Barb--Katrina's update on her day and such

[Guest guest]

I take cymbalta and serequel as a mood stabalizer. I take methatrexate as

well. havent had

any problems with them..

Jolene

In a message dated 4/16/2008 11:53:13 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

spydre_74@... writes:

I've not had enough luck to find a rhuematologist yet. I'm on Medicaid, so

it's difficult to find a specialist that accepts it. My current medical

doctor, is frankly, an idiot, and I'm going to be switching in another month

and a

half. So I started going to pain management. They put me on Lyrica, but after

a week I bloated up so bad, and and gained so much weight, they were

concerned about my kidneys, so they discontinued it. The bad thing about that

is

that the Lyrica was starting to work. Yeah, it made me sleepy, but my baseline

amount of pain was lowered.

I had an SI joint injection about a week ago....after a couple days I was

thinking it was working, because no pain in that area. Then I woke up from a

nap after work yesterday and was in so much pain.....today it's bad enough that

I'm leaving work early (almost didn't come in). Every day I cart to work

with me my heating pad with massager, my biofreeze, and my tennis ball,and

alternate using them (I have a desk job). I usually have to take a break every

hour or so to keep from getting too stiff. I'm on anti-inflammatories

(Voltaren), but I have a history of GERD, so I try to only take it 1 - 2 times

a day

rather than 3.

I also have bipolar disorder and epilepsy, which I imagine limit my

treatment options even further. For example - many of the meds prescribed that

I've

heard about are anti-depressants. If I add another, I'm at risk for

mania....and if I switch the one I'm on....well, we did that with (I can't

remember

the name, think it started with an S, new one) and it didn't control my moods

all that well, and I had nightly muscle spams and leg pain so bad that it

literally kept me up all night, and that was with 3 medications to help me

sleep.

Ah, cymbalta was the name, I think.

Unfortunately, I don't qualify for any of the studies in the area on fibro

treatments because of my epilepsy. I was so disappointed I just about cried.

I'm working a temp job, but it gets stretched pretty thin.

tina

Katrina Stiles <_spaladyfl@..._ (mailto:spaladyfl@...) >

wrote:

Thank you so much for the wonderful email! After talking with my husband, I

have decided that I am going to go back to my Rheumy. We considered the pain

vs. the cost of the co-pay $35, the gas $7-8, then the prescription co-pay

$50. Nearly $95 in one day for one doctor. Pretty scary huh? He said that I

see him once a month, sometimes once every 6 weeks....he gives me trigger

point injections which help me out so much. I hurt like the dickens the day

after the shots...kinda like I have been beaten but in the long run, they do

help. I am going to call today and make the appointment to go back to him.

He is a really wonderful doctor. His name is Dr. Goodman and he is in

Palm Harbor Florida for those of you that might live near there. I knew the

first day I walked in his office that he was the doctor for me because the

sheet on the exam table had purple circles and inside the purple circles, it

said Fibromyalgia.said Fibromyalgia.<WBR>...it'd be easier for us to ask you

I was like I AM HOME! LOL

I take Darvon 65mg. ( I am allergic to most other pain meds) 1 capsule twice

a day and then 2 at bedtime and then I take 25mg Lyrica twice a day and then

2 at bedtime. My primary did that set up. My Rheumy had me on 50mg. 3 times

a day but the weight gain scared me so I lowered the dose myself. He wasn't

happy and I know totally understand why. I have to also voice this

concern...Lyrica for me has been the miracle drug. It really has, other than

the weight gain. I just always worry so about 6-8 months from now seeing

some class action lawsuit as that seems to always happen with one drug or

another. Years ago, they wanted to put me on Vioxx. Luckily, it made me

sicker than a dog...vomiting, muscle pain, I was pulled off it. Now, a class

action lawsuit has been filed. (I am not part of it). Just a concern that I

have about Lyrica. The too good to be true theory I guess.

The bigger problem that the docs have with me is I have multiple health

issues going on at the same time and I am not sure they truely know which

one they are treating! I have a botched ankle surgery (tarsal tunnel) that

is causing me knee problems. I have knee issues in both knees and like you,

I have felt many times that if I could just chop them off, I'd feel better.

I know, extreme, but sometimes...I know, extreme, but sometimes...<WBR>I

feeling. I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine due to a car accident

that is causing me great issues as well. And of course the RA and the Fibro.

I see my ortho, my Rheumy and my Primary sometimes just scratch their heads

because I think they have come to a loss as to what they wish to try next.

My Ortho is treating my knees, ankle and back. Rheumy of course my RA and

Fibro and my Primary picks up the slack. Yesterday I had injections in my

right knee and the doc said if it doesn't improve, he is scoping (surgery)

it. He also gave me another SI injection in my back. He said if that doesn't

work then he is moving on to different spinal injections which he believes

might help. If those don't work, he said either surgery or I learn to live

with the pain. Nice huh? Learn to live with the pain. As if. (Ha Ha! I just

sounded so Valley Girl right then huh?)

I have slowed down my reviewing and editing to a mere crawl. My reviewing I

don't get paid for. I have a select handful of authors that I work with and

they understand that sometimes, it might take me awhile to get the review

in. I have been 'paid' for my reviews in the manner of my reviews actually

getting on the covers and sometimes, insides of the books.I at one time was

working with around 14 authors but that was overload for me and I cut it

down to a mere handful. I get emails all the time from authors that want to

work with me specifically because I am fair and honest but I remain just

with my handful because I know I can do no more than that. It is also that

select group of authors that I edit for. That I do get paid for. That only

happens a few times a year though. So, my biggest income at this point is

the in home spa parties which luckily, I can make my car payment in 2-3

parties. I also am the Publicist for one of my authors. I make 10% there. My

husband pays all the bills luckily, he even makes my car payment but I am

trying to take the load off of him. The money I have after my car payment, I

spoil my grandson with! I have thought of giving up the in home spa parties

because of the pain they bring and huband isn't been talked to about that. I

know he likes that I get out of the house and I make new friends (although

it's of no benefit to me because they give up on me when they realize that I

can't get up and go like they can). He just knows I enjoy the out of the

house time and feeling like I am doing something to help bring funds in. I

also like with the in home parties, that I decide how many parties I want to

do. I started off gung ho and was doing 4 parties a week but quickly learned

that was INSANE and dropped it to less than 4 a month. The money isn't as

good but the pain is less.

