the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take

[Guest guest]

Here is another example of one lady who is on too many drugs for her

fibromyalgia. Wow what an eye opener.

I am on neutroin is it for my fibromyalgioa

One for my thryoid and 5 for my heart. But red nad please be

careful. heidi

I'm Disgusted with my Doctor

Nichols was visibly upset. Tears rolled down her face as she

began to tell me her story. I'm sharing it with you because 's

story is probably similar to your story. was at her wit's end.

She had been to numerous doctors (one told her she was depressed, one

told her she was a hypochondriac) before finally seeing the

rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia.

Although her past doctors had been competent, well meaning and in

most cases sincerely interested in here illness, few knew how to help

her past using the typical cookbook medical drug approach.

Nichols Story

had been suffering with fibromyalgia for almost 11 years. She

had been to numerous doctors, had tried dozens of different

medications, yet each year she felt worse than the year before.

Her illness began after having a hysterectomy in November 1993. A few

months after her surgery she began to have problems with her sleep,

sinus infections, chronic headaches, and her neck hurt all the time.

In 1995 her muscle pain had become so bad she wound up in the

emergency room late at night begging for help. She was prescribed

Celebrex (NSAID) and Flexeril (muscle relaxer). These medications

helped relieve the chronic tight achy muscles but made her feel " so

tired she could hardly get off the couch. "

She continued to struggle with her sleep. The Flexeril, when taken at

bedtime made her feel hung over the next day. However, she found if

she didn't take it she couldn't sleep at all.

She was referred to one doctor after the other. Each doctor

prescribed a drug or drugs and then referred to another doctor when

she didn't get any better.

Some doctors said she needed to lose weight, exercise, get more

sleep, or she was just depressed. One doctor suggested she see a

psychiatrist who could help her with her " illnesses. " She felt like

her life was slipping away.

, who in 1992 hadn't been on any medications, was now taking

Klonopin (anti-anxiety), Lyrica (nerve pain), Celebrex (anti-

inflammatory), Paxil (SSRI anti-depressant), Ambien (sleep drug),

Norvasc (for high blood pressure), and Flexeril, 9 different

medications, by the time she first consulted me.

had the following symptoms- insomnia, diffuse chronic muscle

pain through out her body, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),

depression, anxiety, poor memory, tingling in her hands and feet,

high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, headaches, bloating, gas,

indigestion, unwanted weight gain (30 pounds in last year and half),

poor immune function (frequent colds, flu, sinus infections),

dizziness, hair loss, and mood swings.

In taking her history it became clear that she had been under a great

deal of stress prior to her hysterectomy. The surgery was the last

straw; she had used up her stress coping savings account.

Her low serotonin state led to poor sleep, depression, increased

pain, IBS, anxiety, and decreased mental clarity.

Poor sleep led to more stress, pain, fatigue, immune dysfunction, and

headaches. Her chronic stress led to low thyroid or hypothyroid. She

had all the classic signs of low thyroid; fatigue, weight gain,

elevated cholesterol, frequent sinus infections, hair loss, tingling

in the hands and feet, etc.

The Celebrex and other NSAIDs medications are what most likely caused

her to have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can cause high blood

pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had recently started on

medication to lower their blood pressure were also taking NSAIDs.

NSAIDs more than double a person's risk of developing high blood

pressure.

She quit taking Celebrex and didn't notice that her diffuse muscle

pain was any worse for it. And within a few weeks she was able to

discontinue the potentially deadly calcium channel-blocking drug

Norvasc.

Calcium channel blocking drugs increase the risk of heart attack and

stroke by 5-fold- she immediately noticed more energy after weaning

off her blood pressure drug.

The Lyrica, which is used for seizure disorders and nerve pain,

wasn't helping and since many of its potential side effects could

have been contributing to her symptoms, weaned off this

medication over a 2- month period.

The side effects associated Lyrica include somnolence (prolonged

drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number

of days), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, double vision, edema (fluid

retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), thought disorder,

possible long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements

and disorders), tremors, weight gain, back pain, constipation, muscle

aches, memory loss, asthenia (weakness), depression, abnormal

thinking, itching, involuntary muscle twitching, serious rash, and

runny nose.

had several of these side effects. Fortunately they all went

away after she weaned off the Lyrica.

Her chronic achy low back pain, poor memory, moods, and low energy,

drastically improved after discontinuing this drug.

I explained to that Klonopin actually depletes the body's

natural sleep hormone melatonin.

