet diagnosed with PMR on top is very difficult. I send you my love and support darling but sadly no knowledge of a cure. Best to try to keep moving as much as possible. Rest and the boring old low carb diet! Xxx.

[Hidden]

Hi Louise

I too am on Amitriptyline & have been for some time for my unrelated shoulder/neck issues & it really does work well.

Top Tip if you find it makes you a bit ‘sleepy/dopey’ in a morning, take it earlier, l take mine at 8pm as it takes a couple of hours to kick in & l never wake up with that dozey/hungover feeling!

As Daisychain says it’s a well established drug, who’s side effect was discovered to be the relaxation of muscles, so great if you have neck or shoulder issues.

Hope it helps

Angela xx

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Angela, I'm surprised how much it is helping, especially as I thought the aches and pains from the fibro were mild enough to not bother me. I think they must have affected me more than I thought. The first few days I was very drowsy but that seems to be wearing off now I hadn't realised quite how badly I slept until I got a fitbit. My husband has been away for a few days and I started taking this just after he went so I've woken up in my own time in the morning. He's back tomorrow so it will be interesting to see what happens. He's a morning person and I'm not. I might need to try to go to sleep earlier

[Daisychain12 in reply to Hidden]

Angela I’m so delighted it helps you a bit!! Great idea to take it early. Much love xxxxx

[Valnvaughan]

I have been prescribed amitriptyline to help with sleeping 6 weeks ago. I am waiting 2nd hip replacement, due Oct, on top of PMR and GP wants me to "get some sleep" to prepare my body. I read the leaflet and tried just half a tablet at first, which made me sleep and feel a bit groggy. But as you say, I got used to it and now only gives me 4hours sleep. So may increase to whole tablet. My GP understands my scientific training ( degree in Chemistry) and is mostly imprecise in her dosage instructions, discusses it with me, then writes up to 2 tablets per night, as needed, which is what it says on ami. label.

Likewise with my Pred....has always asked me how much I need during a reduction. Hope there is a prescription for something more precisely for the Fibro soon.

Valerie