I was diagnosed in Feb 08 and the rhuematologist i went to refused to give me anything. He said i should learn to sleep again and learn to minimize the stress in my life and that should help. Did he not think if i could do it effectively myself then i might not be in this situation?

Well it has been 5 months now and i am no better off. I have resorted to living with pain, Tylenol, Ibuprophen and over the counter stuff is a joke. I have not tried over the counter sleep aids, afraid of addiction.

I lost my job due to crazy cirumstances,and that cut out a lot of stress but also lost the health benefits. So for going to another doctor I am out of luck! So yes this adds another stressor. Any thoughts on this? has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks

jane

I had tried every pain reliever known to man through the years and was currently taking tramadol which made me so sick that I lost 30 lbs very rapidly. The only thing I could take at the time with out getting sick was tylenol - massive quantities. The rheumy said that the mucle relaxer was the only prescription I was going to get out of him. He said he did not believe in narcotic pain medication for fibro. He told me to soak in hot water and reduce stress in my life.

I had to quit my job which did eliminate some of the stress. I had also lost my Father to cancer and was having a rough time accepting his death. My family doctor knew how I was suffering and finally made me go to a pain mgmt doctor. I am now on proper pain relief.

I can tell you that it is extremely difficult to get narcotic pain relievers prescribed for you. My family doctor said Govt is so strict on doctors now that they can lose their medical licenses if they go over their govt alloted quota of narcotic pain medication. The people that I know who take narcotic pain medication go to pain mgmt clinics or pain mgmt doctors.

I think the best thing would be to discuss this issue with your family doctor and go from there.

Here we share everything from good times to bad so don't be shy.

I was diagnosed in July of 07 with Fibro. The Dr gave me a script for Lyrica and sent me on my way. I'm so sensitive to many drugs that I look each of them up before I get the script filled. Turns out that this Rheumy didn't even look at my med history because it turns out that there are two meds that conflict with the Lyrica. So I'm on nothing for pain.

Jan

May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door!

Do you qualify for Medicaid? Can you purchase Cobra?? Can you ask your family for financial help so you can see a new doctor?

Have you applied for social security disability? If not and you believe you'll be unable to work for over a year due to your medical condition, you should apply now.

Doctors are more likely to prescribe Lyrica and Cymbalta for fibro pain. I take both and the combo has helped me tremendously. I also take vitamins and supplements that I've read help fibro symptoms. Vitamin D, Ginger, Tumeric, and Calcium are very important and I take Valerian Root to help me sleep. I also take Temazepam for my insomnia, which IS habit forming. However, insomnia aggrevates the pain, so I will do whatever it takes to get a good night sleep. There are doctors that will prescribe narcotics without hesitation...I know because I saw one of them when I first started to experience severe pain. Cinnamon had a good suggestion to visit your local hospital. While you're there, ask a few nurses if they know any good doctors that deal with pain management and aren't afraid to prescribe narcotics.

I see you like to swim. Don't stop! Swim or walk a little each day, as exercise is so important for fibro sufferers.

I'm sorry for your pain...You'll be in my prayers.

Regular Doctors hate to give out narcotic meds. I think they are afraid of law suits etc. My life began when I went to a Pain Management Specialist. That is their specialty and they do not hestitate to give you the meds you need. Of course you are monitored closely by regular visits. They know what they are doing and have the latest info on all the latest meds. Many Pharmaceutical companies have a program whereby they will give you your meds for free or at a reduced cost at the recommendation of your Doctor. It's worth a try. And as some have recommended here, apply for Social Security Disability, but get an attorney who only gets paid if you are awarded. I tried for 3 yrs on my own, even with full documentation and doctors letters, I got nothing. Once I had a SSD Lawyer I got an award. You worked for these benefits, don't hesitate to apply for them. Don't forget "Pain Management Specialist," you will be amazed at how well you are treated and how understanding they will be.