Fibromyalgia Support Group

Good morning everyone! Well, I had my appt. with my regular doc on Friday and just as I had suspected, confirmed Fibromyalgia. He was very understanding about everything and very comforting to know this is not all in my head. He said, the pain is very real! He explained a few things to me and I finally understand (I think) how it all works. He also said by reviewing my medical records that I have probably had FM for at LEAST 10 years. He said I have quite a significant pain and fatigure history. (Why, yes, I do and I can't believe no Dr. saw any of this until now?). I'm kind of ticked too - if only I had some kind of diagnosis I wouldn't have felt like I was such a complainer = ya know? I wish I had switched regular docs years ago, then I think this doc I have now would have caught it much sooner. Ah well, I'm in good hands now. He says he is going to treat me and didn't say anything about referring me to a Rheumy for now. He said FM is VERY hard to treat.

Anyhoo, he started me on ELAVIL, 25 mgs. - 1 tablet one hour before bedtime. I am still waking up 3-4x and looking at the clock, not sleeping very soundly. I am still extremely exhausted every day. ALthough I do realize I have only taken it 3 nights, does it take a while to kick in does anyone know?

I am feeling pretty much relieved that I finally have a diagnosis to relate to everything I am feeling. I feel a sense of peace and relief if you can understand that LOL! Thanks everyone!

Sandra

Welcome cindylouwho

I wasn't able to take Elavil, not sure how long it takes to work, but I usually try & give new meds at least 2 weeks. I guess you could call your doctor or wait until your visit next month & see if he'll increase it or maybe add a sleeping pill also, I suffer with terrible insomnia. I used to look at the clock every hour, my pain doc gave me an oldie but goody as he says: Temazepam. I now seem to be able to get 4 - 6 hours of straight sleep most nights. I'm still fatigued, but I guess that will never change.

I take a nap in the afternoon because most days I'm up between 4 & 5:30 a.m.

I hope you can get the right combo of meds for you

Welcome cindylouwho,

I take 50mg elavil every night. It takes about 2 weeks to a month for it to get into your system.When I first started it I had nightmares and the rhemy said it was a side effect from the elavil.They went away after awhile.I also take a muscle relaxer too. I think they help with sleep better than the elavil.The elavil makes me feel like a zombie the next day.He may have to up your dose.hope this helps.