Take care and have a great and hopefully pain free day. Gentle hugs!

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it

now.

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[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the wonderful email! After talking with my husband, I

have decided that I am going to go back to my Rheumy. We considered the pain

vs. the cost of the co-pay $35, the gas $7-8, then the prescription co-pay

$50. Nearly $95 in one day for one doctor. Pretty scary huh? He said that I

see him once a month, sometimes once every 6 weeks....he gives me trigger

point injections which help me out so much. I hurt like the dickens the day

after the shots...kinda like I have been beaten but in the long run, they do

help. I am going to call today and make the appointment to go back to him.

He is a really wonderful doctor. His name is Dr. Goodman and he is in

Palm Harbor Florida for those of you that might live near there. I knew the

first day I walked in his office that he was the doctor for me because the

sheet on the exam table had purple circles and inside the purple circles, it

said Fibromyalgia....it'd be easier for us to ask you where you DON'T hurt.

I was like I AM HOME! LOL

I take Darvon 65mg. ( I am allergic to most other pain meds) 1 capsule twice

a day and then 2 at bedtime and then I take 25mg Lyrica twice a day and then

2 at bedtime. My primary did that set up. My Rheumy had me on 50mg. 3 times

a day but the weight gain scared me so I lowered the dose myself. He wasn't

happy and I know totally understand why. I have to also voice this

concern...Lyrica for me has been the miracle drug. It really has, other than

the weight gain. I just always worry so about 6-8 months from now seeing

some class action lawsuit as that seems to always happen with one drug or

another. Years ago, they wanted to put me on Vioxx. Luckily, it made me

sicker than a dog...vomiting, muscle pain, I was pulled off it. Now, a class

action lawsuit has been filed. (I am not part of it). Just a concern that I

have about Lyrica. The too good to be true theory I guess.

The bigger problem that the docs have with me is I have multiple health

issues going on at the same time and I am not sure they truely know which

one they are treating! I have a botched ankle surgery (tarsal tunnel) that

is causing me knee problems. I have knee issues in both knees and like you,

I have felt many times that if I could just chop them off, I'd feel better.

I know, extreme, but sometimes...I'd never do it! It's just a feel like

feeling. I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine due to a car accident

that is causing me great issues as well. And of course the RA and the Fibro.

I see my ortho, my Rheumy and my Primary sometimes just scratch their heads

because I think they have come to a loss as to what they wish to try next.

My Ortho is treating my knees, ankle and back. Rheumy of course my RA and

Fibro and my Primary picks up the slack. Yesterday I had injections in my

right knee and the doc said if it doesn't improve, he is scoping (surgery)

it. He also gave me another SI injection in my back. He said if that doesn't

work then he is moving on to different spinal injections which he believes

might help. If those don't work, he said either surgery or I learn to live

with the pain. Nice huh? Learn to live with the pain. As if. (Ha Ha! I just

sounded so Valley Girl right then huh?)

I have slowed down my reviewing and editing to a mere crawl. My reviewing I

don't get paid for. I have a select handful of authors that I work with and

they understand that sometimes, it might take me awhile to get the review

in. I have been 'paid' for my reviews in the manner of my reviews actually

getting on the covers and sometimes, insides of the books.I at one time was

working with around 14 authors but that was overload for me and I cut it

down to a mere handful. I get emails all the time from authors that want to

work with me specifically because I am fair and honest but I remain just

with my handful because I know I can do no more than that. It is also that

select group of authors that I edit for. That I do get paid for. That only

happens a few times a year though. So, my biggest income at this point is

the in home spa parties which luckily, I can make my car payment in 2-3

parties. I also am the Publicist for one of my authors. I make 10% there. My

husband pays all the bills luckily, he even makes my car payment but I am

trying to take the load off of him. The money I have after my car payment, I

spoil my grandson with! I have thought of giving up the in home spa parties

because of the pain they bring and huband isn't been talked to about that. I

know he likes that I get out of the house and I make new friends (although

it's of no benefit to me because they give up on me when they realize that I

can't get up and go like they can). He just knows I enjoy the out of the

house time and feeling like I am doing something to help bring funds in. I

also like with the in home parties, that I decide how many parties I want to

do. I started off gung ho and was doing 4 parties a week but quickly learned

that was INSANE and dropped it to less than 4 a month. The money isn't as

good but the pain is less.

Take care and have a great and hopefully pain free day. Gentle hugs!

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

[Guest guest]

I've not had enough luck to find a rhuematologist yet. I'm on Medicaid, so it's

difficult to find a specialist that accepts it. My current medical doctor, is

frankly, an idiot, and I'm going to be switching in another month and a half.

So I started going to pain management. They put me on Lyrica, but after a week

I bloated up so bad, and and gained so much weight, they were concerned about my

kidneys, so they discontinued it. The bad thing about that is that the Lyrica

was starting to work. Yeah, it made me sleepy, but my baseline amount of pain

was lowered.

I had an SI joint injection about a week ago....after a couple days I was

thinking it was working, because no pain in that area. Then I woke up from a

nap after work yesterday and was in so much pain.....today it's bad enough that

I'm leaving work early (almost didn't come in). Every day I cart to work with

me my heating pad with massager, my biofreeze, and my tennis ball,and alternate

using them (I have a desk job). I usually have to take a break every hour or so

to keep from getting too stiff. I'm on anti-inflammatories (Voltaren), but I

have a history of GERD, so I try to only take it 1 - 2 times a day rather than

3.

I also have bipolar disorder and epilepsy, which I imagine limit my treatment

options even further. For example - many of the meds prescribed that I've heard

about are anti-depressants. If I add another, I'm at risk for mania....and if I

switch the one I'm on....well, we did that with (I can't remember the name,

think it started with an S, new one) and it didn't control my moods all that

well, and I had nightly muscle spams and leg pain so bad that it literally kept

me up all night, and that was with 3 medications to help me sleep. Ah,

cymbalta was the name, I think.

Unfortunately, I don't qualify for any of the studies in the area on fibro

treatments because of my epilepsy. I was so disappointed I just about cried.