And the Klonopin contributed to her depression, fatigue and short-

term memory loss.

Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol,

began to consistently sleep through the night.

Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over

a 2-month period.

Her IBS disappeared within 2 weeks.

The antidepressant Paxil wasn't helping by the time she saw me. It

had most likely caused her 30-pound weight gain.

Paxil and other serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant drugs

(SSRI) don't make serotonin; they only help a person hang onto

serotonin longer. These drugs are like gasoline additives, but

didn't have any gasoline, she was running on fumes. There was no

serotonin to re-uptake.

She stayed on Paxil for 6 months while we built up her stress coping

savings account and then weaned off her Paxil over a 2-month period.

I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months. She

lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet.

still has some " fibro flare " days with pain and fatigue, but

she is 80% better. It may take several more months, if ever, for

to be back to 100% were she was before her initial symptoms of

fibromyalgia began in 1993. However, her recent email from a grueling

vacation in China indicates that she's doing quite well.

Please know your drugs may actually be causing harm than good. You

want know this until you explore each and every one of the drugs

you're taking. The first step is learning about the drugs you are now

taking.

I encourage you to read about the drugs you're taking. See if they

may be causing some of your symptoms. If you suspect they are, work

with your doctor to slowly wean off these medications. If they were

helping, you can always start back on them if needed.

Mayo clinic is a great resource for learning about drugs and

supplements.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex

[Guest guest]

Heidi, this is an eye-opener. I have a friend whose elderly mother was in a nursing home and taking 18 prescription medicines. One day the home called my friend and asked that she hurry to her mother's side, they said she had about 24 hours to live. My friend rushed from NC to PA to be with her mom, but by the time she got there, her mother was doing better. The day before, the doctor had taken her off all the meds, thinking there was no reason for her to continnue. This happened this past spring and now my friend's mother is fine. She still has Alzheimer's Disease, but all the rest of her illnesses have disappeared. And she takes no meds.

This is scary because I take Advair, Albuterol, Alendronate, Crestor, Cymbalta, Flonase, Etodolac, Voltaren, Neurontin, Nexium, Potassium, Singulair, Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Tramadol, Temazepam, and Estrogel. I am often embarrassed to tell someone all the prescription meds I take, but none of my docs are willing to discontinue anything. After I stopped taking Lyrica and went back to Neurontin, I began to lose some weight. I'm hoping if I can get back down to a safe weight I can stop some of these meds.

