Treatment Battle

[mandee500]

Thank you for your response. I usually will tough out the pain for one night but I'm thinking of asking for a different approach to my pain management, if I try this and it helps perhaps the doctor can find a better therapy (I've heard that this is a different opiate and works different entirely). I generally take the max dose of acetaminophen daily (through Hydro 5/500) along with 1600-2400mg of ibuprofen, this has been daily for over a year. My concern for liver/kidney issues is obviously legit, but my anxiety takes it to another level. Now my lower back pains resemble kidney failure, etc which can cause a full blown panic attack. As I said in my first post, I am also taking Prozac and Lryica which both medications allegedly help stifle anxiety, and Lyrica either helps with pain a little or just helps the pain medication be more effective. My anxiety is better but I still suffer pain constantly and panic occasionally. I can't stay in this cycle of pain and fear. What are your methods for treating this disease? If dilaudid helps I will ask for it, although my doctor seems skeptical of Fibro so we'll see. I am at the end of my rope. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

[VaBreeze]

You are on pain meds and taking ibuprofen...which can cause some problems.  Along with the liver/kidney issue are ulcerations of the stomach lining.  Since FMS is not inflammatory, the ibuprofen isn't going to do much to help.  

I would suggest that if you are having problems with anxiety and panic, some form of behavioral counseling may be beneficial to you.  This will help you to discover what is taking place and help you to handle stressors and fears more effectively.  There are medications used for anxiety, should your physician feel this would be appropriate.  

Everyone seems to have their own methods of handling this illness.  There are a few protocols to use that are in our Health Pages.  I am using a colloid silver (see my journal entry regarding this) and it is helping me.  I've heard good review about the new drug Salvelle (sp?) in other posts here in the forum.  That may be an option for you also.  

Until research finds out why our bodies are doing this and a valid treatment is found, there isn't a magic pill that will make it go away.  We are all struggling with FMS or CFS and are learning to pace ourselves.  What makes us hurt; how to not overdo things that bring on flares; what feels good and making some type of peace with it until a cure is found.  It's all we can do for the time being.  If you have a FMS/CFS center close by you could check into what they offer.  You could see if there is a support group in your area and ask others about their success with physicians who have treated them.  

The best advice I can offer is to read about what is thought to cause these illnesses, and do what you can to detox yourself and strengthen your immunity.  This alone will help you feel more empowered and much better.  Please review our Health Pages so you can get a better understanding of the illness and some of the things that are being used for treatment.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Hope this helps somewhat.  Take care of yourself.