I'm working a temp job, but it gets stretched pretty thin.

tina

Katrina Stiles <spaladyfl@...> wrote:

Thank you so much for the wonderful email! After talking with my

husband, I

have decided that I am going to go back to my Rheumy. We considered the pain

vs. the cost of the co-pay $35, the gas $7-8, then the prescription co-pay

$50. Nearly $95 in one day for one doctor. Pretty scary huh? He said that I

see him once a month, sometimes once every 6 weeks....he gives me trigger

point injections which help me out so much. I hurt like the dickens the day

after the shots...kinda like I have been beaten but in the long run, they do

help. I am going to call today and make the appointment to go back to him.

He is a really wonderful doctor. His name is Dr. Goodman and he is in

Palm Harbor Florida for those of you that might live near there. I knew the

first day I walked in his office that he was the doctor for me because the

sheet on the exam table had purple circles and inside the purple circles, it

said Fibromyalgia....it'd be easier for us to ask you where you DON'T hurt.

I was like I AM HOME! LOL

I take Darvon 65mg. ( I am allergic to most other pain meds) 1 capsule twice

a day and then 2 at bedtime and then I take 25mg Lyrica twice a day and then

2 at bedtime. My primary did that set up. My Rheumy had me on 50mg. 3 times

a day but the weight gain scared me so I lowered the dose myself. He wasn't

happy and I know totally understand why. I have to also voice this

concern...Lyrica for me has been the miracle drug. It really has, other than

the weight gain. I just always worry so about 6-8 months from now seeing

some class action lawsuit as that seems to always happen with one drug or

another. Years ago, they wanted to put me on Vioxx. Luckily, it made me

sicker than a dog...vomiting, muscle pain, I was pulled off it. Now, a class

action lawsuit has been filed. (I am not part of it). Just a concern that I

have about Lyrica. The too good to be true theory I guess.

The bigger problem that the docs have with me is I have multiple health

issues going on at the same time and I am not sure they truely know which

one they are treating! I have a botched ankle surgery (tarsal tunnel) that

is causing me knee problems. I have knee issues in both knees and like you,

I have felt many times that if I could just chop them off, I'd feel better.

I know, extreme, but sometimes...I'd never do it! It's just a feel like

feeling. I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine due to a car accident

that is causing me great issues as well. And of course the RA and the Fibro.

I see my ortho, my Rheumy and my Primary sometimes just scratch their heads

because I think they have come to a loss as to what they wish to try next.

My Ortho is treating my knees, ankle and back. Rheumy of course my RA and

Fibro and my Primary picks up the slack. Yesterday I had injections in my

right knee and the doc said if it doesn't improve, he is scoping (surgery)

it. He also gave me another SI injection in my back. He said if that doesn't

work then he is moving on to different spinal injections which he believes

might help. If those don't work, he said either surgery or I learn to live

with the pain. Nice huh? Learn to live with the pain. As if. (Ha Ha! I just

sounded so Valley Girl right then huh?)

I have slowed down my reviewing and editing to a mere crawl. My reviewing I

don't get paid for. I have a select handful of authors that I work with and

they understand that sometimes, it might take me awhile to get the review

in. I have been 'paid' for my reviews in the manner of my reviews actually

getting on the covers and sometimes, insides of the books.I at one time was

working with around 14 authors but that was overload for me and I cut it

down to a mere handful. I get emails all the time from authors that want to

work with me specifically because I am fair and honest but I remain just

with my handful because I know I can do no more than that. It is also that

select group of authors that I edit for. That I do get paid for. That only

happens a few times a year though. So, my biggest income at this point is

the in home spa parties which luckily, I can make my car payment in 2-3

parties. I also am the Publicist for one of my authors. I make 10% there. My

husband pays all the bills luckily, he even makes my car payment but I am

trying to take the load off of him. The money I have after my car payment, I

spoil my grandson with! I have thought of giving up the in home spa parties

because of the pain they bring and huband isn't been talked to about that. I

know he likes that I get out of the house and I make new friends (although

it's of no benefit to me because they give up on me when they realize that I

can't get up and go like they can). He just knows I enjoy the out of the

house time and feeling like I am doing something to help bring funds in. I

also like with the in home parties, that I decide how many parties I want to

do. I started off gung ho and was doing 4 parties a week but quickly learned

that was INSANE and dropped it to less than 4 a month. The money isn't as

good but the pain is less.

Take care and have a great and hopefully pain free day. Gentle hugs!

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, we have found with a lot of psychiatric meds, if there is a

strange side effect to be had, I'll get it. I was on Geodon for years, in

addition to my other meds, but I developed a severe tremor, and had to stop all

anti-psychotics (some mild tremors are permanent though, because I didn't get

off of them quick enough). My trileptal for my epilepsy acts as my mood

stablizer, but I had a heck of a time with the Cymbalta - had to call off 5

times from work a couple of years ago due to side effects from it (in just a

couple months - my boss was incredibly thrilled). So I got switched to Prozac.

No pain relief, but no staying up all night long screaming (it was bad enough on

the cymbalta that my husband was cuddling up behind me, and put his arm on my

leg, and I thought he pinched me.). I know my experience with it was rare,

though.

Tina

Jolenefive@... wrote:

I take cymbalta and serequel as a mood stabalizer. I take methatrexate

as

well. havent had

any problems with them..

Jolene

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[Guest guest]

Hi Tina!

I know its very frustrating trying to find a good doctor when options are

limited and certain insurances not accepted. I had the same problem with

Lyrica. I gained 9 pounds in one week and I was nauseated from the med, so was

barely eating. Because it caused the bloating up like that I was removed from

it immediately. I have joint knee effusions and that's one of the most severe

areas of inflammation. I wasn't able to participate in a FMS study because I

have anxiety. Which I found quite odd because the larger majority of those with

FMS have either depression or anxiety. Some get anxiety just from having it.

Then there are those that are lucky that have neither.

Tina Schmidt <spydre_74@...> wrote: I've not

had enough luck to find a rhuematologist yet. I'm on Medicaid, so it's

difficult to find a specialist that accepts it. My current medical doctor, is

frankly, an idiot, and I'm going to be switching in another month and a half.

