What treatments work best for fibromyalgia? I am in constant pain but narcotics give me "rebound" headaches.

Question

I suffer from migraines as well as depression and have been on so many different drugs over the last 3 yrs I could start my own pharmacy. Nacotics trigger migraines. The anit-depressants make me more tired. I am not sleeping well and feeling like I just cannot see another damn doctor. Anyone have anything that helps??? Is there a specialist out there for this type of thing. I am seeing a primary care, a psychologist and a phychiatrist. Its getting too expensive and not helping me very much. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

"The use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) is usually disappointing; it is unusual for Fibromyalgia patients to experience more than a 20% relief of their pain, but many consider this to be worthwhile. Narcotics (propoxyphene, codeine, and oxycodone) often provide a worthwhile relief of pain. In most patients, concerns about addiction, dependency and tolerance are ill founded. Ultram (Tramadol) and Ultracet (tramadol + Tylenol), are the most useful pain medications in many patients. They both have the advantages of having a low abuse potential and is not a prostaglandin inhibitor; tramadol reduces the epileptogenic threshold and it should not be used in patients with seizure disorders."

"There are several points that need to be stressed about exercise in Fibromyalgia patients: (i) Exercise is health training, not sport’s training. (ii) Exercise should be non-impact loading. (iii) Aerobic exercise should be done for 30 minutes each day. This may be broken down into three 10 minute periods or other combinations, such as two 15 minute periods, to give a cumulative total of 30 minutes. This should be the aim -- it may take 6-12 months to achieve this level. (vi) Strength training should emphasize on concentric work and avoid eccentric muscle contractions. (vii) Regular exercise needs to become part of the usual lifestyle; it is not merely a 3-6 month program to restore them to health. Suitable aerobic exercise includes: regular walking, the use of a stationery exercycle or Nordic track (initially not using the arm component). Patients who are very deconditioned or incapacitated should be started with water therapy using a buoyancy belt (Aqua-jogger)."

"The common treatable cause of chronic fatigue in fibromyalgia patients are: (1) inappropriate dosing of medications (TCAs, drugs with antihistamine actions, benzodiazepines etc.), (2) depression, (3) aerobic deconditioning, (3) a primary sleep disorder (e.g. sleep apnea), (4) non-restorative sleep and (5) neurally mediated hypotension. A new drug called Provigil is of some help when used intermittently for management of fatigue."

Answer 2

I had to answer your question because my husband was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Its more prevalent in women but men do get it as well. I think this disease is treated by symptoms and toleration of medicines. There isn't just one type of medication to control this. My husband started off with anti-inflammatory meds, prednisone, you name it, he's been on it. Anti depressants are common to take as well but maybe the one you are taking isn't the right one for you. I'm also not sure a primary Dr, psychologist, or psychiatrist are the answer either. Have you ever thought of seeing a Dr that specializes in Fibromyalgia? If I were you, I would look into seeing a rheumatologist or a specialist in osteoporosis. These are the guys that have the most knowledge in this disease. Ive been in the medical field for 12 years and I know how these Dr's work (not all) Instead of suggesting a specialist, they would rather treat you themselves and so many times never get to the root of the problem. Try and find a Dr that specializes in your problem. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for support. Good luck!

Answer 3

My barber is having her fingers amputated as a result of this disease, so I tore into research in an attempt to help out. There seems to be a consensus that environmental stressors might be the cause (nasty stuff like Clorox, gas fumes, insecticides, etc.) and the immune system simply has had enough, and turns on itself.

The removal of toxins from the bloodstream is a source of great controversy. Chelation therapy, which uses the compound EDTA is effective on metals, but probably little else. However, I pressed in and may have found a product that will be effective for you.

Zeolite is an amazing mineral that has tiny cellular caves that trap bad stuff. I discovered this as an effective filtration device in the a/c biz. Now there is a company that manufactures and distributes liquid zeolite. I have a friend that has another debilitating, theoretically-untreatable illness that just started on it, and he is having great results.

I am not a dealer, and have no stock in the company. I just have a suspicion that it will be extremely beneficial in your case. Look
under Liquid Zeolite for further information. Good luck!

Answer 4

I have a close friend with fibromyalgia, and she swears by a daily exercise routine. She has worked up to a fairly vigorous workout, but she started slow. The best thing to do is to stay active. Plus she takes only half the perscribed pain meds, which minimize the side effects.

Find a workout program that you can stick with...something with stretching, and do it first thing in the morning.

Answer 5

A good friend of ours at church has fibromyalgia. She has been taking a natural product called Reliv for a couple of months and is doing a lot better. Reliv has been featured in BusinessWeek, Forbes, Fortune, and this month cover to cover in Success from Home magazine. I would be happy to tell you more, just drop me a line.

Have a great day,
Michael
[e-mail]

Answer 6

i have it to there a knew treatment call nerno feedback(Ihope I spell it right)I am going to start this when i get my disabilty money