Diagnosed 2 days ago

[NikkiNash]

Hi everyone.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 2 days ago. It feels unreal, but in a way... A relief. Doctors have brushed it off as me over exerting myself, picking up my son too much and all kinds of other stuff. I finally after a year of trying to find out what was wrong with me; I started to research my symptoms myself; which all pointed to fibromyalgia. I mentioned this to my doctor and he referred me to a specialist.
At my first visit (2days ago) my new "fibro" doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia.
I was already on Adderall 10mg 3x daily (I have been on for a very long time and think it's not strong enough) , 2-tramadol 50mg 4 times daily. He expressed that he wanted me to get off of tramadol. So, he put me on Hydrocodone 7.5 - 2 times daily, continue the tramadol but put me on a taper schedule until December 8th and prescribed Neurontin 100mg 3 x daily. He also said that he didn't want me to be on the hydrocodone very long and we would evaluate again after I stop the tramadol completely.
I am so confused about all of the medicine and directions, but I'm following doctors orders!
I will say, I have NOT started the Neurontin yet. I am ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIED to take it.
The nurse told me that it causes extreme drowsiness and if it makes me more comfortable to just take one at night. That would be okay to others maybe, but I have a VERY HIGH NEEDS CHILD that does not sleep thru the night, my fiancé works 60 + hours a week and I have no family or friends within 160miles of me. I don't have time to be tired! I have to keep up with my boy and take care of the household.
Does anyone have any advice for me? I almost feel like my new doctor is taking all my energy away, but I'm happy to be getting off of the pain medicine. (It wasn't working anyways)

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Loftpat]

Hi there, I think it depends on the person as far as the drowsiness. My husband takes 800mg 3x a day (not for fibro) and it doesn't slow him down. I tried it for fibro and had no problems with intense drowsiness. It made me a bit sleepy at the beginning, but that stopped. I was on it for four months, but since it didn't provide any significant relief, my doc stopped it. I've seen where others get a lot of benefit from this med...as does my husband.

Take care.

 

[Eff fibro]

I haven't tried any medications yet myself so I can't speak from personal experience there, but I do want to say that it is a learning process. Usually a long series of trial and errors attempts both at relief and at understanding. I was diagnosed almost 2 months ago and in the 6 months that I've had fairly intense symptoms, they change constantly. As soon as I think I've "stabilized", I get new symptoms. The sensations and pains have varied greatly and because they are so intermittent for me, I haven't felt the need for meds.
I wish you the very best, but always remember, if at first you don't' succeed, try and try again. If you're not satisfied with your doctor after a bit, find a new one. Try different therapies (heat, ice, massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, meditation) and see what works for you. And what works today may not be sufficient tomorrow so keep a list of things to try when one avenue isn't working.
I don't envy you having to be superwoman when plagued with FM symptoms. I'm not a mom (yet) but am reconsidering my desire to have kids, as I worry that I couldn't provide things they need. I already feel neglectful days I cannot walk my dog more than quarter mile. You are a strong woman, hang in there!

 

[Forgetmenot]

Amitripoline is as old as neutrontin . Is an old drug that does make u sleepy I take mine at bed time. I have a two year old so I no what u mean buy can't be knocked out . But relax abit first off make sure the Dr starts u off on a low does , and trust me u do get used to it .i don't even feel tired with it anymore.but it does help the nerve pain.and I'd never sleep without it. U need good sleep with fibro or u will feel worse.neutrontin makes u less tired then amitripoline, it might pay u to take it after your son goes to bed for the first week or so and go to bed early ,just give it a go.
I have four kids and even though two are grown up being a mu. Means u never stop . So sleep really really is important with this illness .sending hugs and welcome .ask anything and everything and ppl here will try to help u on your journey .