So I started going to pain management. They put me on Lyrica, but after a week

I bloated up so bad, and and gained so much weight, they were concerned about my

kidneys, so they discontinued it. The bad thing about that is that the Lyrica

was starting to work. Yeah, it made me sleepy, but my baseline amount of pain

was lowered.

I had an SI joint injection about a week ago....after a couple days I was

thinking it was working, because no pain in that area. Then I woke up from a

nap after work yesterday and was in so much pain.....today it's bad enough that

I'm leaving work early (almost didn't come in). Every day I cart to work with

me my heating pad with massager, my biofreeze, and my tennis ball,and alternate

using them (I have a desk job). I usually have to take a break every hour or so

to keep from getting too stiff. I'm on anti-inflammatories (Voltaren), but I

have a history of GERD, so I try to only take it 1 - 2 times a day rather than

3.

I also have bipolar disorder and epilepsy, which I imagine limit my treatment

options even further. For example - many of the meds prescribed that I've heard

about are anti-depressants. If I add another, I'm at risk for mania....and if I

switch the one I'm on....well, we did that with (I can't remember the name,

think it started with an S, new one) and it didn't control my moods all that

well, and I had nightly muscle spams and leg pain so bad that it literally kept

me up all night, and that was with 3 medications to help me sleep. Ah,

cymbalta was the name, I think.

Unfortunately, I don't qualify for any of the studies in the area on fibro

treatments because of my epilepsy. I was so disappointed I just about cried.

I'm working a temp job, but it gets stretched pretty thin.

tina

Katrina Stiles <spaladyfl@...> wrote:

Thank you so much for the wonderful email! After talking with my

husband, I

have decided that I am going to go back to my Rheumy. We considered the pain

vs. the cost of the co-pay $35, the gas $7-8, then the prescription co-pay

$50. Nearly $95 in one day for one doctor. Pretty scary huh? He said that I

see him once a month, sometimes once every 6 weeks....he gives me trigger

point injections which help me out so much. I hurt like the dickens the day

after the shots...kinda like I have been beaten but in the long run, they do

help. I am going to call today and make the appointment to go back to him.

He is a really wonderful doctor. His name is Dr. Goodman and he is in

Palm Harbor Florida for those of you that might live near there. I knew the

first day I walked in his office that he was the doctor for me because the

sheet on the exam table had purple circles and inside the purple circles, it

said Fibromyalgia....it'd be easier for us to ask you where you DON'T hurt.

I was like I AM HOME! LOL

I take Darvon 65mg. ( I am allergic to most other pain meds) 1 capsule twice

a day and then 2 at bedtime and then I take 25mg Lyrica twice a day and then

2 at bedtime. My primary did that set up. My Rheumy had me on 50mg. 3 times

a day but the weight gain scared me so I lowered the dose myself. He wasn't

happy and I know totally understand why. I have to also voice this

concern...Lyrica for me has been the miracle drug. It really has, other than

the weight gain. I just always worry so about 6-8 months from now seeing

some class action lawsuit as that seems to always happen with one drug or

another. Years ago, they wanted to put me on Vioxx. Luckily, it made me

sicker than a dog...vomiting, muscle pain, I was pulled off it. Now, a class

action lawsuit has been filed. (I am not part of it). Just a concern that I

have about Lyrica. The too good to be true theory I guess.

The bigger problem that the docs have with me is I have multiple health

issues going on at the same time and I am not sure they truely know which

one they are treating! I have a botched ankle surgery (tarsal tunnel) that

is causing me knee problems. I have knee issues in both knees and like you,

I have felt many times that if I could just chop them off, I'd feel better.

I know, extreme, but sometimes...I'd never do it! It's just a feel like

feeling. I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine due to a car accident

that is causing me great issues as well. And of course the RA and the Fibro.

I see my ortho, my Rheumy and my Primary sometimes just scratch their heads

because I think they have come to a loss as to what they wish to try next.

My Ortho is treating my knees, ankle and back. Rheumy of course my RA and

Fibro and my Primary picks up the slack. Yesterday I had injections in my

right knee and the doc said if it doesn't improve, he is scoping (surgery)

it. He also gave me another SI injection in my back. He said if that doesn't

work then he is moving on to different spinal injections which he believes

might help. If those don't work, he said either surgery or I learn to live

with the pain. Nice huh? Learn to live with the pain. As if. (Ha Ha! I just

sounded so Valley Girl right then huh?)

I have slowed down my reviewing and editing to a mere crawl. My reviewing I

don't get paid for. I have a select handful of authors that I work with and

they understand that sometimes, it might take me awhile to get the review

in. I have been 'paid' for my reviews in the manner of my reviews actually

getting on the covers and sometimes, insides of the books.I at one time was

working with around 14 authors but that was overload for me and I cut it

down to a mere handful. I get emails all the time from authors that want to

work with me specifically because I am fair and honest but I remain just

with my handful because I know I can do no more than that. It is also that

select group of authors that I edit for. That I do get paid for. That only

happens a few times a year though. So, my biggest income at this point is

the in home spa parties which luckily, I can make my car payment in 2-3

parties. I also am the Publicist for one of my authors. I make 10% there. My

husband pays all the bills luckily, he even makes my car payment but I am

trying to take the load off of him. The money I have after my car payment, I

spoil my grandson with! I have thought of giving up the in home spa parties

because of the pain they bring and huband isn't been talked to about that. I

know he likes that I get out of the house and I make new friends (although

it's of no benefit to me because they give up on me when they realize that I

can't get up and go like they can). He just knows I enjoy the out of the

house time and feeling like I am doing something to help bring funds in. I

also like with the in home parties, that I decide how many parties I want to

do. I started off gung ho and was doing 4 parties a week but quickly learned

that was INSANE and dropped it to less than 4 a month. The money isn't as

good but the pain is less.

Take care and have a great and hopefully pain free day. Gentle hugs!

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Cymbalta was prescribed to me for my numbness tingling pain. It worked very

well for over a year and a half. Then all of a sudden, it affected my mood very

severely. It was disappointing to have to stop it as it had worked so well for

so long. Now, I'm given Effexor XR for that, as they both work on the same two

chemicals in the brain. Yet, studies on Effexor XR for pain have not been as

promising as those with Cymbalta were (according to three of my doctors). I did

read that they are working on another drug for FMS that they hope would be out

this year.

