OT.. fibromyalgia and medications

Although there is a fibro section here, it does not seem well populated or frequently visited so I thought I would ask here.  My search button for OH unfortunately does not work.

Prior to my RNY 12/11/12, I was on savella for fibro but choose to wean off since I was still having severe pain but didn't like the side effects especially all the heavy sweating.  It also really did not reduce the pain for me.  

So for about 4 months after surgery, I was doing pretty well pain wise but now... it seems to be back in spades.

I am seeing a new doc about this mid month but I was wondering what meds were working well for those of you who also have this?  I have read that lyrica really causes weight gain which I don't want :).  What are you using for pain?  I used to use voltaren (diclofenac) for the arthritis and it seemed to help a bit with the fibro but that is an NSAID so I won't take it.  

thanks in advance

I use Cymbalta for my Fibro and it seems to work. Now I'm on a pretty high dose of 120 mg per day, but I've tried less and I get the pain more often than now. I still have flare ups and always will but not the daily pain that I used to have. 

Hey Missy,

Thank you for your input.  Now that sounds encouraging.  I may suggest that to my new doc if he has nothing to offer.  No weight gain?  That is my biggest fear.  

Cymbalta usually doesn't  cause weight gain. Matter of fact, one of its side effects is weight loss. So I don't think you'll have a problem with your being on it. I also took it before surgery and it wasn't the cause for my weight gain. Definitely something to speak to the dr. about.

I surely will.. thanks again!

I am in awe of your progress, btw!  Great job.  

Thank you! I'm trying to make goal but lately I seem to be losing the same pound or two and that gets very discouraging.

My fibro seemed to disappear after surgery until last month (6 months out?) when I had a major flare.  I was taking Neurontin for the fibro but have been off all fibro meds since surgery.  My surgeon prescribed liquid Vicodin for me for after surgery pain and I hate to say it, I took some and went to bed when the flare hit.  I'm really reluctant to go back on fibro meds because from my research they seem to cause weight gain and I don't want to chance that.  We can't take NSAIDs anymore and the Tylenol I was told to use is worthless with fibro pain.  HOWEVER, the fatigue is pretty much gone and the fibro foggies are almost non existent anymore.

I found that gentle walking on the treadmill and water exercise to be the most helpful with the fibro, of course getting the weight off is the biggest help.

Good luck on your journey and keep us updated,

Susan

Hi Susan,

Thanks for responding.  We are close in surgery dates!  Yeah, I have to admit that it just started back up and with a vengeance!  Flare up for sure.  I walk plenty!  I have been taking tramadol for the arthritis which does help somewhat.  

Like you, I am so reluctant to go back to anything like savella.  It was so hard to get off of that stuff!  It is only becuz of the potential for weight gain that I am not anxious to try that again.  Missy says cymbalta works for her and no weight gain so I will see what my new doc suggests.  They are big on pain clinics here so maybe I will go check that avenue out.  

Good job on your weight loss!  Wowzee girl!  

Aren't we blessed to have this opportunity?  I am thrilled!  

Thanks again! And let me know if you discover anything else to be of help.  I have tried massage, heat, cold.  

Good morning,

I am currently trying acupuncture and so far (fingers crossed) it seems to be working.  I can't handle massage, its just too painful.  I like to stand in the shower with the water as hot as I can stand it.    They are big on pain clinics here too, but I'm reluctant to try that route because I'm now off of pills and I don't want to go back.  I may have to though when winter starts and the weather changes.

I feel so blessed to have had this surgery and wish I had done it years earlier. 

Looked at your pics, WOW you look great.

Take care,

Susan