Pam

the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take

Here is another example of one lady who is on too many drugs for her fibromyalgia. Wow what an eye opener.I am on neutroin is it for my fibromyalgioaOne for my thryoid and 5 for my heart. But red nad please be careful. heidiI'm Disgusted with my Doctor Nichols was visibly upset. Tears rolled down her face as she began to tell me her story. I'm sharing it with you because 's story is probably similar to your story. was at her wit's end. She had been to numerous doctors (one told her she was depressed, one told her she was a hypochondriac) before finally seeing the rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. Although her past doctors had been competent, well meaning and in most cases sincerely interested in here illness, few knew how to help her past using the typical cookbook medical drug approach. Nichols Story had been suffering with fibromyalgia for almost 11 years. She had been to numerous doctors, had tried dozens of different medications, yet each year she felt worse than the year before.Her illness began after having a hysterectomy in November 1993. A few months after her surgery she began to have problems with her sleep, sinus infections, chronic headaches, and her neck hurt all the time.In 1995 her muscle pain had become so bad she wound up in the emergency room late at night begging for help. She was prescribed Celebrex (NSAID) and Flexeril (muscle relaxer). These medications helped relieve the chronic tight achy muscles but made her feel "so tired she could hardly get off the couch." She continued to struggle with her sleep. The Flexeril, when taken at bedtime made her feel hung over the next day. However, she found if she didn't take it she couldn't sleep at all.She was referred to one doctor after the other. Each doctor prescribed a drug or drugs and then referred to another doctor when she didn't get any better. Some doctors said she needed to lose weight, exercise, get more sleep, or she was just depressed. One doctor suggested she see a psychiatrist who could help her with her "illnesses." She felt like her life was slipping away. , who in 1992 hadn't been on any medications, was now taking Klonopin (anti-anxiety), Lyrica (nerve pain), Celebrex (anti-inflammatory), Paxil (SSRI anti-depressant), Ambien (sleep drug), Norvasc (for high blood pressure), and Flexeril, 9 different medications, by the time she first consulted me. had the following symptoms- insomnia, diffuse chronic muscle pain through out her body, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety, poor memory, tingling in her hands and feet, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, headaches, bloating, gas, indigestion, unwanted weight gain (30 pounds in last year and half), poor immune function (frequent colds, flu, sinus infections), dizziness, hair loss, and mood swings.In taking her history it became clear that she had been under a great deal of stress prior to her hysterectomy. The surgery was the last straw; she had used up her stress coping savings account. Her low serotonin state led to poor sleep, depression, increased pain, IBS, anxiety, and decreased mental clarity.Poor sleep led to more stress, pain, fatigue, immune dysfunction, and headaches. Her chronic stress led to low thyroid or hypothyroid. She had all the classic signs of low thyroid; fatigue, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, frequent sinus infections, hair loss, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.The Celebrex and other NSAIDs medications are what most likely caused her to have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had recently started on medication to lower their blood pressure were also taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs more than double a person's risk of developing high blood pressure. She quit taking Celebrex and didn't notice that her diffuse muscle pain was any worse for it. And within a few weeks she was able to discontinue the potentially deadly calcium channel-blocking drug Norvasc. Calcium channel blocking drugs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 5-fold- she immediately noticed more energy after weaning off her blood pressure drug.The Lyrica, which is used for seizure disorders and nerve pain, wasn't helping and since many of its potential side effects could have been contributing to her symptoms, weaned off this medication over a 2- month period. The side effects associated Lyrica include somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, double vision, edema (fluid retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), thought disorder, possible long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements and disorders), tremors, weight gain, back pain, constipation, muscle aches, memory loss, asthenia (weakness), depression, abnormal thinking, itching, involuntary muscle twitching, serious rash, and runny nose. had several of these side effects. Fortunately they all went away after she weaned off the Lyrica.Her chronic achy low back pain, poor memory, moods, and low energy, drastically improved after discontinuing this drug.I explained to that Klonopin actually depletes the body's natural sleep hormone melatonin.And the Klonopin contributed to her depression, fatigue and short-term memory loss. Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol, began to consistently sleep through the night. Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over a 2-month period. Her IBS disappeared within 2 weeks. The antidepressant Paxil wasn't helping by the time she saw me. It had most likely caused her 30-pound weight gain. Paxil and other serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant drugs (SSRI) don't make serotonin; they only help a person hang onto serotonin longer. These drugs are like gasoline additives, but didn't have any gasoline, she was running on fumes. There was no serotonin to re-uptake. She stayed on Paxil for 6 months while we built up her stress coping savings account and then weaned off her Paxil over a 2-month period. I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months. She lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet. still has some "fibro flare" days with pain and fatigue, but she is 80% better. It may take several more months, if ever, for to be back to 100% were she was before her initial symptoms of fibromyalgia began in 1993. However, her recent email from a grueling vacation in China indicates that she's doing quite well.Please know your drugs may actually be causing harm than good. You want know this until you explore each and every one of the drugs you're taking. The first step is learning about the drugs you are now taking.I encourage you to read about the drugs you're taking. See if they may be causing some of your symptoms. If you suspect they are, work with your doctor to slowly wean off these medications. If they were helping, you can always start back on them if needed.Mayo clinic is a great resource for learning about drugs and supplements.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex

[Guest guest]

A few years ago I knew 3 women who had to go to psychiatric lock-up to

detox from being on too many prescription meds - their systems finally

crashed. One was my aunt. If I recall correctly, each of these

ladies were on over 20 medications that were deemed necessary.

After the detox period (pure hell), they were put back on just 4-5

meds that they absolutely needed.

I got concerned 3 years ago when I was put on 12 different meds! This

was after my exposure to toxic mold in my workplace and became

desperately ill

http://www.fms-help.com/mold.htm

I was a mess!! Finally got off as much as I could and still function.

My current list is at

http://www.fms-help.com/what.htm

I truly feel for all of us whose bodies are not functioning normally,

requiring us to take drugs to force the body to function correctly. I

try now to take natural things instead of drugs as much as possible.

Dom

In dominie , " Pam Horne " <pmarshall@...> wrote:

>

> Heidi, this is an eye-opener. I have a friend whose elderly mother

was in a nursing home and taking 18 prescription medicines.