Tina Schmidt <spydre_74@...> wrote:

Unfortunately, we have found with a lot of psychiatric meds, if there is a

strange side effect to be had, I'll get it. I was on Geodon for years, in

addition to my other meds, but I developed a severe tremor, and had to stop all

anti-psychotics (some mild tremors are permanent though, because I didn't get

off of them quick enough). My trileptal for my epilepsy acts as my mood

stablizer, but I had a heck of a time with the Cymbalta - had to call off 5

times from work a couple of years ago due to side effects from it (in just a

couple months - my boss was incredibly thrilled). So I got switched to Prozac.

No pain relief, but no staying up all night long screaming (it was bad enough on

the cymbalta that my husband was cuddling up behind me, and put his arm on my

leg, and I thought he pinched me.). I know my experience with it was rare,

though.

Tina

Jolenefive@... wrote:

I take cymbalta and serequel as a mood stabalizer. I take

methatrexate as

well. havent had

any problems with them..

Jolene

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[Guest guest]

Katrina,

I hear you sister...I have other health problems too, besides

RA/fibro. I had a botched abdominal surgery where my bowel was

puntured, I went septic...I spent one month in a coma and another few

months recovering from it. Ever since then, my symptoms have gotten

much worse. I have a HUGE hernia at the incision site (I look like I

was gutted) which makes it painful to twist. It has left me with

PTSD (I have night terrors of being intibated), and anxiety about

going to new doctors in general. It doesn't help that I am bi-polar,

too. I am on SSDI now...but I miss working.

I was reading your post and I was wondering what kind of genre do you

do reviews for? My husband is an author (1st book coming out in

August) and he does freelance editing and proof-reading for his

publisher. If you get boggled down with requests, I can give you my

husband's information and he can edit, review, proof-read etc. He

doesn't charge much for editing or proof-reading. Of course, that is

if you want too or if you want to see some of his work...I can get

you in touch w/ him. (I'm in Colorado and he's in Virginia at the

moment). The way he puts it is that publishing moves at the speed of

a glacier so getting paid takes FOREVER. He has been trying to find

work since he got laid off, but with the economy...it's been

difficult to find anything.

Lyrica has been working for me, but the weight gain scares me, (I

have gained about 15 lbs in almost 2 months from the medication). My

rheumy thinks that since I am finding relief, it's worth the risk of

the side effects.

--- In , " Katrina Stiles " <spaladyfl@...>

wrote:

>

> Thank you so much for the wonderful email! After talking with my

husband, I

> have decided that I am going to go back to my Rheumy. We considered

the pain

> vs. the cost of the co-pay $35, the gas $7-8, then the prescription

co-pay

> $50. Nearly $95 in one day for one doctor. Pretty scary huh? He

said that I

> see him once a month, sometimes once every 6 weeks....he gives me

trigger

> point injections which help me out so much. I hurt like the dickens

the day

> after the shots...kinda like I have been beaten but in the long

run, they do

> help. I am going to call today and make the appointment to go back

to him.

> He is a really wonderful doctor. His name is Dr. Goodman and

he is in

> Palm Harbor Florida for those of you that might live near there. I

knew the

> first day I walked in his office that he was the doctor for me

because the

> sheet on the exam table had purple circles and inside the purple

circles, it

> said Fibromyalgia....it'd be easier for us to ask you where you

DON'T hurt.

> I was like I AM HOME! LOL

>

> I take Darvon 65mg. ( I am allergic to most other pain meds) 1

capsule twice

> a day and then 2 at bedtime and then I take 25mg Lyrica twice a day

and then

> 2 at bedtime. My primary did that set up. My Rheumy had me on 50mg.

3 times

> a day but the weight gain scared me so I lowered the dose myself.

He wasn't

> happy and I know totally understand why. I have to also voice this

> concern...Lyrica for me has been the miracle drug. It really has,

other than

> the weight gain. I just always worry so about 6-8 months from now

seeing

> some class action lawsuit as that seems to always happen with one

drug or

> another. Years ago, they wanted to put me on Vioxx. Luckily, it

made me

> sicker than a dog...vomiting, muscle pain, I was pulled off it.

Now, a class

> action lawsuit has been filed. (I am not part of it). Just a

concern that I

> have about Lyrica. The too good to be true theory I guess.

>

> The bigger problem that the docs have with me is I have multiple

health

> issues going on at the same time and I am not sure they truely know

which

> one they are treating! I have a botched ankle surgery (tarsal

tunnel) that

> is causing me knee problems. I have knee issues in both knees and

like you,

> I have felt many times that if I could just chop them off, I'd feel

better.

> I know, extreme, but sometimes...I'd never do it! It's just a feel

like

> feeling. I have 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine due to a car

accident

> that is causing me great issues as well. And of course the RA and

the Fibro.

> I see my ortho, my Rheumy and my Primary sometimes just scratch

their heads

> because I think they have come to a loss as to what they wish to

try next.

> My Ortho is treating my knees, ankle and back. Rheumy of course my

RA and

> Fibro and my Primary picks up the slack. Yesterday I had injections

in my

> right knee and the doc said if it doesn't improve, he is scoping

(surgery)

> it. He also gave me another SI injection in my back. He said if

that doesn't

> work then he is moving on to different spinal injections which he

believes

> might help. If those don't work, he said either surgery or I learn

to live

> with the pain. Nice huh? Learn to live with the pain. As if. (Ha

Ha! I just

> sounded so Valley Girl right then huh?)

>

> I have slowed down my reviewing and editing to a mere crawl. My

reviewing I

> don't get paid for. I have a select handful of authors that I work

with and

> they understand that sometimes, it might take me awhile to get the

review

> in. I have been 'paid' for my reviews in the manner of my reviews

actually

> getting on the covers and sometimes, insides of the books.I at one

time was

> working with around 14 authors but that was overload for me and I

cut it

> down to a mere handful. I get emails all the time from authors that

want to

> work with me specifically because I am fair and honest but I remain

just

> with my handful because I know I can do no more than that. It is

also that

> select group of authors that I edit for. That I do get paid for.

