LYRICA/Holistic Treatments

[Tink70]

Just recently diagnosed with FM.  Doc. prescribed LYRICA.  Is anyone out there taking it?  If so, how have you responded?  Any side effects?  I really want to believe that this drug is gonna help but I am skeptical and really fear taking something that is classified as an "anticonvulsant".   Does anyone out there with FM/CFS ever tried Alternative Medicine for treatment?  Holistic medicine? Eastern/Chinese - Aryuvedic Medicine?  Herbal Supps?  I read that St. Johns Wort is good for the treatment of FM and the associated depression.  Anyone have any experience with it?
Thanks

[dottypotty]

Hi i have being o it 6months it helps does not get ridder all pain Side affecs do get less Dr at hospital has got in touch with pain clinic for trip injections i wonder if its worked for any one THERE ARE DIFFERENT LYRICS I AM ON STRONGER ONES.Dorothy

[terriemae]

I am on Lyrica. It's been a lifesaver for me.Since I've been on it my muscle and overall pain has decreased to the point to where it's been worth it to me. At first I was tired and dizzy also, but that eventually left in just 2-3 weeks. but now i take it before bed to to deal with any fatigue it may cause. that has helped. i am on a low dose, i may not have to increase. my anti-depressant has helped alot too,CYMBALTA. It's also been recommended for fibro pain, not just for depression. i also take vit. e,c,calcium,flaxseed. this combination has worked very well for me, along with low impact exercise,such as walking and stretching, and getting plenty of sleep on a consistant basis. I know everyone does not react the same to everything, I just hope this gives you some hope. there's not a cure, nothing takes it away, but caring for your symptoms will help alleviate some pain, and help you to deal w/ it.  
Good Luck,
                                                                                                                                                         Terrimae

[PlateletGal]

Hi Tink,

My energy is a little bit lower than usual today so I apologize for the late response. Did you check out my post on the thyroid issues ? It was the thread that was addressed to me.

Do you remember how low your white cell count was ? A low WBC (usually > 10,000) can be due to infections, viral infections, immunosuppression and some other conditions. My white cell count always fluxuated and most of the time it was high. One time it was extremely low (3,000); probably due to a viral infection. You may want to get copies of your labs and get your labs repeated in a few months... especially if you are feeling worse, etc. A low red cell count is commonly seen in women... we tend to be a little bit anemic at times.  

[llr68]

I am on Lyrica.. The side effects off the start weren't very much fun.. Extremely tired and very dizzy(light headed).. The side effects seem to come and go. Lyrica has helped me a bit so I figure take the good with the bad. My rheumatologist upped my dosage so I'm dealing with the wonderful effects again..I am also on Amitriptyline at bedtime.. It's too help me relax so I can sleep. I might as well be taking a flintstone vitamin because it doesn't work.. They have to be cautious as to what they give me. They tell me if there's a side effect I'll get it..
Good luck :)

[Tink70]

Just read an old post you put on about the thyroid thing - T3/T4 stuff.  The person you responded to commented on palpatations....Can you give me more info on that?  I actually tested for HIGH thyroid (although the numbers were just below what is considered high) and ofcourse the doc told me I was fine and not to worry about it.  Lately, my CBC's show low white cell counts and low red cell counts but not low enough to be considered a problem in the medical community!!!!  Do you have any info on that?
Thanks so much for being a part of this community and for all your research.

[PlateletGal]

Good luck ! I don't have fibro and I can tell you that alternative medicine has been a blessing for me. It kept me going for so long and even knocked out a few of my allergies !  Right now I'm trying something different... I'm trying a new research protocol that is out to cure people with CFIDS and other conditions. It is using medications (not research meds) and I'm already seeing some major improvements.

[Tink70]

Haven't been on the computer for a couple of days...
Thanks for the input...spent awhile this morning reading past comments on the Lyrica thing - probably not gonna take it.
I, too, have had some good experiences with alternative medicine and truly believe that God has put everything we need to heal ourselves on this earth for us.  We just have to keep looking.  
Hope all goes well...

[pattir727]

Hi Tink,

Everyone's tolerance to medication is different.
Anticonvulsants are often used to treat pain.
I am the QUEEN OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
Lyrica, was not a pleasant experience for me, but has worked for others.

My only suggestion to you, if you try something and still experience the same Fibro
pains try something else.

pattir727

[PlateletGal]

I have CFS and I've had nothing but positive experiences with alternative medicine. I remember a study was done and the majority of CFS patients also felt the same way.

In my opinion, supplements play a crucial role if you have CFS or fibromyalgia.