FMS, PAD, OA, IBS, UC, Sciatica, Athero and stroke

[Monkey1mill]

I have had Fibro for 20 years.  I suffer severe pain (24/7). Due to these and other medical conditions Drs have prescribed Ultram, Ultracet, Effexor, Nuerontin, Lyrica, Flexeril and other pain meds. Also on Lexapro, Clorazepate for depression and anxiety. Metformin for diabetes, Axid for IBS, Prinivil and HCTZ for blood pressure, Lipitor andcan't remember med name for lowring platelets. Have had to stop taking all pain meds except tylenol because of stomach upsets which is causing UC flares daily. Had to quit Lyrica due to heavyconcrete like pain in legs and severe swelling of feet and legs. Cannot take any antiinflammatories due to stomach pains. All pain meds also cause stomach pain. Besides stretching exercises, heat, medicated muscle rubs, music,pet, imargery and deep breathing what can I do? I am seeing psychiatrist who wants to tweak my meds. Constant fatigue and pain is wearing me down and can't even get housework much less yardwork done. I Don't want pain meds due to effect of sleepiness and brain fog and stomach problems. Pharmacist said to ask dr for pain patches.  Any help to get me to be able to live my life and do what I need to around house would be greatly appreciated.


This discussion is related to aching legs.

[Monkey1mill]

Thank you for your encourging response. Per my drs (all of them) all of my conditions require meds that worsen other conditions I have. For some reason I do not desensitize to meds even after 1 or 2 years.  The lyrica did work to a small extent but the side effects would cause me to end up in wheelchair due to being unable to walk without extreme pain and swelling in feet and legs. Now that I am no longer taking anything besides tylenol I have to stretch for 15 to 30 minutes to even get out of bed. Also my neck, back and ribs are much worse.  Cardiologist said fibro isa severe enough to cause angina pain and pain that mimics heart attack. Even abnormal EKG but heart itself is healthy Said I might have costochondritis. I was always active and happy before fibro. I don't like being a prisoner in my own body. My phys dr said we have a lot of work to due and she is going to keep tweaking meds until she finds meds I can tolerate. I do take stomach meds but due to hemorrhage over 30 yrs ago and frequent bouts of slight bleeding ever since then  (plus taking lipitor to keep my blood from clotting too much) I have to extremely careful about meds that upset my stomach.
I don't mean to sound so whinny about it I am just so frustrated. I am lucky to have had a wonderful husband for so long and a son and grand-daughter that I adore and are so proud of. There are so many people so much worse of than me (and I pray and wish them well) but I have always been independant and the one everyone leaned on that it is so hard to need help from others.
Thank you for your warmth and help. May we be friends always and I pray and wish for you to improve just as I want to improve.
Prayers and hugs,
Monkey1mill

[Tuckamore]

Hi Monkey . I am  very sorry to hear about your painful condition(s).

You have suffered with pain for a long time. There are medications out there that can help you. Your pharmacist knows you better and if he/she is suggesting a pain patch than I encourage you to look into it.

None of us want to take narcotics. I would love to function without them, run again, return to my career and still be comfortable. That's just a dream for me as it is for many of us. We have to weight the pros and cons. I take a lot of "stomach" medication is allow me to take the medications I require. There may be one for you that will work well. It's all trial and error.

The sleepiness decreases as your system adjust to the right medication. Again it's trial and error and it is a bit of determination to find something that will ease the pain and you can live with taking. I am told that brain fog is part of Fibro. Medications can add to that feeling but again I do think in time your system will adjust to a degree.

I see a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy), without her I would not function. She is able to preform osteopathic manipulations (OMT) that help control my pain. You may want to see if there is a DO practicing at one of your local clinics. They function just as an MD does. Mine specializes in Internal Medicine. Not all DO's practice OMT so if you decide to see one you will need to ask when you make your calls.

What ever you decide please don't just accept that where you are is where you will be forever. Look for additional options and ways to control your pain. Life is too short to live it in misery. Be open and try again. We are here to support you. I hope you will become an active member of our community. Best of luck to you. I'll look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Tuck