That only

> happens a few times a year though. So, my biggest income at this

point is

> the in home spa parties which luckily, I can make my car payment in

2-3

> parties. I also am the Publicist for one of my authors. I make 10%

there. My

> husband pays all the bills luckily, he even makes my car payment

but I am

> trying to take the load off of him. The money I have after my car

payment, I

> spoil my grandson with! I have thought of giving up the in home spa

parties

> because of the pain they bring and huband isn't been talked to

about that. I

> know he likes that I get out of the house and I make new friends

(although

> it's of no benefit to me because they give up on me when they

realize that I

> can't get up and go like they can). He just knows I enjoy the out

of the

> house time and feeling like I am doing something to help bring

funds in. I

> also like with the in home parties, that I decide how many parties

I want to

> do. I started off gung ho and was doing 4 parties a week but

quickly learned

> that was INSANE and dropped it to less than 4 a month. The money

isn't as

> good but the pain is less.

>

> Take care and have a great and hopefully pain free day. Gentle hugs!

>

>

>

>

>

> Peace and fabulous smellies!

> Katrina

>

[Guest guest]

..........OMG. I had 8 abdominal surgeries in 2 years, 4 of which they

cut into my lower bowel! I had an incisional hernia that they ended up going

back in to repair and now I have barely intestines, large or small because

they hacked them up so darn bad! Kills me, absolutely kills me. You are the

first person I have met you has had their bowels punctured during a botched

surgery. Holy cow.

I have PTSD as well from my first husband abuse. I have been with my now

husband for 13 years and he still freaks out when I duck when he talks with

his hands. He's Italian so he is a flailer! LOL I have learned to no longer

run from the room when he starts yelling about something. I have even

graduated to slamming doors in his face if he attempts to follow me while

yelling. He has had to learn that it will trigger a panic attack if he

continues. He has seen a few of those and it scared the hell out of him I

think more than it did me!

Hugs,

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

[Guest guest]

Katrina,

OMG is right, lol. I am missing 2 feet of colon, and I had to live w/

a colostomy for a few months before I had the repair done. I had some

ovarian cysts removed along w/ an endometrial ablation and my bowel

got puntured almost 2 years ago. I swear, the sepsis destroyed my

body. I had RA/fibro well before...but it became unmanageable after

the sepsis. Because of my anxiety and PTSD from the whole

hospitalization...I haven't gone back into surgery to repair the

hernia. I am terrified. I might need to have a hysterectomy

(complications from the 1st surgery) and if I do, I will get the

hernia fixed.

What gets me really angry is that considering the complications I

have suffered since, the finacical/emotion distress...I can't sue the

bastard. I live in Colorado and the laws here make it impossible to

sue a doctor. I have talked to dozens of lawyers and I keep

getting " if you died, we would be happy to take the case " . That makes

you feel good inside. Because of the hospitalization, I lost my

home, car, job. I tried to get a new job, but considering I have

always worked in healthcare...it would trigger panic attacks. Alas, I

applied for SSDI and I just got approved.

My husband wrote a novel while I was home recovering, it's coming out

in August. We are trying to get back on our feet, he had a job offer

in Virginia, so he went there while I stayed in Colorado. He got

laid off 6 weeks after he moved out there and has been struggling to

find work ever since. Like I said, he does freelance editing and

proof-reading work and he is making a name for himself since he is

through and fairly quick. If you get boggled down w/ editing...my

husband will be more then willing to pick up the slack. I know what

it's like to have RA/fibro on top of missing a few feet of

colon...lol. Take care.

--- In , " Katrina Stiles " <spaladyfl@...>

wrote:

>

> ..........OMG. I had 8 abdominal surgeries in 2 years, 4 of

which they

> cut into my lower bowel! I had an incisional hernia that they ended

up going

> back in to repair and now I have barely intestines, large or small

because

> they hacked them up so darn bad! Kills me, absolutely kills me. You

are the

> first person I have met you has had their bowels punctured during a

botched

> surgery. Holy cow.

>

> I have PTSD as well from my first husband abuse. I have been with

my now

> husband for 13 years and he still freaks out when I duck when he

talks with

> his hands. He's Italian so he is a flailer! LOL I have learned to

no longer

> run from the room when he starts yelling about something. I have

even

> graduated to slamming doors in his face if he attempts to follow me

while

> yelling. He has had to learn that it will trigger a panic attack if

he

> continues. He has seen a few of those and it scared the hell out of

him I

> think more than it did me!

>

> Hugs,

>

>

>

> Peace and fabulous smellies!

> Katrina

>

[Guest guest]

,

You are freaking me out here! I had cysts all over my ovaries and uterus

(PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. That resulted in me having a complete

hysterectomy in 2003. That was one of my 8 abdominal surgeries.

You know......with all of us having such similiar circumstances, similar

diagnosis.........you don't think that is wierd? I can't help but wonder if

there IS something already in the water/air.......somewhere. Am I the only

one?

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

[Guest guest]

I have PCOS and endometriosis as well.

Katrina Stiles <spaladyfl@...> wrote:

,

You are freaking me out here! I had cysts all over my ovaries and uterus

(PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. That resulted in me having a complete

hysterectomy in 2003. That was one of my 8 abdominal surgeries.

You know......with all of us having such similiar circumstances, similar

diagnosis.........you don't think that is wierd? I can't help but wonder if

there IS something already in the water/air.......somewhere. Am I the only

one?

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

I had polyscystic ovary syndrome in the 70's.

It led to ovarian cancer in the 90's.

Some felt the fertilty drugs over stimulated the ovaries.

I had 8 pregnancies and 6 miscarriages.

Cause was never found.

We now wonder if the auto immune issue was the cause.

I am just throwing out this data in case we discover similarities.

Scientists seem to study diseases in a vacuum.

Arthritis specialists are not familiar with gynecology etc.

The body works as a whole. A house divided can not stand....Grin

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote:

I have PCOS and endometriosis as well.

Katrina Stiles <spaladyfl@...> wrote: ,

You are freaking me out here! I had cysts all over my ovaries and uterus

(PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. That resulted in me having a complete

hysterectomy in 2003. That was one of my 8 abdominal surgeries.

You know......with all of us having such similiar circumstances, similar

diagnosis.........you don't think that is wierd? I can't help but wonder if

there IS something already in the water/air.......somewhere. Am I the only

one?

