Fibro Pain - Meds & Artificial Sweetener

Hi, I just found this board.   I was dx with Fibro in 1998.  It seemed as though my fibro kept getting worse and I eventually was hospitalized for severe abdominal pain plus pain in my thigh muscles that was so bad I could not sit or stand by myself.   One of the tests showed my muscles was being severely damaged by the Lipitor I was taking.   My muscles are still somewhat fragile and injuries to them take a very long time to heal.    I take zanaflex at night and it has helped me a lot. I also found out that anytime I use any type of artifical sweetener I will have a bad flare up.   BTW, I am Rita and hope to have lap band surgery soon.  I go for my first seminar tomorrow. Hugs Rita

Congrats on your upcoming seminar. Pray all goes well for you! Also hope they will get your pain under control. It took seeing a rheumo dr that referred me to a pain clinic to get help. Keep us posted on your progress with the FM and your surgery! Welcome! Shannon

Hi Rita, I also have fibro and was looking for info about "fibro and artificial sweetener" when I saw your post. I too have effects of artificial sweetener. I have been on the Atkins diet and noticed when ever I ate their products or other protein shakes I would have a rapid heart beat and just feel all around sick. It wasn't until I read the list of ingredients on all the products I was eating or drinking that I noticed the one consistent ingredient, "artificial sweetener". I have also been drinking "low calorie" drinks, which also contains artificial sweetener. I have been feeling so horribly sick for weeks (as long as I've been on this particular diet) and in incredible pain,  I never knew that artificial sweeteners had such an effect on someone with fibromyalgia. I was dx with fibro in 2000 and it still amazes me just how little I don't know about this disease. Thank you for your in for and good luck with your surgery. Winnie

Thanks Shannon, I got so excited about the seminar I got the days mixed up.  I got there on Friday but should haven been there on Thursday  Oh well, I am also scheduled for another Dr.s seminar next week. For the most part my fibro pain is under control.  At least as long as I don't have to take my BP on my upper arm or eat anything with artifical sweetener in in..  I have to 'educate' drs assistants on how to take BP below my elbow. The major problem I have with pain is chest pain and abdominal pain.  Don't know if it is fibro or something else so I am on the dr merry-go-round. Hugs Rita