I have had fibromyalgia for quite a few years now and I swear it is killing me...help?
I have been taking the antidepressant Cymbalta as treatment for the fibromyalgia & depression for the last six years. It doesnt seem to help at all. I am literally bed ridden. It isnt just the pain over my entire body but the constant sickness, fatigue, and insomnia are also symptoms of fibromyalgia. I am worn down emotionally, and physically. For the first time in my life have actually been suicidal. It isnt terminal itself but I have constant nausea and actual vomiting. I cant work, I cant have fun, I cant go anywhere or do anything. Ive gained 30 pounds. I am practically a recluse. I have no friends, no one to talk to. I need some freaking help somebody PLEASE Im begging. Does anyone have any advice or know of any different meds that may be more effective? I dont think I can last much longer.
Public Comments
1. You don't need more medicine. You need to get off your fat ass and go for a walk. Exercise is the only proven treatment for chronic fatigue.2. Actually from watching TV commercials, I have learned that Cymbalta and other anti-depressants can contribute to some of the symptoms you are experiencing especially suicide. I feel for you and referring to the first jerk answer that you received, if you are going to exercise, you must go about about it gradually and slowly increase as far as time and stamina will allow. I'd start with 5 to 10 minutes a day,
working up to perhaps 20 to 30 minutes per day within a week. Light exercise to begin with
I have also heard that the use of Lyrica works well in some patients with fibromyalgia. (However it contains quinine which I am allergic to)
I wish you Lots of Luck!
Would you like to add me as a contact on YA?
3. For fibromyalgia syndrome, exercise is crucial. Exercise, slowly increased toward full aerobic cardiovascular conditioning and physical tiredness, is the most important single part of treatment. Start slowly and progress gently. Walking, hiking, swimming and bicycling are preferred activities; avoid impact exercises such as jogging or tennis. Stretching exercise are important. Pain often get worse early in an exercise program before ot gets better, so you have to persevere. Relief may be months away, and pain can persist in varying degrees of severity for many years.
Fibromyalgia may be managed with regimens such as Lyrica, amiltryptyline (Elavil) an hour or so before bedtime and Prozac in the morning. The goal of medication here is to improve the quality of sleep without causing drowsiness during the day.
I hope this helps you. And good luck.
4. i have absolutely no idea how to help u
5. have you tried meds like neurontin or Lyrica?
have you thought about Savella or a combo like wellbutrin/lexapro
some people get wait gain from cymbalta
what about treating the nausea?
for exercise--start in bed...pull your legs in and out, lift your arms..
6. Have you tried a pain doc? With so any doctors out there afraid to prescribe pain medications for pain they really don't leave you much choice. Doctors are people too (most of them) and people can be terrified of what they don't understand, so it would be to your advantage to seek out someone who has knowledge and experience dealing with pain. Usually you'll find pain docs who are familiar with other areas of medicine like neurologists, anesthesiologists and orthopedists, but you may be better served by a pain doc who is also a physiatrist. That's not a typo, it's not supposed to be a head shrink. Physiatrists deal with the whole body with a larger variety of tools and methods at their disposal than most doctors. Everything from narcotic therapy to holistic medicine to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Something else that may be of help to you is a support group. There's quite a few that deal with chronic pain and in particular fibromyalgia. You can do it on line if you can't get out. Just the distraction of something to do, coupled with the realization that you are not alone in your battle can improve your pain level and quality of life.
Cymbalta is being touted as a fibro treatment, but it doesn't work for everyone and was originally marketed as an anti-depressant and I'm sure you've heard all the warnings about suicidal thoughts with AD drugs, but that's usually in the first couple of weeks of treatment, then it's supposed to get better. So the Cymbalta may not be causing these feelings. I hope you dont mind me saying it, but it seems like you're just terribly frustrated with the under treatment you're getting for your pain. Anyone hat doesn't think pain can be a matter of life and death, has never had real pain. You need to put the ignorance of others out of your mind and stop thinking about them and start thinking about yourself. No lecture, just an observation that may or may not hold water.