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

OK...this is really freaky! When I had the cysts removed, my rheumy

said they are not related. Last week, I went in for my yearly pap

(my first since the sepsis) and they couldn't give me the exam

because I have so much scar tissue that is blocking my uterus. I am

scheduled to get an ultrasound done and if I have as much scar tissue

as they think I do, they would recommend that I get a hysterectomy. I

am just 31 and I have a family history of cervical/uterian

cancer...so I am thinking I will get it done. I don't have any

kids...but I am not worried about that. My husband and I were talking

about adoption long before my health took a nose dive.

Considering a few of us here have had simular problems and have

RA/fibro...I wonder if there is truely something in the water. I see

my rheumy next week...something I should ask. I don't beleive in

coincidences!?!?? The truth is out there!!

--- In , " Katrina Stiles " <spaladyfl@...>

wrote:

>

> ,

>

> You are freaking me out here! I had cysts all over my ovaries and

uterus

> (PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. That resulted in me having a

complete

> hysterectomy in 2003. That was one of my 8 abdominal surgeries.

>

> You know......with all of us having such similiar circumstances,

similar

> diagnosis.........you don't think that is wierd? I can't help but

wonder if

> there IS something already in the water/air.......somewhere. Am I

the only

> one?

>

> Peace and fabulous smellies!

> Katrina

>

[Guest guest]

What's even worse....well, I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon - all my

bloodwork came back negative, I was in severe pain, and I wanted him to finally

put a label on it. About 3 weeks ago, he was willing to say it was fibro. Now

today, he says he's not so sure, that he has absolutely no clue what is going on

with me. He wants to try amitryptiline for a month and see if that helps. By

the time he gets to that point in the conversation, I was ready to walk out - I

had been taken back to a room 15 minutes after my appointment time, and I waited

another hour in the room before he got to me, and I am sick and tired of him

giving me the run around. He would much rather say he doesn't know what's wrong

with me, because he doesn't know how to treat me - he admitted he didn't know

treatment protocols, etc, for fibro, other than the lyrica. In seven weeks I

see the new doctor and I'm crossing my fingers. I can't take six more months

of treatment like I've gotten.

Tina

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: Hi Tina!

I know its very frustrating trying to find a good doctor when options are

limited and certain insurances not accepted. I had the same problem with

Lyrica. I gained 9 pounds in one week and I was nauseated from the med, so was

barely eating. Because it caused the bloating up like that I was removed from

it immediately. I have joint knee effusions and that's one of the most severe

areas of inflammation. I wasn't able to participate in a FMS study because I

have anxiety. Which I found quite odd because the larger majority of those with

FMS have either depression or anxiety. Some get anxiety just from having it.

Then there are those that are lucky that have neither.

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

I did, as well. I still have 1 ovary, but the endometriosis was bad enough that

I had to have a hysterectomy when I was 25.

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: I have PCOS

and endometriosis as well.

Katrina Stiles <spaladyfl@...> wrote:

,

You are freaking me out here! I had cysts all over my ovaries and uterus

(PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. That resulted in me having a complete

hysterectomy in 2003. That was one of my 8 abdominal surgeries.

You know......with all of us having such similiar circumstances, similar

diagnosis.........you don't think that is wierd? I can't help but wonder if

there IS something already in the water/air.......somewhere. Am I the only

one?

Peace and fabulous smellies!

Katrina

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

I'm so sorry! I know its frustrating when you don't get an answer right away.

It took me 2 years to get the FMS diagnosis. He's right in a way. The only

medications they do give is antidepressants, maybe a muscle relaxer if you have

evidence of bad spasms, and possibly Utlram or tramadol. A large majority shy

away from narcotic meds as the studies show our brains don't respond to the

opiods. It may be too, that if something is in the very early stages, that it

will take time to diagnose you. I've had the inflammatory issues going on for 2

years untreated and 2 years treated with medication. They still don't have any

answers. My CRP and Sed and Westegren levels are elevated, and anti ccp, but no

RA or ANA. So one day they will say its arthralgia with no known cause, another

time its seronegative ra, and another time its unspecified diffuse connective

tissue disease. Sometimes, if things come on slowly, the signs take a little

bit longer to diagnose. Its always

good to get a second opinion too though!

Tina Schmidt <spydre_74@...> wrote: What's

even worse....well, I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon - all my

bloodwork came back negative, I was in severe pain, and I wanted him to finally

put a label on it. About 3 weeks ago, he was willing to say it was fibro. Now

today, he says he's not so sure, that he has absolutely no clue what is going on

with me. He wants to try amitryptiline for a month and see if that helps. By

the time he gets to that point in the conversation, I was ready to walk out - I

had been taken back to a room 15 minutes after my appointment time, and I waited

another hour in the room before he got to me, and I am sick and tired of him

giving me the run around. He would much rather say he doesn't know what's wrong

with me, because he doesn't know how to treat me - he admitted he didn't know

treatment protocols, etc, for fibro, other than the lyrica. In seven weeks I

see the new doctor and I'm crossing my

fingers. I can't take six more months of treatment like I've gotten.

Tina

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: Hi Tina!

I know its very frustrating trying to find a good doctor when options are

limited and certain insurances not accepted. I had the same problem with

Lyrica. I gained 9 pounds in one week and I was nauseated from the med, so was

barely eating. Because it caused the bloating up like that I was removed from

it immediately. I have joint knee effusions and that's one of the most severe

areas of inflammation. I wasn't able to participate in a FMS study because I

have anxiety. Which I found quite odd because the larger majority of those with

FMS have either depression or anxiety. Some get anxiety just from having it.

Then there are those that are lucky that have neither.

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Thanks. I'm working on the second opinion (more about that in another e-mail).

He has me on Voltaren and Flexeril, and the pain management has me on Norco for

now, with trigger point injections as needed. Sometimes the meds work,

sometimes they don't. Yesterday, they didn't. At all. Although my pain was

greater today, the meds kicked in and worked (didn't take away the pain, just

reduced it), so I was at least able to work.

I do know that I'm looking at having to make a serious lifestyle change, though.

