I dunno if this will help but they recently made Tramadol in an extended release form.
called ULTRAM 200 ER --- I think they make a 300 as well - but I'm not sure.
Anyhow - I've done the lyrica and hated it - but the Ultram worked for me.
VERY well - with no grogginess - and I can function to drive and to work...
I've been able to play badminton and walk with the kids -- and fish again.
So --- maybe it's a possibility. Also - you can always go back to other meds once they are out of your system. Seriously... You just have to start off at the low dosage again and build back up.
Meki
Hi, I am so sorry. I can totally relate to how you feel. I am older 10 years older than you, and I have many health problems related to arthritis, fibro, and disc problems in neck and back. I also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypothyroid, and thanks to all of this stuff, since about age 40 I started gaining weight and now you can add very overweight. Of course, the doctors blame everything on the 30-40 extra lbs. I'm carrying around, but I felt lousy for a long time.
My husband is not the most sympathetic and my son has his own life. I understand EXACTLY when you say you don't want to live like this any longer. I have tried a lot of the therapies also. I don't take pain pills because they bother my stomach, so I usually try to tough it out but I don't know how much longer I can do that, especially now I'm getting older. I can't take the anti-depressants like Lyrica because they cause weight gain, and I can't afford to do that. And I'm really sick of people telling me to *think positive.* If they had this pain for even one day, let's see how POSITIVE they would be!
What I try is to get one or two things done every day, and then rest. About three times a week I go to the gym, even if all I can do that day is go in the pool and swim very slowly (I used to go to the gym and do an hour cardio and 30 min. weights 5 days a week--I was skinny then).
I've been to a lot of doctors, and they are not really helpful for the most part. I think doctors are burned out and just don't care anymore, esp. for things like fibro that you can't really SEE. Sorry I can't be more help, but at least you know you're not alone.