There's a bunch of medications for pain, some that last most of the day, but they have very scary and infamous names, like OxyContin and Methadone. You have to put that stuff out of your mind (if that even bugs you) and slam the door behind those thoughts. Do the same with thoughts of doing yourself in. Neither is an acceptable answer to your situation. I hope you feel better soon.
7. While being sick you may have ended up with tight neck muscles as well for they would cause a few of the problems that you are having that may not be directly from the fibromyalgia so there may be help for those pains. Tight neck muscles restrict the blood leaving the head area and that slows down the blood flow to the brain which results in a lowered oxygen level there. You will know when the oxygen level has dropped when you feel very tired. If the level drops more you will get dizzy, light headed, and more you will pass out. A lot of people with tight neck muscles also complain about feeling nauseous as well, I don't get the connection, just passing along details. To get rid of the tight neck muscles you have to free up the neck muscles and here's how to do that:
Neck
Put your hands alongside your head so your thumbs are on the front of the muscle under your ear and your fingers are on the back of the muscle behind your neck. Squeeze your thumb and fingers together and hold. Relax your body. After about 30 to 45 seconds, when you don’t feel the muscles releasing any longer, slowly lower your head as far as you can, release the pressure but hold your neck lowered for another 30 seconds. Repeat if needed.
For best results relax your body first by taking a a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed. Hope this gives you some relief. btw, don't pay any attention to Bruce, just consider the source and let it go, he'll get his someday and the shoe will be on the other foot. good luck
8. I'm so sorry you're feeling like this! Chronic pain can really affect you emotionally.
First, if you've been taking Cymbalta for 6 years without success, it's way past time to try something different! There are several medications out there for fibro right now such as Savella and Lyrica. Some people are taking LDN (low dose naltrexone) with success. Of course, there's always pain meds and muscle relaxers that can also help. We all respond differently to medicine, so you'll just have to try a medicine to see how you do. (I gained weight on Cymbalta without results too.)
Have you been to see a rheumatologist or neurologist? These specialists are usually the best at guiding fibro patients through a treatment plan. They also understand the depression that goes along with a chronic illness and will know best how to help you through this stage. It may also help you to talk to others with fibro. There are several really good yahoo groups you can join. Join 2 or 3 and then see which one you enjoy the most. You may be surprised how your mood can lift after you've been on a board. You may get some really good advice or just some encouraging words!
As for the nausea and sickness, I've gone through that too with my fibro. It's awful! Mine is caused by GERD (acid reflux) which my fibro brought on. I'm on Prevacid right now which helps so much. I also have a prescription for a pill for nausea when things get really bad. Tell your doctor about this nausea and see what he says. I'm not saying that your nausea is caused from the same thing, but it might possibly be similar.
Once you get the nausea under control, maybe you can try some vitamins and supplements such as B12, CoQ10, malic acid with magnesium, and a really good multivitamin. You can have your B12 and vitamin D levels checked by your doctor to see how you're doing. You can ask him about any vitamins and supplements that he might suggest.
Since you're having to stay in bed right now, start any activity gradually. Start with some simple stretches while you're laying down. Then, add some walking as tolerated. Try a few minutes a day and add minutes when you're able. Slow and steady is the key. If your insurance covers it, your doctor may be able to get you some physical therapy and possibly some water therapy. Water therapy and exercise is wonderful for fibro. It's amazing what we can do in water that we cannot otherwise do! If you don't swim, don't worry, it's not necessary.
I hope I've given you something here that will help you. Hang in there! Fibro is difficult, but we can get through it, especially together! I do hope you join a yahoo group. I really think it will help you to talk to others from around the world who understand how you feel.
9. he causes and symptoms of fibromyalgia are quite vague. Even the kinds of disabilities caused by the disease are neither well defined and nor are they uniform. The disabilities caused by this condition vary greatly from person to person.
When individuals suffering from this condition file for disability benefits, they hardly ever get them. The biggest reason perhaps, is that those suffering from fibromyalgia do not look sick. The most important thing then becomes awareness. Awareness is extremely essential for especially those who have loved ones suffering from this condition.