Not just in my diet, but, for example, I take a tote bag (which I throw all my

" stuff " , including meds in) to work + my purse. Having soda, lunch, bottles of

pills, cd's, and the current book I'm reading is a bit....weighty, and has given

me real problems on the days I have a lot of pain. So the tote is going to get

cleaned out so I don't have so much weight to carry around. And my purse

definitely has to get more streamlined as well....I've moved just the essentials

over to my new purse

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: I'm so

sorry! I know its frustrating when you don't get an answer right away. It took

me 2 years to get the FMS diagnosis. He's right in a way. The only medications

they do give is antidepressants, maybe a muscle relaxer if you have evidence of

bad spasms, and possibly Utlram or tramadol. A large majority shy away from

narcotic meds as the studies show our brains don't respond to the opiods. It

may be too, that if something is in the very early stages, that it will take

time to diagnose you. I've had the inflammatory issues going on for 2 years

untreated and 2 years treated with medication. They still don't have any

answers. My CRP and Sed and Westegren levels are elevated, and anti ccp, but no

RA or ANA. So one day they will say its arthralgia with no known cause, another

time its seronegative ra, and another time its unspecified diffuse connective

tissue disease. Sometimes, if things come on

slowly, the signs take a little bit longer to diagnose. Its always

good to get a second opinion too though!

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

You may want to ditch the purse.

I got a back pack at a thrift shop with good shoulder straps.

It holds all. I keep it as empty as possible but it is much easier to carry.

I live in a high rise and find it much easier to get my groceries inside.

My hands give out....

Tina Schmidt <spydre_74@...> wrote:

Thanks. I'm working on the second opinion (more about that in another

e-mail). He has me on Voltaren and Flexeril, and the pain management has me on

Norco for now, with trigger point injections as needed. Sometimes the meds work,

sometimes they don't. Yesterday, they didn't. At all. Although my pain was

greater today, the meds kicked in and worked (didn't take away the pain, just

reduced it), so I was at least able to work.

I do know that I'm looking at having to make a serious lifestyle change, though.

Not just in my diet, but, for example, I take a tote bag (which I throw all my

" stuff " , including meds in) to work + my purse. Having soda, lunch, bottles of

pills, cd's, and the current book I'm reading is a bit....weighty, and has given

me real problems on the days I have a lot of pain. So the tote is going to get

cleaned out so I don't have so much weight to carry around. And my purse

definitely has to get more streamlined as well....I've moved just the essentials

over to my new purse

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: I'm so sorry! I know its frustrating

when you don't get an answer right away. It took me 2 years to get the FMS

diagnosis. He's right in a way. The only medications they do give is

antidepressants, maybe a muscle relaxer if you have evidence of bad spasms, and

possibly Utlram or tramadol. A large majority shy away from narcotic meds as the

studies show our brains don't respond to the opiods. It may be too, that if

something is in the very early stages, that it will take time to diagnose you.

I've had the inflammatory issues going on for 2 years untreated and 2 years

treated with medication. They still don't have any answers. My CRP and Sed and

Westegren levels are elevated, and anti ccp, but no RA or ANA. So one day they

will say its arthralgia with no known cause, another time its seronegative ra,

and another time its unspecified diffuse connective tissue disease. Sometimes,

if things come on

slowly, the signs take a little bit longer to diagnose. Its always

good to get a second opinion too though!

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hi Tina!

I'm so glad you are working on a second opinion!! I find Flexeril helps me a

great deal. I began taking it 6 years ago, one a day. If I miss one at all, my

muscles shake like jello, and I can see the spasms moving the muscles. I

wondered too, if a TENS unit might be possible from the pain management. I

don't use mine a lot, but it has been somewhat helpful when the muscles are

really sore! The doctor shouldn't have twisted and turned someone in pain!! Mine

does a trigger point exam, but gently very gently touches the areas of the body

where they are located. She does do a slight range of motion. She will take my

knees and rotate them in a circle, or have me tilt my head to my chest as far as

I can. She does this very lightly though. Sometimes she will have me raise my

arms as high as I can. And that exam that neurologists commonly do, where you

take their fingers and pull them towards you as hard as you can.

That is a great idea about carrying less! I do that too when I go out. I always

have a ton of medicine to take with me, water, I take a book, and a puzzle book,

then all the stuff in my handbag as well! My doctor has me on a weight

restriction of lifting less than 10lbs. That's getting hard now that I'm a

first time aunt and my nephew is now 18lbs But all the little things we can do

to help not exacerbate the pain is a good thing!! Keep hanging in there!!

Tina Schmidt <spydre_74@...> wrote: Thanks.

I'm working on the second opinion (more about that in another e-mail). He has

me on Voltaren and Flexeril, and the pain management has me on Norco for now,

with trigger point injections as needed. Sometimes the meds work, sometimes

they don't. Yesterday, they didn't. At all. Although my pain was greater

today, the meds kicked in and worked (didn't take away the pain, just reduced

it), so I was at least able to work.

I do know that I'm looking at having to make a serious lifestyle change,

though. Not just in my diet, but, for example, I take a tote bag (which I throw

all my " stuff " , including meds in) to work + my purse. Having soda, lunch,

bottles of pills, cd's, and the current book I'm reading is a bit....weighty,

and has given me real problems on the days I have a lot of pain. So the tote is

going to get cleaned out so I don't have so much weight to carry around. And my

purse definitely has to get more streamlined as well....I've moved just the

essentials over to my new purse

stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote: I'm so

sorry! I know its frustrating when you don't get an answer right away. It took

me 2 years to get the FMS diagnosis. He's right in a way. The only medications

they do give is antidepressants, maybe a muscle relaxer if you have evidence of

bad spasms, and possibly Utlram or tramadol. A large majority shy away from

narcotic meds as the studies show our brains don't respond to the opiods. It

may be too, that if something is in the very early stages, that it will take

time to diagnose you. I've had the inflammatory issues going on for 2 years

untreated and 2 years treated with medication. They still don't have any

answers. My CRP and Sed and Westegren levels are elevated, and anti ccp, but no

RA or ANA. So one day they will say its arthralgia with no known cause, another

time its seronegative ra, and another time its unspecified diffuse connective

tissue disease. Sometimes, if things come on

slowly, the signs take a little bit longer to diagnose. Its always

good to get a second opinion too though!

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