[Guest guest]

Pam I am like you on a lot differernt drugs for arthritis, asthma, thyroid, cholesterol, palpitations and non diabetic peripheral neurapathy . I have had Dr work with me to get off of some but always end up having to go Back on them. If I don't take the Voltarin for arthritis and spinal stenosis, I hurt like crazy and refuse to live my life at this point on narcotics. Been that route for a few months. If I try and cut down on some of my asthma meds, I start having trouble with my ashtma. It is allergy related and my allergies there is no way to get away from them. I just make sure every Dr I see is aware of what I am on and my medical history. Sandie -- Re: the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take Heidi, this is an eye-opener. I have a friend whose elderly mother was in a nursing home and taking 18 prescription medicines. One day the home called my friend and asked that she hurry to her mother's side, they said she had about 24 hours to live. My friend rushed from NC to PA to be with her mom, but by the time she got there, her mother was doing better. The day before, the doctor had taken her off all the meds, thinking there was no reason for her to continnue. This happened this past spring and now my friend's mother is fine. She still has Alzheimer's Disease, but all the rest of her illnesses have disappeared. And she takes no meds. This is scary because I take Advair, Albuterol, Alendronate, Crestor, Cymbalta, Flonase, Etodolac, Voltaren, Neurontin, Nexium, Potassium, Singulair, Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Tramadol, Temazepam, and Estrogel. I am often embarrassed to tell someone all the prescription meds I take, but none of my docs are willing to discontinue anything. After I stopped taking Lyrica and went back to Neurontin, I began to lose some weight. I'm hoping if I can get back down to a safe weight I can stop some of these meds. Pam the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take Here is another example of one lady who is on too many drugs for her fibromyalgia. Wow what an eye opener.I am on neutroin is it for my fibromyalgioaOne for my thryoid and 5 for my heart. But red nad please be careful. heidiI'm Disgusted with my Doctor Nichols was visibly upset. Tears rolled down her face as she began to tell me her story. I'm sharing it with you because 's story is probably similar to your story. was at her wit's end. She had been to numerous doctors (one told her she was depressed, one told her she was a hypochondriac) before finally seeing the rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. Although her past doctors had been competent, well meaning and in most cases sincerely interested in here illness, few knew how to help her past using the typical cookbook medical drug approach. Nichols Story had been suffering with fibromyalgia for almost 11 years. She had been to numerous doctors, had tried dozens of different medications, yet each year she felt worse than the year before.Her illness began after having a hysterectomy in November 1993. A few months after her surgery she began to have problems with her sleep, sinus infections, chronic headaches, and her neck hurt all the time.In 1995 her muscle pain had become so bad she wound up in the emergency room late at night begging for help. She was prescribed Celebrex (NSAID) and Flexeril (muscle relaxer). These medications helped relieve the chronic tight achy muscles but made her feel "so tired she could hardly get off the couch." She continued to struggle with her sleep. The Flexeril, when taken at bedtime made her feel hung over the next day. However, she found if she didn't take it she couldn't sleep at all.She was referred to one doctor after the other. Each doctor prescribed a drug or drugs and then referred to another doctor when she didn't get any better. Some doctors said she needed to lose weight, exercise, get more sleep, or she was just depressed. One doctor suggested she see a psychiatrist who could help her with her "illnesses." She felt like her life was slipping away. , who in 1992 hadn't been on any medications, was now taking Klonopin (anti-anxiety), Lyrica (nerve pain), Celebrex (anti-inflammatory), Paxil (SSRI anti-depressant), Ambien (sleep drug), Norvasc (for high blood pressure), and Flexeril, 9 different medications, by the time she first consulted me. had the following symptoms- insomnia, diffuse chronic muscle pain through out her body, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety, poor