By the way, I also try to get a therapeutic massage weekly. I have a therapist who knows how to work with fibro and not kill me. It helps a LOT!

Let me be more specific than I was when I just said Savella and Diclofenac. I take 100 mg of Savella AM and PM plus 75 mg of Diclofenac AM and PM (Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory, which I find I cannot live without). I also take 25 mg of Cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxer), 50 mg of Topamax (for migraines), 2 probiotics and 2 500 mg Magnesiums at bedtime, plus 1 Benadryl. This routine pretty much keeps me out of pain. I do have an occasional headache. When I do, I take 2 Excedrine Migraines and lay down with a cold compress over my eyes and forehead and it usually goes away within an hour. When it doesn't, I get in the shower with the massage head and let it pound on my head, neck and shoulders, then get back in bed with the ice pack. If that doesn't do it, I take an Epsoms Salt Bath and that usually finally gets it. Hope this helps. I didn't get relief until I went to the 100 mg of Savella twice a day with the 75 mg of Diclofenac with it. This was the secret twosome for me!!!

I have had to cut down on the stressors in my life, reduce coffee, and really change my eating habits. Nothing helps mine much either. I take tramadol, but it just takes the edge off. I try to stay as active as possible, and get as much sunlight as possible. Believe it or not, that really does help. I take my kids to a park, and either walk around (very slowly, with my cane), or sit on a bench and either read, draw or write. Having a hobby with which you can take out your frustrations really helps too. I told my Dr I did not want any more or stronger meds. I have 2 boys and I can't be medicated and zhombie-ish all day. My 4 yr old would have my house destroyed. lol.

I take gabapentin and effexor as well. These 2 work ok. I take ibuprofen when the pain is too much. The best thing I have found that works for me is to keep moving. It's when I stop the pain is overwhelming. I have to get up and dressed in the morning and get moving. If I don't the depression sets in and it is not a good mix. It works for me for now. It took me many years to find out what works. I still wake up with pain some days but I keep moving. I have had days years ago where I couldn't get out of bed for weeks. Once in a while I have a day or 2 but mostly I am doing pretty good. I was hopeless for a long time. I had to find what works for me. Keep on trying. You will get to a good place too. It's not easy but you can do it!

Savella is in a class of meds that has been shown to increase weight, but if this happens and Savella is helping your doc can use other meds in the same class until you come across one that works and doesn't csudse weight gain. The class is full so something should work for you and the side effects be manageable. Check the online PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) for other meds in Savella's class and read through each of their side effects and come up with your own list if you like to maintain control of your treatment.