How many with fibromyalgia have to use pain meds to control their pain and help give them a good quality of life?

[Anonymous]

I'm curious as I have had fibromyalgia for 20 years and eventually had to start narcotic pain meds since I had a bad reaction to the nerve medications. I'm also wondering if medical Marijauna has helped control fibro pain or any other natural alternatives people use.

Narcotic medication

Medical Marijauna

Other medications

[JohnDoe3000]

Won't marijuana just worsen some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia like tiredness and memory problems? Painkillers are usually addictive and stop working when your body gets used to them.

Your best bet would be (IMHO) to periodically cycle through low doses different painkillers (not just different brands but different active ingredients) and supplement this with meditation and other forms of therapy, even if it's just having a cuddly pet.

[Asker]

Well two years ago I was the best I was. I was however on strong opiates after twenty years as yes my body started getting use to them. But still it was allowing me to walk, exercise, and have functional life. Yes I haven't been able to work but I could do house chores with breaks. I got pretty good at hiding my pain so people who would not know me very well never knew there was anything wrong. Then I moved and changed doctors. He was put out that I was taking opiates and said he could put me on these nerve meds and get me off. Well the nerve meds caused horrible side effects. My legs got really weAK causing me to fall. My legs were like I was drunk and tripped over everything. Then this other one swelled my legs and stomach up and caused me to have blood pressure and breathing problems. This doctor got upset with me as if I could help it. He's oviously so against opiods no matter if they help or not. It's taken a lot to build my legs back up and pull myself out of bed everyday

[Asker]

As far as medical Marijauna I had my card when I was in California and only used a little at night to sleep and it helped a lot to sleep through the night which is important to feel good and have energy the next day.

[NYkid27]

I've been taking strong opiates and medicines like lyrica and Cymbalta for the last 12 years because I have severe nerve pain and tbh none of it works. It dulls the pain a little but it's still always there and I've just had to learn how to deal with it

[Asker]

I have been also taking opiate meds and a low dose of neurontin. I still had pain but it controlled it enough to allow me to live. But I moved and now this new pain specialist wants to put me on suboxin to get off the opiates as if I'm on them for no reason. My last pain doc and I went through so many different alternatives before resulting to opiates. So I was just curious was it unusual for people with fibro to take them for a better quality of life?

[NYkid27]

If the pain is bearable then I'd just stick with the opiates. They have some side effects but as long as you don't abuse them you'll be fine

[Lelaila]

My mother uses pain killers and muscle relaxing medication. She uses homeopathic supplements, but it doesn't work for her pain.
The only thing that helps her have a good life quality is being positive and grateful for the things she still can do. Also the dogs seem to have a positive effect on her.

[backonthelist]

Alcohol is better than anything along those lines but unless u want to diminish ur quality of life id just try some yoga or something

[blondfrog]

Sorry you have that geez i knew a person with that and heard its really painful

[Asker]

Yeah it can get pretty bad. But I've dealt with it since I was 16 years old and think I've done a pretty good job. Thank you for your compassion. :)

[blondfrog]

yep :)

[Anonymous]

Medical Marijauna

[Asker]

So that works without using opiods for you?