memory, tingling in her hands and feet, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, headaches, bloating, gas, indigestion, unwanted weight gain (30 pounds in last year and half), poor immune function (frequent colds, flu, sinus infections), dizziness, hair loss, and mood swings.In taking her history it became clear that she had been under a great deal of stress prior to her hysterectomy. The surgery was the last straw; she had used up her stress coping savings account. Her low serotonin state led to poor sleep, depression, increased pain, IBS, anxiety, and decreased mental clarity.Poor sleep led to more stress, pain, fatigue, immune dysfunction, and headaches. Her chronic stress led to low thyroid or hypothyroid. She had all the classic signs of low thyroid; fatigue, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, frequent sinus infections, hair loss, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.The Celebrex and other NSAIDs medications are what most likely caused her to have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had recently started on medication to lower their blood pressure were also taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs more than double a person's risk of developing high blood pressure. She quit taking Celebrex and didn't notice that her diffuse muscle pain was any worse for it. And within a few weeks she was able to discontinue the potentially deadly calcium channel-blocking drug Norvasc. Calcium channel blocking drugs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 5-fold- she immediately noticed more energy after weaning off her blood pressure drug.The Lyrica, which is used for seizure disorders and nerve pain, wasn't helping and since many of its potential side effects could have been contributing to her symptoms, weaned off this medication over a 2- month period. The side effects associated Lyrica include somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, double vision, edema (fluid retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), thought disorder, possible long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements and disorders), tremors, weight gain, back pain, constipation, muscle aches, memory loss, asthenia (weakness), depression, abnormal thinking, itching, involuntary muscle twitching, serious rash, and runny nose. had several of these side effects. Fortunately they all went away after she weaned off the Lyrica.Her chronic achy low back pain, poor memory, moods, and low energy, drastically improved after discontinuing this drug.I explained to that Klonopin actually depletes the body's natural sleep hormone melatonin.And the Klonopin contributed to her depression, fatigue and short-term memory loss. Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol, began to consistently sleep through the night. Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over a 2-month period. Her IBS disappeared within 2 weeks. The antidepressant Paxil wasn't helping by the time she saw me. It had most likely caused her 30-pound weight gain. Paxil and other serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant drugs (SSRI) don't make serotonin; they only help a person hang onto serotonin longer. These drugs are like gasoline additives, but didn't have any gasoline, she was running on fumes. There was no serotonin to re-uptake. She stayed on Paxil for 6 months while we built up her stress coping savings account and then weaned off her Paxil over a 2-month period. I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months. She lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet. still has some "fibro flare" days with pain and fatigue, but she is 80% better. It may take several more months, if ever, for to be back to 100% were she was before her initial symptoms of fibromyalgia began in 1993. However, her recent email from a grueling vacation in China indicates that she's doing quite well.Please know your drugs may actually be causing harm than good. You want know this until you explore each and every one of the drugs you're taking. The first step is learning about the drugs you are now taking.I encourage you to read about the drugs you're taking. See if they may be causing some of your symptoms. If you suspect they are, work with your doctor to slowly wean off these medications. If they were helping, you can always start back on them if needed.Mayo clinic is a great resource for learning about drugs and supplements.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex

[Guest guest]

Sandie: I saw your reference to non diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Could you say more about that? I have dysautonomia with small fiber

neuropathy, also non diabetic. Could you say more about how you were

diagnosed and treated and such?

Thanks,

S.

[Guest guest]

Heidi: Who was the doctor who treated Nichols? Seems like he

knew a great deal about this disorder. Seems like one I would like to

meet!

S.

>

[Guest guest]

the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take

Here is another example of one lady who is on too many drugs for her fibromyalgia. Wow what an eye opener.I am on neutroin is it for my fibromyalgioaOne for my thryoid and 5 for my heart. But red nad please be careful. heidiI'm Disgusted with my Doctor Nichols was visibly upset. Tears rolled down her face as she began to tell me her story. I'm sharing it with you because 's story is probably similar to your story. was at her wit's end. She had been to numerous doctors (one told her she was depressed, one told her she was a hypochondriac) before finally seeing the rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. Although her past doctors had been competent, well meaning and in most cases sincerely interested in here illness, few knew how to help her past using the typical cookbook medical drug approach. Nichols Story had been suffering with fibromyalgia for almost 11 years. She had been to numerous doctors, had tried dozens of different medications, yet each year she felt worse than the year before.Her illness began after having a hysterectomy in November 1993. A few months after her surgery she began to have problems with her sleep, sinus infections, chronic headaches, and her neck hurt all the time.In 1995 her muscle pain had become so bad she wound up in the emergency room late at night begging for help. She was prescribed Celebrex (NSAID) and Flexeril (muscle relaxer). These medications helped relieve the chronic tight achy muscles but made her feel "so tired she could hardly get off the couch." She continued to struggle with her sleep. The Flexeril, when taken at bedtime made her feel hung over the next day. However, she found if she didn't take it she couldn't sleep at all.She was referred to one doctor after the other. Each doctor prescribed a drug or drugs and then referred to another doctor when she didn't get any better. Some doctors said she needed to lose weight, exercise, get more sleep, or she was just depressed. One doctor suggested she see a psychiatrist who could help her with her "illnesses." She felt like her life was slipping away. , who in 1992 hadn't been on any medications, was now taking Klonopin (anti-anxiety), Lyrica (nerve pain), Celebrex (anti-inflammatory), Paxil (SSRI anti-depressant), Ambien (sleep drug), Norvasc (for high blood pressure), and Flexeril, 9 different medications, by the time she first consulted me. had the following symptoms- insomnia, diffuse chronic muscle pain through out her body, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety, poor memory, tingling in her hands and feet, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, headaches, bloating, gas, indigestion, unwanted weight gain (30 pounds in last year and half), poor immune function (frequent colds, flu, sinus infections), dizziness, hair loss, and mood swings.In taking her history it became clear that she had been under a great deal of stress prior to her hysterectomy. The surgery was the last straw; she had used up her stress coping savings account. Her low serotonin state led to poor sleep, depression, increased pain, IBS, anxiety, and decreased mental clarity.Poor sleep led to more stress, pain, fatigue, immune dysfunction, and headaches. Her chronic stress led to low thyroid or hypothyroid. She had all the classic signs of low thyroid; fatigue, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, frequent sinus infections, hair loss, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.The Celebrex and other NSAIDs medications are what most likely caused her to have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had recently started on medication to lower their blood pressure were also taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs more than double a person's risk of developing high blood pressure. She quit taking Celebrex and didn't notice that her diffuse muscle pain was any worse for it. And within a few weeks she was able to discontinue the potentially deadly calcium channel-blocking drug Norvasc. Calcium channel blocking drugs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 5-fold- she immediately noticed more energy after weaning off her blood pressure drug.The Lyrica, which is used for seizure disorders and nerve pain, wasn't helping and since many of its potential side effects could have been contributing to her symptoms, weaned off this medication over a 2- month period. The side effects associated Lyrica include somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, double vision, edema (fluid retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), thought disorder, possible long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements and disorders), tremors, weight gain, back pain, constipation, muscle aches, memory loss, asthenia (weakness), depression, abnormal thinking, itching, involuntary muscle twitching, serious rash, and runny nose. had several of these side effects. Fortunately they all went away after she weaned off the Lyrica.Her chronic achy low back pain, poor memory, moods, and low energy, drastically improved after discontinuing this drug.I explained to that Klonopin actually depletes the body's natural sleep hormone melatonin.And the Klonopin contributed to her depression, fatigue and short-term memory loss. Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol, began to consistently sleep through the night. Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over a 2-month period. Her IBS disappeared within 2 weeks. The antidepressant Paxil wasn't helping by the time she saw me. It had most likely caused her 30-pound weight gain. Paxil and other serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant drugs (SSRI) don't make serotonin; they only help a person hang onto serotonin longer. These drugs are like gasoline additives, but didn't have any gasoline, she was running on fumes. There was no serotonin to re-uptake. She stayed on Paxil for 6 months while we built up her stress coping savings account and then weaned off her Paxil over a 2-month period. I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months. She lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet. still has some "fibro flare" days with pain and fatigue, but she is 80% better. It may take several more months, if ever, for to be back to 100% were she was before her initial symptoms of fibromyalgia began in 1993. However, her recent email from a grueling vacation in China indicates that she's doing quite well.Please know your drugs may actually be causing harm than good. You want know this until you explore each and every one of the drugs you're taking. The first step is learning about the drugs you are now taking.I encourage you to read about the drugs you're taking. See if they may be causing some of your symptoms. If you suspect they are, work with your doctor to slowly wean off these medications. If they were helping, you can always start back on them if needed.Mayo clinic is a great resource for learning about drugs and supplements.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandie, I too make sure every doctor I see knows my complete background and all the meds I take. But even then I worry about combining all these drugs. I think it was Heidi who just told us not to take Neurontin with Magnesium (thanks Heidi), and I've been doing that forever. I worry that some awful combination one day will have serious consequences.

