Anyone trying to live without prescription drugs?

[aching granny]

I took Lyrica a couple years ago for 3 weeks, but stopped due to the side effects...dizziness and constant sleepiness.

Now my pain is intense again and my doc prescribed Cymbalta. Sounds like the side effects can be pretty bad with this one too. I really don't want to start taking it.

Is anyone on this forum managing their pain without prescription meds? I'd love to know what it is you do and how it helps.

I occasionally take Tylenol, but it doesn't do much. I cannot take Ibuprofen or aspirin as I have a history of stomach ulcers so no NSAIDS for me.

Hope someone will answer here.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Forgetmenot]

Welcome, yes we do have ppl who don't take drugs , but most of us do.i cope on tramadol and paracetamol.and nerve blocker at nigh, I couldn't move without them sadly.its a very personal story as we all have different pain levels and lives.

 

[Blueeyes1]

Hi! I do not take any prescription drugs except ibuprofen when needed. I have tried pretty much everything from Injections to NSAID's, and Opioids. I have a long list and for me my body rejected all of them. I went on Cymbalta twice but like you, the side effects were brutal. What I do is physiotherapy/Osteopathy once per week, massage therapy, swim therapy, chiropractor (but NO manipulation. Laser therapy and magnets, etc.), diet (no processed foods or sugar.....lots of greens), exercise, Vit D and Krill Oil. I also see a Psychologist and do Mindfulness to help relax. I has been me that has had to find how to help myself as my family doctor could only do so much. I have been helping myself for 3 years going through different doctors and specialists to see what they can do for me but they always want to give drugs and for me it doesn't work. I hope this helps. You really need to listen to your body because it will tell you if what you are doing is working or not. You just need to keep trying!

 

[diamond]

Hi for 7 years i managed my fibro without any meds. I gritted my teeth through the bad pain that would render me bedriiden but in between so long as i stayed without too much stress and paced i did reasonably well. I couldnt work but could potter in stages at home or go out with my partner for drives...lunch and a short walk...or the odd good day walk around a pretty village orsmall town for about an hour...then home to rest.

Sadly my fibro has changed dramatically and i cant do much of anything. I am taking a mid range opiate but to be honest nothing takes the pain away. Some people have much success with a whole variety of drugs...read around the forum and get as much info as possible.

Like you the side affects get me real bad. Good LUck and wishing you better days ahead.

 

[DebC]

I've been on 90 mg of Cymbalta for about two and a half years. I thought it wasn't helping me, and the cost is astronomical. So I decided not to pick up my prescription one day. I felt worse the second day, horrible the third day, and was in unbearable discomfort by day four. I could not get out of bed but sent my husband to the pharmacy with my Discover card to pick it up. Within hours of taking my dose I felt 100% better. I've taken it ever since. Now during that time without it I was still taking my Norco and Elavil and Valium.....but that Cymbalta made living bearable again.