Fibromyalgia and Lyrica?
I am newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have been given lyrica. I was just hoping to find out how some other folks are feeling after taking lyrica. Does it help? Side effects? What else do you take? What other medicines have helped in the past? Thanks a bunch!
Public Comments
1. I haven't tried that medication. From what I've heard it has quite a few side effects. Here is the official lyrica website that has a bunch of information you might find helpful.http://www.lyrica.com/content/main_side_effects.jsp?setShowOn=../content/main_about_lyrica.jsp&setShowHighl
2. I am diagnosed with Chronic Myofasical Pain which is very similar to Fibromyalgia (They now think I may have fibomyalgia). My best advice to you is to buy the book "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook - by: Clair Davies" and "Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome; A Survival Manual - by: Devin J. Starlanyl".
I have trigger points all over my chest/neck and back mostly. I have them in my intercostals and Sternoclaidomastoid (SCM) muscles alot - this makes breathing very difficult - I cannot even yawn!
WHAT WORKED FOR ME - was not medicine but massage therapy! I know it is expensive but it is WELL WORTH IT! Also I invested in a Theracane - I bought it off Ebay (the backknobber is supposed to be good too). For now if you cannot afford massage therapy, find something broad and pointy and put steady pressure on your trigger points (like one of those fat sharpie markers or the round back of a fat marker), you can even try a rubber ball or tennis ball (if you have any on your back) and place it on the floor and lay on it or against a wall to roll against it. A trigger point is a knot in the muscle that is filled with lactic acid. When you apply steady pressure you release the lactic acid and the pain subsides. Sometimes you will find yourself tired after a massage b/c of the lactic acid that is released. Drink water and "make sure" to STRETCH the muscles every day. Once your trigger points go away and do not bother you all the time - the only thing to do to make sure this does not come back is to strengthen your muscles, but I would go to a psyiotherapist about that. Also - use heat NOT ice, because heat increases blood flow and ice doesn't.
Remember that all drugs have side effects and only mask your pain and don't get rid of the root of the problem and if you want it to go away FOR GOOD this is the way to go! GOOD LUCK TO YOU & I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER REAL SOON!
3. I've had patients see improvement in their pain from diabetic neuropathy. For most, side effects go away in a few days if you keep taking it.
Good luck.
4. I am new to this group. Mostly just read messages. I have had fibromyalgia for about 20 years. Early on mostly mild symptoms. with a few short flare ups. Later on more symptoms then more pain. Tried a lot of different medicines and a lot of different doctors. Then five years ago almost crippling pain total body flare up. Horrible time verily managing to do any thing.The flare up lasted years . Now I take Lyrica symptoms I have: blurred vision, small memory gaps, sometimes a litle goofy, and a little dry mouth.But no Nerve pain!! I now go to a Physiatrist and a Neurologist . The start was they did three caudal blocks about two weeks apart. That helps relieve pain and heal nerves. Then Lyrica to maintain. I am able to move around .Exercise. Even went horse riding! Haven't been able to do that in ten years .I am very active and involved in my life today . My pain is maintained about at a level one or two which is very manageable..The side effects of Lyrica are worth it to some people. I'm one of them. Hope this helps
5. my mother is taking that and it has helped her a lot.
