FibromyalgiaL when nothing works.

[Xandrocymlyraquiltram_APAP]

Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Treatment:  Physical therapy.  Anti-depressants.  Lyrica and similar.  Cognitive behavioral therapy.  Muscle relaxants.  Tramadol.

AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT DOESN'T WORK?

What's next?

As far as I can tell, the medical community has discovered/agreed/decided that these are the things that work.  The only actual pain medication which they have decided is effective is Tramadol, which absolutely cripples me with dizziness and nausea.  (I can't take NSAIDs or even steroids, even short-term.)  

Well, it doesn't work.  As far as I can tell, that must mean that it's all in my head.

Do I get to request euthanasia at some point?  No, seriously, I don't know what else to ask for.  The only thing that has ever made me functional is opioid pain medication.  But the doctors have conveniently decided that the thing they really don't want to prescribe anyway is simply not an effective treatment,.  No one wants to hear that I am totally broken by default but that simply not being in pain, even when it's because I've taken an evil opioid, is enough to alleviate almost all of my symptoms.  No, clearly, I'm making this up because I"m a drug addict.

I don't understand why I have to have cancer or a broken back or be 80 in order to deserve to simply not be in pain.  I've tried literally everything they've thrown at me, and I wish to God that it would work, but I am still crippled by pain and sheer damn tiredness.  Can you please explain to me why a doctor whose goal should be to help me return to having a normal life thinks it's more important that they not write a prescription that they might have to explain than that I get to LIVE?  When opioids are the only thing that work, why does being young and not dying disqualify me from having access to them?  Isn't the point of a last resort that you use it when you've exhausted everything else?

I can't get an actual in-person doctor to even have this conversation with me.  I need the explanation.  My quality of life is absolutely nothing and everything I've worked for in the past two years is going down the drain because I am so crippled by pain that I can't function and nothing on the approved list has helped.  Why doesn't that matter to you?

[sisigraddy]

I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD ASK THEM TO PRESCRIBE A HAMMER AND HIT THEM OVER THE HEAD!!!!   OH DO YOU NEED A BABY ASPIRIN ***-HOLE!!!  I HATE TO HAVE TO BE DEPENDENT ON  SOMEONE, THAT CAN REALLY HAVE THE OUTCOME OF HOW I AM GOING TO FEEL.   I ALSO HATE HAVING TO GET THE NERVE UP TO ASK THOSE A-HOLES FOR THE MEDICINE, IT STRESSES ME OUT.  I  FEEL SORRY FOR YOU, PAIN *****!!

[Narble]

Definitely find a new doctor. A close friend of mine has FM, and her early docs wouldn't even suggest OTC meds for her, whereas her current doc wants to basically pour meds down her throat. My own experience with chronic pain is similar. Keep looking until you find a doc you can work with.

The other suggestions above are very useful too. Definitely bring someone with you to advocate for you. Take advantage of Web-based physician ratings to find a doc that seems likely to be supportive. And find the local FM support group in your area to get more recommendations.

Good luck. I hope your pain eases.

[pmuse]

Voices! continue to speak out on issues that are of concern.  You'll be in my prayers.  p

[sbwoman53]

I feel for you. I also understand with Fibromyalgia just because one drug works for one person it does not mean it will work for someone else. I am puzzled by your Doctor's treatment towards you.

How long have you seen this Doctor? Do you know some else in your area that has your experience with Fibro that could refer you to?

Have you tried a support group online www.fibromyalgia.com has tons of postings there?

My healthy thoughts and good wishes to you!

[flower12345]

I'm sorry that you are having so much pain, and that your doctor won't work with you.

What kind of doctor do you see?

My advice would be to find another doctor. There are caring doctors out there, but it may take some time to find one. I would start looking now. Also, if you don't already have one, start writing a pain journal. When you get an appointment with a new doctor, bring someone with you if you can so that you have another set of ears to hear what the doctor is saying, and so that you have someone to advocate for you. Also, bring the pain journal with to the new appointment to give to your doctor.

If you are already seeing a PM doctor, then find another one. I know that it's easier said than done, but in the long run, it's worth it. Start looking, make appointments, and find one that will help you to get back to functioning.

I'm telling you, great doctors ARE out there!