For those of who are suffering from painful spree of FIBRO, I am sure the doctors would have suggested you one form of the pain killer or the other. i am curious to know what all pain-killers do you all , use to combat pain.
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Janet L
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I think the most popular one is Acetaminophen due to the fact it's not addictive as far as I know.
The problem I've found with pain medications is because the pain doesn't ever really go away, neither do the pain killers. It's very easy to become completely dependent on them, and from my experience, the effect of the medications dwindles over time (the more you use, the less they do). Once you get into the percocet's and vicodin's, not only does life get expensive, but you almost become a drug addict (they're very addictive).
The problem I've found with pain medications is because the pain doesn't ever really go away, neither do the pain killers. It's very easy to become completely dependent on them, and from my experience, the effect of the medications dwindles over time (the more you use, the less they do). Once you get into the percocet's and vicodin's, not only does life get expensive, but you almost become a drug addict (they're very addictive).
But often, people become so sick of pain that even addictivity wont matter to them. We cant blame them anyway 
twiztc
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I started with just paracetamol (acetaminophen )and the occasional ibruprofen.
I was put on low dose codeine to control the IBS
I'M now taking paracetamol a higher codeine dose, everyday ibuprofen and amytripiline
now my new family doc refuses to prescibe the codeine and I really notice the difference in pain levels.
The addictiveness at this stage really doesn't bother me. I will be on one pill or another for the rest of my life anyway.
I was put on low dose codeine to control the IBS
I'M now taking paracetamol a higher codeine dose, everyday ibuprofen and amytripiline
now my new family doc refuses to prescibe the codeine and I really notice the difference in pain levels.
The addictiveness at this stage really doesn't bother me. I will be on one pill or another for the rest of my life anyway.
Be careful with strong painkillers. Once you are addicted to codeine based drugs your mind and body can start to create more pain in order to get the drug. I know it may sound crazy but I know from first hand experience.
Now I get by with ibuprofen and a kick of caffeine to get it working a little faster.
Now I get by with ibuprofen and a kick of caffeine to get it working a little faster.
BrendaMarie
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I was actually saying in another thread that doctors around here won't prescribe pain killers. All they'll give are things like Lyrica (didn't work for me) or NSAIDs (causes me to become depressed). I finally found 1 who will give me muscle relaxants and that's enough to help me sleep at night at least. (I find that with a good night's sleep I can usually make it through the next day fortunately.)
Janet L
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Hi Brenda, I can relate to that. A good nights sleep is paramount. On the days without I'm less spirited, more unhappy, and the pain seems to correspond and behave accordingly - by getting worse and more constant and "hot".
I think doctors are reluctant to prescribe pain medications because of narcotic laws or something. I'm no doctor, but they do seem apprehensive.
I think doctors are reluctant to prescribe pain medications because of narcotic laws or something. I'm no doctor, but they do seem apprehensive.
1sweed
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Check around the forum for questions on fibro and pain. Their are several people that having posted ways to deal with pain without the powerful narcotic drugs. Some people use ground ginger to cut the inflamation. Others use warmth with heating pads and vibrating massage mats, plus wearing socks to bed and in cold weather wearing long johns to keep warm and prevent cramps. Avoiding stress as much as possible. Trying not to overdo and ask for help to do hard chores. Sit when you can and stand when tired sitting. Slow walks and pampering yourself. Read books on fibromyalgia. Keep coming back here and joining in, that is what makes a good forum work better. If nothing else is working talk to your doctors about your pain management. See you around the forum. 
BrendaMarie
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I think it's a matter of trying a lot of different things in order to figure out what actually works for you. Obviously not everyone will react in the same way to the same things. Fortunately I've been able to find some things that work. I don't think that I'd want to take those powerful drugs. I just find it weird that when you start talking about pain with a new doctor they're so anxious to tell you what they won't prescribe.
I used to address my migraine by taking Flanax. It is very effective and in a flash, it is gone. That is why I was a bit bothered by it. It is too good to be true, and I kept on thinking that if it is too effective for me, there might be some strong side effects that I might be not seeing today but will be evident in the future. Besides, I do not want to be too dependent on it. I sought other means, and sleeping is the best that I have found. I always wake up with a no-migraine condition. I also drink chamomile tea to soothe the body and calm the senses.
MercyL
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My main diagnosis is not fibromyalgia, but the "all over pain" and fatigue is similar, on some levels, and is a feature of my chronic pain.
I must take extended release morphine twice a day, once in the morning and one in the evening. I also take Flexeril, for the.muscle spasms, and Etodolac for the arthritic pain in my hands. I have Vicodin for break through pain.
I must take extended release morphine twice a day, once in the morning and one in the evening. I also take Flexeril, for the.muscle spasms, and Etodolac for the arthritic pain in my hands. I have Vicodin for break through pain.
Tuff O Hen
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Hi everyone, I'm new here, to answer the question I take loratabs and I know I'm hooked on them, they don't take all the pain away. I see a rheumatologist and was diagnosed having 18 pin point, mine is so bad they said it just goes between 10 to 18 and mine could be over that.
Have had it so long now I just try to live with it....having sleep apnea and many more major illness I feel like a walking dead woman..
Have had it so long now I just try to live with it....having sleep apnea and many more major illness I feel like a walking dead woman..
mariposa
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Hi Tuff O Hen... Welcome to the group. I've found a lot of support for each other here, and lots of information about Fibro, other pain issues, and ways to be supportive of family and friends who are having this horrible pain.
I'm so sorry to hear that your pain is so severe that the meds won't help it. Have you tried any alternative therapy approaches, either with the meds or instead of? If so, did anything at all offer even a little relief?
I'm so sorry to hear that your pain is so severe that the meds won't help it. Have you tried any alternative therapy approaches, either with the meds or instead of? If so, did anything at all offer even a little relief?
MercyL
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I have asked several pain specialists, and a couple of general practitioners, about this "need creep" and this just is not true for the legitimate pain patient. There may be some sedation when first treating writhing pain with opioids, but once you reach the right therapeutic level, you can stay there for years without needing a higher dose.
Legitimate pain treatment requires tolerance, though. Tolerance means you can function normally while taking the medication. If you tolerate a medication well, it means that your body processes the chemicals efficiently with few or no side effects. The sedation, experienced in the early days, ends.
If the user is seeking a high, though, they will need more of the medication to get that same high. As soon as they develop tolerance, they no longer feel that high, because that high is a side effect.
When hearing tales of lives ruined and the other horror stories associated with pain control, be sure to consider the source and focus on your specific situation. If you must have effective pain control and the only efficient way to achieve it is through opioids, addiction is probably the least of your worries.
If you can get by on acetaminophen, aspirin, and milder pain medications, you do not need opioids and you are terribly lucky.
We all have similar diagnosis but different causes and different intensities. Each situation is different, requiring different approaches. Each should be honored and respected.
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