Pam

the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take

Here is another example of one lady who is on too many drugs for her fibromyalgia. Wow what an eye opener.I am on neutroin is it for my fibromyalgioaOne for my thryoid and 5 for my heart. But red nad please be careful. heidiI'm Disgusted with my Doctor Nichols was visibly upset. Tears rolled down her face as she began to tell me her story. I'm sharing it with you because 's story is probably similar to your story. was at her wit's end. She had been to numerous doctors (one told her she was depressed, one told her she was a hypochondriac) before finally seeing the rheumatologist who diagnosed her with fibromyalgia. Although her past doctors had been competent, well meaning and in most cases sincerely interested in here illness, few knew how to help her past using the typical cookbook medical drug approach. Nichols Story had been suffering with fibromyalgia for almost 11 years. She had been to numerous doctors, had tried dozens of different medications, yet each year she felt worse than the year before.Her illness began after having a hysterectomy in November 1993. A few months after her surgery she began to have problems with her sleep, sinus infections, chronic headaches, and her neck hurt all the time.In 1995 her muscle pain had become so bad she wound up in the emergency room late at night begging for help. She was prescribed Celebrex (NSAID) and Flexeril (muscle relaxer). These medications helped relieve the chronic tight achy muscles but made her feel "so tired she could hardly get off the couch." She continued to struggle with her sleep. The Flexeril, when taken at bedtime made her feel hung over the next day. However, she found if she didn't take it she couldn't sleep at all.She was referred to one doctor after the other. Each doctor prescribed a drug or drugs and then referred to another doctor when she didn't get any better. Some doctors said she needed to lose weight, exercise, get more sleep, or she was just depressed. One doctor suggested she see a psychiatrist who could help her with her "illnesses." She felt like her life was slipping away. , who in 1992 hadn't been on any medications, was now taking Klonopin (anti-anxiety), Lyrica (nerve pain), Celebrex (anti-inflammatory), Paxil (SSRI anti-depressant), Ambien (sleep drug), Norvasc (for high blood pressure), and Flexeril, 9 different medications, by the time she first consulted me. had the following symptoms- insomnia, diffuse chronic muscle pain through out her body, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety, poor memory, tingling in her hands and feet, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, headaches, bloating, gas, indigestion, unwanted weight gain (30 pounds in last year and half), poor immune function (frequent colds, flu, sinus infections), dizziness, hair loss, and mood swings.In taking her history it became clear that she had been under a great deal of stress prior to her hysterectomy. The surgery was the last straw; she had used up her stress coping savings account. Her low serotonin state led to poor sleep, depression, increased pain, IBS, anxiety, and decreased mental clarity.Poor sleep led to more stress, pain, fatigue, immune dysfunction, and headaches. Her chronic stress led to low thyroid or hypothyroid. She had all the classic signs of low thyroid; fatigue, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, frequent sinus infections, hair loss, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.The Celebrex and other NSAIDs medications are what most likely caused her to have high blood pressure. NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure. In one study, 41% of those who had recently started on medication to lower their blood pressure were also taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs more than double a person's risk of developing high blood pressure. She quit taking Celebrex and didn't notice that her diffuse muscle pain was any worse for it. And within a few weeks she was able to discontinue the potentially deadly calcium channel-blocking drug Norvasc. Calcium channel blocking drugs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 5-fold- she immediately noticed more energy after weaning off her blood pressure drug.The Lyrica, which is used for seizure disorders and nerve pain, wasn't helping and since many of its potential side effects could have been contributing to her symptoms, weaned off this medication over a 2- month period. The side effects associated Lyrica include somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), dizziness, weakness, fatigue, double vision, edema (fluid retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), thought disorder, possible long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements and disorders), tremors, weight gain, back pain, constipation, muscle aches, memory loss, asthenia (weakness), depression, abnormal thinking, itching, involuntary muscle twitching, serious rash, and runny nose. had several of these side effects. Fortunately they all went away after she weaned off the Lyrica.Her chronic achy low back pain, poor memory, moods, and low energy, drastically improved after discontinuing this drug.I explained to that Klonopin actually depletes the body's natural sleep hormone melatonin.And the Klonopin contributed to her depression, fatigue and short-term memory loss. Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol, began to consistently sleep through the night. Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over a 2-month period. Her IBS disappeared within 2 weeks. The antidepressant Paxil wasn't helping by the time she saw me. It had most likely caused her 30-pound weight gain. Paxil and other serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant drugs (SSRI) don't make serotonin; they only help a person hang onto serotonin longer. These drugs are like gasoline additives, but didn't have any gasoline, she was running on fumes. There was no serotonin to re-uptake. She stayed on Paxil for 6 months while we built up her stress coping savings account and then weaned off her Paxil over a 2-month period. I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months. She lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet. still has some "fibro flare" days with pain and fatigue, but she is 80% better. It may take several more months, if ever, for to be back to 100% were she was before her initial symptoms of fibromyalgia began in 1993. However, her recent email from a grueling vacation in China indicates that she's doing quite well.Please know your drugs may actually be causing harm than good. You want know this until you explore each and every one of the drugs you're taking. The first step is learning about the drugs you are now taking.I encourage you to read about the drugs you're taking. See if they may be causing some of your symptoms. If you suspect they are, work with your doctor to slowly wean off these medications. If they were helping, you can always start back on them if needed.Mayo clinic is a great resource for learning about drugs and supplements.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DrugHerbIndex

