Hi there,

I have been in your shoes... A year ago I was taking 11 different medications, including Adderall 20mg (fast release version of Vyvanse), Vyvanse 20mg, Diazepam 20mg, Cymbalta 60mg, Hydrocodone, Diclofenac (both oral and local patches), Topamax, Cyclobenzaprine 20mg and several other types of benzaprine. I felt I was spiraling out of control emotionally and that none of the symptoms were getting any better. I was under the supervision of two neurologists, a rheumatologist, and a psychiatrist.

Today I am down to Cymbalta 30mg, Triazolam, and Topamax (to prevent migraines). I only use Diazepam after massages to prevent my muscles from cramping, and Vyvanse 20mg when I know I need all my "brain power". I have adopted a healthier diet, and I feel better now than I did then.

I would highly recommend seeking a second and maybe a third opinion. It takes time to find the right doctor for FMS patients. Maybe a psychiatrist would be a sounding board. Mine helped me understand the effects of those medications on my brain, and that made more sense to me. Several things don't seem right to me based on personal experience. I would especially look into Vyvanse (dosage and when you take it), and Cymbalta (dosage).

Take care of yourself.
Stephanie

To Porkchop's point, you could have food sensitivities feeding your inflammation. My naturopath ran a blood test against 350 of most common foods. Since I've eliminated the ones that I am sensitive to, the pain level has significantly decreased, and I am also more alert. The blood test is a lot faster than eliminating gluten for a while, than dairy, than both, etc. It also rates them from 1 to 3 so you know which ones are worse for you. Tomatoes for example, are a very common sensitivity and no one will ever tell you to test them out... My two highest sensitivities are kiwis and tomatoes, go figure. I am also sensitive to sugar (but beet sugar, cane is OK), pretty much all berries, lemon (this one is rare as I am told), pepper (this one sucks), etc. It has been very helpful to manage my pain. My chiropractor even told me that the puffiness she felt along my spine has disappeared in my lower back.

It doesn't seem to be a common test since I haven't heard anyone else mention it. The name of the lab my blood was sent to is "Alletess Medical Laboratory in Norwell, MA". Maybe you can contact them and ask who they work with in your area? In my case, it was through my local naturopath.

@A MyFibroTeam Member I have worked closely with MD's for 25 years and I can assure that they don't just know about and study drugs. They study the symptoms and causes of illnesses and then find the medications or treatments that will work to cure or control them.

My nutritionist has said that sugar is the leading culprit in inflammation in the body and that as long as you are eating properly, you don't need additional vitamins and minerals. There is a lot of truth in the saying 'to much of a good thing".

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A MyFibro...

It is entirely possible to have serious side effects from self medicating. Don't make any changes until you talk to your MD.

If the norco makes u feel better than take it. I agree that we are never going to be totally pain free and if it helps even a half of one every 4 hrs then take it. I also have thyroid. High blood pressure arthritis. Bulging and herniated disks in back and more always in pain. Heating pad or elec blanket also helps w the pain at night. Good luck to you and try to have less pain.