[Guest guest]

YES, I complained to my rhuemy that my legs had a burning pain that was not relieved with rest. He sent me for EMG by the physiatrist. She was very thorough in giving me the test. When the test was done she told me she detected some neuropathy, then ordered me a wheeled walker with a seat and sent down the hall to Physical therapist to have the size adjusted and instructions on how to use it.. I am not diabetic, I am tested with HgA1C several times a year because I have high LDL and Triglycerides which are genetic. She told me the treatment would be neurontin or Lyrica. Rhuemy gave me the final diagnosis when I saw him. I am on 600mg of gabapentin at bed time with good results so far. I have been on gabapentin twice before, once for fibro pains and polymyalgia rheumatica pain, and for restless leg syndrome. I took my self off of it both times before. I get in these moods every now and then, that I am tired of swallowing pills doesn't make any difference if prescription, vitamin, mineral or herbs, and try and take myself off of them. Told my Civilian Dr the other day( I get the bulk of my medical care at the Veteran's administration hospital) but have a civilian Dr as I live 150 miles from the closest VA with a women's clinic, that I was always getting on my patients to take their meds, but that I was bad one. LOL, I have a 38 year old son, because I could not remember to take a little bitty pill every day. Love the boy, and he has given me to wonderful grandsons. Sandie -- Re: the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take Sandie: I saw your reference to non diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Could you say more about that? I have dysautonomia with small fiber neuropathy, also non diabetic. Could you say more about how you were diagnosed and treated and such? Thanks, S. ------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Dom Im interested in finding out where to get this info from you,

Nichols Storywhat is your jump=start protocol? Within a few weeks of starting my fibromyalgia jump-start protocol,

began to consistently sleep through the night. Her pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and poor memory improved over a 2-month period. I'm happy to report she lost 20 pounds over the following months.

What is your elimination diet?

She lost almost 10 pounds in the first month by using my elimination diet.And do you do the drug or person consolts? Im confused as to why you saw ? I've got the drug books and read them esp. for interactions and such, but you know far more on how they affect the fibro person then the drug book thats for sure. Are you for hire?

One of my biggest things is my weight, I gained 100lbs with the fibro, then b4 i actually had my first CFS crash I gained roughly 20 lbs a month twice. 2 months in a row, then it was Aug. and I had the crash. My sleep has been pretty good, i take a natural herb mixture w/out it forget it i cant sleep. Im on a cpap too. Since the CFS crashes its thrown me off though my nights are days and vice versa. 2 days ago my TMJ acted up so I take the flexeral just at bedtime and it not only helped the TMJ, but its getting me back on the correct sleep pattern, hopefully! I only use it for pulled muscles~ i read in the posts where folks use flexeral for other things though.

Is cymbalta like the paxil that you spoke about in susans case? I might of deleated that section. im on that.

I guess this is all i can think of to bug you with at the moment....sorry us new people...all these questions haha

thanks for your patience!

hugs

Cherie

[Guest guest]

Okay everyone, why aren't you supposed to take neurontin with

magnesium?????

>

[Guest guest]

>Magnesium taken with neutontin blocks the absorption of the neurontin

in your body. So you can take the magnesium a couple of hours later but

just not together. Dr Devin starlanyl has said in all 3 of her books.

Heidi

> Okay everyone, why aren't you supposed to take neurontin with

> magnesium?????

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Okay, Heidi,, thanks! I thought that you were saying that you couldn't take magnesium at all if you took neurontin.

S.

Re: the polydrug pyrmaid too manhy drugs everyone has to take

>Magnesium taken with neutontin blocks the absorption of the neurontin

in your body. So you can take the magnesium a couple of hours later but

just not together. Dr Devin starlanyl has said in all 3 of her books.

Heidi

> Okay everyone, why aren't you supposed to take neurontin with

> magnesium?????

> >

>

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